Top 10 things to see and do in Abu Dhabi
Whether you’d like to get your pulse racing or dive into some ancient Emirati culture, Abu Dhabi can tick every box on your list.
By Staff Writers, March 2 2022
With towering skyscrapers, flourishing natural parks, and an inspiring historical legacy, Abu Dhabi is emerging as a key hub in the Middle East. This prosperous city is gaining popularity among tourists as a safe, welcoming, and fascinating destination.
Whether heading blindly into the seemingly endless desert, tucking into the city’s gourmet palate, sending your heart racing over some thrilling Formula 1 action or admiring intricate monuments, a true Arabian adventure in Abu Dhabi is a reflection of the culture and traditions that continue to shape the United Arab Emirates.
Here are 10 ways to enjoy what the ‘Land of the Gazelle’ has to offer.
1. Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre museum in Abu Dhabi
Only an ultra-modern cultural melting pot like Abu Dhabi could attract a French institution such as The Louvre to venture outside its heartland. But that’s what happened in 2017 when the storied home of the Mona Lisa opened its first museum in the UAE capital.
Designed as a way of using art as a unifying branch between western and eastern society, the Louvre Abu Dhabi highlights the creativity and artistic scenery from both cultures.
One of the most intriguing features of this museum is the arrangement of art from icons such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Van Gogh and Picasso, sorted chronologically rather than by material or culture, making a tour through the museum feel like a journey through time. If that isn't reason enough to visit, the futuristic architecture is a wonder on its own. Designed by the prestigious architect Jean Nouvel, the floating galleries and branched domes act as an oasis of life to the desertic scenery of the Persian Gulf. The Observation Deck at 300 is, as the name suggests, an eye-watering 300 metres above the ground, making it the highest vantage point in Abu Dhabi and undoubtedly the place to go to enjoy panoramic views of the capital´s skyline. This privileged space on the 74th floor of Tower Two of the Etihad Towers complex is also home to a café where visitors can enjoy signature mocktails, delightful pastries, tea and coffee with the breathtaking cityscape as a backdrop. The Observation Deck is wheelchair-friendly and offers valet parking to guests. Make sure to bring your camera to immortalise the breathtaking vistas. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an architectural marvel that captures the cross-cultural influences of its creators. This imposing building was brought together by British, Italian and Emirati architects who used design elements from northern Africa, Turkey, and Pakistan to create a truly inspirational haven for the Islamic world. Named after the former Emir of Abu Dhabi and founding father of the United Arab Emirates, it was built to consolidate the Islamic culture and to symbolise its message of peace and diversity. Taking a staggering 11 years to build, the mosque features 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, a Guinness world record for the largest hand-knotted carpet and one of the largest marble mosaic artworks in the world. As a tip, you should visit the mosque when there is a free tour running, which is usually every hour. Also, culturally sensitive dress rules are strictly enforced, so make sure you visit the official website and observe local requirements. Built in the late 18th century, Qasr Al Hosn is the city's oldest stone construction and one of Abu Dhabi´s most important landmarks. The building has housed royal families and governmental entities but after an 11-year renovation, the historic establishment was turned into a cultural monument, making it the perfect place for travellers seeking a deep dive into Abu Dhabi´s history and architecture. Known as the symbolic birthplace of the city due to its central location and stark contrast with the modern buildings surrounding it, the edifice hosts a museum containing a wide variety of artefacts, photographs, and weapons from a bygone era. It’s a wonderfully immersive look into the history and story of Abu Dhabi and a recreation of how the locals lived in the emirate’s early days. Don't forget to visit the artists galleria next door, where you can see all kinds of local handicrafts. The monument is also home to the famed Qasr al-Hosn Festival. Taking place in mid-December, this cultural extravaganza offers exhibitions and performances paying tribute to the great traditions of the United Arab Emirates. From one of Abu Dhabi’s most historic and cherished monuments to one of its newest and most glamorous, the Yas Marina Circuit has already embedded itself as one of the city’s most impressive tourist attractions. From the first running of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009, the circuit has established itself as a popular destination for Formula One, celebrities and fans alike. As an ultra-modern circuit, it is also world’s apart from many of the more traditional circuits the F1 circus visits each year. Famous for being the first dusk race in the sport’s history, the dynamic scenery of Yas Island is the perfect background to the thrilling on-track action. When the five red lights go out, the circuit becomes a honeypot for overtaking moves. Its combination of long straights, fast kinks and low-speed corners makes the resulting race one of the most absorbing of the season. Moreover, being the last race of the year, you can often expect a good show from drivers fighting for the championship. If you are not there for the Formula One race, there are motorsport activities going on year round inside the circuit. One of the most exciting is the Aston Martin driving experience, where you can enjoy a white-knuckle firsthand view of the brutal power and agility of the prestigious British supercars. Surrounded by a seemingly endless desert, the air of wonder and mystery held by the shifting sands of the vast Arabian Desert steals the show from other major attractions of Abu Dhabi. Nestled among its golden dunes, the ‘Arabian Nights Village’ captures the spirit of the long-established native traditions. This magical village was designed to recreate traditional Emirati houses and dwellings, opening doors for guests to experience authentic aspects of traditional life albeit with many modern comforts. The stay offers four types of accommodations giving you full control over your night in the desert. These range from Bedouin tents (Bayt Al Shaaer), desert houses (Bayt Al Bar), palm houses (Bayt Al Bahar) and The Fort Tower (Al Manha). Each embraces the Arabian spirit in a different way with interiors that reflect the rich history of Abu Dhabi. This luxury stay combines a handful of desert activities for visitors of all ages. Take a camel ride and explore the heart of the desert atop these magnificent creatures. Squeeze on a helmet and turn up the revs for a thrilling quad bike ride among the unpredictable and exciting terrain. Or get the pulse racing with a sandboarding session down the soft dunes. These and more will make your experience in the desert one to remember. The United Arab Emirates Presidential Palace, also known as Qasr Al Watan, is home to the offices of the country’s President, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with the Supreme Council and Federal Cabinet. Opening its gates for the first time in 2019, the palace is one of Abu Dhabi’s most recent attractions and cultural landmarks, providing guests with a new opportunity to scour the history and traditions of the UAE. The building hosts a vast art collection and a breathtaking compilation of more than 40,000 books documenting its bygone days. Besides the rare artefacts and manuscripts, the palace boasts eye-catching architecture. Following the traditional Arabian style, it presents a high level of artistry and intricate design including one of the world´s largest domes. As one of the few fruits that can grow in the region, dates have become a staple of Emirati cuisine. Situated in Zayed Port, the Mina Dates Market offers over 100 types of dates including local varieties and some from remote parts of Oman and Saudi Arabia. When visiting the market, we recommend you hire a taxi or driver for a couple of hours so you can move freely and make most of your time there. Or if fish is more your dish, a short drive away you will find the fish market where hundreds of vendors offer the freshest catch of the region. Here, you can indulge in everything from salmon and kingfish to local pomfrets, prawns, lobster, octopus and more. Once purchased, take your haul to one of the restaurants at the front of the markets and they'll cook it for you to enjoy as your lunch or dinner. If you’re looking for a shot of adrenaline during your visit, you’ll find multiple amusement parks on Yas Island, all within walking distance from each other. There are over 40 record breaking attractions and experiences to choose from, including the world's fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. For something a little more serene, watch your favourite cartoons come to life at Warner Bros World, or check out a host of underwater kingdoms at Yas Waterworld. Yas Island is not just about theme parks though. The isle is home to Yas Mall and its more-than-370 stores and 68 restaurants which makes it the largest shopping complex in the city. The mall is great as a visit just for the necessities or a day out, with movie theatres to catch a blockbuster and playful options including engaging workshops for younger members of the family. For those with no time to waste, the island is home to several hotels including the W and Warner Bros Hotel, making it the ideal solution to avoid the traffic that forms during the peak hours of entering and exiting the parks. Already home to the Louvre and with a Guggenheim coming soon, the natural Saadiyat Island is rapidly becoming a cultural core of Abu Dhabi, with nine kilometres of white sandy beaches. There are several deluxe accommodation options perched along the beachfront including Rixos Saadiyat Island - home to one of the most amazing swimming pools you'll find in the emirate. If you're travelling with a group or the whole family, this resort features multi-bedroom villas with direct access to the pool from outside your door. You'll also find St Regis and Park Hyatt hotels here, both shining examples of Emirati extravagance that you can sit back and admire from a private balcony. Another jewel in this stunning corner of the city is Saadiyat Beach Club. Overlooking the Persian Gulf, it features an infinity pool, spa, sauna, steam rooms and a workout room where you can book yoga classes. There's an 18-hole championship standard golf course if you've remembered to bring your clubs (or wish to hire some). Additionally, the lounges and private cabanas set right on the beach are the perfect refuge for honeymooners looking to unwind from the city life. The club is also part of a protected environment where endangered sea turtles have nested for years, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacle of mother nature in its full splendour.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is home to some priceless artefacts.2. Observation Deck at 300
Day or night, the views are spectacular at Observation Deck 300
From high above Abu Dhabi, you can see for miles3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The highly impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Feel the tranquility at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque4. Qasr Al Hosn
The main gate of Qasr Al Hosn, featuring the fort and watchtower
Qasr Al Hosn by night5. Yas Marina Circuit
Abu Dhabi is often the setting for a cliffhanger ending to the F1 season
The Aston Martin Driving Experience puts you behind the wheel6. Arabian Nights Village
Who would have thought a night in the Arabian desert could be so memorable?
Your night in the desert will be nothing short of luxurious7. United Arab Emirates Presidential Palace
The Qasr Al Watan Palace is the UAE's centre of government
Qasr Al Watan Palace looks incredible in the evening8. Mina Dates Market and Fish Market
You'll have no trouble finding a date here
Get your chosen catch cooked up for your lunch9. Yas Island's Theme Parks
Ferrari World is home to some heart-racing attractions
Join Batman on a crime-fighting adventure at Warner Bros World10. Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Beach Club is your source of relaxation
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a challenge for players of all skill levels