Travel Itinerary: Island-hopping in Abu Dhabi

From Saadiyat to Yas, Sarah Hedley Hymers explores island life in the UAE capital and finds elevated culture and adventure"symphony of concrete, water and reflected light", is just a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The first international outpost of France's most famous museum was born of US$1.3 billion agreement between the UAE and France's cultural authority, Agence France-Museums.

Founded in Dubai in 2017, this is the fourth branch of the restaurant and concept store has its own podcast and positions itself at "the intersection of food, creativity and design".

You can find high-end, style-conscious holiday souvenirs here while brunching on fried chicken and waffles with maple-glazed bacon and poached eggs. Brunch is served from 12pm to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday. Interiors have a calming brasserie-meets-library vibe with a central Art Deco-style bar serving impeccable cocktails; kick-off brunch with a bloody good Bloody Mary.

 

 

The Lighthouse brunch

Afterwards, you can take a stroll – or even take in a show. The Yas Bay Waterfront is a dining and entertainment hub with a 3km, palm tree-lined boardwalk on the south shore of Yas Island. Neighbours include Café Del Mar beach club, White Abu Dhabi nightclub and Etihad Arena (www.etihadarena.ae/en), the Middle East's largest indoor entertainment venue.

The diversity of programming is impressive. In October 2022 alone, the arena will host the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022, the league's first in the Arabian Gulf; Disney on Ice Presents Mickey & Friends; UFC 280: Oliveira Vs Makhachev, the Ultimate Fighting Championship's #280 mixed martial arts contest, and India's classical star AR Rahman Live In Concert. Pick your event and plan an itinerary around it.

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Travel Agents' Notes: Combining stops on both Yas and Saadiyat helps to keep guests occupied with the best both islands have to offer. Culture and adventure, combined with luxury, sun, sea and sand will keep even the most active guests entertained for four to seven days. Golf and spa sessions are also popular at both locations. As part of another two-centre stay, either island is a winning two-day add-on for travellers visiting Dubai, which is just an hour away by car.

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