The UAE’s capital doesn’t always get the same attention as its louder, flashier neighbour, but it should. Abu Dhabi has much to offer – from experiences steeped in art, culture, excitement and adrenaline to incredible public beaches, all imbued with a deep respect for the emirate’s culture, history and wildlife. Here are some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
1. Abrahamic Family House
In Abu Dhabi’s magnificent new interfaith complex, the Abrahamic Family House, one of the world’s most unique representations of tolerance is on full display. The site, which sits in Saadiyat Island’s cultural quarter, opened in early 2023 and houses a mosque, church and synagogue, as well as an education centre. Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye’s design consists of a powerful set of structures that encourage understanding and open dialogue, giving a modern twist on traditional worship. Actual services are held in the complex, during which visitors are not able to enter the site. However, outside of these times, visitors can explore the synagogue, hung with material to illustrate Abraham’s tent-style shelter and safe haven; His Holiness Francis Church, where beams of natural sunshine are meant to represent the light of God; and the mosque, with its 470 stunning lattice-work panels. Entrance is free but prior booking is essential, with tours running several times an hour from Tuesday to Saturday. Women are asked to cover their heads inside the mosque, with scarves provided if necessary at no charge.
2. Soul Beach Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Abu Dhabi has undergone some serious development in recent years, but ask any of the capital’s residents what their favourite new addition is and they will likely tell you the same thing – Soul Beach Mamsha Al Saadiyat. The pristine stretch of beach is one of the capital’s most reasonably priced, and has plenty of space, with 400 parasol-protected sunbeds dotted along the 1.2km length of sand. Once the sun has set, take a stroll along the promenade and choose from one of the many cool, casual restaurants located here – many of them homegrown concepts. Looking for a gut-friendly meal? Stop by Nagham Al Zahlawi’s boho-chic eatery Alkalime, where everything – right down to the condiments – is homemade. Grab a fresh juice and an array of nutrient-packed dishes at Mohamed Matar Al Falasi’s eatery Feels, and stop by Local, offering speciality coffee, edgy brands and a barbershop all in one.
3. Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
It’s not the flashiest attraction, but it is one of the most important. It’s easy to forget that 60 years ago, there was little to Abu Dhabi, but this is a space where some of the city’s ancient Bedouin traditions and means of livelihood are being kept alive. Situated in an out-of-the-way corner of Marina Mall Island, Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is operated by the Emirates Heritage Club and houses an array of working artisans. Watch glass blowing, weaving, clay pot-spinning and metalwork happening in real time, and learn about the craftsmanship involved in making Omani daggers (khanjar). Think of it as a pre-modern UAE time capsule, where an old-world souk, mosque and market – where you can pick up a range of spices, soaps and other treasures – still operate. Oh, and you can meet some camels.
4. Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi is not only famous for its collection of 120 masterpieces, but also its striking design, courtesy of French architect Jean Nouvel. From the outside, it appears to float atop Gulf waters and, on the inside, its spectacular, dome-shaped roof, designed to mimic the natural pattern of a palm tree’s frond, lets in ever-shifting beams of sunlight. In the five years the museum has been open, it’s become the capital’s cultural hub, evolving beyond a museum to offer film screenings, art classes, yoga and sound healing sessions, concerts and even kayaking in its surrounding waters. Joining the museum from Paris is French fine-dining bistro Fouquet's, which offers elegant dinner service on site. But if you’re purely here for the art, you’ll find works by Paul Gauguin, Piet Mondrian and Edouard Manet among Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection.
5. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Construction on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest in the UAE, began in 1996 and took 12 years to complete. The monument was built to honour the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, and serves as his final resting place. The structure is built from gleaming white marble and features 82 domes and minarets, and finials decorated with gold glass mosaic. Inside, marble walls are decorated with colourful climbing poppies, jasmine and red frangipani, with semi-precious stones and mother-of-pearl embedded into columns. The mosque is big enough to accommodate 40,000 visitors inside and outside, with the main prayer hall capable of holding 7,000 worshipers. It is open to visitors every day, except for Friday mornings. Visitors are expected to cover, and abayas are available to borrow for free on site.
6. Etihad Modern Art Gallery
The Etihad Modern Art Gallery is a small, slightly out of the way treasure, but if you seek it out, you’ll be glad you did. Located behind Al Bateen Mall and landmarked by two sculptured Arabian horses outside its gate, it's well worth a visit for any art lover. Quirky and fanciful, this eclectic setting – it feels more like a home than a gallery, with wind chimes providing a peaceful soundtrack in the tree-shaded courtyard – is the vision of founder Khaled Siddiq Al Mutawaa, to foster awareness and growth of the Emirati contemporary art scene. There are also regular exhibitions featuring the work of international artists.
7. Yas Waterworld
Water babies (and grown-ups) will love Yas Waterworld. There are more than 40 rides to choose from, from slides and a rollercoaster to a lazy river when you need an adrenalin break. This aquatic haven is Arabian-themed, with a falcon’s nest and a ship-wrecked dhow among the features worked into its design. Clever shading will keep you cool, especially during the hot summer months, but be prepared to tackle the steep flights of stairs up to each ride. There’s also a wave pool, cabanas for rent, a 5D water cinema and a diving-for-real-pearls experience on offer here.
8. Desert Safari
Do you have to go on a desert safari? No. Should you? Probably. cliché though it may be, it’s part of the fun of a visit to the UAE, and something everyone should try at least once. From dune bashing to sand-surfing, there’s plenty of fun to be had – and that’s before you’ve been for a camel ride. Most desert safaris end with a traditional Arabic feast served at a Bedouin-inspired camp, where a traditional oud player soundtracks the sunset and belly dancers put on an after-dinner show. You can’t really go wrong with a provider, but Desert Rose Tourism is tried, tested and approved.
9. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
For supercar fans, a visit to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a must. Not only will you learn of the brand’s storied history and engineering prowess, but, if you’re brave enough, you’ll get to ride the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, which hits speeds of up to 240kmph on a two-kilometre track, complete with upside-down loops. Keep your eyes open for a birds-eye view of Yas Island. And if you aren’t up for that kind of adventure, there’s also a Family Zone featuring less high-octane rides.
10. The Founder’s Memorial
The life, legacy and values of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, are commemorated at the Founder’s Memorial. The installation, by artist Ralph Helmick, is located at the far west end of the Corniche, near Emirates Palace, and at its centre is The Constellation, a magical public artwork. The sculpture is composed of 1,327 geometric shapes attached to 1,110 cables, all housed within a 30-metre pavilion. No viewing of this dynamic, three-dimensional portrait is ever the same, just as its creator intended, and it is just as beautiful during the day as it is at night, when almost 2,000 lights illuminate it from above and below.
11. Explore the Corniche
Abu Dhabi’s eight kilometres of Corniche, lining the shores of the Arabian Gulf, are one of the capital’s key draws. The beachside boardwalk is forever filled with people scooting, biking and karting (all of which can be rented here) and, thanks to the city’s downtown skyline, which runs parallel, there’s spectacular backdrops on all sides. A walk along the Corniche also takes you through history, starting with the grandeur of five-star hotels and luxury shopping malls on one end, and the Dhow Harbour near Mina Zayed Port on the other. There, you can see the traditional, thin-hulled Arab wooden boats still used in active trade between other Gulf countries, the Middle East and parts of India and East Africa. All along the Corniche, there are sections of beach dedicated to families, singles and women, as well as places to stop for ice cream, coffee or a more substantial snack. Watch it come alive at sunset, when residents flock outdoors for exercise, fresh air and the last of the day’s rays.
12. Snow Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi might be built on desert, but it also houses a winter wonderland at Snow Abu Dhabi in Reem Mall. At 929 sqm, this is one of the world’s largest – and newest – snow parks. There are nine rides children will love, including the Polar Express Train and Flight of the Snowy Owl, as well as falling snow and hot chocolate at the Enchanted Cafe, all kept at a permanent temperature of -2 degrees Celsius. But don’t worry, all guests are provided with snow pants and jackets.
13. Qasr Al Hosn
Abu Dhabi’s oldest and most culturally significant stone building, Qasr Al Hosn is the place the emirate’s ruling families called home for centuries. Located in the heart of the city, this heritage site houses the capital’s first permanent structure, the Watchtower, which overlooked coastal trade routes and protected an entire region. History buffs can check out the restored inner fort and outer palace, while the House of Artisans celebrates the rich intangible heritage of the UAE by showcasing the history of Emirati craftwork.
14. Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
With close to 30 rides and a host of familiar, much-loved faces, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is a great family day out, especially during the hot summer months. Immerse yourself in the DC Comics universe, where superheroes (and villains) roam freely, alongside Warner Bros cartoon characters from the Flintstones, Scooby Doo and Bugs Bunny. There’s also a WB Hotel on site, if you fear a day visit won’t be enough. Whether it’s Gotham City, Bedrock or Dynamite Gulch, the absence of a straight-line layout offers visitors a surprise around every corner.