Abu Dhabi- 15 hours

6am. The Etihad flight touches down in Abu Dhabi. Cabin crew disarmed doors, I hustle through the crowds and immigration as fast as possible, threw myself into a taxi as dawn breaks. I was in a rush, I wanted to see as much of this Emirate as possible before I flew to India late the same evening. 

7am. I’m tucking into a large plate of scrambled eggs, little sparrows are begging for scraps, perched almost on the end of the table. The air is still with the promise of heat, the sun casts long rays across the water of the palm-tree studded pool. I’ve checked into Centro Yas Island, a hotel just ten minutes from the airport, and am attacking that free breakfast. After refuelling, I am ready to explore.

8am. I am whizzing along the Abu Dhabi sidewalk, on an e-scooter, of all things. I get the hang of it quickly, and find it a lot of fun! A great way to get to know the area. This is Yas Island, a man-made offshoot of Abu Dhabi, filled with attractions, hotels, water. I later venture further afield, this time on a rented bike (there are handy kiosks just next to the hotel, for both scooters and bikes). I pass fancy houses and apartments, catch glimpses of the water through breaks in the palm trees. Bougainvillaea bushes overflow onto the path.

10 am. Back at the hotel, I take my sweaty self to the poolside, watermelon juice in hand, and finally catch my breath after the flight and morning activities. I’m almost alone, to watch the little birds, the sun now high in the sky.

12:30 pm. After an early lunch, I’m off again. After a bit of confusion, I have figured out the free shuttle bus schedule, and am on one headed to Yas Beach. These are free for anyone to use, and plough between the major sights in the area. They are open-windowed, and a warm breeze wafts through, making me feel drowsy. We are soon at the first stop. Yas beach is a surprise- you walk around the corner, past the parasols and restaurants and you are met with a semi-circular curve of powdery sand, and an expanse of sea that couldn’t decide if it was green or blue.

2:30pm. I’m back on the shuttle bus. We do a loop past Yas Marina, past the famous F1 circuit (a car is even noisily taking a practice run) and stop at the futuristic architecture that is Yas Mall, where a Ferrari has parked outside. The van fills with shoppers, and we are off again.

5pm. I’m deposited back at the hotel, tired from sight-seeing, ready to collapse by the pool. It is just me and the sparrow family, who pester me for more tidbits, but I don’t mind. The breeze is cool, picking up as dusk slowly falls.

7pm. The sun sets, painting the sky as yellow and orange as desert sand. The pool water is a soda green, and the sky finally burns red in the distance, before giving way to a cool indigo, flecked with stars. I lie back on my lounger, stare up at the waving palm trees, that seem to frame the starry sky. A moment of quiet, until a plane breaks the silence, roaring overhead, reminding me I should go.

9pm. I’m at my gate, waiting for the next flight to Bangalore. Scrolling through my photos, surprised and pleased at how much I have managed to squeeze into the last few hours.

I am officially a stop-over convert.

Practical information

Getting here- Abu Dhabi is a popular stop-over destination on routes from Europe and America to Asia and Australia. Most major airlines fly here, I flew with Etihad (Abu Dhabi is their hub). From the airport, Yas Island is only ten minutes by taxi (the center is further, 30-40 mins).

Accommodation- There are countless hotels in Abu Dhabi. I chose to stay in Yas Island, because it was close to the airport, but full of things to do, as well as being walkable (which is rare in these parts). I stayed at Centro Yas Island, a hotel in the middle of it all, with lovely pool, free breakfast, comfortable rooms and plenty of sun-loungers. The staff were also very helpful.

Things to do- Just outside the hotel you can rent e-scooters and bikes (first download an app, there are instructions at the site). I did both and found these the perfect way to enjoy the sun and explore the area. There are shuttle buses which are free to use. Grab a timetable from reception and then choose the route you want, you can get off wherever takes your fancy and then jump on again. Most routes cover Yas Beach, Yas Mall, Yas Marina and Yas Marina Circuit (for the F1 track). Alternatively, a taxi can take you further into the city center.

Other stuff- I was not sure what to expect, but you really can do Abu Dhabi in a day, since everything is well laid out for a stop-over. Of course, if you have more time, there is more to see! Remember to dress conservatively when outside the hotel, and be mindful of visiting in summer when temperatures can push 40 degrees. So if you ever find yourself with a long connection, take a chance, leave the airport… have an adventure!