Abu Dhabi with a Russian-speaking Guide

82 domes, 1,000 columns, the world's largest hand-woven carpet. The best Abu Dhabi has to offer — and one of the most beautiful buildings on earth. Best visited in the morning.

A working presidential palace open to visitors — a rare thing in the world. Grand architecture, manuscript library, evening light show. Most tourists have never heard of it.

The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi — an 18th-century fort in the city centre. Museum of the emirate's history, from Bedouin settlement to megacity. The contrast with the glass towers around it is striking.

Paris Louvre branch with Jean Nouvel's iconic dome letting in a "rain of light". Collection from ancient civilizations to modern art. Alina is a licensed guide here.

The world's largest digital art museum by Japanese collective teamLab. Immersive installations where visitors become part of the artwork. Nothing like it exists anywhere else in the region.

One of Saadiyat's newest museums — dedicated to the natural history of the Arabian Peninsula and the planet. Exhibits cover palaeontology, minerals and Gulf ecosystems.

Museum dedicated to the UAE's founding father. Covers the unification of seven emirates and Sheikh Zayed's legacy. The falcon-feather building architecture is a sight in itself.

Legendary palace hotel with gold and marble interiors — one of the few "7-star" hotels in the world. Anyone can walk in for the famous gold-leaf cappuccino in the lobby café.

Panoramic observation deck on the 74th floor with views over the Corniche, islands and Abu Dhabi skyline. A drinks and snack voucher is included. Best at sunset.

Indoor theme park under the world's largest roof shaped like the Ferrari logo. The fastest rollercoaster on earth — Formula Rossa hits 240 km/h. Great for the whole family.

Indoor park with DC, Looney Tunes and Cartoon Network characters. Six themed zones, rides for all ages. A great option in hot weather — entirely indoors.

First SeaWorld outside the USA — opened 2023. Sharks, rays, sea lions, penguins, interactive aquariums and rides. One of the best marine parks in the region.

One of the largest waterparks in the Middle East with 40+ attractions. Family slides, lazy river, extreme rides. Themed around the legend of the Arabian pearl.

An 8 km waterfront promenade along the bay — the best place for a morning walk. Gardens, cycle paths, cafés, views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. The historic Al Hosn quarter is nearby.

Al Ain Zoo is one of the region's finest, founded by Sheikh Zayed in 1968. White tigers, bears, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs. Worth combining into a full Abu Dhabi day.