We all know that taking a break somewhere exotic is a great way to de-stress. Having said that, there are times when physical travel isn't possible. Which is where the Gigapixel steps in. A digital image bitmap composed of one billion pixels and featuring 1,000 times the information captured by a 1-megapixel digital camera, this interactive, 360-degree image showcases a destination in its entirety, so you can explore it from your sofa, bed or dining table. If you can’t quite fathom how that would work, take a look at one of Abu Dhabi's incredible Gigapixels right now.
The UAE capital is releasing four Gigapixels – in Abu Dhabi city, in its entertainment destination Yas Island, on its culturally rich Saadiyat Island, and in its majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – giving you the chance to take a virtual vacation and explore the stunning capital from the comfort of your home! Want to dive deeper? Click on the Gigapixels' icons for virtual 360-degree videos, stunning photographs, information on sights, and links to book a visit when you do decide to travel to Abu Dhabi in real life. Whether you want to discover hotel room views at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers hotel, see what the courtyard in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque looks like, or head to Corniche Beach for a virtual walk, Abu Dhabi’s Gigapixels help you discover the city’s best sights - in the highest quality - without having to set foot in the emirate.
Channel your virtual city explorer!
Abu Dhabi offers incredible travel experiences, from family-friendly, adventure-packed theme parks to racing tracks, luxurious hotels to culture-rich museums, and much more. With the iconic Emirates Palace acting as the base, the first of Abu Dhabi’s four Gigapixels lets you navigate your way through some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Use the Abu Dhabi City Gigapixel to see the Marina Eye and Etihad Towers, as well as many of the UAE capital’s other iconic landmarks. Click on the icon to explore Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi’s oldest standing structure, in a 360 virtual reality (VR) video, or get a bird’s eye view of the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. End your city tour by bringing the popular Corniche Beach’s gorgeous white sands and azure waters into your living room for a beach break on the sofa.
Experience world-class entertainment on Yas Island
With a range of theme parks and recreational activities on offer, Abu Dhabi is, quite simply, a paradise for thrill-seekers and families. Explore Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s entertainment hub, using the Yas Island Gigapixel and prepare yourself for a rush of virtual adrenaline. Check out Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, in a 360 VR video, or explore the many enthralling water rides and slides at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. Enjoy a virtual tour of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s biggest indoor theme parks, and explore CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, which boasts the world’s biggest indoor skydiving tunnel and the tallest climbing wall. Then, catch some motorsport action at Yas Marina Circuit, or marvel at Yas Beach’s panoramic views.
Browse through the cultural gems on Saadiyat Island
Steeped in art and culture, Abu Dhabi offers the most stunning museums and galleries in which you can unleash your inner art aficionado. Use the Saadiyat Island Gigapixel to browse through the various cultural sights on offer, including the stunning arts and culture centre Manarat Al Saadiyat (captured in a 360 VR video) or be blown away by the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s stunning architecture and impressive collections. Indulge in a little virtual luxury at the gorgeous St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Anantara Eastern Mangroves, & Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, some of the island’s most popular hotels. End your virtual tour by navigating your way through Abu Dhabi’s stunning mangroves, and lose yourself in quiet serenity.
Experience the majesty of an architectural marvel
Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Gigapixel offers an incredible aerial view of this breathtaking mosque that you won't find anywhere else. This work of art is the largest mosque in Abu Dhabi, welcoming up to 55,000 worshippers and visitors every day. Completed just over a decade ago, the mosque is an architectural marvel built to embody Islam’s foremost message of peace and tolerance and welcome people of all beliefs. Its 1,096 columns are inlaid with precious stones, with 82 white marble domes, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the world's largest hand-knotted carpet (as recognised by the Guinness World Records), one of the largest marble mosaic artworks in the world, one of the world's largest chandeliers in a mosque, and one of the world's largest domes of its kind offering breathtaking sights around every corner. Sunset is a stunning time to visit.
Check out Abu Dhabi’s Gigapixels here - and happy virtual vacationing!
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In association with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi.