Malaika Arora has long been one of Bollywood's most recognisable style figures, and her travel choices tend to draw almost as much attention as her red-carpet looks. In an exclusive segment for Filmibeat TripTales, the actor and fitness enthusiast opened up about the corners of Abu Dhabi she returns to whenever she visits the emirate. Rather than ticking off the usual tourist checklist, Arora's picks lean toward places that mix calm, culture and a bit of adventure - a combination that fits her public persona as someone who balances wellness routines with a busy social calendar.
The conversation, billed as an exclusive, gave viewers a personal tour of the UAE capital through her eyes. She spoke about how the city's blend of heritage and modern leisure gives travellers plenty of reasons to linger, and she highlighted spots that suit different moods - from quiet mornings to lively evenings out.
Heritage and calm at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Among the places Arora singled out was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of Abu Dhabi's most visited landmarks. She described it as a space that leaves a lasting impression, pointing to its scale, craftsmanship and the sense of serenity that settles over visitors. For her, the mosque is less a photo stop and more a place to slow down - something she suggested is increasingly rare on packed celebrity schedules.
The mosque's white marble domes and reflective pools have made it a fixture on travel itineraries, but Arora's take was more personal. She spoke about the quiet that descends inside the prayer halls and the sheer detail of the floral inlay work, framing the visit as a chance to recharge rather than rush through.
Culture fix at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Arora also named the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the waterfront museum on Saadiyat Island, as a favourite. She was drawn to its architecture - the celebrated domed roof that casts shifting patterns of light - as much as to the collection inside. Walking through the galleries, she said, offers a way to spend an unhurried afternoon exploring art from across civilisations.
Her interest in the museum fits with her broader love of design and aesthetics, interests that come through in her work in fashion and fitness. She suggested the museum's surroundings, with their open plazas and views of the water, make it easy to combine a cultural visit with a relaxed stroll.
Desert and adrenaline beyond the city
The interview also touched on the outdoor side of Abu Dhabi, with Arora highlighting experiences in the desert that inject a dose of adventure into a trip. Dune drives, wide-open sands and sunset views came up as a way to see another side of the emirate, well away from the skyline. She spoke about how the quiet of the desert makes the city feel far away, even though it is only a short drive.
Given her well-known interest in fitness and staying active, it is unsurprising that Arora gravitated toward experiences with a bit of movement. She framed the desert outings as a reminder that travel does not have to be purely restful - sometimes the best reset involves pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
She also touched on the waterfront, where she enjoys unhurried walks along the corniche and the sense of open space the city offers by the sea. For her, Abu Dhabi's appeal lies in this balance: a place where a morning can be spent in reflection at a place of worship, an afternoon among world-class art, and an evening beneath the stars in the desert.
Arora's reflections come at a time when the UAE capital continues to position itself as a destination for travellers who want culture and calm alongside luxury. Her selection of spots skews toward places that feel considered rather than crowded, a preference that seems to mirror her approach to life more broadly - deliberate, health-conscious and drawn to beauty in its many forms.
For fans, the exclusive offers a glimpse of the actor away from the camera and the gym floor. It also serves as an informal itinerary for anyone planning a trip, with each stop reflecting a different side of a city that rarely stands still. Arora did not offer specific travel advice or timings, but her enthusiasm for these locations came through clearly.
Filmibeat TripTales has been building its lineup of celebrity travel features, and Arora's episode adds a seasoned traveller's perspective to the mix. Whether travellers follow her route exactly or simply borrow an idea or two, her picks point toward an Abu Dhabi that rewards those willing to explore beyond the obvious.
Source: Filmibeat