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.
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!
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.
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.
Outfit details: Hope poncho | Zara trousers | FitFlops | Azuni Athena cuff
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 😉
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliates links which means I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is very much appreciated.
Wow what a lovely holiday, some great shots, super fun I expect. Your outfits look stunning as well. Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Thank you Jacqui!
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
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
Thank you Suzy! Yes it’s an amazing place and I’d love to go back!
What an incredible trip. This has never been on my radar to visit, but that’s going to change.
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I’m sure you’d love it Jodie!
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
Thank you Shelbee!
What a trip of a life time! Amazing pictures.
Thanks Sarah! Yes it was a wonderful trip 🙂
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
I’m glad it’s not just me 😉
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
Thank you Rena!
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!).
Thank you Gail! I really want to go back, especially to Dubai because we only had one day there.
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!
Fingers crossed for good weather when you come to the UK!
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
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.
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…
Thank you Celia! It really is worth a trip there.
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
Thank you Carrie!
What a great trip! I’m loving your poncho, and that black dress is gorgeous!
Rachael
http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
Thank you Rachael! It’s actually a top and culottes but because they are quite thin and flowing it does look like a dress 🙂
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
Thank you Megan 🙂
I can’t get over the beauty of the architecture. I must visit.
It’s really beautiful – I want to go back!
What an amazing trip! The mosque is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
–Roxanne
http://glassofglam.com
Thanks Roxanne!
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.
Yes it was a big help…although I still took loads of stuff that I didn’t wear!
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style linkup party. You look great with the hiab
Thanks Nicole!
What wonderful photos, you look absolutely ravishing in every outfit and the architectural details on those UAE buildings? Breathtaking! xxx
Thank you so much Vix!
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 🙂
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!
wow! how amazing.
b
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
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
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/
I knew Dubai is beautiful but your photos are giving me NEED to go vibes! Looking up flights now!
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/
Thank you for sharing such an informative and engaging article! The details provided are insightful and truly enhance the reader’s understanding of the topic. Looking forward to more valuable content like this!
This is such a well-written and insightful post! The flow of information is engaging, and the attention to detail makes it a pleasure to read.