'I gave a stranger my socks to enter this jaw-dropping £400million masterpiece'

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Sitting on a bench, about to pass through security into the third biggest mosque in the world, I couldn’t help but crack a wry smile as I removed my socks and handed them to a female traveller.

It wasn’t the start either of us imagined to a night marvelling at the breathtaking spectacle that is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Dressed conservatively in a headscarf and long dress, it was rather unexpected when security insisted that even the smallest glimpse of her ankles had to be entirely covered for her to get inside the 82-dome masterpiece.

But it was a simple, and sweat aside, painless fix to ensure that respect was paid to local culture during our visit. And it was worth it, as what we saw inside is a sight of beauty I will not forget. The marvel combines Mughal, Moorish, Ottoman and Persian architecture, and pays great attention to detail with gold leaf spires and chandeliers which resemble upturned palm trees, adorned with 24-carat gold plates and Swarovski crystals.

The sheer size of the £400million structure is mesmerising enough, but my night-time visit allowed me to see the whole facade lit up, creating even more majesty.

“Dubai has the bright lights, and discipline is less, whereas life in Abu Dhabi is slower, it is the cultural capital of the UAE,” said Chiara Glorioso, director of communications for Hilton’s Conrad brand in Abu Dhabi.

Chiara’s assessment summed up the impressions that I had garnered from a four-day visit to Dubai before moving over to spend time in the UAE capital. One of the go-to Middle Eastern destinations for Westerners, I’d joined Hilton on a showcase tour of its range of branded properties in cosmopolitan Dubai, and I found an exciting, fast-paced business and tourism city, with nightlife thriving.

Comparatively, it is clear that life in Abu Dhabi is slower, less flashy and quieter. But the cranes that could be seen in virtually every direction while driving along the Abu Dhabi highways proved that things are rapidly changing. One such example was evident in my hotel stay in the city.

I stayed at The WB Abu Dhabi, on Yas Island, which is part of Hilton’s Curio collection – one of 24 in its portfolio of brands aimed at all different corners of the market, no matter what your means.

As the name suggests, this is located directly opposite Warner Brothers World in Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest indoor theme park, transporting families into the world of beloved characters such as The Flintstones, Bugs Bunny, Sylvester and Tweety and more, with theme park rides, entertainers and restaurants, and its very own Los Angeles-style walk of fame outside.

Inside, it is magical for families, and its most eye-catching feature being its ceiling, which depicts a purple sky, similar to what you’d see at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, making you feel like you’re in one of the cartoons yourself.

The Hilton accommodation itself, which is the world’s first ever Warner Brothers themed-hotel, captures all of the magic that the park does. Pulling up outside, the first thing you see is the sofa and fountain from Friends outside reception, allowing fans of the sitcom to create a priceless memory before even walking through its doors.

But it’s even better inside, with movie memorabilia displayed, including Harley Quinn’s baseball bat from Suicide Squad, a sword from Gal Gadot’s 2017 Wonder Woman and a mask from Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker.

The rooms are stylish and luxurious, with a subtle theme of memorabilia without being overpowering. My fourth-floor King guest room was equipped with a fine view of the park entrance through floor-to-ceiling windows, a king-size bed, a 55in TV with in-room movie channels, a sofa seating area and an expansive bathroom equipped with a rainfall-style shower. The food options in the hotel are also impressive, with five different venues, including The Directors’ Club, with a menu selection of dishes inspired to reflect movie scene settings, with courses branded as “acts” instead of dishes.

The DC signature tomahawk is some of the best steak I’ve ever tasted, and its warm, spiced apple pie is the perfect showstopper.

If you decide you need to burn off some calories afterwards, there’s a great fitness centre with Technogym equipment, and great detailing on the mirror of Bugs Bunny pumping iron himself.

Twenty-four hours earlier, I was in Dubai, admiring the magnificent view from my hotel room window at another Hilton brand, The Waldorf Astoria, located in the international financial centre at Burj Daman.

It offers a great vantage point to take in panoramic views of the energetic business and tourism hub in full swing, with its soaring tower blocks, and the doughnut-shaped Museum of the Future, which is spectacular. It is pretty hard to tear yourself out of the seat just staring out and admiring what’s in front of you.

But, I did, as there was plenty to appreciate. Spanning floors 18 to 50, the giant property is the epitome of high-end luxury, but also has a contemporary charm, with a comfortable king-size bed and a plush bathroom equipped with twin sinks, and a spacious walk-in shower and separate bath. There’s also a sofa, a dedicated working desk, a 55in television among other essential facilities. In a city not designed for pedestrians – with outrageous traffic and busy highways – its location is fantastic, with it being very commutable both to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

My favourite dining experience at the hotel was at the Bull & Bear by Marc Hardiman.

It should always come as a no-brainer when your waiter hints multiple times to go for a particular dish on the menu. His eyes lit up as he urged me to go for the lamb Wellington, and he was not wrong. It was full of flavour, juicy and tender, and lasted very little time on my plate. It was even a talking point among travel companions as to how good it was afterwards.

From world-class cultural landmarks and memorable fine dining to amazing hotels which will wow young and old, Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer plenty of reasons to visit. Just remember to wear your socks.

GET THERE

Emirates flies to Dubai from Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle, starting at £531 return. emirates.com.

BOOK IT

Rooms at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah hotel start at around £124 a night. hilton.com

• Rooms at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay hotel start at around £97 a night. hilton.com
• Rooms at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre hotel start at around £314 a night. hilton.com
• Rooms at the WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton hotel start at around £397 a night. hilton.com

MORE INFO

visitdubai.com

visitabudhabi.ae