Insider Guide: Best of Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Where 41,000 worshippers pray on the world’s largest carpet.Spiritual significance and endless superlatives come together under 82 white marble domes, 1,096 exterior columns, 96 semi-precious jewel-encrusted internal columns and seven 24-carat gold plated Swarovski crystal chandeliers.

With capacity for 41,000 worshippers on the world’s largest carpet, the mosque took 11 years to complete and is the jaw-dropping centerpiece of the city’s cultural legacy.

Open daily (except Friday morning) with regularly scheduled guided tours.

Take the 5 p.m. sunset tour (excluding Ramadan) for the best photo opportunities. Dress appropriately.

The Royal Hotel

The perfect amount of royalty.In the heart of the city center, a short walk from the Corniche, the hotel may be located on one of Abu Dhabi’s busiest thoroughfares, but it’s a no-brainer for visitors looking for value.

With an interior theme that’s a cross between bachelor pad and reality TV makeover -- retro wallpaper and primary colors -- it also comes with the rare mid-range hotel privilege of free covered parking and a compact collection of leisure facilities.

Best music, best DJs, best crowd. And, of course, the best blue lighting scheme.A favorite of the well-heeled social set and F1 drivers, Allure is the quintessential see-and-be-seen venue for late night socializing and after-party fun.

A seasonal lineup of international DJs packs the dance floor with designer-clad glamour and private tables teetering under the weight of bottles of Cristal.

Open October-June. Over-21s only; dress to impress.

Yas Island Yacht Club, Yas Island; +971 2 657 5400; Tuesday 5 p.m.-midnight, Wednesday 10 p.m.-3 a.m., Friday 11:30 p.m.-3 a.m.; expensive;