From Dubai, we travel past the world’s largest man-made port at Jebel Ali and onward for a two-hour drive through coastal desert scenery, studded with acacia trees. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and many of its striking examples of modern architecture show intriguing interpretations of Islamic themes captured in today’s materials. Shimmering skyscrapers, villas and palaces line our route along the Rivierastyle Corniche with its blue Gulf waters and enticing offshore islands. In this city of dramatic contrasts, we visit the heritage village which has been recreated to experience the traditional life in Abu Dhabi before oil revenues altered the landscape. Here you will find old fishing villages and traditional souq as well as reconstructions of Bedouin tents, palm ('arish) and other houses. Following the visit, we drive past the charming Batinah harbour and past the Sports city, the biggest soccer stadium in the Middle East. An engrossing view of an emirate that is so like Dubai but so different. On our way back to Dubai we will pass by Yas Marina which was recently home to the F1 race. Some of the attractions and the order in which they are visited may change during the Holy Month of Ramadan.