The Heritage Village is always worth a visit. Interesting exhibits and a pretty spot on the waterfront to wonder around.

The most spectacular desert scenery is about two hours drive from Abu Dhabi city. Rub Al Khali or The Empty Quarter is the biggest sand desert in the world. We broke the journey by staying in a luxury hotel – Tilal Liwa – a birthday treat for my Mam.

You can’t visit Abu Dhabi without seeing the Grand Mosque. More marble and gold than you will have ever seen in a building.

Emirates Palace may come a close second. With gold leaf everywhere. There is even a dispensing machine for buying gold bars!

Everybody wants to have their photo taken in front of the falcon shaped Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

I guess Dad wanted this photo because Abu Dhabi Cricket Club is so similar to Tudhoe CC

View to the Grand Mosque from the poolside at the Shangri La Hotel