The morning sea breeze sweeps across the dunes, the coconut groves and white sands of Saadiyat Island, and the domes of its museums.
Before going to Abu Dhabi, I had never been to any Middle Eastern country. My impression of the region was one of heat and aridity — images of endless deserts, camels, and a relentless sun were all I could picture.
By the time I arrived at the hotel, it was 3 a.m. local time. Exhausted and barely conscious, I crawled straight into bed. It wasn’t until I woke up the next morning that I was stunned by the breathtaking view of the deep blue sea outside my window.
Strolling along the seaside promenade, the breeze from the Arabian Gulf carried a light mist that brushed against my skin — surprisingly pleasant and subtly soothing.
The locals seem to have long mastered the art of living with the heat — the city truly comes alive in the early mornings and late evenings. During the day, the streets grow quiet as people retreat into the shade of palm trees or seek refuge in air-conditioned malls, sipping on a chilled lemon mint drink.
I had expected Abu Dhabi to be nothing but endless yellow sand and barren land. But in reality, the city is half sea, half desert — and between the two, astonishing greenery thrives.
At Al Ain Oasis, the ancient “falaj”irrigation system channels underground water into palm groves, nurturing lush layers of foliage and even blooming vibrant desert flowers. Within the city, fountains, man-made canals, and seaside promenades turn water into an integral part of the urban landscape.
My journey began at Al Ain Zoo, and it was there that my impression of Abu Dhabi quietly began to change.
I had long dreamed of witnessing the great animal migration in Africa, but the constraints of time and budget kept that dream on hold.
That day, at Al Ain Zoo, I was struck by a strange illusion — it felt as if I had already arrived in Africa.
Founded in 1968, this zoo is one of the UAE’s oldest and largest wildlife conservation areas. Unlike traditional zoos with cages, most of the animals here roam freely in open, naturalistic habitats.
Riding through the park in an off-road vehicle, we saw lions, giraffes, and white rhinos strolling just outside the window — separated from us by only a few meters of shrubbery.
We could even open the sunroof and hand-feed carrots to a giraffe, then watch as she walked away contentedly after her meal.
The guide proudly said as he drove, “We’re not just showcasing animals; we’re protecting species.” As a former wildlife conservation volunteer, those words truly moved me.
Returning from Al Ain, I realized that Abu Dhabi deliberately avoids the kind of “luxury exoticism” tourism narratives seen elsewhere.
Rather than emphasizing sensational experiences, it invites you to engage with the fabric of its ecology, culture, and time. From nature to a cultural sanctuary, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque touched my soul with its pure white marble and exquisite craftsmanship.
As a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world, capable of accommodating up to 55,000 worshippers.
The entire structure features 82 white marble domes of varying sizes, over 1,000 columns inlaid with semi-precious stones, and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet.
This architectural marvel not only symbolizes Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage but also reflects the Emirate’s commitment to cultural preservation and global harmony. As a major cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi, the Grand Mosque attracts millions of visitors who come to admire its serene beauty, intricate craftsmanship, and solemn atmosphere.
Here, I witnessed the purest form of faith — dignified without heaviness, sacred yet inclusive.
At dusk, the setting sun casts a layer of rose gold over the domes, creating a serenity that words cannot describe — you don’t have to be a follower of Islam to be moved by the peacefulness here.
Following the coastline, I arrived at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, located on Saadiyat Island. The museum’s dome resembles a starry sky, and through its intricate metal lattice, a “rain of light” filters down, perfectly blending the architecture with nature.
The museum houses art treasures spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Da Vinci’s Saint John the Baptist, ancient Chinese dragon sculptures, Monet’s impressionist paintings — each piece tells a story of humanity’s shared creativity.
Walking through the galleries, cultural boundaries dissolve, and time and space intertwine, creating a mesmerizing experience.
The museum’s curatorial approach is unique: rather than organizing exhibits by geography, it places artworks from different eras and civilizations together in “dialogue.”
In the same gallery, you might find Chinese Warring States bronze vessels displayed alongside Greek statues.
In that moment, you realize that “world culture” is more than just a slogan — the “Louvre on the Sea” is not only a temple of art but also a bridge connecting the heartbeat of the world with that of Abu Dhabi.
If the Louvre Abu Dhabi evokes the connection of world civilizations, then Qasr Al Hosn stands as the starting point of Abu Dhabi’s local memory.
Built in the 18th century, this white fortress is the oldest building in the city. It once served as the Sheikh’s palace, the government’s administrative center, and the national library. Today, as a museum, it tells the story of how Abu Dhabi transformed from a fishing village into a modern capital.
There is no heavy sense of history here; instead, it feels like a family elder sharing stories in a detailed, warm, and intimate way. Especially at night, when the white walls are illuminated by lights, it seems to whisper the story of the Middle East where the old and new coexist.
In Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, I also encountered an exhibition that completely transformed my perception of space: teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
It is a seemingly surreal artistic universe, blending sight, sound, and touch to guide visitors on a philosophical journey of “discovery” and “self.”
Created by the world-renowned Tokyo art collective teamLab, the exhibition spans an impressive 17,000 square meters.
The artworks here do not exist in isolation; they are part of a whole composed of various phenomena created by the environment. When you immerse yourself in the space, you seem to merge with the surroundings, becoming an inseparable part of the artwork. As you reach out your hand, the light does not shatter, and the water does not stop flowing — they seem to possess their own life, communicating with you.
Here, every step you take changes the colors and shapes around you. The artworks are no longer static objects but “living beings” that interact and breathe with you.
As you dance with the lights floating on the water and feel the invisible energy flowing and leaping at your fingertips, your body becomes one with the art.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi breaks through the boundaries of space and time, allowing you to experience a flowing, symbiotic world.
This is precisely the alternative way of life Abu Dhabi wants to share with the world — one of interaction, inclusivity, and flow, rather than rigid definitions.
As an F1 fan, Yas Marina Circuit had long been a destination I looked forward to.
As one of the few night race tracks in the world, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix draws motorsport enthusiasts from across the globe every year.
Experiencing Formula One firsthand is far more than just watching from the stands — it’s witnessing raw passion, precise engineering, and the pinnacle of team coordination. Here, speed becomes a kind of faith.
Even outside of race week, the circuit remains open.
You can rent a go-kart and feel the thrill of speed as you navigate sharp turns, the pull of G-force seems to shake you loose from the routines of everyday life. Here, speed is released with grace, never reckless, but never compromised.
Of course, you can also visit Ferrari World Yas Island and ride the world’s fastest roller coaster — an unforgettable taste of true speed and adrenaline.
As night fell, I boarded a cruise from Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal. The boat swayed gently, the sea breeze brushed against my face, and the city lights shimmered in the distance. Gliding slowly along the coastline, the silhouettes of modern architecture lit up the night sky, and the glimmer on the water felt like drifting through a dream.
My friends and I danced and sang freely to the music, as if our inner children had finally broken free from the cages of everyday routine.
Abu Dhabi is a truly global city, home to people from over 200 countries around the world. Here, diverse cultures, languages, and beliefs blend together to create a uniquely inclusive social atmosphere.
You might hear the rhythmic flow of Arabic in a traditional market, and just a few steps away, find yourself in a café sharing dreams of the future with friends from across the globe.
Whether it’s a cup of authentic Arabic coffee or a meal from a globally inspired restaurant, each experience serves as a window into the city’s cultural exchange.
People here respect tradition while embracing modernity, striking a balance between the rhythms of the past and the promise of the future.
You’ll find that in Abu Dhabi, people and their environment, art and everyday life, are not opposing forces but a continuously flowing whole.
Whether you’re surrounded by light and shadow in teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi or quietly meditating under a desert sky full of stars, your senses are heightened, and your spirit is deeply touched.
At the same time, the Zayed National Museum is set to open this December, and the world’s seventh Disney theme park resort is expected to open in the near future.
Abu Dhabi’s future is destined to be even more extraordinary.
As I flipped through my photos, a thought suddenly crossed my mind — maybe, just maybe, I could really live in Abu Dhabi for a while.
