In the past half a century, Abu Dhabi has had a meteoric rise from obscure fishing village to a mega city that is the capital of the UAE, one of the world’s richest countries. It’s vibe, though, is not what you’d expect. Here, locals are warm and welcoming, things are slow-paced and traditional, ancient heritage given just as much space as modern marvels.

Fringed by spectacular beaches lapped by the Persian Gulf and surrounded by the starkness of the Al Khatim Desert, on your stopover in Abu Dhabi it’s easy to find yourself in the sway of this city’s many charms. Plenty of gleaming skyscrapers, thrilling theme parks and contemporary architecture there may be, but Abu Dhabi still operates in the old ways. Wooden dhows chug across the bay, haggling is still preferred in the old souks, and wandering the maze of backstreets leads to old-world adventures.

For those who want more than beaches, high-end shopping and sampling the vibrant food scene, head out into the endless desert for action-packed activities or a glimpse at a different way of life.