On my recent trip to Dubai I thought why not extend a day to Abu Dhabi and catch some winter sun. Amidst the golden beaches, water parks and desert drives, this emirate was the perfect stop to fuel my adrenaline soul.
My main halt to this Emirate was for the experiencing the surreal world’s fastest rollercoaster ride at Ferrari World. So within few hours of arriving at Abu Dhabi I made my way to Ferrari world. The name of this theme park often makes people feel that it’s a place designed specifically for car lovers. But you don’t have to be a die-hard fan of fast cars to appreciate the wonder and entertainment that Ferrari World has to offer. From the outside it’s hard to tell that this is the same structure that is shaped like a Ferrari, uh spaceship from above.
Super excited like a child to experience the Formula Rossa, I headed straight to the roller coaster.
Sitting behind the wheel gearing up myself for something I never imagined to do, I felt a strange mix of excitement and fear. But the moment it began it hit me that this is the only place on the planet where you can be blasted to 240km/h in 4.9 seconds, and that too just for fun!
What strength and power the machine must hold, within seconds I was set off, shouting and screaming on top of my voice thinking yes I was almost dying, with the wind spraying my hair as the world passed by in a blur. Before I knew it, it’s all over. It honestly felt like life after death experience. I have never felt and heard my heart race like that before. A pure adrenaline rush!
After this ride, I opted for the not so extreme experiences at the Ferrati world. With the 4D simulator, adventuring through the jungle, desert and mountains; exploring the Ferrari Factory and seeing how the prestigious cars are intricately made. Only after seeing this one can know how special the Ferrari is.
Yes Ferrari world definitely ticked off things on my bucket list at the speed of 240km/h in 4.9 seconds.
From the worlds fastest to world largest, my halt on the way back to Dubai was at the Grand Mosque. Being the third largest mosque in the world with the main dome of the mosque being the largest mosque.
Yes we had to adhere to certain norms before visiting the mosque like getting all covered up and washing our feet before any prayer offering.
The moment I entered the mosque I was thunderstruck by the beauty and serenity of the place. Each carving on the pillar, the marbles and granite used to build the floors were all spectacular. There was a sudden realm of peace and tranquil by my side.
You cannot find a more exquisite, delicate and airy mosque anywhere. The intricate pillars looked like pineapples, and were inlaid with semi-precious stones creating flower patterns throughout the mosque.
The more you keep exploring this magnificent beauty the more you are amazed by all the mosaics, stained glass, and stucco work everywhere. At times I found myself walking barefoot across the Persian carpets with a flower pattern as if I was walking across a vast meadow. Also something to get startled this carpet is in the Guinness book being the largest Persian carpet in the world. Wow and imagine the feeling of walking by it. As the evening began to fall the small pond on the exterior mirrored the flawless beauty of the Mosque.
The moons reflection on the white smooth stone was completely blinding. It was time to lift my head and embrace the grandeur of this place of this city.
A day well spent in the true sense.
Cannot Miss:
- Riding the Formula Rossa, worlds fastest roller coaster ride
- Spend time at the Grand Mosque at sunset
GlobeTrotting365Days: ABU DHABI March 12th 2013.
The reason my family and I have selected Abu Dhabi Desert Safari was that they provided the best tourism packages for evening desert safaris.