The traditions and cultures of UAE is interwoven with Islam and it is not only a matter of religion but it is their way of life. You can learn more about Abu Dhabi and the culture and traditions of the Emirati during your visit in the emirates. Do not forget to visit one of the most stunning and impressive mosques every built around the world in which it only recently completed which is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This architecture features eighty domes, a thousand columns, chandeliers that are gold plated and a hand woven carpet which is the largest of the world features with a lot of knots and a space for over 40,000 worshippers. You can get an hour complimentary tour starting at ten in the morning or at 5 in the afternoon every Sunday up to Thursday while 5 in the afternoon and 8 in the evening during Fridays. Saturday schedules start at 10 and 11 in the morning, 2 and 5 in the afternoon and 8 in the evening. There is a strict dress code in this place. Women are required to wear loose garments or a formal, business attire is acceptable. The same goes with men as well, as long as there is not too much skin revealed while inside the premises.
If you have visited the mosque in the morning, you can visit the Saadiyat Island Cultural District exhibition at the Emirates Palace, one of the most prestigious hotels in the Middle East. You will get an insight of what is going to be the single and largest concentration of cultural institutions which includes the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Entrance is free of charge and open daily from ten in the morning up to ten in the evening.
Starting at four in the afternoon you can partake you and your company to a good luxurious tradition of afternoon tea in the Emirates Palace coupled with platters of fluffy scones, petit fours and dainty sandwiches with a pot of tea brewed by the experts.
You can still enjoy more time at the Heritage Village to immerse in the traditional lifestyle in the desert. This is your chance to bargain with souvenir sellers so that you can bring a good amount of souvenirs as you leave for home and watch the craftsmen do their work producing metal, weaving and pottery. After all is over, enjoy an Arabian dinner feast while cruising on a traditional sailing boat.