Dubai's little big sister is much more than a stop-over destination: Abu Dhabi has transformed itself into a thriving metropolis in the middle of the desert, which is not only culturally but also culinary convincing.

Some things have to grow in the shade before they shine in all their glory. Even if "shade" is more of a proverbial word in Abu Dhabi, with average temperatures between 25 and 34 degrees, the island city on the Persian Gulf, just an hour away from Dubai, has managed to develop into a breathtaking, modern holiday destination in recent years. Luxurious hotels and business towers gleam in the light of the desert sun, leaving no doubt that Abu Dhabi has long since become a hot-spot in the Arabian region in its own right. We've put together the best places for culture, art and culinary delights for a three-day stay - with the option of an extension, of course.

Travel time: Due to the climate, the capital of the United Arab Emirates is especially worth a trip in autumn and winter.

Accommodation: There is a wide choice of international luxury hotels - if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, opt for accommodation a little outside the centre. Tip: The Park Hyatt and the Four Seasons Hotel offer luxurious rooms and villas as well as spacious pool and spa oases.

Day 1

After a hearty breakfast, we head to Abu Dhabi's biggest cultural highlight: the Sheikh Zayid Mosque. Completed in 2007, the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates is a place of superlatives. Under the second largest mosque dome in the world, 40,000 worshippers are seated on the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. Fifteen different types of marble, columns adorned with gold leaf and seven chandeliers studded all over with Swarovski crystals (including the largest in the world) make the interior shine majestically. Tip: The third floor of the northern minaret houses a library of rare books and manuscripts. From here you can enjoy an excellent view of the city.

After a morning in the fabulous mosque, it's back to the west of Abu Dhabi, to the famous beach promenade Corniche. Along the palm-lined, spacious promenade, numerous cafés and restaurants invite you to take a break. After a light lunch, it's worth visiting the nearby souk or taking a refreshing dip in the waves. Tip: You should always return to the Corniche for a sundowner - as the sun slowly sinks into the sea, the view of Abu Dhabi's skyline is at its most magical.

If you get hungry after all the impressions of the day, you will find a stylish restaurant not far from the city beach on the grounds of the Jumeirah Etihad Towers: "Li Beirut" serves upscale Lebanese cuisine. The large selection of extravagantly presented mezze (starters) invites you to share. On the terrace with a view of the glittering lights of the bay, you can end the evening in comfort.

Day 2

What would a visit to the desert city of Abu Dhabi be without a visit to the desert? If you want to experience the impressive dunes in all their glory, you should get up early. The sand formations glisten most beautifully in the warm morning light. After a ride in off-road four-wheel cruisers, you have the opportunity to experience the typical "Lawrence of Arabia" feeling for yourself: On the back of a camel, the seemingly endless expanses of the Arabian desert can be explored in a leisurely swing.

After this excursion into nature and a refreshing shower, we head to the city's art mecca: The Louvre Abu Dhabi opened on Saadiyat Island in 2017. The futuristic domed building was conceived by French star architect Jean Nouvel, whose designs include the Galeries Lafayette in Berlin and the concert hall in Copenhagen. Daylight enters the 23 galleries through the net-like roof construction. These house classics of art history by Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso or Henri Matisse - but the real focus is on the connection between different artistic civilizations and cultures throughout the ages. On 6,000 square meters you can discover a dancing Shiva from India and lion figures from ancient Iran as well as filigree gold brooches from Italy or an image of the Virgin Mary by Bellini. A cooling water channel, reminiscent of traditional Arabian irrigation systems, runs through the spacious area located directly on the sea.

For those who want to enjoy more culture after a visit to the Louvre, the "Island of Happiness" ("saadiyat" in Arabic) is absolutely the right place: next to the National Museum, the Perfoming Arts Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid, offers classical concerts, opera, ballet and theatre performances.

On the way back to the city center, you should definitely make a stop at the luxurious Galleria Mall. After a stroll through the classy stores of international luxury brands, the best place to indulge in culinary delights is "La Petite Maison". The discreetly elegant interior and the menu with fresh vegetables, pasta and seafood will make you dream of warm summer evenings on the Côte d'Azur.

Day 3

After two days of art and culture, it's time for a luxurious beach day. The centre of Abu Dhabi is surrounded by numerous islands that nestle like pearls in the turquoise waters of the Gulf. The speedboat takes you in a short time to exclusive island paradises such as the Zaya Nurai Island Resort. All light-flooded villas of the complex have a private pool and every conceivable comfort to dangle the soul and let yourself be pampered. Whether during a visit to the exclusive Nurai Spa or a romantic dinner for two - the breathtaking view of the sea is a matter of course in all activities. For those who only have a short time to unwind, the resort also offers day passes.