Some of us are programmed to explore, others are programmed to dream. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered. Her.ie’s new weekly travel guide brings you to some of the most inspiring places in the world and dares you to turn those dreams into an adventure of a lifetime. As the saying goes, ‘home is where your passport is’ – so where will your passport end up next? __________________________________________________ The capital of the United Arab Emirates is one that is often overlooked in place of its famous neighbour, Dubai, but despite the glitz and glam two hours south, Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer visitors. An intoxicating mix of old and new, Abu Dhabi invites you to explore the exotic, discover its history and the richness of its culture. Rev it up Kick your trip off in style with a trip to Ferrari World home to not only the world’s fastest rollercoaster, but also the Formula 1 track. Chill out on Yas Island and make a trip to the water park. Handy hint: Stay in the stunning hotel Yas Viceroy that has the F1 track running under it – and their swimming pool is to die for too! Sand Safari Built from the sand dunes, Abu Dhabi is an ever-changing melting pot and if you head out of the city, you can take in a desert safari. With hundreds of tour operators running trips into the hearts of the desert you just have to pick your day and go. Handy hint: Get a pick up from your hotel and make sure to take in some of the fab local cuisine on offer. Emirates Palace The newest technology is mixed with Arabian splendour as the Palace stretches over a kilometre from wing to wing and boasts over 1,000 chandeliers. Handy hint: Visiting the Palace in the evening will offer some stunning views as the light changes over the building. Shop ‘til you drop Head south out of Abu Dhabi to the shopping mecca of Dubai. Visit the world’s largest mall, The Dubai Mall, where you can also see the music fountains and the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Handy hint: Make this a full day (if not two day) trip from Abu Dhabi. From amazing food to brilliant shops, you won’t notice the hours whizzing past. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque One of the world’s largest mosques with the capacity for up to 40,000 worshippers, Sheikh Zayed Mosque features 82 domes and over 1,000 columns along with 24 carat gold-gilded chandeliers. Handy hint: Head to the Mosque about 4.30pm in time for sunset as you will capture some stunning photographs. Ladies who brunch If you are in Abu Dhabi on a Friday, make sure to book yourself into one of the many brunches that take place in hotels around the city. Kicking off any time from 12 noon, you can pay about €50 – depending on the hotel – for an all you can eat and drink brunch. Handy hint: Worth every second! Al Ain Al Ain is a great place to stop for a day trip and is easily accessible from Abu Dhabi. Be sure to head down to Wadi Adventure Al Ain for some brilliant white-water rafting, kayaking and surfing. Handy hint: The only hint you need here is to make Wadi Adventure a must stop.