This experience, which is enhanced by a visit to the falcon hospital, will still provide a day of surprises.

It is difficult to pinpoint expectations of what the UAE is about before arriving into Abu Dhabi. On the surface, it is about the best of - fastest roller coaster, highest high tea, the tower with the greatest lean, the biggest hand-loomed carpet. Abu Dhabi is an exciting city that is constantly on the move. But it has made great strides in allowing the visitor to understand the Gulf culture in ways that are fascinating.

One of the main highlights of the city is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is the focal point of all three of the bridges that lead to this sight. It is an exceptional piece of architecture but also represents the living soul of the heritage of the emirate. It provides a place for thousands to worship and is dedicated to the founding father of the nation. It is slightly complicated to make yourself ready to enter the mosque but your guide will take you through the paces so you are able to do so with the respect it deserves. The workmanship is dazzling and though it pays homage to the traditional styles, it feels very contemporary. Your length of stay is up to you as you communicate with your guide, who will walk you through the most impressive parts.

Your drive to the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village will pass by Union Square, also known as the “Cannon Square”. This touristic location in Abu Dhabi City is adjacent to the Al Hosn fort. The square displays the heritage of the UAE through various sculptural objects, such as an oversized Arabic coffee pot. The open space location is used for regional Arab dramas and commercial productions and is the perfect entrée to the Heritage Village, which is an open air museum recreating a village from pre-oil times. Here you can see different styles of housing from coastal and mountain living to a small souq. There are historic exhibits that show you life from the past.

A highlight of this day will be your visit to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. As soon as you enter the lobby of the hospital, you will be stunned with the facility. No one will have to point out to you that falconry is of major importance to this culture as the facility is turned out with the best, as well as most fashionable, setting. You will hear about the history as well as the current state of this important hobby. You will enter a surgical room where several falcons will be awaiting service. If you are lucky, you might watch a feather replacement in a wing. You might also visit a separate area where the falcons are able to fly freely. The facility is fascinating and worth your time.

Finally, it is not Abu Dhabi without a drive along the Corniche. The Corniche Road spreads across a 5 mile long stretch which includes children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, restaurants, cafés and the Corniche Beach. It is really a suggestion of lifestyle, available to everyone and brings nature close to the city. It leads you, in this case, to the Emirates Palace, and you will stop nearby for a photo opportunity before completing your excursion.