Visitors to the United Arab Emirates often think of the vibrant city of Dubai rather than the more stately Abu Dhabi. However, the UAE’s capital focuses on heritage and culture, along with family-friendly attractions like theme parks. With easy access to beaches, mangroves, and the vast desert known as the Empty Quarter, nature enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy.
Although Abu Dhabi is more conservative compared to Dubai, this shouldn't deter visitors. The city blends ambition with tradition, creating a unique appeal that leaves newcomers eager to explore more.
Here are nine must-see experiences to discover the best of Abu Dhabi:
1. Experience the Spiritual Beauty of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Among Abu Dhabi’s architectural marvels, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands out. Spanning an area equivalent to four football fields, it can hold up to 40,000 worshippers and attracts millions of visitors annually. Despite its popularity, the mosque maintains a serene atmosphere, enhanced by the call to prayer heard five times a day.
Artisans, architects, and engineers from around the world worked for 11 years to create this monument, blending Mughal, Ottoman, and Persian architectural styles. The mosque features gold-leaf spires, gilded chandeliers, and columns inlaid with precious stones like amethyst, creating an opulent feel.
Visitors can explore the mosque on their own or with a guide. It's best to visit in the late afternoon to see the four minarets and 82 domes, all covered in gleaming white marble, bathed in blue-tinted light.
Detour: Across from the mosque, Wahat Al Karama (Oasis of Dignity) features The Memorial, an award-winning centerpiece with 31 aluminum-clad panels symbolizing unity. The Memorial Plaza offers a stunning view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque reflected in a shallow pool of water.
2. Appreciate Religious Tolerance at Abrahamic Family House
The Abrahamic Family House is an interfaith complex with three houses of worship representing Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Inspired by a 2019 meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, the complex celebrates the spirit of tolerance in the Emirates. It includes the first synagogue built in the Middle East (outside Israel) in nearly 100 years.
Each sanctuary is equal in scale, symbolizing the equality of the faiths. Architectural details like an abstracted crucifix in the church, a bronze veil in the synagogue, and latticework panels in the mosque highlight the spiritual practices of each religion. Visitors can join in prayer or take a guided tour to learn about all three faiths.
Planning tip: Book your free ticket online and dress modestly. Women can borrow an abaya or headscarf at the mosque’s reception.
3. Enjoy Family Fun at Theme Parks
Abu Dhabi excels at theme parks, with four world-class options on Yas Island. Ferrari World offers high-octane thrills with the world’s fastest roller coaster, a go-kart track, and state-of-the-art simulators. Yas Waterworld features over 40 rides and slides with an interactive theme based on the quest for a legendary pearl, honoring the UAE’s pearl-diving heritage. Warner Bros World, the largest indoor theme park in the world, is perfect for families visiting during hot months. Snow Abu Dhabi in Reem Mall even offers winter activities like sledding, Zorbing, and zip-lining.
Planning tip: Consider Yas Island Multi-Park Experiences for discounted ticket bundles, ideal for large families.
4. Explore the Desert
The vast Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) is the largest continuous sand desert on Earth, covering 70% of Abu Dhabi. There are many ways to experience its beauty, from nature excursions to adrenaline-filled activities and luxury stays.
A “desert safari” is great for first-time visitors, offering activities like dune bashing in a 4x4, quad biking, sand-boarding, camel rides, belly dancing performances, and a barbecue dinner. An overnight stay in the desert adds a magical touch with starry skies and Bedouin hospitality. At Liwa Nights, Salam Almazrouei introduces guests to the region’s cuisine and traditions.
Planning tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medicine 30 to 60 minutes before the safari. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals beforehand.
5. Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi attracts art and culture lovers with its striking architecture, a growing permanent collection of 700 artworks, 300 pieces on loan from partner museums, and temporary exhibitions. Highlights include works by René Magritte, Pablo Picasso, and Osman Hamdi Bey.
Visitors can spend hours exploring the museum, but those short on time can book an Express Tour to see the highlights. Don’t miss Jean Nouvel’s extraordinary dome, which creates a “rain of light” effect.
Planning tip: For a unique view, kayak around the museum at golden hour.
6. Stroll Along the Corniche
Abu Dhabi’s Corniche is a popular waterfront esplanade where tourists and locals mix. The area features cafes, gardens, volleyball courts, and play areas, with separate pathways for cyclists and pedestrians. Corniche Beach, a lifeguarded Blue Flag site, offers showers, cabanas, umbrellas, and dedicated areas for singles, groups, and families. Jet Ski rentals provide a fun way to enjoy views of the city’s skyscrapers.
Planning tip: Look for the food trucks under the name In Between, located near the Corniche stop of the city’s new electric bus.
7. Relax at a Beach Club
With year-round sunshine, pool and beach days are a popular leisure activity in Abu Dhabi. Saadiyat Beach Club offers white sand, turquoise waters, Mediterranean cuisine, fitness facilities, private cabanas, and an infinity pool. You might even encounter a world-class DJ or endangered hawksbill turtles.
Nation Riviera Beach Club and Bayshore Beach Club, both within luxury hotels, are great for family time.
Planning tip: Check DayPass and Best Bites for details on day passes offered by hotels and beach clubs.
8. Paddle Through Mangrove National Park
Mangroves play a crucial role in purifying tidal flows and removing carbon dioxide. In Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove National Park, you can see crabs, flamingos, herons, and dugongs. Kayaking or paddleboarding through the calm waters is the best way to get close to this unique ecosystem.
Planning tip: Book a tour with local operators like Noukhada Adventure Company and Husaak Adventures.
9. Discover Historic Neighborhoods
Amid the modern developments, Abu Dhabi’s old neighborhoods of Al Danah and Al Zahiyah offer a glimpse into the city’s past. These areas are home to family-owned bakeries, kebab restaurants, textile stores, tailor shops, and salons, reflecting the diverse cultures that have shaped the city.
Local tip: Visit Abu Al Afwal Cafeteria, a humble joint run by a Sudanese immigrant, for a portion of foul, a hearty fava bean stew that has been popular since 1975.
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