No longer a stopover en route to other parts of the world, Abu Dhabi has transformed itself into a very popular travel destination in its own right.
Boasting stunning and historic architecture, pristine beaches, luxurious shopping malls, and an impressive skyline, it has something to offer every traveller.
Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, shop till you drop, enjoy world-class cuisine, visit impressive cultural sites or go on an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, Abu Dhabi offers you plenty of opportunity to do so.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the jewel of the United Arab Emirates such a fantastic holiday destination by showcasing 20 of the best things you can see and do there.
If you are intending to visit the capital of the UAE, this list should provide lots of inspiration for where you can go.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a stunning art and civilisation museum located on Saadiyat Island. It is a branch of the famous Louvre Museum in Paris and was opened to the public in November 2017.
With its impressive collection of artworks and artefacts spanning from ancient times to the contemporary era, visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi is an unforgettable experience for art and culture enthusiasts. The museum’s architectural design is a masterpiece in itself, featuring a stunning dome structure made of 7,850 unique metal stars, which create fantastic a ‘rain of light’ effect that illuminates its interior.
The museum’s collection includes over 600 masterpieces from renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, and Claude Monet, as well as important historical artefacts from around the world. Visitors can also expect to see a diverse range of exhibits, from ancient pottery and sculptures to contemporary paintings and installations.
In addition to the stunning artworks, the Louvre Abu Dhabi also offers a variety of cultural and educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours. Visitors can learn about the history and significance of the artworks and exhibits on display and gain a deeper understanding of the cultures that produced them.
Saadiyat Island
Having visited Louvre Abu Dhabi, many tourists make a beeline straight to the beach that is located on Saadiyat island.
There, you will be able to paddle in turquoise waters or bronze yourself on a sun lounge. You will need to pay a small charge in order to do this, but you will get to enjoy an immaculate stretch of sand without the hordes of crowds you get elsewhere.
If you are willing to part with the best part of $100, you can also grab a day pass to enable you to use the luxurious facilities at the Saadiyat Beach Club. They might be a bit pricey for some, but they are top-notch.
Emirate Palace
The Emirates Palace is a luxurious 7-star hotel widely considered to be one of the world’s greatest luxury hotels.
Opened in 2005, it reputedly cost $3 billion to construct and quickly gained a reputation for its opulence and extravagance, with its stunning architecture, lavish interior, and world-class amenities.
The Emirates Palace features 394 luxury rooms and suites, each of which is elegantly designed and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. These rooms offer stunning views of the Arabian Gulf or the hotel’s beautiful gardens and fountains.
Its amenities are also equally impressive, with 14 restaurants and bars offering a wide range of cuisine from around the world, including traditional Arabic dishes, European cuisine, and Asian specialities. Additionally, the hotel also features a private beach, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa, and a variety of sports facilities.
One of the most impressive features of the Emirates Palace is its grandiose design, which is inspired by traditional Arabian architecture and features intricate details and ornate decorations throughout the hotel. The hotel’s iconic domes, arches, and columns are covered in 24-carat gold leaf, making it a true masterpiece of luxury and elegance.
As you can imagine, rooms can be expensive. But even if you are not a guest there, visitors can check out the hotels and pay to use their world-class facilities.
City Skyline
The Abu Dhabi city skyline is an attraction in itself.
A spectacular sight to behold, it features towering skyscrapers, impressive architecture, and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. The most iconic building on the Abu Dhabi skyline is the Etihad Towers, a complex of five skyscrapers that rise over 300 meters into the sky. The towers are located in the prestigious Etihad Towers development, which also includes luxury apartments, hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. These towers offer breathtaking views of the city and the Arabian Gulf, and they are particularly stunning at night when they are lit up with colourful lights.
Another prominent building is the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), which is one of the largest exhibition centres in the world. The ADNEC features state-of-the-art facilities for conferences, exhibitions, and events, and its iconic design is a sight to behold.
Other notable buildings on the Abu Dhabi skyline include the Capital Gate building, which is one of the world’s most leaning towers, and the Al Bahr Towers, which feature an innovative façade that ingeniously adjusts to the sun’s position, therefore reducing the building’s energy consumption.
Yas Island Shopping
If you love shopping, then you’ll want to get yourself over to Yas Island. There you will find some of
the city’s best retail experiences, with a variety of malls, boutiques, and outlets catering to every taste and budget.
The Yas Mall is the largest mall on the island and offers a vast selection of international brands, including high-end fashion, cosmetics, electronics, and home goods. The mall also features plentiful dining options, from fast food joints to fine dining restaurants, as well as entertainment options, such as cinemas and children’s play areas.
Another popular shopping destination on Yas Island is the Yas Marina Circuit, which offers luxury boutiques, designer brands, and unique gift shops. The circuit also hosts several events throughout the year, including fashion shows, concerts, and exhibitions.
Hiking Jebel Hafeet
If you are into hiking, you should make a point of tackling the Jebel Hafeet mountain region.
Located on the border with Oman, this beautiful region is a well-known destination for hiking. It’s centrepiece is the 1240-metre Jebel Hafeet, which is comfortably is area’s highest peak.
Around its foothills reside over 500 burial tombs dating back more than 5000 years, so it is also a very significant area in cultural terms too.
Zaya Nurain Island
Zaya Nurai Island is a one-of-a-kind private island conveniently located just a 10-minute drive away from Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
Offering a wonderful place for some R&R, guests can luxuriate in one of the 32 beautiful beach villas and homes, enjoy spa treatments, relish in delicious cuisine, and participate in Tai Chi classes by the waterfront.
The island also boasts a range of fitness amenities, or you can simply relax on the beach and take in the stunning view of the turquoise waters.
Wetlands
Many first-time visitors are surprised to discover there are beautiful mangrove forests and wetlands located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi.
The popular Mangrove National Park is just outside the city centre and offers a great kayaking experience during high tide.
Another place you might want to visit is the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, where visitors can enjoy a walk along the trails or ride dune buggies.
Jahili Fort
Jahili Fort is a historic fortress located in the city of Al Ain. The fort was built in the late 19th century by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the founder of the Al Nahyan dynasty, and it served as a
residence and fortification for the ruling family.
The fort is an excellent example of traditional Arabian architecture and features a square-shaped layout, with four watchtowers at each corner. Its walls are made of mud and straw, which were traditional building materials used in the region at the time.
In 2007, the fort was restored and converted into a cultural centre, which is now managed by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. The centre features a museum that showcases the history and culture of the region, with exhibits that highlight the fort’s significance to it.
Visitors to the Jahili Fort can also explore its interior, which features restored rooms, courtyards, and artefacts from the 19th century. They can also climb to the top of the watchtowers for stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Additionally, the fort is surrounded by a beautiful park, which features walking paths, gardens, and picnic areas.
Al Ain Zoo
Also located in Al Ain is the popular Al Ain Zoo, which is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world, including many endangered species.
The zoo covers an area of over 900 hectares overall and features several habitats, including savannahs, forests, wetlands, and mountains. Some of the animals you can see at the zoo include big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and many other species, all living in environments that closely resemble their natural homes.
One of the highlights of Al Ain Zoo is its conservation efforts, which are aimed at preserving endangered species and promoting sustainable wildlife management practices. Admirably, the zoo is involved in several breeding and conservation programs, such as those for Arabian oryx, addax, and sand gazelles, which are all native to the region.
For those who want to get interactive with the animals, the zoo offers a range of activities and experiences, including animal encounters, feeding sessions, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Take a Dhow Ride
Abu Dhabi’s waterfront offers multiple ways to enjoy its beauty. One of the most popular options is a dhow ride, which provides an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s vastness.
Dhows are traditional Arabic boats, and tourists can select from various tours, including daytime and twilight rides, where they can witness the city’s lights illuminating the sky.
Camel Ride
Camels have played an integral role in Bedouin history and tradition, and there are numerous tours which will enable you to immerse yourself in this legacy.
Sunrise or sunset tours are an excellent way to explore various attractions like sand dunes, and you can even visit a camel farm to find out more about how they are reared and trained for daily chores
on it.
Amidst the many technological marvels the city is known for, camel riding is a great link to its more primitive past.
Watch the Sunset at the Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Abu Dhabi Corniche is a beautiful destination to spend some time at. The perfect spot for people watching, you can also take in stunning views of the modern skyline while your kids enjoy a nearby playground. There are also several wonderful cafes to dine at.
Should you want to linger here, it is advisable to visit during dusk, as opposed to the heat of the day. At that time, you can witness the breathtaking sunset over the water’s edge.
Desert Falconry
The desert is synonymous with Arabian culture, so if you only have time to do a one-day trip, you should consider going on a tour of it.
A desert experience is a terrific way to experience the traditional pre-commercial way of life in Abu Dhabi, and many tours will take you there.
Some even allow you to camp at night, whilst others showcase the ancient practice of falconry training, which is well worth doing to see these magnificent birds in flight.
Food
Trying the local food is an essential part of any holiday, and there are several dishes and experiences that you should not miss in Abu Dhabi.
A melting pot of cultures, its food scene reflects this diversity, offering a wide variety of cuisines from around the world, as well as traditional Arabic dishes that are rich in flavour and history.
One of the most popular local dishes is ‘machboos’ which is a fragrant rice dish cooked with meat, vegetables, and a blend of spices, including saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom. Other traditional dishes include ‘thareed’, which is a stew of bread and meat, and ‘lgeimat’, small, deep-fried dough balls that are often served with a sweet syrup.
One of the best ways to experience the local food scene is by visiting the souks or markets in Abu Dhabi, where you can sample local delicacies and buy fresh ingredients to take home.
For those who want to try something different, Abu Dhabi also offers a range of international cuisine, including everything from Indian and Japanese to Italian and Ethiopian. Indeed, the city is renowned for being the home to some of the world’s best chefs and restaurants and is highly regarded as a foodie’s paradise.
It also offers many high-end restaurants that offer stunning views of the city skyline and the Arabian Gulf. All of which offer meals that are of an exceptionally high standard.
Dune Bashing
If you’re a fan of car adventures, you’ll be thrilled to know that Abu Dhabi’s deserts are the perfect spot for dune bashing.
To ensure a safe yet exciting experience, make sure to pick a tour company with experienced drivers who can take you on a fast-paced ride over the high dunes and long sand valleys.
During the tour, you’ll even have the chance to step out of the 4×4 and admire the breathtakingly serene and undulating desert landscape, which is equally as impressive as the ride itself.
Ferrari World
For those who love fast cars and high-octane fun, the heart-stopping pace of Ferrari World should be right up your alley.
Located on Yas Island, this amusement park is full of adrenaline-pumping rides and Formula One-themed adventures.
The world-renowned attraction, Formula Rossa, is the fastest rollercoaster in the world, reaching an incredible speed of 240km/h. For those who are game enough to ride it, you are in for one hell of a thrill.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Abu Dhabi, and it is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the city. It is one of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity of up to 41,000 worshippers, and it is a symbol of the Islamic faith and the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates.
The mosque was opened in 2007 and was designed to reflect Islamic architecture and art worldwide, incorporating features from various historical periods and regions. It is made of white marble and boasts 82 domes of various sizes, as well as four minarets that stand at over 100 meters tall.
Visitors to the mosque can explore its vast interior, which features ornate chandeliers, intricately designed carpets, and beautifully crafted calligraphy. The mosque also houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, which covers an area of over 5,600 square metres and took over a year to complete.
The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths and provides an opportunity to learn more about Islamic culture and traditions. Guided tours are available, where you can learn about the mosque’s history, architecture, and its role in the local community.
Yas Island Circuit
Visiting Yas Island Circuit in Abu Dhabi is a must-do for any motorsport enthusiast. The circuit is located on Yas Island, which is easily accessible from the city centre.
When visiting Yas Island Circuit, you can choose from a range of experiences and activities, including guided tours of the track and pit building, driving experiences in a range of vehicles, and even karting on a replica of the F1 track. The circuit also hosts various events throughout the year, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and tickets are available for purchase in advance.
One of the most popular ways to experience Yas Island Circuit is through a guided tour. These tours take you behind the scenes of the circuit and give you an up-close look at the pit garages, media centre, and other facilities. You can also learn about the history of the circuit and its significance in the world of motorsports.
For those looking for a more hands-on experience, there are a range of driving experiences available at the circuit. These experiences range from go-karting to driving a high-performance sports car or even an F1 car. There are also simulators available that allow you to experience the thrill of racing on the Yas Island Circuit.
Should your visit coincide with an event, such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there are a range of hospitality packages available that offer exclusive access to the circuit and its facilities, as well as VIP seating and dining options.