Amanda’s Blog: A memorable 3-night Designer Travel conference in Abu Dhabi
- jetsperling22
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
My recent trip to Abu Dhabi for the Designer Travel conference was the perfect blend of business and pleasure - combining essential industry networking with some fantastic sightseeing opportunities I couldn't resist.
The journey began with a comfortable Etihad Airways flight from Manchester. Their service was excellent and set a relaxing tone for the trip ahead. For three nights, we stayed at the stunning Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort - a luxurious beachfront property where waking up to views of the Arabian Gulf became my favourite part of each morning.
Day one kicked off with a city tour, giving me the perfect chance to revisit Abu Dhabi after my last visit in 2017. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque remains one of the world's most spectacular - its white marble domes absolutely stunning against those brilliant blue skies.
We also explored Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, where the Arabian craftsmanship and sheer opulence left me breathless.
That evening's dinner at the Rixos Marina included a hotel tour, giving me valuable insights for future client recommendations. Plus catching up with so many industry friends and colleagues made it even more special.
Day two brought the main event at the Hilton Yas Island - a modern venue perfect for learning and networking. Presentations from Experience Abu Dhabi and Etihad Holidays provided excellent updates on tourism developments, while our Managing Directors shared both achievements from the past year and exciting plans ahead.
The afternoon's supplier meetings proved invaluable - strengthening existing relationships while building new industry connections. The day culminated magnificently with our Gala Night at the iconic Emirates Palace, where the atmosphere, cuisine, and sheer elegance of the venue made it a night to remember.
Our final day introduced me to something completely new - the recently opened TeamLab Phenomena, an immersive digital art space unlike anything I've experienced. Picture being knee-deep in water one moment, then donning a gown, goggles and a mask and becoming completely lost in a room full of foam the next, surrounded by ever-changing artwork. It's genuinely difficult to describe, but I'd highly recommend this extraordinary experience to anyone visiting Abu Dhabi.
Of course, I couldn't leave without my theme park fix! A few hours at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi - one of the world's largest indoor theme parks - provided the perfect air-conditioned escape from the desert heat. The rides, characters, and themed lands were fantastic for all ages.
After a site visit and farewell dinner at the Rixos Saadiyat, I boarded my overnight Etihad flight home.
Even with our packed itinerary, Abu Dhabi still has so much more to offer. Thrill-seekers can head to Ferrari World, home of the world’s fastest rollercoaster (yes, I’ve braved it myself!). For some waterpark fun, Yas Waterworld is a fantastic family-friendly option. If you're up for something truly memorable, check out the F1 track at Yas Marina Circuit - you can walk, run, or, like we did back in 2017, cycle the iconic track - which remains one of my most memorable experiences.
Whether you're into theme parks, luxury, culture or adventure, Abu Dhabi truly has something for everyone. And the best part? Many of the major attractions are indoors and air-conditioned, so the desert heat never slows you down.
