From the Pyramids to the Palaces: A Stopover in Abu Dhabi

From the Pyramids to the Palaces: A Stopover in Abu Dhabi – March 21-24, 2025

Our time in Egypt had come to an end—our tourist visas had expired, and Holly had her sights set on Dubai. So we booked a flight, not directly to Dubai, but to Abu Dhabi. It turns out, flying into Abu Dhabi is cheaper, and since it’s just a two-hour bus ride from Dubai, we decided to spend a few days there before continuing on.

Arriving in Abu Dhabi felt like stepping into a different world. Cairo’s airport, while full of character, is definitely showing its age—no skyways, just shuttle buses out to the plane. In contrast, Abu Dhabi’s airport is sleek, modern, and efficient. That theme continued into the city itself. Wide, well-maintained roads, modern high-rises, organized traffic with working stoplights, and not a camel or horse in sight—quite the shift from the chaotic charm of Cairo.

After checking into our hotel, we ventured out for dinner and found a nearby restaurant where all the staff were Filipino. We’d soon realize this was the norm. Throughout the UAE, service industry jobs are mostly filled by foreign workers, while Emirati citizens typically take higher-paying roles in government and management. It was an interesting dynamic and one we’d hear more about in conversations with locals and expats alike.

Unfortunately, we were all feeling a bit under the weather. Coughs, stuffy noses, and sore legs—remnants from our pyramid adventures. Holly had gone all-in, exploring three pyramids, and was especially sore. She could walk fine on flat ground, but even stepping off a curb was a challenge.

So we kept it low-key on our first day, venturing only as far as the local mall and grocery store. Abu Dhabi malls are something else—spacious, clean, and full of international shops and eateries. It was a good place to regroup and recharge.

The following day, we caught a bus to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. On the way, we passed the Abrahamic Family House, a striking complex that includes a mosque, a church, and a synagogue—all housed in beautifully designed, symbolic buildings. Though they seemed more ceremonial than functional, it was an admirable gesture toward religious coexistence and since entrance was free, the price was right.

The Louvre itself was a highlight. Situated on the edge of a tranquil channel, the museum cleverly integrates water into its design, creating a serene atmosphere that complements the art inside. The exhibits were diverse—everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art—and there was even a children’s zone with interactive displays about space and Mars. We spent the entire day wandering through its galleries before heading back to the hotel.

On the way back, we stumbled upon a full-on Chinese supermarket, complete with roast duck, regional snacks, and even a pork section—quite the rare find in the UAE. It was like finding a little slice of China in the Middle East. We picked up some goodies and had a cozy dinner back at the hotel.

The next day’s adventure took us to Qasr Al Watan, also known as the Presidential Palace. Completed in 2017, it serves more as a grand meeting place for dignitaries than an actual residence. The white granite and limestone structure is truly majestic, with an enormous 121-foot dome crowning its central hall. The main chamber is so vast you could probably host a football game inside. While there wasn’t a lot to do beyond admiring the intricate mosaics, glittering chandeliers, and a short marching band performance, the sheer scale and craftsmanship made it a memorable stop.

Then came a hiccup in our plans. The end of Ramadan was approaching, and with it, a spike in flight and hotel prices. Everything was double or triple the usual cost. We had a choice: cut our trip short or extend it and pay the premium. In the end, it didn’t make sense to hang around for another week at inflated prices, so we decided to leave early—but not without seeing Dubai.

I booked a bus to Dubai, cashed in some hotel points for a couple of free nights at the Voco Downtown, and secured the last reasonably priced flight to Istanbul. It was a quick visit, but Abu Dhabi offered a modern, comfortable, and surprisingly diverse interlude between the dusty wonders of Egypt and the glitzy promises of Dubai.