Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, is finally receiving the global recognition it deserves. The reserved yet regal cousin of Dubai, Abu Dhabi is the richest and largest of the seven emirates. A burgeoning metropolis that, just 40 years ago, existed as dusty clusters of tented pearling communities, Abu Dhabi — with its archipelago of 200 islands — sits on an island linked to the mainland by the Al Maqtaa Bridge.

Get a local map and drive along the Corniche. This coastal boulevard, fringed by parks with gardens and bubbling fountains, passes architecturally stunning buildings and villas before turning inland toward the carpet souk and the Iranian market souk. Stop at the souks to haggle over an intricately woven carpet, or to sample the astonishing variety of Arabian dates, the sweetest, most succulent fruits you will ever taste. Al Nasr Street — a hive of antique and jewelry shops — is also great for browsing.

The Corniche continues to Dhow Harbour, where craftsmen build traditional wooden dhows. Bithnah Harbour is a lovely spot to linger over a drink while imbibing beautiful views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline. Follow the Corniche along the wide swath of sugary beach to its very end, where the majestic Emirates Palace Hotel (The Corniche, tel 971 2 690 9000, http://www.emiratespalace.com), with its 114 mosaic-covered domes, stretches along a mile of coastline. Arguably the world’s most beautiful and lavish hotel, this is a must-see icon of the United Arab Emirates.

You’ll get the best perspective of Abu Dhabi’s history, the people’s nomadic Bedouin traditions and cultural life at Qasr Al-Hosn Palace, also known as the White Fort. Built in 1761, the city’s oldest architectural relic and former official residence of Abu Dhabi’s ruling Al Nahyan family now houses a museum and theater.

Nearby, Abu Dhabi’s cultural heart beats in the modern building that houses the Cultural Foundation (
http://www.cultural.org.ae/e/). Comprising the Institute of Culture and Art, the National Library, and the National Archives with its collection of 4,000-year-old manuscripts, the Foundation’s annual calendar features an ever-changing roster of exhibits and performances. For more historical and cultural insight, visit Heritage Village. Located in central Abu Dhabi, it is a “living museum” of local and Bedouin culture.

The oasis city of Al Ain — also called the Garden City — is worth the 30-mile drive east to see the lush, date-palm-filled Qattarah Oasis and its relic-filled museum. Al Ain’s camel market is filled with riotous action as vendors showcase their grunting, salivating beasts. There are excursions from central Abu Dhabi — beaches, scuba diving, yachting, deep-sea fishing and championship golf — to satisfy every whim. For adventure, head to the desert for a camel ride, sandboarding or a dunebashing safari. The last experience — as thrilling as the wildest roller coaster ride — ends in a “Bedouin heritage camp” where chefs cook Arabian feasts over flaming barbecues while visitors giggle over “hubbly-bubblies” (sheesha water pipes). Memories of the desert by day and by night will last a lifetime.