Twin Cities: Abu Dhabi and Dubai

The neighbouring desert states of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE are fast becoming must see and must visit destinations across the world. They are both modern cosmopolitan cities offering their visitors designer shopping, gourmet meals, fabulous beaches, dramatic accommodation and range of entertainment options which include skiing, driving a Ferrari and swimming with Dolphins. Of the two, there is no doubt that Dubai is the more glamorous, headline-grabbing option with its flamboyant hotels, dizzying array of dining options and hip clubs and bars. No visit to Dubai is complete without going to the Top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and looking down upon this teeming city. This is also the city that virtually invented the phrase ‘shopping festival’! The Dubai of old is hidden somewhere and one would have to find it beneath the layers of glitz and glam. Abu Dhabi on the other hand wears its heritage on its sleeve. There is no denying Sheikh Zayed mosque is a dazzling piece of architecture. It actively encourages visitors to experience its 60000 hectares of wild, natural mangroves. Its serene island life and fishing roots are still quite evident when walking along the wharf. Yet, with the development of Yas Island and the lavish Emirates Palace hotel, it offers a lot of what Dubai does. With a hint of competition between these two cities, it remains to be seen which one trumps the other. But for now, they’re ours to experience and enjoy.