Abu Dhabi is like a curated gallery of experiences - elegant, modern, and deeply rooted in heritage.

We visited Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island, a true gem for budding artists and curious minds of all ages. This was the first cultural centre to open in the Saadiyat Cultural District back in 2009 - even before the Louvre or Guggenheim were built. It's a vibrant space that blends exhibitions, workshops, cinema, and community events. Positioned at the crossroads  of East  and West, Saadiyat Cutural  District is well placed to bring universal cultures together and establish Abu Dhabi as a leading centre for cultural expression.

The Art Studio at Manarat Al Saadiyat is where the magic happens. It offers free and paid workshops for children aged 3 to 12, where they can explore painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. Materials are provided, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. I loved it.

There are junior workshops for ages 6-12 and tiny tots sessions for ages 3-5. It's not just about art - it's about expression, confidence, and joy. The staff are trained to guide children gently, and the space feels like a creative playground. Many sessions are free or low-cost, making it inclusive and accessible. Families from all backgrounds come together, surrounded by exhibitions and installations that spark curiosity.

Abu Dhabi is quietly building a future where art and culture are part of everyday life, even for its youngest citizens. Saadiyat Island is a treasure trove for families, with staff-led sessions that keep little ones engaged while parents relax nearby. Some Family Saturdays even include free meals for kids - and pets.

These places aren't just about keeping kids entertained - they nurture creativity, confidence, and connection. Saadiyat Island is quietly becoming one of the most child-friendly cultural destinations in the region.

Browsing gigantic shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, even if you can't afford the luxury goods on offer, is pure pleasure. One of the malls we visited was Yas Mall. I loved it. CLYMB Abu Dhabi, located there, is one of the most thrilling indoor adventure hubs in the region. Not my scene, but I enjoyed watching the more adventurous try indoor skydiving in the world's tallest flight chamber - 32 feet high.

Yas Mall also features The SUMMYT, the world's tallest indoor climbing wall at 43 meters. With five walls of varying difficulty, it's great for kids and adults alike. Yas Mall itself is a destination - with over 370 shops, dining spots, and direct access to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. For the adventurous, this is definitely the place to visit.

Every time we went out -  which was every day - we passed by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, another bit of France. Located on Reem Island, it's a branch of the historic Paris-Sorbonne, offering French-style education in humanities, law, and sciences. Its student body includes over 90 nationalities.

We attended a festival - I don't recall the name - but I loved the falcons best of all. Falconry is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Abu Dhabi. These birds are revered symbols of courage, nobility, and heritage. Falconry has been practiced for centuries in the region, and Abu Dhabi is home to the world-renowned Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, which treats these majestic birds and educates visitors about their significance.  The famous book - and film, The Maltese Falcon immediately came to mind.

One of the most memorable stops was the date market -  a sensory delight tucked into the heart of Abu Dhabi's heritage. I love dates and eat far too many. The air was rich with the sweet scent of ripened dates, and the stalls overflowed with varieties I'd never seen before: plump Medjools, golden Barhis, and sticky Khudris.

Vendors offered samples with pride, each date a story of soil, sun, and tradition. Some were stuffed with nuts or rolled in coconut, others simply perfect in their natural form. Some beautiful gift boxes if you are feeling extravagant. The market was more than a place to buy fruit - it was a celebration of Emirati hospitality and agricultural heritage.

Abu Dhabi has a vibrant mix of general markets and souks where you can find traditional items like shawls, walking sticks, tablecloths, brass, jewellery... local perfume...and so much more.

We visited the Burjeel General Market. There is also an Iranian Souk which is particularly known for its Iranian merchants and of course a Carpet souk.  But there are Iranian merchants in most markets many of whom have been in Abu Dhabi for many generations.

Seeing I am at an age when I want to give away stuff not accumulate more the only item I bought is another walking stick - made in Iran, like my first one. The owners of the shop were charming and brought out all kinds of beautiful shawls and tablecloths for us to look at, offering us drinks and light refreshments. I explained that much as we liked their lovely goods  I am now of an age when I only shop for what is necessary. They had an exotic collection of walking sticks on some of which one can spend a princely sum. I told them that those were for sheikhs and not for me. I am pleased with what I bought.

I had an image of Abu Dhabi which was completely transformed by my long visit. Will I be able to make another visit? Time is not on my side but who knows? There is still so much to see.