Madinat Zayed, located in the Abu Dhabi Western Region, captures a piece of old Emirati life. Learn the country’s cultural heritage by visiting Al Jahili Fort, or you can go to Mleiha Archaeological Center. Explore the natural beauty of Liwa Oasis or at a desert safari. Learn how many different varieties of Arab foods exist like hummus, falafel, and shawarma. The place of Madinat Zayed is characterized by a calm surrounding, wonderful landscapes, and some historical places, making it a place for all travelers looking to discover the real experience offered in the United Arab Emirates.

City Background

Madinat Zayed is the capital of the Al Dhafra Region in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Often known as the “gateway to the Western Region,” this city is a business and administrative center for the surrounding local areas. Lovable, developed, and very warm, Madinat Zayed has much for visitors to appreciate in rich traditional Emirati culture and modern development. It can be your ideal base to explore vast desert landscapes and unique attractions of the Al Dhafra region.

History

It was in the 1960s, as a village called Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He is said to be the father of the modern United Arab Emirates, and it was basically a place where the local Bedouins were receiving necessary services and needed infrastructures to sustain them. It now thrives as a city with a fast-growing population and facilities such as schools, hospitals, shopping centers. Because the United Arab Emirates is a product of city development alike to the bigger emirates, it shows that it is developing from a former desert landscape into a modern-urban environment.

Geographical Landscape

Desert landscapes, rolling sand dunes, and picturesque oases abound this historic city located about 150 kilometers southwest of the city of Abu Dhabi. The desert climate prevails in this city with warm summers and pleasant winters. Strategically positioned on all major transport routes, Madinat Zayed is easily accessible to tourists planning a journey into the wider Al Dhafra region.

Best Time to Visit

Visitation to Madinat Zayed ideally takes place during October and April. The weather, therefore, is great with temperate conditions ranging between 15°C/59°F and 30°C/86°F; it is, therefore, good for outdoor activities. It is also at this time that there are numerous cultural events and festivities that take place in the region.

Top 10 Places to Visit

1.Liwa Oasis: This is an extremely beautiful oasis, accessible within a short drive from the city of Madinat Zayed, based on its vast palm groves. The Liwa Date Festival is undoubtedly one of the most unique festivals and is also perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.

2.Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter): This is the world’s biggest continuous sand desert, offering some fantastic dunes and unique desert landscapes that are ideal for adventure-seekers.

3.Al Dhafra Cultural Festival: This annual festival hosts traditional activities and handicrafts of the Emirati culture and represents events related to camel racing and falconry, highlighting the history and traditions of the country.

4.Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort: This resort is located near the Liwa Oasis and just a stone’s throw away from the desert landscape. It offers views, spas, and other exciting activities like desert safaris and dune bashing.

5.Madinat Zayed Shopping Center: It is a modern shopping mall with retail shops, eating facilities, and entertainment meant to provide considerable relaxation to one so that he or she can just drop whatever is going on in the world.

6.Al Dhafra Camel Festival: The annual festival will commemorate the centralization of camels in Emirati history with some competitions, races, and exhibitions to attract any people from any country in the world.

7.Madinat Zayed Museum: This is a small, informative museum that gives a glimpse at the historical past and culture of the Al Dhafra region. The place has artifacts and exhibitions related to the history and culture.

8.Falaj Al Mualla: Historical irrigation system-located outside of Madinat Zayed, this can give a view on old ways of farming in the region.

9.Liwa Date Festival: A date harvest festival, where competitions and local produce will form an action of date plantation culture in Emirate.

10.Desert Safari Tours: There are many guided desert tours where there is dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional Bedouin dinners available providing a very exciting way to experience the landscape.

What to Eat

There are plenty of dining options and much to say about the cuisine of Madinat Zayed, which reflects the variety in the UAE’s kitchen. A must try is:

Shawarma: So very popular street fast food here in this emirate – marinated meat rolled in pita with garlic sauce and fresh veggies served on the side.

Mandi: A traditional rice-based flavor of spice used for making it, usually with chicken or lamb, is a rich taste and smell of Emirati dishes.

Hummus: A smooth paste of chickpeas prepared delightfully in olive oil and spices, best enjoyed with pita bread.

Knafeh: It is a dessert and so prepared with noodle-like pastry soaked in syrup, layered with cheese, ideal for the visitors with a sweet tooth.

Falafel: Chickpeas balls deep fried, many are vegetarians hence popular and usually found in wraps and salads.

Language

The official language is Arabic, yet in almost all commercial and tourism areas of the city, English is also widely used, so not speaking a word of it will never burden a visitor to ask around.

Conclusion

Madinat Zayed is not one of the tourist destinations that come into mind when planning for the UAE; however, it does offer a unique mixture of culture, history, and natural beauty. Since it is relatively close to the beautiful desert landscapes in Al Dhafra, it is one of the ideal destinations for adventure and discovery. From gorging on local mouth-watering food to attending cultural events, Madinat Zayed promises a memorable travel experience for those who are ready to take the road less travelled. Whether you are an enthusiast of culture, mother nature, or just someone who wants to relax, Madinat Zayed has something for everybody.