Nation Galleria Mall Nation Galleria Mall sits at the foot of the stunning twin Nation Towers, which also house the luxurious The St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel. Nation Galleria is known for world’s most high-end brands spread over three floors.The mall offers some of the best fashion, fitness, jewellery and treats in an elegant and easy to navigate layout.
There is direct access from Nation Residences, Nation Offices and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, which also boasts a string of entertainment avenues, family-friendly events, elegant cafés and restaurants, serving delectable cuisines from around the world. Nation Galleria Mall showcases breathtaking views from its terraces, and is one of the most sought-after dining and social venues on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Designed to inspire a relaxing shopping, dining and lifestyle experience, Nation Galleria’s interiors and ambience will take your breath away.
Well-known brand names at the mall include Wafi Gourmet, Café Bateel, Godiva, Leopold’s of London, Organic Foods and Café, Lamborghini, Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor and Villeroy & Boch.
Nation Galleria Mall
VILLEROY AND BOCH This stylish, lifestyle brand is one of the best Nation Tower Abu Dhabi shops, for beautiful crystal or ceramic collections for your kitchen, dining room, bathroom or garden.
ORGANIC FOODS & CAFE While Nation Towers Galleria does not have a supermarket, shoppers can pick up organic food items, including fresh produce, dairy items and more at the Organic Foods & Cafe.
THE LIBRARY FRAGRANCE BOUTIQUE This unique perfume boutique is inspired by a book library, but instead offers a ‘scent library’, where visitors can explore and discover their favourite scents.
AL FARDAN JEWELLERY Another one of the shops at Nation Galleria in Abu Dhabi to visit is Al Fardan Jewellery, which offers a diverse collection of intricately designed, handmade jewellery and watches for all occasions.
MAUZAN Mauzan is also one of the popular stores at Nation Tower Mall, which offers dresses and perfumes for women.
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS AT NATION TOWERS Nation Towers Mall in Abu Dhabi is also home to an interesting collection of cafes and restaurants. Diners can choose between eclectic options such as the popular bistro, Leopold’s of London, the elegant dessert spot, Godiva, and the Middle Eastern-inspired gourmet spot, Cafe Bateel. You can also shop at the fantastic roastery in Nation Towers Mall, Al Rifai.
Some restaurants may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions in Abu Dhabi.
Take a look at some of the best restaurants in Nation Galleria Abu Dhabi:
LEOPOLD’S OF LONDON One of the most popular restaurants at this mall is Leopold’s of London, which is known for its massive tea library! Tuck into delicious breakfast items, salads, pasta, pizza and more.
CAFE BATEEL This gourmet cafe is known for its organic ingredients and natural flavours which you can enjoy in an elegant setting. Sample delicious sandwiches, soups, salads and main courses that are inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines at Cafe Bateel in Nation Towers.
TEUSCHER CHOCOLATES Satisfy your sweet cravings with Teuscher’s wide variety of fine chocolates, cheesecakes, croissants and desserts, which you can also pair with their range of salads and breakfast dishes.
CATCH RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE The Catch Restaurant and Lounge is located at the beach club across from the mall, but is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts! From sushi platters to grilled sea bass and king crab, Catch Nation Riviera Beach Club will wow diners with its great food and relaxing ambience.
ENTERTAINMENT AT NATION TOWERS There’s plenty of entertainment and things to do at Nation Towers Mall, aside from shopping. This mall in Abu Dhabi boasts a cinema and discovery centre for kids, and also hosts regular events, activities and experiences for visitors!
VOX CINEMAS Catch the latest blockbusters at Vox Cinemas in Nation Towers Mall Abu Dhabi! For those who want to go all out, this Nation Towers Mall cinema offers four THEATRE screens. Movie-goers can also enjoy upscale experiences including access to a private lift to the cinema, waiter service, a gourmet menu and comfortable leather, reclining seats!
LITTLE WORLD Kids will have a whale of a time at Little World Discovery Centre, which combines fun and learning! Little World in Nation Towers is an experimental learning centre, where kids can develop their physical, mental and emotional skills in the different ‘Discovery Zones’, which encourages role-playing, building, designing, creating and more!
Hatta is located nearly 130 km from central Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. It is located high in the Hajar Mountains. Formerly an Omani territory, its ownership was transferred to Dubai in or around 1850. Hatta’s craggy mountain cliffs, scattered springs and lush valleys offer a stark contrast to the glassy facades of the city. Hike up the Hajar mountains and you will get to see breathtaking views of the historical village. The area was once called Al Hajerin, or Al Hajeran, in reference to the two mountain peaks guarding its north and south borders.
Old village of Hatta
The old village of Hatta includes two prominent military towers from the 1880s, a fort from 1896 and the Juma mosque, which was built in 1780 and is the oldest building in Hatta. The traditional water supply was through the falaj system, which also has been restored.
Hatta Heritage Village
The restored, centuries-old Hatta Heritage Village features a defensive tower, stone houses with palm-frond roofs, and falaj, the traditional water system. Other exhibits include traditional weapons, furniture and crockery. At the nearby Hatta Dam, the Hatta Reservoir Visitor Point overlooks the pools of striking green water.
Since Hatta is located in the mountains, it was the summer habitation of Dubai-based families escaping the heat and humidity of the coast and trying new outdoor activities.
The Hatta Dam
The Hatta Dam was constructed in the late 1990s. Hatta Dam is now one of the main attractions in the area, with the bright, turquoise water set against the earthy rock for a picturesque vista. Visitors can drive along the dam and stop at viewpoints for photographs, or trek across it and down the hilly terrain or kayak across the quiet lake formed by the dam.
Hatta Fort
Hatta Fort
Hatta Fort, built in 1896, is one of the most significant architectural monuments in the UAE. The structure served as a residence and defence facility with a large internal courtyard and an 11m-high watchtower. The building was restored in 1995. The two round watchtowers overlooking the mountain village were built in the 1880s. They are located 2.5m above ground level with a small door and semi-circular staircase leading to the roof. Guards would use ropes to scale the towers and enter through the doors.
Hatta Hill Park
Hatta Hill Park was built in 2004. The nearly 64sqkm area is popular for picnics and barbecues, as well as a tower, which makes for an excellent vantage point.
Hatta Heritage Village
Hatta Heritage Village
Hatta Heritage Village in the central town is a restored museum. It comprises 30 buildings, including huts and houses, reconstructed as they were hundreds of years ago. The Village also houses relics and documents of past life, where you’ll learn about Dubai’s Arabian heritage from food to folklore. There are two watchtowers and a fort, as well as a mosque from olden times. The museum also hosts several events during UAE holidays such as National Day (2 December).
Hatta Wadi Hub
Hatta Wadi Hub is the town’s home of action and adventure, open in winter. Here you can try your hand at archery and axe throwing. You can go twin ziplining with a friend. You can opt to paraglide with the Bird Eye Parachuting Club that will take you soaring into the air 500 feet off the ground. The 52 km of mountain biking trails provide cross-country bike paths of varying difficulty levels, encouraging novices and professionals to enjoy the picturesque alleys.
If you want to stay overnight, book at the Hatta Damani Lodges or Hatta Sedr Trailers, both providing chic accommodation nestled in the mountains. Hatta Dome Park will give you the ultimate glamping experience. Hatta Caravan Park is the first luxury caravan park in the region.
The JA Hatta Fort Hotel is great if you’re looking for a resort-style stay. The hotel has its own restaurants, spa, mini golf and petting zoo, while every room and suite comes with mountainside views.
Larger groups visiting Hatta can choose from one of several farm house rentals, including The Reef and Happiness Farm, each complete with facilities such as BBQ areas and a pool for the kids to splash around in.
Jebel Hafeet (variously transcribed Jabal, Jabel or Jebal and Hafit or Hafeet) literally means “empty mountain”. This is the only mountain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and one of the highest mountains in the UAE. An extensive natural cave system winds through Jabal Hafeet. The mountain is part of a national desert park, called “Jebel Hafeet National Park”. The park includes the Hafit Graves, Mezyad Fort, and related oases.
Jebel Hafeet offers a breathtaking view of the Rub’ al-Khali, the largest sand desert in the world, and the city of Al Ain, an oasis included in the UNESCO World Heritage lists.
When to visit and where to eat
It is best to visit the Jebel Hafeet in the summer months, that is, from April to September. Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet hotel is located atop the mountain. It offers 3 restaurants and 3 swimming pools with water slides. A blend of French, Moroccan and Italian food is served at Le Belvedere and oriental food can be tasted at the Orient Café.
History from Jebel Hafeet
In UAE history, the period from 3200 to 2600 BCE (Bronze Age), is called Hafit Period, named after this mountain. A cluster of important Bronze Age beehive tombs were discovered at the foothills of this mountain. This mountain region was incorporated into the Sheikh Zayed Network of Protected Areas in 2018. The excavations found evidence for ceramic vessels and copper artifacts in these tombs. Other objects found in the tombs include ceramics from Mesopotamia, and artifacts from ancient Iran and the Indus Valley of present-day India and Pakistan, indicating the trading relationships in antiquity. Most of the archaeological finds from this area can be seen in the museums of Al Ain.
Jebel Hafeet tombs
At the foot of Jebel Hafeet lies a tourist attraction with hot springs and a lake. To the northeast is the mountain’s largest wadi(valley), Wadi Tarabat.
Hafeet Mountain Road
The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, built in 1980, is 11.7 km long and leads to the top of the mountain. It has 60 turns and three lanes (two climbing and one descending). Abu Dhabi Tour, an annual road cycling competition is held on this road. You will get the entire view of the Al Ain city sprawling beneath it from the top of the mountain. On top of the mountain there is a vast parking lot. Since 2018, barbecuing in the mountain area has been banned, but there are dedicated spots for barbecuing in Jebel Hafeet Park for campers.
Jebel Hafeet mountain road
Jebel Hafeet Tombs Al Ain
On the eastern side of the mountain there are several ancient burial sites of the people who are believed to have been inhabited the oasis. These tombs were built 5000 years ago at the beginning of the bronze age. The artifacts dug out from here prove the trade links with Mesopotamia and India.
The tombs found here are called ‘beehive tombs’ because of their unique hexagonal shape. A team of danish archeologists first discovered these tombs, thereafter, many more experts came to study the site from different parts of the world. Today, Jebel Hafeet tombs are one of the most visited tourist places in Al Ain.
Tourist accommodation in Dubai is relatively expensive. During the last three years, the number of 4 and 5-star hotels increased while the number of hotels of less than 4 stars decreased. Between 2015 and 2017 the total number of rooms increased by 9.25% to 9,98. Up to 2018, the hotels had an average occupancy of 78%. In 2019 the occupancy dropped to 75%, while in 2020 it further dropped to 54% due to Covid-19.
Dubai Accommodation
As of 2020, there were 134 five star hotels with 44,067 rooms and 161 four-star hotels with 34,905 rooms.
In early 2013 the plan to build the first underwater hotel, the Water Discus Hotel, was announced. This will be the world’s largest hotel of its kind. This hotel will supplement the two underwater suites in existence at Dubai’s The Palm: Atlantis accommodation venue.
Riverland Dubai is a shopping mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the gateway to Dubai Parks & Resorts. A themed, fun, dining and retail destination which you can access without purchasing a ticket.
There are four different zones that give a fascinating glimpse into some of the greatest eras of the past – The French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate, and The Peninsula. These four vibrant districts form the dining, retail and entertainment destination and are free for all to visit, making it a must do in Dubai.
The Peninsula
This is the heart of Riverland Dubai. Surrounded by the river, you will be able to enjoy various festivals and concerts at the large outdoor venue. The 19th century architectural theme adds to the character of this piazza that connects the various districts of Riverland™ Dubai via impressive bridges. Head down to any of the licensed restaurants or bars here to round off your day.
India Gate
Enjoy a royal Asian welcome with musicians and acrobats at India Gate, where our impressive artistic sculpture will mesmerize you as you embark on a journey through India. Don’t know where to eat in Dubai? Tantalize your taste buds with a great mix of casual dining venues as well as street-style quick service eateries in the large urban piazza.
India Gate
Boardwalk
For parents looking for things to do in Dubai with kids, why not relive the thrill of early America in the 1950´s and walk through an urban street bustling with excitement and entertainment – from jugglers to live entertainment. Enjoy the lofty structures, palm trees, and glamorous neon signage all around you.
The French Village
The French Village
Stop by the medieval French town and soak in the historic architecture of Europe in the late 1600’s at The French Village. Towers and the water wheel will draw you in, while street performances, outdoor dining, and meandering alleyways takes you to a different world.
Riverland Dubai: Dining Options
There are several coffee shops and Mediterranean inspired restaurants providing a variety of food to suit your taste and budget. Some of them are:
The popular restaurants in Riverland’s Peninsula
ECCO Pizza and Pasta: It is famous for authentic Italian pasta cooked with natural ingredients and genuine recipes. The Irish Village: The second outlet of the famed Irish pub in Dubai, Irish Village is the only licensed restaurant in Riverland. Big Chef’s Café & Brasserie: It is a casual dining spot with international cuisine and friendly staff.
India Gate has a variety of restaurants featuring Middle Eastern and Asian delicacies.
Costa Coffee: An International handcrafted coffee house that also serves delicious salads, wraps, sandwiches and sweet treats. Al Mashowa: A traditional Emirati seafood restaurant with recipes that come from the past. Barbecue Delights: A casual dining restaurant that offers Pakistani, Afghani and North Indian cuisines. Bol Gappa: An Indian fusion restaurant that offers lip-smacking street food in a Bollywood-themed ambience. Haru Robatayaki: An authentic Japanese restaurant that specialises in the art of sushi, Teppanyaki, Robata and Sashimi. Wok Chi: A Chinese street food joint where you can customise your wok-tossed noodles. Shrimpy: A popular fast-food restaurant serving deep-friend golden shrimps cooked to perfection.
The Boardwalk also features some delicious dining options.
TGI Fridays: World famous American food and beverage outlet to savour burgers and drinks in a lively ambience. The Coffee Club: An international coffee house where you can have a delicious brunch and a perfect blend of coffee. Super Chix: Looking for a traditional fast food joint? Here they serve super chicken, hand-cut fries and delicious frozen custards. Tortilla: America’s favourite snacks, tacos and burritos are served here with a range of fresh fillings and toppings. Ella’s Creamery: Inspired by America’s 1950s & 1960’s ice cream parlours, Ella’s Creamery will recreate your joyful childhood memories with frozen treats. Fans of Archie comics will get a distinct Pop Tates vibe from this charming creamery. Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory: A perfect place to feast on chocolate treats, caramel apples, sundaes, coffee and lots and lots of candy! Galito’s: Offers the most delicious chicken from an African kitchen that is loved across the globe. Famous Dave’s: Barbecue lovers cannot resist the live-wood stoked BBQ with a custom blend of spices. 800 Degrees: Baked in an almond wood oven, 800 Degrees serves authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria cooked with ripest and freshest ingredients. Pascal Tepper: A French bakery with oven-fresh bread and high quality of hot and cold treats. Giraffe: A perfect fast-food option with an array of dishes including steaks, grills, burgers and healthy smoothies, salads and mocktails. The Bagel Bar: A coffee house to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee, bagels and sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere. McDonald’s: World’s leading fast-food retailer, where you can grab a quick bite of yummy burgers, fries and other fast food. Olive Garden: Inspired by culinary traditions of Tuscany, this restaurant serves a blend of American-Italian cuisine with traditional Italian hospitality. Starbucks: World’s leading coffee house to celebrate the rich tradition of coffee in an exceptional environment.
The Burj Al Arab hotel is a 280m building, Standing on its own man-made island. It is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. Its facade is made in the shape of a sail of a ship. It is fifth tallest hotels in the world. Burj Al Arab stands on a reclaimed island that is 280 m from Jumeirah Beach and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It has a helipad near the roof, at a height of 210 m above ground.
It was described by a British journalist as a “seven-star” hotel. Its most expensive suits run upwards of $18,000. The hotel is equipped with a helipad for VIPs to use. It is often described as the number one attraction in Dubai.
Burj Al Arab luxury hotel
Burj Al Arab Rooms and suites
The Burj Al Arab holds only 28 double-story floors which accommodate 202 bedroom suites. The smallest suite occupies an area of 169 m2, the largest covers 780 m2. The Royal Suite is billed at US$24,000 per night. The Burj Al Arab is very popular with the Chinese market, which made up 25 percent of all bookings at the hotel in 2011 and 2012.
Burj Al Arab Skyview Bar
The gold elevator takes you up to Skyview Bar for an incredible view. Gold on 27 is a gold-themed bar that offers an incredible variety of flavours for all palates. It sets the standard for nightlife in Dubai. Element 79 is an alcohol-free sparkling grape drink with copious amounts of golden dust.
Burj Al Arab Hotel Interior
Burj Al Arab Ownership
The hotel is owned by Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, which is an Emirati state-owned luxury hotel chain. The Jumeirah Group was created in 1997 and became part of the Dubai Holding in 2004, which is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum’s personal corporate portfolio.
Two bedroom suite
Burj Al Arab’s great interiors
The interior of the Burj Al Arab is perhaps even more jaw-dropping than the exterior. Pushing the boundaries of color and decoration,the interiors dazzle with a sense of the theatrical in a space that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The carpets are something to admire. Each one takes three months to make by hand. Walls are covered in silk that appears to change color depending on where you stand, with hand-stitched ladybirds embroidered in 24-carat gold.
Burj Al Arab’s Food & Beverage
Food & Beverage is a core pillar of Burj Al Arab. No other hotel in Dubai can compete with Jumeirah in rich dining experiences. There are six restaurants in the hotel. Al Muntaha which is 200 meters above the sea sits on a cantilever that extends 27 m from either side of the mast and is accessed by a panoramic elevator.
Al Mahara (“Oyster”), is accessed via a simulated submarine voyage. It features a large seawater aquarium, holding roughly 990,000 L of water. The 18 cm thick wall of the tank is made of acrylic glass in order to withstand the water pressure.
Bab Al Yam at the ground floor is good for breakfast, The food is served buffet-style, mainly European but also some Middle Eastern. You have splendid view of the ocean whether you sit inside or outside.
Burj Al Arab’s Talise Spa
Talise Spa is the perfect place after a long flight. Unlike most spas, the treatment rooms have big windows overlooking the ocean. If you like a dimly lit atmosphere you might find it too bright but they’ll draw the curtains at your request. There are also four swimming pools — both indoor and outdoor — including a pool only for women.
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is located on Jumeirah Beach Road and occupies a location on the beach. It is actually next to the Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah. It is just half an hour away from the Dubai International airport.
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel officially opened in November 1997 and it has been regarded as one of the Best Resort Hotel in the World. The hotel contains 598 rooms and suites and 19 villas. It’s design which is a wave-shaped complements together with the adjacent building which is the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab.
