ABU DHABI UAE First Impressions of Modern Capital of the Emirates

Our first day exploring the modern capital of the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
We spend the day in the Downtown area:
• Walk the Corniche from Qasr Al Hosn to the Breakwater
• See the free & paid beaches along the Corniche
• Marvel at the Founder's Memorial
• Go to Marina Mall
• Visit the Heritage Village
and have a wonderful day taking in some of Abu Dhabi´s major sights!
Keep watching for more videos in our UAE and Middle East series.
😁 Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this video, and SHARE with your friends!
USEFUL LINKS:
☕ BUY US A COFFEE
If you would like to buy us a coffee, here's the link below. Thank you so much for your kind gift, we really appreciate it! 😀
www.buymeacoff...
🛌 BOOK ACCOMMODATION
tidd.ly/3WaJHEq
🚌 BEST TOURS IN TOWN with GetYourGuide
tidd.ly/3JvWYQ8
✈️✈️ TRAVEL INSURANCE
SafetyWing
safetywing.com...
🐈🐕‍🦺 TRUSTED HOUSESITTERS
If you're interested in housesitting around the globe, click on this link for a 10% DISCOUNT on a yearly subscription with the world's largest housesitting site. No coupon required:
trustedhousesi...
🌍 WORKAWAY
If you are interested in Workaway, sign up through this link below to get an extra month FREE.
frugaltravelle...
🌏 Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ go.nordvpn.net...
It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌
🎥 TECH GEAR WE USE
Camera GoPro Hero 9 amzn.to/43kBRcq
Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 amzn.to/3KN6j7E
Silicon Power 5TB External Hard Drive amzn.to/3KryiZk
Sandisk 200GB Ultra microSD Card amzn.to/3zNS0JP
28W Solar Charger amzn.to/3o11aA0
Anker Power Bank amzn.to/3MwPgrI
🎒TRAVEL GEAR WE USE
Lee's Osprey Backpack amzn.to/43lTKrj
Lee's Karimoor Predator Backpack amzn.to/43kMpZ4
Mandy's Osprey Backpack amzn.to/3ZXq80u
North Face Hiking shoes amzn.to/3zNzP71
Steripen Water Purifier amzn.to/3UnZlcB
Sawyer Mini Water Filter amzn.to/3nXHtch
Tessan Travel Adaptor amzn.to/3MyHldv
Money Belt amzn.to/3zOYAj7
Packing Cubes amzn.to/43q6DAw
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more Frugal Travel tips! frugaltravelle...
********************************
We are long term backpackers - slowly travelling the world on a shoestring budget of under US$25 each per day.
We enjoy showing the places we visit and giving practical travel advice to help everyone who would like to see the world on a low budget.
For more travel advice and information AND to see where we are in real time, follow us on social media:
► INSTAGRAM ►► / frugaltravellers
► FACEBOOK ►►► / frugaltravellers
Our website for all things Frugal Travel
frugaltravelle...
WEBSITE DEVELOPER
💻🏆 If you need an excellent and knowledgeable developer to help with your website, we recommend:
Aamir Faiz
[e-mail]
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that we provide we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. We thank you for your support as this will help our channel grow.
**************************************
Number of subscribers when posted: 9687
Join us as we wander the globe!
#abudhabi #uae #heritagevillage #corniche #budgettravel #frugaltravel #travelonabudget #frugalliving #frugaltravellers #slowtravel #traveltips #independenttravel #frugallife #traveltheworld #middleeast

[@AliceGoss]

I so enjoy seeing old Arabian architecture. The heritage park was just amazing.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Hello Alice! Yes, the Heritage Village was so interesting, and how cool that it's free! We are so pleased you enjoyed this video 😁😀 ~ Mandy

[@suebowman7258]

WOW! Abu Dhabi is clean and very nice. I am impressed with the free museums and a free camel ride. The price for food and drinks are reasonable. The weather looks nice in the winter. How is the weather during the night? The mall is huge. I agree to avoid American fast food if you can 😊 I am looking forward to more videos. I shared this helpful channel on my social media.

[@billypenney9384]

This part of the world is certainly not my cup of tea. Bring on the coffee please.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you so much, Sue, for always being so wonderfully supportive... I love the fact that you watch every part of our video! 🙏❤ We really enjoyed our time in Abu Dhabi and are looking forward to returning to housesit this summer... even though it will be 45C+, we'll have the luxury of a swimming pool, and a gorgeous cat of course 😁😻 The food seemed to vary between really expensive and super affordable, it all depended on where we ate. We just couldn't believe how many US fast food chains there were, and had to resort to shawarma quite a few times to avoid them! Thank you so much for sharing our channel! 🥳🎉 Sharing, more than ANYTHING else is what encourages the algorithm to show our videos to others, so you have done us a huge favour and we greatly appreciate it! Big hugs from Thailand! ~ Mandy 😀😁

[@FrugalTravellers]

Hello Billy. We had such a fascinating time in the Middle East... so many amazing experiences, wonderful people and delicious food. Hopefully there'll be something interesting in our videos for everyone 😀😁 ~ Mandy

[@suebowman7258]

@@billypenney9384 I don’t think I will visit this part of the world, but Mandy and Lee always share useful tips for the frugal traveler community that we can apply in other countries.

[@suebowman7258]

@@FrugalTravellers Hi Mandy and Lee, 45C maybe too much for me. 😂 Wow! You are in Thailand already. I am looking forward to more videos of your journey.

[@BWV1052]

Thanks for the tip about the cardamom tea, looks great. Nice tour of the waterfront!

[@FrugalTravellers]

Karak tea is absolutely delicious, and was one of our favourite things during this trip. The waterfront is gorgeous... I'm so pleased you enjoyed the tour! ~ Mandy 😁😀

[@julieeggleton9743]

I'm excited to see any frugal budget tips from Abu Dhabi. 🇦🇪🇦🇪🇦🇪🇦🇪

[@FrugalTravellers]

I hope our tips are useful for you, Julie. It can definitely be a pricey destination, but we managed to find a few bargains 😁😀 ~ Mandy

[@julieeggleton9743]

Yes, some great tips, thanks. Is public transport expensive? From the airport etc. Can't believe Lee forgot his swimmers. Really enjoyed the vlog. Thanks so much.

[@FrugalTravellers]

@@julieeggleton9743 The buses were really cheap, about $1 for a trip. We'll show more in forthcoming videos. I did get some beach time on another trip down there more prepared. In fact we spent a wonderful day on Christmas Day enjoying the water. 😊☀️😍 ~ Lee

[@GLITCHDADA]

Freezing here lol lookin good over there 😎👍

[@FrugalTravellers]

It's an excellent winter destination for the Northern Hemisphere... such beautiful weather, apart from the days it rained 😀😁 ~ Mandy

[@cherriecompton9130]

Such a great video 😊.We are going next month!!! Cannot wait...

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you for your lovely comment, Cherie. We hope you have a wonderful time in one of our favourite places! ~ Mandy 😀😁

[@PlanetImo]

This was brilliant! I loved it. Thanks. :)

[@FrugalTravellers]

That's wonderful to hear! Thank you, Imo 🙏😀😁 ~ Mandy

[@SERGIO-cr6uy]

Hello Mandy/Lee, Thanks for the Upload. That part of Abu Dhabi is peculiar. Everything is new and clean but everything is so spaced out. It was unbelievably deserted, outside and in that mall. Was it because it was Friday? I kinda wonder. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, seem pretty soulless places, a bit like Las Vegas. OK, on a positif note, I found them trees really interesting looking and I loved that feet massage walkway. That a brilliant & inexpensive idea. Wishing the both of you a lovely week(end) 😉

[@FrugalTravellers]

Hi Sergio. Yes it is really spaced out. These places are a real challenge to visit as a public transport user. We walked 17 km that day and were exhausted at the end of it. Also people just don't go out in the middle of the day due to the heat. The same places will be deserted in the daytime and heaving at night. It took us a while to accustom ourselves to that. 😳 Cheers ~ Lee

[@PlanetImo]

I love the underpass mossaic :)

[@FrugalTravellers]

Me too! I love it when cities make such prosaic public spaces into works of art! ~ Mandy 😀😁

[@killerqueen1148]

Hello Mandy and Lee! Great to see you both again and looking forward to this series. Take care!

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you so much. 🙏. There will be plenty of more interesting videos to follow from all around the Middle East. 👍

[@pleasantjourneys]

Thanks for the valuable preview

[@FrugalTravellers]

You are most welcome 😁👍

[@JenShea]

Hi Mandy & Lee, that was really interesting! I haven’t had any desire to visit that part of the world, but I am happy to follow along and learn more, through you! Thank you so much for sharing. Cheers ~

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thanks Jen. We love to explore something new and different and we are also fairly unfamiliar with this part of the world so it was a great opportunity to take a look. We're happy to share with you. 👍😊 ~ Lee

[@PlanetImo]

I used to say that walking over cobblestones in Converse was like playing 'reflexology roulette' - now I've seen you do it for real!

[@FrugalTravellers]

It was such a weird experience... I wish I'd gone over it a few times but I think we were a bit peckish so didn't linger too long 😀😁 ~ Mandy

[@amjed7125]

I think that your trip in Abu Dhabi will not be less expensive than Portugal. In general, enjoy the developed desert and check out the Islamic monuments. You may change your previous information about Islam and Muslims. I wish you happy and useful trips. We will accompany you by watching your videos.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you so much 🙏. It certainly was more expensive and challenging than Portugal. We were fortunate that we saved on accommodation by house sitting. We're fascinated by the religion and culture here and have been very humbled by the kindness and friendliness of the people we have met. 💕😊 ~ Lee

[@peterferreira1025]

Very happy for you Mandy & Lee. As you no doubt know, those of us that have a Portugal connection miss you already. Hopefully youll be able to find quality food/drink comparable to the Silver Coast. Enjoy your new adventure 👍

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you so much, Peter. 🙏 We both miss Portugal too for many reasons. ❤️ We found plenty of tasty Middle Eastern food and even more delicious food here in Thailand. 😋 We'll look forward to returning to Portugal at the end of the year though! 👍 ~ Lee

[@cindybruin4888]

Great video guys. Looking forward to seeing more of UAE. I've only ever had a day stopover in Abu Dhabi so did not see a great deal. My sister and I did go into the Palace Hotel to enjoy some air-conditioning. While I was walking around, my sister managed to plant herself on a huge comfortable couch, which was great except she fell asleep and soon her very loud snoring was echoing in the giant foyer. So funny, I recognised it straight away and quickly found her and woke her. Surprised we did get kicked out.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Hi Cindy. I love that story about the palace hotel. 😂😂. I wish we'd have tried to have gone in as well because I heard it is so beautiful and opulent inside. We'd walked so far that day and just didn't have the energy for an extra 2 km. 😂. Next time! 👍

[@thegallivanthropologists]

One difficult place to be on a frugal budget I assume. We look to be here in 2024 if all goes well. We are reaching out to our friends on here to let you know we changed our name in an effort to better reflect what our future sponsors for our carbon-neutral UNESCO Around the World Drive. We are glad to be subscribed to your channel and appreciate your continued support of the Channel. We hope you are enjoying our vlogs, as well. Keep up the good work and we will talk again soon. - Turtle and Bear (formerly Old Soles Travel)

[@FrugalTravellers]

Wishing you all the best! ~ Mandy

[@thegallivanthropologists]

@@FrugalTravellers Back at you. Looking forward to keeping up with your adventures.

[@EnoqueSousa-df2jr]

Very good city

[@FrugalTravellers]

Yes a lovely city. We loved it there. 😍

[@stephenjarzombek2903]

About that Lebanese food kiosk: Exactly how does one juice an avocado??? We were also a bit unhappy to see the proliferation of Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Subway in both the Lisbon and Porto metros last year.

[@FrugalTravellers]

The avocado was actually blended, now juiced. More of a smoothie I'd say. All the Middle East was totally awash with American fast food chains and it was quite an effort for us to avoid them all. The regional cuisine is really quite nice. We avoided them all in Portugal as well, come to think of it. 😂😂

[@CJ-Photo]

I'm not interested at all in your new location, but I do enjoy your perspective on things. Hope you enjoy your time there.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you for your honesty, and for the lovely compliment. We had such an amazing 7 weeks in that part of the world, and are looking forward to returning to housesit later this year... before returning to Portugal 😀😁 ~ Mandy

[@someone-kk9ft]

Is it because u r a bit racist

[@AliAhmed-xz6fb]

Can't wait for Bahrain vedio Specially bahrain fort 😂

[@FrugalTravellers]

Excellent! We loved the fort, and spent hours there. Keep an eye out for that video in a few months time 😁😀 ~ Mandy

[@AliAhmed-xz6fb]

@@FrugalTravellers i work there in museum reception

[@FrugalTravellers]

Ohhh, yes... you were so incredibly patient and helpful! The video will be out in a couple of months... I'll try to remember to let you know when it's up. We had such a wonderful time there! 😀😁 ~ Mandy

[@AliAhmed-xz6fb]

It was my pleasure to help such amazing people like you! Can't wait for the video

[@Drforeverok]

Looks way better than dubai. Everyone goes to dubai and dubai seems so smoggy compared to here

[@FrugalTravellers]

Yes we really liked the calm, laid-back atmosphere there compared to Dubai. The locals refer to Abu Dhabi as "the village" and Dubai as "The city". 😊

[@Drforeverok]

@@FrugalTravellers yeah It looks awesome haha I was flying out to dubai but after seeing this I might actually stay in Abu Dhabi lol

[@bryson2242]

Abu Dhabi occupies an area of ​​88% of the area of ​​the United Arab Emirates, while Dubai occupies an area of ​​2%. Then dubai took from the area of ​​Abu Dhabi and expanded its area.

[@raz.]

I have seen from a documentary about Iran that women in some Iranian regions also wear masks. The masks in the museum that you show us totally remind me of those Iranian masks. And I just found a wikipedia page about it: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battoulah :D

[@thatsnotmyname5852]

Those masks are fascinating! But I think they exist only in a small region in the south. I’m not aware of any other tradition of Persian women covering their faces 🙂

[@raz.]

@@thatsnotmyname5852 Ha, could be. I don't know much about Iran, but very much wish to visit one day

[@FrugalTravellers]

We didn't see any such masks during our time in Iran but quite a few times in the Emirates. Some of them are decorated with gold and are really quite spectacular. 👍

[@thatsnotmyname5852]

Really fascinating- thanks! It was so quiet on the streets during the day - just because it was Friday, do you think? I made this mistake in Iran in my first week - I’d forgotten about the Friday thing and found myself penniless (and had to borrow money from someone who worked in my hotel!)

[@FrugalTravellers]

Yes Friday is quite a challenge and we got caught out quite a few times with things closed. Also we had to just adjust our daily habits as the middle of the day tends to be really quiet as everyone waits until it cools down before they emerge onto the streets.

[@enisazahirovic5486]

So Fridays all attractions are kind of close at certain time or any suggestions on what to do or see in a mean time ?

[@zanzibarandgrill6484]

It's like a posh Zombieland without the zombies. Run away!

[@FrugalTravellers]

Haha... I would if the beaches weren't so good. 😂🧟‍♂️😂

👍🙂👋

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you! We are happy you enjoyed the video! ~ Mandy 😀😁

[@JenShea]

Looking forward to this!

[@FrugalTravellers]

Excellent, Jen! We really hope you enjoy it! ~ Mandy 😁😀

[@JenShea]

@@FrugalTravellers I just found out my girlfriend’s daughter is now living in Abu Dhabi. She arrived this morning, to visit her!

[@lucchese20]

Hello M&L-Abu Dhabi looks fine so far. Agree-stay away from USA junk food. 👎🏻 Water looks lovely. I assume northern hemisphere’s “winter” would be a perfect time to visit UEA. BTW-what was the air temperature during the day? You both looked quite comfortable during the day. Cheers. 👋🏻

[@dominicchiramel2673]

Come to kerala ,India

[@FrugalTravellers]

We were in Kerala in 1996 and had a wonderful time! It is a beautiful part of the country! ~ Mandy 😀😁

[@dandellionsy6537]

Hi, I have questions: 1) Is Abu Dhabi safe for a solo female traveller? 2) How do we travel around mostly, are the public transports available everywhere?

[@r.l.3574]

Yes, its safe for women. In fact, Abu Dhabi is the safest city in the world for (I think) 6 times in a row already. You can use buses to get around, a weekly ticket will set you back only $7.5

[@FrugalTravellers]

We'll be covering bus travel in upcoming videos 😀😁 ~ Mandy

[@FrugalTravellers]

@@r.l.3574 Thank you for sharing this information. It's lovely to see viewers helping one another ~ Mandy 🙏😀😁

[@frankg.39]

Fun fact, the people in Dubai don't like the Flintstones, but people in Abu Dhabi Do!

[@FrugalTravellers]

Hahhha... that's brilliant, Frank 🤣🤣🤣 Thank you for the laugh! ~ Mandy 😀😁

[@bryson2242]

Abu Dhabi occupies an area of ​​88% of the area of ​​the United Arab Emirates, while Dubai occupies an area of ​​2%. Then dubai took from the area of ​​Abu Dhabi and expanded its area.

[@lorrainepeddle9334]

Flogging and stoning are legal forms of judicial punishment in the UAE due to Sharia courts. The government restricts freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and the local media are censored to avoid criticizing the government, government officials or royal families. Certainly not my first choice of a travel destination frugal or not.

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you for taking the time to comment, Lorraine. ~ Mandy

[@aminulhussain2751]

Thank you Karen, I hope you're enjoying where you live with burglaries, murders, rapes happening everyday and the law doesn't punish them. I'm sure that's a better way to live.

[@someone-kk9ft]

I have been living in the uae for my entire life ,haven't once seen or even heard of someone getting flogged or stoned,

[@kaza3490]

Usual tosh from the uneducated. It's a beautiful city and really safe. Looking forward to visit again.

[@AM55866]

خربوا كل شي حلو و جميل في ابوظبي حاطين صخور و حجار في شوارع ابوظبي جابوها من راس الخيمة والفجيرة و شالو الحواجز الفخمة اللي على جوانب الطريق و شالو اللون الاصفر والرمادي اللي كان يميز شوارع ابوظبي من2007 بعدين شالوه في 2022 الحين شوارع ابوظبي منظرها سيئ للغاية كانت شوارع ابوظبي مرتبة و نظيفة و جميلة وانيقة بدأ التخريب في شوارع ابوظبي من بداية 2011 من ايام الشتاء من شهر 1 و شهر 2 و مازلوا يخربون الشوارع الى يومنا هذا 2024 و تضبيب الاجواء بشكل كثيف جدا حتى يصبح اللون اسود و رمادي يخربون ابوظبي في الارض والجو ويحطون الزهور في الشوارع بشكل دفش غير مرتب لون بنفسجي غااامق واشياء كثيرة جدا لا استطيع الكتابة هنا الله المستعان

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you for sharing this information with us.

[@whirltraveller1350]

To be honest, I find the place sterile and lifeless and devoid of character. Roger

[@FrugalTravellers]

That's so interesting to hear, Roger. One of our mottos is finding joy in simple things, so we are very easily pleased 😁😀 ~ Mandy

[@gloriapires8889]

Ooohhh nooo !!! You’re sooo far from Portugal !!!! MAY I remind You should be very very very CAREFUL because of the horrible laws over there where You are !!!!! Once AGAIN BE VERY CAREFUL !!!!!!

[@FrugalTravellers]

Thank you so much for your concern, Gloria! We had a great time travelling around the region, and met with such incredible hospitality... the people are so very friendly and kind! ~ Mandy

[@gloriapires8889]

@@FrugalTravellers I know yr nationality is very much taken into consideration and appreciated in the arab world - the middle east …. and that’s good for You - but anyway always pay attention to those islamic rules and laws the way You wear … yr clothing … the vídeos You make may be subjected to scrutiny and scensored … pay attention to nightlife … to what You eat and drink …. and so on ….. Wishing You the Best of Luck and Stay Safe and Take Care 😀

[@FrugalTravellers]

@@gloriapires8889 Thank you 😁😀🙏 ~ Mandy