Abu Dhabi doo!

Robert Dalling meets The Flintstones and Friends in the UAE's cultural capital

- Robert Dalling

Sitting on a bench, about to pass through security into the third biggest mosque in the world, I couldn't help but crack a wry smile as I removed my socks and handed them to a female traveller.

It wasn't the start either of us imagined to a night marvelling at the breathtaking spectacle that is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Dressed conservatively in a headscarf and long dress, it was rather unexpected when security insisted that even the smallest glimpse of her ankles had to be entirely covered for her to get inside the 82-dome masterpiece.

But it was a simple, and sweat aside, painless fix to ensure that respect was paid to local culture during our visit.

And it was worth it, as what we saw inside is a sight of beauty I will not forget. The marvel combines Mughal, Moorish, Ottoman and Persian architecture, and pays great attention to detail with gold leaf spires and chandeliers which resemble upturned palm trees, adorned with 24-carat gold plates and Swarovski crystals.

The sheer size of the £400million structure is mesmerising enough, but my nighttime visit allowed me to see the whole facade lit up, creating even more majesty.

"Dubai has the bright lights, and discipline is less, whereas life in Abu Dhabi is slower, it is the cultural capital of the UAE," said Chiara Glorioso, director of communications for Hilton's Conrad brand in Abu Dhabi.

Chiara's assessment summed up the impressions that I had garnered from a four-day visit to Dubai before moving over to spend time in the UAE capital.

One of the go-to Middle Eastern destinations for Westerners, I'd joined Hilton on a showcase tour of its range of branded properties in cosmopolitan Dubai, and I found an exciting, fast-paced business and tourism city, with nightlife thriving.