Melissa and Sandra kicked off their European Christmas Market adventure this week but before diving into mulled wine and twinkling lights, the group made a dazzling first stop: Dubai.

This year, we decided to shake things up and venture beyond Dubai’s glittering skyline with a day trip to Abu Dhabi. It’s only about a two-hour drive, but the contrast hits you almost immediately. While Dubai is all about futuristic skyscrapers and high-energy glamour, Abu Dhabi feels calmer, greener, and more spacious. We were honestly surprised by the amount of lush landscaping lining the roads,tree-filled parks, manicured lawns, and long stretches of greenery softening the desert backdrop.

Our first stop was Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace and it was breathtaking. The architecture alone is worth the journey: shimmering white domes, intricate mosaics, and grand halls that look like scenes from a modern Arabian fairytale.

From there we made our way to the top of the Etihad Towers, where a sky-high observation deck offers sweeping 360° views of Abu Dhabi’s waterways, islands, and coastline. With the sun glinting off the water, it felt like looking down on a mosaic of blues and golds.

After a tasty lunch of local flavors—think aromatic spices, grilled meats, and warm saffron rice,we continued to the highlight of the day: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. No matter how many times you’ve seen it in photos, nothing prepares you for the scale and beauty of this place. With its marble courtyards, glittering chandeliers, and reflective pools, it’s one of the largest and most stunning mosques in the world. Hearing stories about the traditions and symbolism behind its design made the experience even more meaningful.

A full day, rich in culture and jaw-dropping architecture—an absolutely unforgettable start to this year’s Christmas market journey.