Although it is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi stands in the shadow of Dubai, about 90 minutes to the northeast. Lately, the island city has developed its own futuristic skyline and roster of opulent luxury resorts. Abu Dhabi is also now a major air hub — the estimable Etihad Airways is based there — and a short stay is an ideal way to break up a long journey to India, Africa or the Maldives. Some of the top properties, including our recommendation, are on Saadiyat Island, across a bridge from downtown. The Saadiyat Cultural District is home to the magnificent Louvre Abu Dhabi, which was designed by architect Jean Nouvel and built in collaboration with the French government. It will be joined by the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, by Frank Gehry; the Zayed National Museum, by Norman Foster; the Performing Arts Centre, by the late Zaha Hadid; and the Maritime Museum, by Tadao Ando. The extravagant Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is Abu Dhabi’s most famous attraction