Our recent adventure to Abu Dhabi, with a brief sojourn in Dubai, was nothing short of spectacular! 

With only 24 hours notice of this 11-day trip, we were so excited to be here. We flew Emirates from Miami to Dubai and then took a car to Abu Dhabi – if you haven’t read our Emirates experience yet, start HERE. 

We arrived at the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at 130am with the most personalized welcome—an edible photo crafted from one of my Instagram posts which set the tone for what was to be an unforgettable stay.

 

Discovering Abu Dhabi

Our first day was spent acclimating and exploring the Galleria Mall in ADGM, immersing ourselves in the shops, soaking up the local culture, and spending hours in the hotel’s incredible and iconic lobby. 

As someone passionate about raw dairy, you can guarantee I arranged not 1, but 2 deliveries! One of the deliveries was raw camel milk (I did a vertical tasting HERE), and the other was raw cow milk. I ordered 5 types of camel milk: Raw regular, saffron infused, chocolate, and date infused, all from Dairy Dames & then a pasteurized regular from Camelicious. The raw cow milk was from Rootz Organics, in which I also secured local organic dates and raw ghee, which both are incredible. Each product, from saffron-infused camel milk to rich ghee, was a testament to the quality and uniqueness of the region’s offerings.

When traveling, I always enjoy checking out the local grocery store. The closest store to us is called Waitrose, which has a heavy British influence. It revealed the fascinating nuances of grocery shopping in a predominantly Islamic country, where the pork products are in a separate back room with a doorbell to ring. While I don’t typically eat pork products (except for the occasional pasture raised bacon), I went to the room to see what they carried and was interested to find that Pop-Tarts were also in this room. You can read more about that here.

Despite the trip being work-centric, we balanced our commitments well, maintaining a schedule aligned with US and UAE time zones, where we went to bed around 1-3am and woke up 930-1030am. This allowed for exploratory yet productive mornings and productive and meeting filled afternoons/evenings. 

The lobby area quickly became our homebase for meetings and productive work as well as great conversation with both locals and tourists alike.

One highlight was meeting a fellow New Yorker who was introduced to me by my cousin Kate, expanding my social circle and sharing experiences over coffee and shopping at the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi Mall’s souk. I look forward to that growing friendship!

Cassandra & Meg in Abu Dhabi

Another notable service we did right away to cope with the jetlag was IV therapy. IV therapy is a gamechanger when you are dehydrated, lacking sleep and experiencing jetlag. We did DarDoc and they came straight to our room – an incredible experience and gave us the extra boost we needed at a very reasonable price!  10/10 would do this again.

Safety

One major question I received while I was there was about safety. The UAE, specifically Abu Dhabi and Dubai stand out as a beacon of safety for travelers and citizens, characterized by its low crime rates and robust security measures. Abu Dhabi has been noted as the safest city in the world for 6 consecutive years now. 

The city’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its residents and visitors is evident through the visible presence of security personnel and the use of advanced surveillance technology throughout public spaces. In addition to that, they have rules to keep cursing and PDA (public displays of affection) to an extreme minimum and dressing conservatively.  I felt safer there than where I live.

This secure environment fosters a feeling of safety that allows tourists to explore the city’s attractions with peace of mind. Additionally, the respectful and law-abiding nature of the local population further enhances the secure atmosphere, making Abu Dhabi a top choice for those seeking both adventure and safety in their travels.

Fashion/Clothing

While Abu Dhabi is quite modern and cosmopolitan, you are better off dressing on the more conservative side, especially as a female. This means avoiding crop tops or short shorts or anything overly revealing. It’s not required for non-Muslim women to wear an abaya, hijab, or burqa, although, it is a must to abide by the dress code when visiting sacred sites such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 

However, within the comfort of hotels and private beach clubs, the dress code is notably more relaxed, allowing visitors to adapt as needed. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can ensure a seamless and respectful experience as you explore the vibrant life and scenic beauty of Abu Dhabi. Dubai on the other hand, almost anything goes – just remain ‘demure’ and ‘mindful,’ and cardigans/pashminas are your best friend.

I personally enjoyed the Zara — Middle East Zara is better than any European or American Zara I have ever experienced. The quality, the prices and the level of modesty, all while remaining fashionable was so incredibly well done that I purchased a few outfits when I was there. 

Affordability in the UAE

The affordability of the UAE can vary widely depending on the lifestyle and choices of the visitor or resident. While known for its luxury shopping, upscale dining, and extravagant attractions, the UAE also offers a range of budget-friendly options that can accommodate more modest spending habits. 

Shopping at local markets, dining at smaller restaurants, and taking advantage of public transportation are all ways to enjoy the UAE without breaking the bank. Moreover, the country occasionally offers various discounts and promotions on tourist attractions and accommodations, especially during off-peak seasons. 

While the UAE can be a playground for the affluent, it also provides a spectrum of affordable options for those keen on exploring its richness within a budget. For reference, I took a taxi across town in Abu Dhabi and it cost me the equivalent of $2.30 USD. 

Being a Christian in the UAE

Many people have asked me about what it’s like to be a tourist and practice the Christian in the UAE, which is a predominantly muslim country. It was absolutely fine, there are many churches, especially Catholic Churches, and fun fact: the largest Catholic parish in the world is actually in DUBAI with over 350,000 parishioners!

Our stay coincided with a holy day of obligation, prompting a visit to St. Joseph’s Cathedral/St Therese in Abu Dhabi, a vibrant hub for the local Catholic community. On Sunday, we went to the Catholic Church at Abrahamic Family House and it was packed – it was a nice mass, but you can definitely feel that it is transient. 

The interesting thing about Abrahamic Family House is that it is a massive compound of the 3 Abrahamic faiths: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The architecture was beautiful with a Catholic Church, mosque and synagogue on the compound. The security is extremely high there and I am grateful to have seen it, but I don’t foresee myself going to mass there again if we ever go back – there is 1 mass per day and it is so packed there is only standing room and overflow to the outside which is very hot. 

While I particularly enjoyed the parish instead, it was so fascinating, revealing the diverse complexities of these closely linked faiths and I recommend visiting as a tourist if you are in town. 

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi

We were blown away by the exceptional service and attention to detail at the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi. Every member of the staff made us feel incredibly special. A special thank you to Valentina, Derek, Natalia, Alba, Nuri, Anita, Noa Arjman, Mohammed, Leena, Emilio, all of housekeeping, and the entire team for going above and beyond to ensure our stay was beyond perfection, if I forgot your name, please forgive me – you are ALL AMAZING!

We were treated with warmth and professionalism, and a personal touch that truly set this experience apart. The thoughtful gesture of a photo of us, accompanied by welcoming notes, made our arrival even more memorable. The staff’s dedication to knowing our names and itinerary, no matter where we went, made us feel like VIPs throughout our stay.

The food was absolutely incredible! Go to crust for breakfast, it is a MUST – the buffet is on another level. I had the best facial of my life at the spa. The pool staff were so attentive. I loved the separate gym for women. Honestly, I could move in – it was that good.

The cleanliness was also perfect – they went above and beyond to ensure the highest cleanliness possible.

Every detail was so meticulously handled, and we were left in awe of the incredible service. The Four Seasons Abu Dhabi truly offers a level of hospitality that is unmatched. We cannot wait to return and experience the magic all over again. Thank you to everyone who made our stay so special!

A weekend of Abu Dhabi tourist activities

The weekend was packed with tourist activities: a desert safari, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the previously mentioned Abrahamic House. 

The desert safari included dune bashing (which was horrible I was so nauseous from it), hanging out with camels, sand boarding, shisha (hookah), ATV riding, henna tattoos, traditional attire and dinner and a show. It was one for the books, and grounding in the desert sand was the most amazing feeling, I have never felt softer sand in my life!  

The Louvre Abu Dhabi was serene and had a very aquatic theme as it is meant to feel like a floating museum on the water. It was very educational and felt like a smaller version of the Paris one. I loved the dome which was inspired by interlaced palm leaves, a traditional roofing material in the UAE. While we were there, someone jumped in the water and the house lifeguard had to go rescue him – LOL.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was an amazing experience. The architecture was absolutely unbelievable and it was the brightest building I have ever seen. It was so incredibly grand, that it takes your breath away. There are entrances for visitors and worshippers. As visitors, we were able to see many of it while the worshippers had their chance to have their prayers in a separate area. If you are looking to visit the grand mosque, be sure to pay close attention to the dress code regardless of male or female. You can see everything on the site here. They also have a souk on the other side of the mosque, where we were able to secure the viral Dubai chocolate that everyone had been asking me about!

Farewell Abu Dhabi

Saying goodbye to the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi was so hard, as the staff there had truly made us feel like part of their family. From the moment we arrived to our farewell, every interaction was filled with genuine warmth and exceptional service. 

The team went ABOVE AND BEYOND to ensure our stay was not only comfortable, but also truly memorable, attending to every detail with personalized care. All of the hotel staff were so welcoming and were aware of our itinerary. I do not know how they did it, but they knocked it out of the park. 

Their kindness and attentiveness turned a beautiful hotel experience into something deeply personal, leaving us with a lingering sense of belonging and a firm resolve to return. The farewell was more of a ‘see you later,’ filled with heartfelt thanks and promises to revisit what had become a home away from home.

Dubai Hotel: Four Seasons Dubai DIFC

While we only had 16 hours in Dubai, we needed to book a room to have our personal space to repack, freshen up and lie our heads down for a quick nap. 

The Four Seasons DIFC in Dubai provided an exemplary hospitality experience that was truly remarkable. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcomed with their unparalleled attention to detail and personalized service. They quite literally welcomed us saying ‘Four Seasons Abu Dhabi notified us of your arrival, we’ve been expecting you and are so happy to have you here.’ 

The intimate and sophisticated ambiance of the hotel allowed us to unwind and enjoy our short stay with utmost comfort. The knowledgeable concierge was incredible, helping us navigate our extremely short stay effortlessly. Each staff member, from the reception to the dining areas, was attentive and eager to ensure our visit was flawless. This level of care and hospitality at the Four Seasons DIFC not only met our high expectations but exceeded them, and we will definitely return for a longer stay in the near future!

16 hours in Dubai

Upon arriving in Dubai, our first stop was the iconic Dubai Mall, entering through the iconic Fashion Avenue entrance. This part of the mall epitomizes high-end shopping, with a dazzling array of designer flagship sized stores – even the Rolex was 2 stories high.

The Dubai Mall isn’t just about fashion; it’s a sprawling entertainment hub and meet up spot that closes at midnight the EARLIEST. It features the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and the sprawling KidZania—an interactive children’s ‘city’ that educates and entertains. With over 1,200 retail stores and over 200+ dining options, a traditional souk, the Burj Khalifa, and more – every corner offers something new to discover, making it a microcosm of global culture and consumer delights.

Our next adventure took us to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Ascending to the observation deck on the 148th floor was a surreal experience. Standing over half a kilometer above the earth gives you a perspective that’s hard to grasp until you see it with your own eyes. The panoramic views of the cityscape, desert, and ocean are breathtaking and offer a unique way to witness Dubai’s ambitious skyline. This sky-high excursion makes you feel as if you’re flying, looking down upon an architect’s masterpiece.The first elevator only took about 70 seconds to get to the 125th floor, and the second was less than 30 seconds – both of which were so incredibly smooth, you don’t realize how high you’re actually going.

The evening culminated with dinner at Mina at our hotel, the Four Seasons Dubai DIFC. The meal was exceptional. We started with housemade sourdough bread with cultured butter, mascarpone and honey, then I had the ribeye and Albert had the wagyu burger. Adding a personal touch to our dining experience, we discovered that the sommelier had previously lived near us in Florida only a few years ago—a surprising connection that made the world feel unexpectedly smaller and more connected. This wild coincidence was the perfect ending to our exhilarating day in Dubai, blending the extraordinary with a touch of the familiar.

Fond Farewells

As we departed for Canada on Emirates, we reflected on the impeccable service and warm hospitality extended by everyone we met, particularly at the Four Seasons. Abu Dhabi and Dubai not only impressed us with their luxurious amenities and vibrant culture, but also with their ability to make us feel at home, thousands of miles away from our own. We look forward to our next visit, because you best believe we will be back!