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The Crazy Car Collection in Abu Dhabi
For car lovers, this is a must, and not your obvious trip in Abu Dhabi. An extreme and rare collection of about 200 vehicles owned by ‘Rainbow’ Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, yes - The Rainbow Sheikh. Located about 70km south of Abu Dhabi city centre is the unofficial museum, housed in a giant purpose built pyramid. The collection of vehicles has either been bought as collectibles by the Sheikh, given as presents or original versions that have been modified according to the Sheikh’s wishes. It’s all housed in a massive pyramid and all the cars are of differing sizes and the wackiest is the dominating Dodge pick up truck which is eight times the original size accessed via a staircase on the ground and has 5 bedrooms inside! Yes, it’s the largest pick up truck in the world. There are many rainbow cars but there are the legendary 7 Mercedes all in one colour of the rainbow, supposedly used for each day of the week. There a Mercedes Pullman (the last hand made Merc Limo), a Bigfoot Merc, the largest Land Rover Defender in the world, loads of Hummers and 4 wheel drives and there is the weird globe car. If you are into the weird and wacky – and love cars, it is worth the trip! If not, stay away. This place really is hard to describe – it’s a museum that’s really only a private collection – but an amazing one nonetheless.
Emirates National Auto Museum - June 2011 from John Sammon on Vimeo.
Point of Note:
- Probably better to go with someone who has been before and who will wait with you.
- The Museum is out of town. It is 60-70km out of Abu Dhabi City and off the Abu Dhabi - Tarif road (E65) on the way to Liwa and Saudi Arabia, and takes roughly 50 minutes. Look out for a sign that says Hameer, then a sign saying Car Museum as well as the huge Land Rover on the left.
- There is a café, but it might be worth taking your own snacks.
- As this is more a collection than a museum, there aren’t any explanations of the vehicles, but for car buffs, this is heaven.
When – Supposedly everyday, but as it is not official, we’d recommend calling beforehand 02 6676999 – Saturday would be a good day to go.
How long – 2 hours, depending on how interested you are in cars!
Location – Go with a friend or a driver who will wait for you.
Cost – Free
Booking – Check beforehand 02 6676999 and for opening hours on the day in question
More info - http://www.enam.ae