( CNN ) -- Abu Dhabi is often cast in the shadow of the vibrant Dubai , but the state is challenging its more celebrated neighbor as a premier destination . `` Dubai has the reputation of being the glittery one , '' says travel writer Matthew Teller . `` But I did n't find that at all . I found Abu Dhabi so engaging and more diverse than people give it credit for . '' Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates -- home to the UAE capital , Abu Dhabi city -- has a strong maritime past . Fishing was pivotal to the economy before the lucrative exploration of oil . But even as the region progresses the water still plays an important part in its modern culture . Last month Abu Dhabi hosted the Volvo Ocean Yacht Race , ahead of the event 's third leg to Sanya , China . The six teams competing in the 39,000 nautical mile challenge across the globe may have been preoccupied by the port races held in Abu Dhabi , but for those taking in the region at their own place , there 's plenty on offer . See also : Volvo Ocean Race : Conquering the 'Everest of sailing ' The coastline , stretching over 700 kilometers of the emirate , is a highlight of Abu Dhabi , which takes in almost 200 islands . An ideal place to take in the stunning blue waters of the Gulf is the Corniche -- a promenade that spans Abu Dhabi 's waterfront . Teller says the Corniche is the perfect people watching spot , with locals descending on the signature walkway once the sun sets and the hot day comes to end . Stroll along with locals or cycle down the promenade to the Emirates Palace . This lavish hotel cost around $ 3bn to build and occupies more than a kilometer of the city 's sands as its own private beach . Rooms in the hotel cost $ 1,000 a night and it boasts 1,002 Swarovski crystal chandeliers and a gold-leaf dome larger than the one atop St. Paul 's Cathedral in London . Out of the city center is the Mina Port fish market and , according to Teller , another opportunity for visitors to the area to get a glimpse of how Abu Dhabi residents live . In the early hours of the morning , the market is bustling with people buying fresh produce . `` You really get a great sense of the local feel , '' says Teller . See also : A look ahead to the Volvo Ocean Race . Despite its reputation as being a modern city hub , Teller believes Abu Dhabi has not forgotten its past . `` The city is very aware of the history of the region , '' says Teller . He says Abu Dhabi 's underlying cultural roots are felt throughout and even though it does not have an old city as such , the Heritage Village gives a glimpse of the traditional culture , with reconstructions of Bedouin tents and old markets . The Cultural Foundation , in the center of Abu Dhabi , is often considered a `` must see '' for any tourist . It aims to showcase a range of arts , both of the past and present . There visitors can wander around art exhibits , watch dance or theater performances or simply gaze at the striking building they are housed in . See also : Oman puts women at forefront of Olympic ambitions . The city is hoping to become more of a cultural hotspot to attract international visitors , with local versions of world famous museums the Louvre and Guggenheim planned , however these projects have reportedly been plagued with delays . In keeping with Abu Dhabi 's more traditional and more religious roots , in the meantime visitors have the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to gaze at . The imposing mosque sprawls over a space the equivalent of five football fields and can accommodate almost 41,000 worshipers . The opulent interior includes the world 's largest chandelier spanning 10 meters in diameter . To escape the capital , Teller recommends a short drive out to the desert city of Al Ain . `` The culture of the interior is quite different to that along the coast , '' he says . The city boasts the magnificant 19th century Al Jahili Fort -- one of the landmarks of UAE 's heritage . The summer retreat of Sheikh Zayed the First is now open for visitors and often hosts concerts . It 's another example of Abu Dhabi mixing its past heritage with its future arts . Abu Dhabi may not have the show-stopping reputation of Dubai , but locals are adamant their city offers its Gulf neighbor some tough competition .
Abu Dhabi hosted the Volvo Ocean Yacht Race last month . The race is a series of races around the world that are organized by the International Sailing Federation and take place in different locations each year. The coastline , stretching over 700 kilometers of the emirate , is a highlight of the region .