Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. Known for its stunning architecture, luxurious hotels, and beautiful beaches, Abu Dhabi is a popular tourist destination for travellers worldwide, including Muslim travellers seeking a Muslim friendly environment during their halal holiday.

Being a predominantly Muslim country and home to numerous mosques, Islamic heritage sites, and halal restaurants, Muslim travellers will find it easy to adhere to Islamic values and practices while enjoying all that Abu Dhabi has to offer. Many will feel right at home as they explore the numerous tourist attractions this beautiful city overflows with. That being said, Abu Dhabi is also a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities, which adds to the richness and diversity of the city. Muslim guests can experience and mingle with different cultures and traditions while still being able to connect with their Islamic heritage.

In Abu Dhabi, visitors can enjoy the perfect balance of modern luxury and traditional culture. The city boasts several luxurious hotels, such as the Emirates Palace and the St. Regis Abu Dhabi, which offer five-star accommodations and world-class amenities. At the same time, the city has several traditional markets, such as the Souk Qaryat Al Beri, where visitors can experience the local culture and purchase traditional handicrafts, textiles, and spices.

Besides cultural and Islamic attractions, Abu Dhabi is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including stunning beaches, parks, and nature reserves. Muslim families travelling with little ones will enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities while still being able to adhere to Islamic values and practices.

Overall, Abu Dhabi is an excellent destination for Muslim travellers looking for a Muslim friendly environment that combines modern luxury with traditional culture and heritage. The city offers a range of attractions and amenities that cater to the needs of Muslim guests, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.

Must See

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. It’s a must-visit for any Muslim traveller, as it offers a stunning experience that showcases the beauty and grandeur of Islamic art and design. The mosque features 82 domes and 1,000 columns and can accommodate up to 41,000 worshippers at once. The mosque is also home to the world’s largest handmade carpet and the third-largest chandelier in the world. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, and free guided tours are available in several languages.

Explore the Qasr Al Hosn: The Qasr Al Hosn is a historic fort and palace that is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. It has been beautifully restored and transformed into a museum that showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. The museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of the city, as well as the traditional way of life of its people. It’s an excellent place for anyone interested in history and architecture.

Enjoy a trip down memory late at the Emirates Heritage Club Heritage Village: An open-air museum and cultural centre located in Abu Dhabi, the Heritage Village is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in learning about the traditional Emirati way of life and culture. See how people lived, worked, and socialised in the past, and learn about their customs, traditions, and beliefs. You can also watch artisans at work and learn about traditional crafts and skills, such as weaving, pottery, metalwork, and boat building, alongside touring historic buildings, watching cultural events and enjoying traditional Emirati food.

Take a stroll along the Corniche: The Corniche is a beautiful waterfront promenade that stretches along the Abu Dhabi coastline. It’s a great place to relax and take in the city’s sights, with stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other. The Corniche is a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and picnics, and there are plenty of halal restaurants and cafes along the way.

Take a desert safari: A desert safari is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the desert around Abu Dhabi. Many tours offer halal food and prayer facilities, making it a suitable activity for Muslim travellers. During a desert safari, visitors can experience dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and a traditional Bedouin-style dinner in the desert. It’s an adventure that should not be missed by anyone visiting Abu Dhabi.

Cuisine

Abu Dhabi is a Muslim friendly destination, and halal cuisine is widely available throughout the city. For those visiting, Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of halal dishes, from traditional Emirati cuisine to international options. Emirati cuisine typically includes machboos, a fragrant rice dish served with meat or fish, and luqaimat, a sweet fried dough dessert.

In addition to Emirati cuisine, Abu Dhabi is home to many international restaurants serving halal food. Many hotels and resorts in the city offer halal food options, including buffets, room service, and à la carte menus. Popular cuisines include Middle Eastern, Indian, Pakistani, and Western options giving Muslim travellers a wide selection to choose from.

One of the best places to experience halal cuisine in Abu Dhabi is the city’s many food markets and food trucks. The Mina Zayed Fish Market is a popular destination for seafood lovers, while the Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk offer a wide range of fresh produce and snacks.

For those looking for a fine dining experience, many high-end restaurants in Abu Dhabi serve halal food. For example, Zuma, located in the Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island, serves contemporary Japanese cuisine, while Li Beirut at the Jumeirah Etihad Towers hotel serves Lebanese dishes.

With such a wide range of halal cuisine options for Muslim travellers, one can truly enjoy dining while visiting the popular halal friendly destination. From traditional Emirati dishes to international cuisine, there is something for everyone of all ages. With many options to choose from readily available at hotels, restaurants, and food markets, Muslim travellers can easily find halal food that will satisfy their every craving.

Islam

With Islam being the official religion of the United Arab Emirates, Muslim travellers will have no problem feeling right at home when visiting Abu Dhabi. The city is home to a diverse Muslim community consisting of Sunni and Shi’a Muslims and a significant expatriate Muslim population from countries around the world.

Abu Dhabi has many beautiful mosques, both historic and modern, that serve as centres for religious and social activities. One of the most prominent mosques in the city is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world and is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

Islamic practices and traditions are observed in Abu Dhabi, including the five daily prayers, Ramadan fasting, and Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations, something many Muslim travellers will enjoy participating in while visiting.

The city’s leadership emphasises promoting Islamic values and preserving the country’s Islamic heritage. Because of this, the government sponsors various initiatives to support religious education, promote Islamic art and culture, and provide social services to the Muslim community.

Overall, Islam in Abu Dhabi is integral to the city’s culture and daily life. The city’s residents take pride in their faith and are known for their hospitality and generosity towards visitors, regardless of their background or religion. As a result, visitors to Abu Dhabi can expect to experience a rich and diverse Islamic culture, with plenty of opportunities to learn about and participate in traditional Islamic practices and customs.

Best time to visit:

The best time to enjoy a halal trip to Abu Dhabi is during winter or November to March. The weather is mild and pleasant during this time, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C. This makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. In contrast, the summer months from May to September can be extremely hot and humid, with temperatures soaring up to 45°C. This makes it challenging to spend time outdoors, and many indoor activities can be overcrowded due to the high number of tourists.

The shoulder season, which falls between April and October, can be an excellent time to travel to Abu Dhabi for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds. However, the temperatures can still be relatively high during this time, so staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day is essential.

To ensure a comfortable halal holiday with milder temperatures, you’ll want to visit Abu Dhabi during the winter months. The mild temperatures and pleasant weather make it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing, making it more appropriate for Muslim families travelling with children and seniors. However, one should also be mindful of the high tourist season during this time and plan accordingly to avoid overcrowding and long wait times at popular attractions.