Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr stands on Abu Dhabi Creek, and the view from the creek-facing rooms is directly across the water to the white marble minarets of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — one of the most recognisable buildings in the country. The hotel's exterior is sheer blue glass, and its three hundred and sixty-nine rooms, suites and a villa are arranged to face either the creek and mosque or the water beyond.

The property has private sandy beaches and an Olympic-length outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi beside it. For guests who want more, eight restaurants and bars are on site, ranging from casual waterside settings to formal dining. One outdoor restaurant, Mazaj, serves a Lebanese sharing menu by the water each week.

Fairmont Gold is the hotel's club-level tier: guests on this floor get a private lounge, private check-in and check-out, daily made-to-order breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening drinks and food. The Gold Vista Suite has its own private elevator access. The Fairmont Villa has a private garden, pool, and gym.

For business travellers, the hotel has ten meeting rooms and a ballroom. Zayed International Airport is roughly fifteen minutes away by road, and Dubai is approximately forty-five minutes by car, putting Yas Island — with Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World — within easy reach.