Abu Dhabi Pictures

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. It features 82 domes and more than 1,000 columns. Vladimir Melnik Shutterstock

The Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain was built in the late 1800s to protect the area's palm groves in the event of an invasion. Patrik Dietrich Shutterstock

These traditional sailboats, known as abras, can often be spotted on Dhow Harbour. Courtesy the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

The luxury Qasr Al Sarab Resort offers guests a variety of ways to tour the Empty Quarter, including guided camel treks. Courtesy Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas

It'll cost you a fortune to stay here — this is one of the most expensive hotels in the UAE — but you don't have to drop a dime to admire the Emirates Palace's grounds and public spaces. Shahid Ali Khan Shutterstock

Abu Dhabi's seaside promenade, known as the Corniche, offers easy access to the city's beaches and impressive views of the harbor and the skyline. Courtesy the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

Residents of Abu Dhabi have a profound respect for falcons — so much so that the birds can even acquire their own UAE passports. Falcons have been used for centuries to help hunters track prey in the desert. Courtesy the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

Commissioned by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founder and first president, this stunning mosque is one of only two in the country to grant access to non-Muslim visitors. Vizual Vortex Studio Shutterstock

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque houses seven crystal chandeliers — the largest, weighs around 12 tons and is one of the biggest chandeliers in the world. Courtesy the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

A stroll along the Breakwater — which separates Dhow Harbour from the Persian Gulf — will lead to impressive views of Abu Dhabi's skyline. Kyle Taylor Flickr

Officially known as the Rub Al Khali, the Empty Quarter is the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, stretching over the southern part of Abu Dhabi, as well as sections of Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Bailey Flickr

Located just south of Al Ain, the camel souk is the last functioning camel market in the UAE. A visit here will offer insight into Abu Dhabi's traditional trade culture and get you up close and personal with these "ships of the desert." liseykina Shutterstock

In the Al Ain Oasis, date farmers continue to use a traditional irrigation system known as "falaj." This 3,000-acre oasis is home to almost 150,000 date palms and helps keep the country stocked with the popular snack. Courtesy the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

Flanking the Al Ain Oasis, the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum is housed in the late president's home. Today, visitors can tour the palace's living quarters, gardens and official meeting rooms. Courtesy the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

Located just south of Al Ain, this mountain is the tallest in Abu Dhabi and the second tallest in the UAE. Jebel Hafeet's summit affords spectacular views of the Al Ain region, as well as Oman. Manamana Shutterstock

The winding road to the summit of Jebel Hafeet has been called one of the world's best roads to drive. The twists and turns make it exciting, and there are several places where you can stop and admire the view along the way. bigfatcat Shutterstock

The Empty Quarter's rolling dunes provide an excellent venue for camel rides, dune buggy excursions and other desert tours. Kyle Taylor Flickr

Racing is a popular pastime in Abu Dhabi: World-renowned competitions like the Grand Prix take place on a regular basis at the Yas Marina Circuit. Nick Webb Flickr

Though Abu Dhabi has since upgraded to high-profile auto racing, traditional competition still lives on in the form of camel racing. You can watch these "ships of the desert" battle it out at the Shweihan track in Al Ain. Marwan Naamani AFP/Getty Images

Luxury car lovers (and their kids) won't want to miss the chance to visit Ferrari World. Inspired by the famous Italian auto brand, this immense indoor amusement park houses the world's fastest rollercoaster, the Formula Rossa. If traveling nearly 150 miles an hour doesn't sound like your cup of tea, test out one of the park's other rides, like the Fiorano GT coaster pictured above. Ritu Manoj Jethani Shutterstock

Overlooking Dhow Harbour, this section of Abu Dhabi city is devoted to the preservation of the emirate's incredible history. While at Heritage Village, you can tour Bedouin tents and watch as craftsmen create pottery and metal works. You can also purchase souvenirs from the local shops here. Courtesy the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

Abu Dhabi's beaches provide a great setting for swimming, water sports and even camel rides. Sarah_Ackerman Flickr

One of Abu Dhabi's more unique attractions, the Falcon Hospital is devoted to the care of these revered birds, which were once used primarily by hunters for tracking prey in the desert. Courtesy the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

Acting as an oasis in the middle of the largest uninterrupted sand mass, Qasr Al Sarab offers guests the opportunity to explore the nearby desert dunes or stay cool by the pool. Courtesy Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas