Don't be fooled by the ubiquitous burqas and the traditional Islamic values

Abu Dhabi is a modern destination in so many ways; home to a party-loving community of expats with wads of money to burn, visitors will find some of the finest dining and wildest nightclubs in the world. Boredom is not an option.

It's a purpose-built land of the future, where theme park fast food menus list wagyu burgers (that'd be Ferrari World) and camelccino coffees made from camel's milk and dusted with gold leaf (head straight to Emirates Palace Hotel for that doozy). Oh, and did we mention the bars staffed by model-gorgeous bartenders imported from Brazil and New York? Abu Dhabi, you're such a secret, saucy minx.

To time your visit for maximum gluttony and indulgence, go in February. That's when Gourmet Abu Dhabi, a city-wide festival of culinary delights, is celebrated in no-expense-spared style. At chic venues across town, foie gras flies onto plates with abandon and Mumm is miraculously refilled all night long at chef dinners featuring international food personalities.

At last year's event, Ben-David Sorum and Thomas Anostam, impossibly handsome Scandinavian mixologists, were flown in from Hyde & Seek Bar in Thailand to mix strong, spectacular cocktails for well-heeled guests at the Armed Forces Officers Club. A feast of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine was presented in the sophisticated surrounds of the Shangri-la Hotel, while Australia's own Tetsuya Wakuda brought the house down with a culinary masterclass.

So far, so decadent

Never mind if your visit doesn't coincide with the Festival; opportunities for indulgence and high-life experiences are available year-round in Abu Dhabi.

Fine dining is all part of the expat experience. Megabucks business deals are discussed daily at Cipriani on Yas Island. Overlooking the impressive Yas Marina F1 Circuit, it's a heady den of Cuban cigars, prime aged beef and rare malt whiskey. And Nautilus at the Yas Hotel is one for the true romantics: more engagement rings have been hidden in prawn cocktails here than you can poke a princess-cut diamond at.

Friday brunch is a weekly ritual for most expats and it can often last well into the starry night. Follow those in the know to Talay at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi for top-notch Thai nosh and unlimited bubbly.

Pearls & Caviar at Shangri-la Qaryat Al Beri offers one of the most popular brunches in town, with live cooking stations, shrimps on the barbie and music spun by the resident DJ.

Brunch in Barouk at Crowne Plaza's Yas Island hotel is a feast of Lebanese treats, accompanied by the fetching sounds created by an oud player.

At the InterContinental's Yacht Club brunch, tasty dishes and unlimited drinks aren't the only drawcard: diners gain free access to the beach for the afternoon.

Party people

Pack the Berocca — you're going to need the vitamin punch to keep up with the all-hours clubbing. If there's a party where only the exceptionally beautiful people of Abu Dhabi convene, it's likely to be held at Skylite at The Yas Hotel. On Friday nights, international big-name DJs work the crowd into a frenzy for MustHaveSoul, a weekly party that originated in nearby Dubai and was so popular it was broadcast across the UAE on Radio 1. Yas Island isn't the most convenient party location, so even locals take advantage of special hotel room rates and stay the night.

Trader Vic's at Beach Rotana hosts the best salsa night in town every Tuesday. Sadly there's not a chunky tomato dip in sight, but there is a sexy night of Cuban-inspired music and moves presented by the house band of Latino hotties. Word to the wise: Trader Vic's cocktails are potent, punchy and so pretty you'll find it hard to stop at one.

Girls just wanna have fun

Ladies' nights are a big deal in Abu Dhabi, with gratis glassfuls of bubbly, and more, for girls at many clubs and bars. Chameleon Bar at the sublime Fairmont Bab Al Bahr offers rich spoils: on Thursday nights from 7pm-3am, ladies receive not one, not two, but three complimentary bevvies. That's matched by Etoiles on Tuesday nights. The Yacht Club at the InterContinental goes one better with free-flow bubbly from 8-11pm on Wednesday nights. Leave your inhibitions at the coat check.

You don't have to look like Gisele Bundchen to get into Eight Abu Dhabi on a Wednesday, but it will significantly improve your chances — entrance to "Models Night Out" (yes, really) is by reservation only. Outdoor lounge seating overlooking the sea is a sexy and inspired design touch, perfect for warm summer nights. All international cabin crew — ladies and gents — get 50% off their drinks all night. And for the rest of us mere mortals? Ladies drink free on Sundays, and for the guys, well, there's always the pleasure of people-watching. The concept of Eight clubs has spread across the Middle East with outposts in Beirut and Syria.

Sheikh chic

Looking for your very own wealthy oil sheikh or eligible royal? Then make Etoiles at the self-described 7-star Emirates Palace Hotel your destination. The gold bar-dispensing machine in the lobby should be your first clue. The eye-wateringly expensive bottle service and endless parade of glamazons should be further enlightening. Dorothy, we are most certainly not in Kansas anymore. Thursday and Friday nights are so wild the place has to close down over the weekend. What happens at the palace, stays at the palace...

Any hot tips for the high life in Abu Dhabi? Do tell!