Holiday in Abu Dhabi + Style With a Smile Link Up

March 21, 2017

Holiday in Abu Dhabi Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque Hope poncho

If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen some photos from my recent holiday in Abu Dhabi. I have to admit that having never visited the UAE before, I really didn’t know what to expect. Knowing how to dress appropriately was the biggest conundrum for me as I had read conflicting dress code guides on the internet. Luckily, as we were staying with friends I was able to ask for advice beforehand.  Of course that still didn’t prevent me from over-packing! Old habits die hard.

 The design and construction of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is said to “unite the world” by using artisans and materials from many different countries

Having done some research on what to do and see in Abu Dhabi, at the top of my list was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque, which opened in 2007, is one of the world’s largest, with a capacity for 40,000 worshippers. It has 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. The design and construction of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is said to “unite the world” by using artisans and materials from many different countries. The seven imported chandeliers from Germany incorporate millions of Swarovski crystals….that’s a lot of bling!

…women need to cover up from head to toe, including hair

All visitors are required to observe a strict dress code; women need to cover up from head to toe, including hair. Wearing a long sleeved top, full length trousers or maxi skirt is fine, but you are told at the entrance if you need to borrow an abaya (a full length loose robe) which is free of charge. The abayas at the mosque also have a hood, but they are not very flattering…Isobel said I looked like a dentist, so I used my pashmina to cover my hair.

Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Holiday in Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Holiday in Abu Dhabi Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque

 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Holiday in Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Holiday in Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Holiday in Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

We used the cooler days to do most of the sightseeing, which gave me the opportunity to wear my gorgeous poncho from Hope.

The usually hot and dry weather seemed to be taking a holiday of its own when we arrived – it was actually raining when we touched down. The weather did improve as the week progressed, but for the first few days it was windy and a bit chilly at times. We used the cooler days to do most of the sightseeing, which gave me the opportunity to wear my gorgeous poncho from Hope.

The visit to the mosque was the first stop on the Big Bus Tour which allows you to hop on and off, stopping at all the main attractions. The ticket includes a cruise along the corniche on a traditional wooden Arabian Dhow that lasts about 40 minutes. It’s a lovely way to view the Abu Dhabi skyline.

Hope-poncho-zara-trousers FitFlops

Abu Dhabi Dhow cruise Hope-poncho

Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise

Holiday in Abu Dhabi Dhow cruise

Abu Dhabi Hope-poncho-zara-trousers FitFlops

Holiday in Abu Dhabi Hope-poncho-zara-trousers FitFlops

Hope-poncho Azuni-athena-cuff

Holiday in Abu Dhabi Hope-poncho-zara-trousers FitFlops

Outfit details: Hope poncho | Zara trousers | FitFlops | Azuni Athena cuff

Abu Dhabi yas-waterworld-wave-machine

I was even brave enough to go on a rollercoaster…twice!

Towards the end of the week the weather had improved so we spent the day at Yas Waterworld. I have to admit that I’m not really a fan of hurtling down water slides at breakneck speed but it was a really fun day. In fact I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. I was even brave enough to go on a rollercoaster…twice! It wasn’t a particularly scary rollercoaster (according to my husband who’s an afficionado when it comes to lunatic rides) but it was enough for me!

We floated serenely around the lazy river, before going on a white knuckle ride down a water slide on a big inflatable for six people.

Yas Waterworld isn’t cheap (it was about £100 for the three of us) but it was definitely worth it. It wasn’t at all busy so there were no queues and lots of sunloungers free. I got to relax and surf the internet (there’s free wifi) while watching Isobel get soaked by the giant tipping bucket and whizz down the little slides.

We floated serenely around the lazy river, before going on a white knuckle ride down a water slide on a big inflatable for six people. I happened to be sitting backwards, which may have been a good thing as I couldn’t see what was coming. Halfway down Isobel decided that she didn’t like it…a bit late to bail out at that stage! Thankfully the arrival wasn’t as violent as the journey and I didn’t get dunked.

Abu Dhabi yas-waterworld-water-chutes

Holiday in Abu Dhabi yas-waterworld snakes

Abu Dhabi yas-waterworld sun-loungers

Abu Dhabi yas-waterworld dryers

As well as fun at Yas Waterworld, we did spend some time at the beach where we were staying. The sea was a bit cold for me to do more than paddle but I thoroughly enjoyed basking in the sun looking out towards the Yas Marina F1 circuit.

al-muneera-beach-abu-dhabi

Shopping at Yas Mall

Going to the mall is a day out in itself – Yas Mall is huge and spotlessly clean, with plenty of pristine public toilets ( a bonus when you’ve got kids). I made a beeline for Zara (as I always do) and bought a couple of pairs of culottes. I also bought a pretty bird print bag with a chain strap from another shop, which I’m sure will make an appearance on the blog soon.

as Mall

Yas mall

The last day of our holiday was also the birthday party of our friend’s young daughter. I wore one of the many tops I’d packed but hadn’t worn, with some new culottes from Yumi.

jane-norman-top-al-muneera

jane-norman-top

Outfit details: Jane Norman top (similar)  Azuni Athena cuff  | Yumi culottes

During our holiday we took a trip to Dubai, which I’ll be posting about separately later in the week because otherwise there’d be far too many photos! Also, I think a trip to the world’s tallest building deserves a post all to itself 😉

Have you ever been to the UAE? Or are you planning a trip there? I’d love to hear about your travel plans in the comments! Now, let’s get the link up party started 🙂


This is where I link up!

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47 responses to “Holiday in Abu Dhabi + Style With a Smile Link Up”

  1. jacqui says:

    Wow what a lovely holiday, some great shots, super fun I expect. Your outfits look stunning as well. Jacqui
    http://www.mummabstylish.com

    • Emma Peach says:

      Thank you Jacqui!

      • jacqui says:

        Well a lot can happen in the space of a few months and I’m off to Abu Dhabi in a couple of weeks, It’s been so lovely to read your blog post in a different way. Thanks so much for sharing this. I’m going to pm you too as I’m still a little worried about dress code etc. Thanks for sharing this Emma. Jacqui

  2. Suzy Turner says:

    I’ve never been but have a very good friend who has been several times because she loves it so much. It does look incredible! I absolutely LOVE your black and gold top. You look beautiful!
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

  3. What an incredible trip. This has never been on my radar to visit, but that’s going to change.
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  4. Wow! Emma,. these photographs are so beautiful. What a magnificent mosque. And you look lovely in all of your outfits!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  5. What a trip of a life time! Amazing pictures.

  6. Joi @INMYJOI says:

    What a wonderful trip to a beautiful place- thank you for sharing!!
    P.S. I ALWAYS over pack too 🙂

    Xx

    http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com

  7. Rena says:

    Wow, that is quite a trip you took and what amazing photos. I’ve never been to the UAE. Thanks for sharing your experience and for hosting.

    Rena
    http://www.finewhateverblog.com

  8. Gail says:

    Great photos! I love the vibrant poncho and the Jane Norman top is very pretty. I went to Dubai a few times for work, so didn’t see too much of it (though did manage a visit to the gold soukh!).

  9. Nancy Baten says:

    I think it would be amazing to visit. Such a different world. But not for me….We are going to Sussex in April! There is nowhere I d rather will stay!

  10. Laurie says:

    WoW! that buliding is just wow! Beautiful photos Emma. It must be a really interesting place to visit. Good to see the poncho still going strong. I’m looking forward to wearing mine again. Thank you for hosting Emma xx
    http://www.vanityandmestyle.com

    • Emma Peach says:

      It is a fascinating place and I’d love to go back. The poncho came in very handy, sadly the cashmere one has a tiny hole in it so I’m too scared to use it until I figure out how to repair it.

  11. Celia M. says:

    WOW!! beautiful photos … this is on my bucket list of places to visit and your post is inspiring me to see it sooner than later …thank you for sharing your experience with us…

  12. I would have loved to have gone on this trip! You did a lot. I just love that black dress with the gold lace on top! So pretty!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

  13. What a great trip! I’m loving your poncho, and that black dress is gorgeous!
    Rachael
    http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com

  14. Megan says:

    What an amazing trip! That mosque is gorgeous!! Thanks for linking up for The Weekly Style Edit. I hope to have you back this week. xo ~ Megan The Fashionista Momma

  15. I can’t get over the beauty of the architecture. I must visit.

  16. Roxanne says:

    What an amazing trip! The mosque is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
    –Roxanne
    http://glassofglam.com

  17. Wow so beautiful! It looks like such a great trip and thank goodness for friends to help with what to wear. That’s a good idea to get their recommendations.

  18. Nicole says:

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style linkup party. You look great with the hiab

  19. Vix says:

    What wonderful photos, you look absolutely ravishing in every outfit and the architectural details on those UAE buildings? Breathtaking! xxx

  20. Great photos — and travel outfits! I found myself smiling and nodding throughout your post, because I used to live and work in Abu Dhabi! The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is so beautiful, even more so up close as you get to see all the colorful details. Thanks for sharing and linking up with Fabulous Friday 🙂

    • Emma Peach says:

      Thanks Jen! How interesting that you used to live there! It’s such a beautiful and fascinating place…we found ourselves wondering if we could live there…if only for a few years for the experience. I never say never!

  21. SUZI GRANT says:

    Loving your post on holidaying in Abu Dhabi & your day visit to Dubai. I visited the latter but not the former and would like to now! Really think the Mosque attire suits you, quite beautiful! I will join your link up when I am back to normal next week . Suzi x

  22. We’ve talked about visiting this area Emma and wow it really does look fabulous. I just get fed up with the no contact rules – my husband and I are always linking arms etc and I’m sure I’d get us into trouble. Your outfits are so gorgeous xx

  23. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the best muslim’s architecture, other places to visit in Abu Dhabi City Tour Includes Visit To Ferrari World, Emirates Palace, Yas Island & Other Sightseeing in Abu Dhabi.
    https://www.dubaidesertsafaris.com/abu-dhabi-city-tour/

  24. Aatif says:

    I knew Dubai is beautiful but your photos are giving me NEED to go vibes! Looking up flights now!

  25. Jessica says:

    We spent a long week end in this magical place. Abu Dhabi is a very good and nice city full of history and adventures. Places like yas water wirld, corniche, sheikh zayed mosque, heritage village and a lor more places too.
    visit: https://travelplandubai.com/tour/sheikh-zayed-grand-mosque-tour/

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