Outside of Abu Dhabi city most of the emirates is desert with the exception of the oasis of Al Ain and Liwa. Liwa is about a five hour drive from the capital city and passes through some of the largest sand dunes in the world. The oasis itself is one of the largest in the Arabian peninsula and is the gateway to Rub Al Khali.

Back in the city of  Abu Dhabi there is no lack of things to do. For those wanting a taste of traditional Arab hospitality, a visit to the National Heritage Village offers that and more. In traditional huts and tents, one can view the old, harsh way of life of the genuine pearl divers. After seeing the ways of the past you may want to see how Abu Dhabi got to be what it is today. For this, a trip to the Petroleum Exhibition will teach you all about the petroleum industry from composition and formation to transporting and refining.

Abu Dhabi also has its share of parks and gardens, world class shopping centers, beaches (including one exclusively for ladies), ice-skating, scuba diving, camel racing, antique shops and old forts. The visitor faces the delightful dilemma of deciding on what's to be done first.