Abu Dhabi route: Al Maryah Island to Galleria Mall, 5 stops
Explore Abu Dhabi's modern development and cultural landmarks on this 21.9 km route covering Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi Dates Market, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, and Galleria Shopping Mall. The 32-minute drive showcases the emirate's rapid urban transformation and local attractions across Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Distance
- 21.9 km
- Duration
- 4 h 23 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Al Maryah Island
- End
- Galleria Shopping Mall
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Al Maryah Island — Newer development area in Abu Dhabi, accessible via bridge crossing
- Abu Dhabi Dates Market — Traditional marketplace featuring dates from Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Medina
- Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental — Seven-star luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi, one of the most expensive hotels
- Abu Dhabi City — Capital and largest emirate of the UAE, first mention at video start
- Galleria Shopping Mall — Famous shopping mall visible from the bridge in Abu Dhabi
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Abu Dhabi occupies 80% of UAE's total land area, much larger than Dubai. The city is only about 55-65 years old and rapidly developing with continuous construction projects.
- Food
- Visit Mina Vegetable Market for local dates. Try Arabic coffee with dates—cardamom-flavored coffee pairs with high-protein dates from Palestine, Saudi Arabia, or local UAE kalas dates.
- Food
- Get breakfast at the small restaurant by Mina Market offering local morning snacks like samosa, pakora, and roti sandwiches with tea.
- Tip
- Heritage Village is a man-made historical site showing traditional Abu Dhabi from 60-65 years ago, featuring three dwelling styles: Bedouin tents, stone mountain homes, and oasis houses with wind towers.
- Tip
- Wind towers were traditional air conditioning in old Abu Dhabi homes. Cross-shaped design allowed wind from any direction to flow down and cool the interior during extreme heat.
- Where to stay
- Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is a 7-star luxury hotel with 1km private beach, golf course, and 2km+ garden area. Penthouse suites cost 40,000-45,000 per night.
- Tip
- Al Maryah Island is a newer development built in approximately 10-15 years. Though developed, it's still being populated and under continuous construction with new projects.
- Tip
- Corniche features stunning blue water, beaches, and jet ski rentals. Current temperature reaches 40°C (104°F), so plan for extreme heat. Reef formations visible along the coastline.
- Tip
- Medina Zad Shopping Center is the oldest existing shopping center in Abu Dhabi with an entire dedicated section for gold shopping.
- Tip
- 85% of Abu Dhabi's population are foreign workers; only 15% are local Emiratis. The city relies heavily on foreign labor.
- Timing
- Temperature during filming was 40°C (104°F). Extreme heat makes afternoon activities challenging; plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning or evening.
- Tip
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is featured in the tour. Foreigners cannot own property in Abu Dhabi even with permission—must have local association or partnership.
Video on this route
Abu Dhabi UAE Is More Than What You See!!