Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital, is more than an urban destination; it's a realm of wildlife, thrilling attractions, and unique experiences. As the epicentre of Emirati culture, this emirate exudes character and prestige, beckoning visitors to explore its rich tapestry of heritage and modern marvels.
Top 10 Things to do in Abu Dhabi
From cultural landmarks to presidential palaces, the city offers a fusion of impressive architecture and tradition. This guide reveals a curated selection of the top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
1. The Louvre Abu Dhabi
Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a testament to an extraordinary partnership between France and the UAE, The museum features spectacular architecture, a rich permanent collection, and exceptional temporary exhibitions with unique pieces on loan. This venue, the first universal museum in the Arab world, showcases 700 artworks spanning from prehistoric times to the present, and 300 loaned masterpieces, including 100 from the Louvre annually. The Louvre Abu Dhabi intricately weaves connections between different civilisations and cultures, making it a top destination for art and history enthusiasts.
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is arguably one of the most visited places in Abu Dhabi, attracting millions of visitors with superb architecture and cultural significance. As one of the world's largest mosques, it was envisioned by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as a welcoming cultural haven and cultural symbol of Abu Dhabi. The mosque’s construction was a global collaboration, featuring the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet by 1,300 Iranian artisans, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, and a large marble mosaic courtyard. Its open-door policy invites people from all backgrounds to admire its beauty and understand UAE culture. The 82 domes, gold-leaf calligraphy, and reflective pools enhance its splendour, especially when illuminated at night.
3. Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, is a symbolic landmark infused with striking Arabian architecture and cultural significance. It presents a deep insight into the UAE's rich heritage and history, offering visitors a chance to understand its cultural background. The majestic structure, with its grand halls and the captivating ‘Palace In Motion’ light and sound show, makes it an iconic and unmissable attraction in the capital.
4. Theme Parks on Yas Island
Yas Island is home to some of the best theme parks in the world and offers adventures for all ages. Ferrari World delivers adrenaline-pumping rides like the world’s fastest rollercoaster, 'Formula Rossa', and other Ferrari-themed attractions. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the largest indoor amusement park globally, features 29 rides with famous characters in immersive themed areas. Yas Waterpark boasts 40 exhilarating slides, including the world’s first hydromagnetic tornado waterslide and the largest surfable sheet wave. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi invites exploration with over 100,000 marine animals, interactive exhibits, and the world's largest multi-species marine life aquarium. Each park provides unique entertainment, making the theme parks at Yas Island an essential destination for fun and adventure.
5. Mangrove National Park
Mangrove National Park in Abu Dhabi is a top destination due to its natural beauty and ecological significance. Covering nearly 75% of the UAE's mangrove forest area, it includes salt marshes, mudflats, and algal communities. Visitors are always keen to explore this lush landscape filled with dense trees, vibrant wildlife, and serene water channels. Home to different species of crabs, turtles, herons, and flamingos, the park also plays crucial environmental roles, such as protecting against tidal surges and purifying water. With bird-watching opportunities and activities like kayaking, it offers a peaceful retreat into nature. Another way to experience the national park is by booking a luxury staycation at the nearby Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel which has some truly awe-inspiring views of the mangroves.
6. Yas Bay Waterfront
Yas Bay Waterfront is the city’s most energetic locale and the ideal place to enjoy views of the sun setting over the blue waters of Abu Dhabi. The AED 12 billion project features a 3km palm tree-lined boardwalk, with art installations and stunning views of emerald waters by day and sparkling city skylines by night. Café Del Mar beach club has top DJs spinning the decks and is the ideal spot for a sundowner, while a list of exclusive restaurants on Pier 71 like Akiba Dori and Zeera by Buddha-Bar pave the way for a fine dining experience with impressive views from alfresco dining spots. Down by the water, the Etihad Arena hosts major events, including concerts and UFC fights, adding to the magnetic atmosphere and making Yas Bay Waterfront an unmissable destination in the capital.
7. Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island brings a dramatic landscape filled with remarkable wildlife and adventure activities two hours away from the capital. As one of the eight desert islands of Al Dhafra, the area is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves, with over 17,000 free-roaming animals like Arabian oryx, gazelles, and cheetahs. Visitors can enjoy 4x4 safaris, equestrian activities, and historical tours of the UAE's only-discovered Christian monastery from around 600 AD. Five-star venues such as Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara and private villas at Anantara Al Yamm and Al Sahel, further reaffirm the value of this island as a top destination to visit in Abu Dhabi. To reach Sir Bani Yas Island, you have two options: a boat from the Jebel Dhanna jetty, or a Seawings seaplane journey taking around forty-five minutes, offering stunning aerial views. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara provides complimentary water taxi rides to guests. Alternatively, travellers can opt for personal boat travel, docking at Royal Bay Moorings.
8. Observation Deck at 300
Perched on the 74th floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, the Observation Deck at 300 offers stunning views of the UAE’s capital. As the highest vantage point in Abu Dhabi, it presents bird's-eye vistas of the city skyline, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Qasr Al Watan, and the Arabian Gulf from 300 meters above ground. The deck's café offers a premium afternoon high tea experience, with exclusive tea blends like TWG Tea Grand Crus Prestige and signature mocktails like Etihad Sparkler, all enjoyed against the backdrop of the beautiful cityscape.
9. Yas Marina Circuit
Yas Marina Circuit is the ultimate destination for motorsport and car enthusiasts, renowned for hosting the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. Its exhilarating layout, with fast straights and winding corners, provides the perfect stage for thrilling racing events. Guests can enjoy prime views from five main stands and the scenic Abu Dhabi Hill, and try out driving experiences with powerful vehicles like the Aston Martin GT4 and Chevrolet Camaro. F1 fans can experience what it is like to drive as a professional driver in an actual open-wheeled race car by trying their Formula Yas 3000. Regular track days and roll-racing nights allow enthusiasts to bring their cars and push them to their limits on the Formula 1 track, making Yas Marina Circuit a haven for speed and excitement.
10. Golf Courses
Abu Dhabi is an emerging premier golfing destination, due to world-class courses and tranquil fairways. The city's investment in top-tier golf facilities has drawn international attention. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by golfing champion Gary Player, offers a unique playing experience as part of a seaside setting, natural dunes, and challenging layout. It features 60 bunkers and tees extending to 7,806 yards, catering to all skill levels. Yas Links, designed by Kyle Phillips, reveals an 18-hole course with a dramatic coastal layout. Spanning 7,450 yards, it includes a 9-hole academy and a floodlit practice area. Both clubs provide exceptional golfing experiences, positioning Abu Dhabi as a premier golfing destination.
Final Take
Just an hour's drive from Dubai, Abu Dhabi offers a compelling mix of diverse landscapes, islands, activities, and cultural significance that make the journey exceptionally worthwhile. The city is also home to the finest beaches in the region and has been consistently growing as a premier destination for prime real estate and island living.
