Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, is a neat, productive metropolis with a picturesque waterfront setting. The Bani Yas nomads moved in around the year 1760, and the town thrived as a fishing community until oil was discovered.
The city’s wealth allowed it to grow and develop into the thriving administrative and commercial hub it is today: Abu Dhabi.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Great Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi are the city’s most popular destinations, but day treks to the desert dune landscapes of Liwa Oasis and the Eastern Mangroves provide plenty of opportunities for adventure. Use our guide to the best Abu Dhabi has to offer to help you organise your trip.
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a stunning structure made entirely of white marble, is the city’s most famous landmark and a must-see for any visitor to Abu Dhabi. The mosque harmoniously combines features from the Mameluke, Ottoman, and Fatimid periods to produce a truly modern monument to Islamic architecture.
The glasswork, mosaic tiling, and elaborate carvings executed by the artisans inside and out are nothing short of breathtaking. Its construction began in the early 1990s and didn’t finish until 2007.
It is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, with space for 40,000 worshippers, and it shares its namesake with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah. The mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths, and non-Muslims have full access to the building (including the extensive library).
The Abu Dhabi City Tour is an excellent option for first-time visitors. During this five-hour guided trip, you’ll see the Etihad Tower viewing deck and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Transportation and hotel pickup/dropoff are provided free of charge. The street address in Abu Dhabi is Al Khaleej al Arabi.
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi, the most impressive museum in the Middle East, covers all of humankind’s artistic achievements from the Neolithic period to the present day. The museum’s contemporary architecture, with its galleries collected beneath a great silver dome, is worth a visit in and of itself, as is the incredible quantity and variety of art on display, from ancient Egyptian statues to iconic works by Picasso.
In addition to the permanent collection, which spans 12 galleries, the museum often hosts numerous major temporary exhibitions. Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi’s future cultural epicentre, will welcome the Louvre as the first of three major museums.
The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum are the other two, and both are in the early stages of development.
3. Eastern Mangroves
Mangrove trees still ring the islands off the coast of Abu Dhabi, offering a striking contrast to the city’s steel and glass facade. Many different tours ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours in length are available for paddlers of all ages and skill levels.
On the Eco Tour, you can learn about the ecology of mangroves and take a look at these stunning remaining patches of forest in the midst of the city. Sign up for night excursions to discover the mangroves by paddling silently through the water at night for a unique adventure.
4. Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island is a popular spot for tourists in Abu Dhabi. There is a nominal cost to enter Saadiyat Beach, a long stretch of white sand on the island’s western shore. There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as lifeguards who are always on duty.
Beachgoers want to get their blood pumping can do so by renting kayaks and windsurfing gear. Nesting hawksbill turtles can be found in the dunes behind the beach. In order to protect this delicate ecosystem, a raised wooden boardwalk provides access to the beach.
Go further north along the shore of Saadiyat Island to the exclusive Saadiyat Beach Club for a more lavish beach experience. With a day pass, you may enjoy this posh stretch of beach and its many restaurants, bars, and lounges.
5. Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan, a historical site and museum in Abu Dhabi that was just recently opened to the public, has quickly become a must-see for anybody interested in learning more about the culture, history, and architecture of the United Arab Emirates.
The Great Hall and Presidential Banqueting Hall alone are worth the trip to see the palace’s magnificent interiors, complete with crystal chandeliers, domes, arches, tonnes of marble, and delicate mosaic and muqarna décor.
The House of Knowledge display space provides a comprehensive and well-curated collection for individuals interested in the historical significance of the Arab world to the development of modern science, literature, and art. Gifts from foreign heads of state to the United Arab Emirates are on display in a separate exhibit at Qasr Al Watan.
The library at Qasr Al Watan is open to the public and houses a vast collection of materials related to the history, heritage, culture, social and political developments, and geography of the United Arab Emirates.
The local community and academics use this palace as a research hub, but tourists are invited to stop by as well. You can choose between a guided tour and an audio guide if you’d rather explore at your own pace.
This evening light and sound performance flashes briefly over the history of the United Arab Emirates when the palace exterior is illuminated.
6. Ferrari World
One of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi, especially for thrill-seekers and families, is to visit the Formula One Fan Park, which brings the excitement of F1 racing to the city.
Young drivers can practise their techniques on the Junior GT track, while thrill seekers can ride the Flying Aces roller coaster, which reaches speeds of 120 kilometres per hour on a 52-meter loop (the tallest in the world).
True car enthusiasts can also take a tour of the Ferrari facility and participate in a game show based on their knowledge of Ferrari vehicles. The earliest of these vehicles dates back to 1947.
7. Glittering Skyscrapers
You need to get out on the water to see Abu Dhabi’s gleaming skyscrapers at their best. As you set sail from the marina, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the city’s skyscrapers.
There are a number of tour companies that cater to visitors of varying financial means. Island hopping tours, which take place during the day, are a popular way to view the attractions. These feature stops at beaches and snorkelling spots across the bay’s many islands.
Yet, if you want to watch the city come to life as dusk falls, you should take a sunset or dinner tour. You may also take a tour of Abu Dhabi’s pearl diving history by taking a small dhow out into the mangroves.
8. Yas Island
One of the most frequented beaches in the area is Yas Beach, located on Yas Island. Day permits here provide access to numerous amenities that can be enjoyed by groups of friends or by families looking for a relaxing beach day.
On-site dining options include restaurants, cafes, and snack bars serving a variety of cuisines; a huge pool with rentable cabanas; sun loungers and umbrellas galore; and other seating places away from the beach.
The water sports shops at Yas Beach hire out everything from jet skis to kayaks, and there are lifeguards on duty all day long for the safety of the beachgoers.
9. Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
Warner Bros. World, the newest theme park on Yas Island, is devoted to the studio’s animated and live-action film and comic book heroes and villains. This is one of the nicest theme parks to take the kids to because it has six different “lands” but is air-conditioned the whole time.
Children and teenagers alike can enjoy the park’s rides. There are kid-oriented areas like Bedrock and Cartoon Junction, while more thrilling attractions with 4D interactive multimedia and roller coaster elements can be found in Gotham City and Metropolis.
10. Yas Marina Circuit
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island every November, is the city’s biggest yearly event. Even if you can’t make it to town for the races, you can still get a taste of the glitz and glamour of Formula One all year long.
If you’re a fan of Formula One and would like to view the track and get a behind-the-scenes look at the circuit, there are regularly scheduled guided tours that include visits to the pits, grandstand, and podium.
For those who want to get their adrenaline pumping on the same track as the Formula One races, though, Yas Marina Circuit offers a number of different drive experiences.
Every Tuesday and Saturday night, the circuit is offered to anyone who wishes to use the track for exercise (walking, running, or cycling) and admittance is free of charge.
