Golden Abu Dhabi
Before visiting the UAE, you might think Dubai is the top city. But once you arrive, you'll realize that Abu Dhabi is the true king. Before visiting Abu Dhabi, you might think it's all about gold. But once you arrive, you'll realize that while there's plenty of gold, it's the light that leaves a lasting impression.
The Emirates Palace Hotel, now renamed the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, is said to be an 8-star hotel. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a dazzling display of gold, with gold leaf adorning the handles, door frames, and domes. However, the dim lighting in the lobby makes it feel like a lavish but poorly maintained restaurant, at best a 5-star experience. Aesthetic rating: 🌟🌟🌟. If you have an afternoon tea package, it's worth a try.
After leaving the Emirates Palace, a short walk will take you to the Presidential Palace. At the entrance, you'll see a large map with numerous icons, but inside, there's only one building and one floor. First impression: it's big. Second impression: it's empty, with almost nothing inside except the building itself. Third impression: the architecture is so grand that it doesn't need any exhibits to attract visitors. The opulent hall, with its high ceilings, tiles, wall decorations, domes, and even restrooms, is adorned with gold. The lighting is perfect, making the empty hall a photographer's dream. Aesthetic rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.
Further ahead is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, another single-building design with a rectangular corridor, golden decorations, and traditional arches and domes. At night, the mosque is bathed in a mysterious purple light, while the corridor glows with golden light. It's highly recommended to visit in the evening to experience both the daytime elegance and the nighttime splendor. Aesthetic rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
With long hours of sunlight, making the most of natural light is a key consideration in UAE architecture. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, a "masterpiece of light," is a must-see. Its exterior design resembles a bird's nest, with woven lines creating a classic effect. Sunlight filters through the exterior, casting unique patterns on the museum's walls, floors, pools, and even visitors. These patterns change with time, making it impossible to find two identical backgrounds. The museum's use of light is also noteworthy, with several dark rooms featuring unique lighting. Originally, we planned to spend an hour and a half here, but ended up staying for over two and a half hours. Aesthetic rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
A feast of gold and light awaits in Abu Dhabi!