Tick off the highlights and unmissable experiences.
Whether you’re squeezing in a stopover or planning a long weekend, Abu Dhabi packs in blockbuster landmarks and record-breaking thrills. Take in the golden grandeur of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, the culture of Qasr Al Watan, and the jaw-dropping Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, before shifting gears on Yas Island for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld. Add Saadiyat’s Louvre Abu Dhabi, plus beachfront dining at Al Mamsha, and you’ve got a destination that rewards smart planning. Here’s how to make every hour count with out A to Z guide to Abu Dhabi
A: Al Ain
Al Ain translates as ‘the spring’ and is also affectionately referred to as the Garden City due to its abundance of greenery. Situated close to the border with Oman, Al Ain is a leisurely 90-minute car journey from the capital and the perfect place for a weekend escape. Recognised for its culture, outdoor activities and mountainous topography, there are an abundance of options to fill a weekend or short break. Whether you plan to visit Hili Archaeological Park, the historic Jahili Fort, the Al Ain Palace Museum, Jebel Hafit or the verdant Al Ain Oasis. No trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without a visit to Al Ain.
B: Bani Yas Island
When you think of the United Arab Emirates, the image of idyllic desert islands and wildlife safaris are not ones that immediately come to mind. Yet 170km south-west of Abu Dhabi city lies the natural haven known as Sir Bani Yas Island. Originally used as a retreat for Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who established a wildlife reserve there in 1977. The island is now open to tourism and boasts three different accommodation options from Anantara. Escape to an iconic fortress-style hotel overlooking the Arabian Gulf, live out your dreams of wildlife adventure from rustic lodge luxury or admire flocks of flamingos and walk on the white-sand beach in front of your private villa. When visiting Bani Yas Island, the possibilities for adventure are endless, including family wildlife drives to see giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs, and the option to explore ancient ruins and rock formations by horseback.
C: Camel Racing
Abu Dhabi’s camel racing season runs throughout the cooler winter months and is best viewed between November and March. A trip to the races can be one of the most memorable highlights of any visit to the UAE, but be prepared for an early start, as races generally begin around 7am. Watch as the camels are cheered on, steered by robots that are remotely controlled from SUVs circumnavigating the track. The best spot for camel racing is Al Wathba, about 45 minutes from the city centre, and set amidst a landscape of rolling desert dunes.
D: Desert Safari
Live out those 1001 Arabian Nights fantasies and embark on a desert safari. Most excursions leave the city late in the afternoon. They will likely include a visit to a camel farm and an hour of dune bashing, followed by arrival at a desert camp for a traditional dinner and light entertainment, such as a falcon show or dancing. Though the experience is very touristy, it is fun, and the feeling of sitting out under the stars while enjoying a meal of flame-cooked chicken and lamb is certainly unique.
E: Empty Quarter
The Rub Al Khali Desert, also known as the Empty Quarter, is the second-largest desert in the world. Covering 650,000 square kilometres and approximately one- third of the Arabian Peninsula, this vast sea of sand stretches from the United Arab Emirates into Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The picturesque area is home to several oases, luxury desert resorts and small villages. Still, if you do find yourself visiting this lesser-known part of Abu Dhabi, then a trip to Tal Moreeb is not to be missed! In Arabic, the name Tal Moreeb translates as ‘hill of horror’, and it’s easy to see why. Reportedly, the highest dune in the world, Tal Moreeb, towers 300m with a steep incline of 50 degrees and then extends for 1.6km along a plane. Arrive for sunrise or sunset to make the most of the desert experience.
F: Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi boasts the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park on Yas Island. The predominantly indoor destination is perfect for families, as most of the rides are aimed at a younger demographic, but for thrillseekers, there is Formula Rossa, so fast you have to wear special goggles to ride it, reaching 240 km/h in just five seconds! The park also features the Flying Aces attraction, which holds the title as the world’s steepest steel roller coaster, featuring a starting incline of 51 degrees and the world’s tallest loop at 52 meters.
G: Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world’s iconic architectural wonders. It promotes the tolerant nature of Islamic culture and has become a leading attraction on the cultural and tourism map. The exemplary model of Islamic architecture was constructed between 1996 and 2007 and is the largest in the United Arab Emirates. Featuring a prayer hall that can accommodate over 7000 worshipers, the architecture, design and decor are awe-inspiring and include the world’s largest carpet and seven large chandeliers adorned with Swarovski crystals. The mosque is free to visit, and tourists are welcome to take photos, but please ensure you dress respectfully.
H: Heritage Village
Step back in time and experience the culture and heritage of the United Arab Emirates at the Heritage Village. Situated at the far end of Abu Dhabi’s picturesque corniche, this reconstruction of a traditional desert village features crafts workshops, educational exhibits and cultural festivals. Step inside a Bedouin house, admire ancient pottery and artefacts or visit the resident camel for a taste of desert life in the heart of the city.
I: Indoor Skydiving
Yas Island has fast become the go-to destination for adventure in Abu Dhabi, and the most recent attraction to open is CLYMB. Reach for new heights as you take off in the world’s tallest indoor skydiving flight chamber or brave exhilarating indoor climbing walls. The indoor skydiving flight chamber welcomes first-time flyers from as young as three years old and features an unmatched width of 32 feet and a record-breaking height of 104 feet!
J: Jubail Mangrove Park
Abu Dhabi is an archipelago of over 200 islands, some of which are surrounded by beautiful mangrove forests. Jubail Mangrove Park represents the first self-contained educational, nature, and leisure destination in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and a place where visitors are invited to meander along boardwalks and discover avian and marine species. Aside from the phenomenal photo opportunities, Jubail Mangrove Park also aims to raise awareness and educate visitors about the important ecological role of the city’s mangrove habitats.
K: Kunafa
Admittedly, we cheated a little with this one, but Kunafa has taken the UAE capital by storm! This traditional Middle Eastern dessert is made with shredded filo pastry, soaked in a sugar-based syrup, and typically layered with cheese. Depending upon who you ask, there are numerous spots to try “the best kunafa in town”, but we’d recommend Ibsais in Al Dhafrah or Al Aqssa Sweets in Tourist Club.
L: Louvre Abu Dhabi
Located in the new cultural district on Saadiyat Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi houses a multitude of artworks, all under a domed architecture designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Taking a different museographic approach and a world’s first when compared to other collections worldwide, Louvre Abu Dhabi displays its pieces chronologically. More than just a museum, the building itself is an attraction with its latticed roof providing the striking ‘rain of light’ effect and the flooded sea walls adding to the ambience of this artistic marvel. One for the culture vultures.
M: Manarat Al Saadiyat
Sticking with Saadiyat Island Cultural District, Manarat Al Saadiyat serves as a gateway to the arts and a place to practice and appreciate art freely. Meaning ‘place of enlightenment’, Manarat Al Saadiyat opened in 2009 and today hosts ongoing activities for the local community, including workshops for children and adults. Manarat Al Saadiyat continues to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s thriving art scene through exhibitions, performances and drop-in art studio spaces and is the site for the annual Abu Dhabi Art show.
N: National Auto Museum
If you’re looking for a quirky place to take some impressive photographs, head to this hidden gem. The Emirates National Auto Museum is located in an obscure desert location, but it is a great place to stop on the way to the Empty Quarter. The pyramid-shaped structure houses approximately 200 cars belonging to His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. From off-road vehicles and classic American cars to the Sheikh’s Mercedes rainbow collection and the world’s largest truck. Not to be missed if you’re a motoring enthusiast.
O: Opulent Dining
In a city of varied dining destinations, nothing quite screams Abu Dhabi luxury like a trip to the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. With its golden interiors and 1.2km stretch of private beach, Emirates Palace is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Head to Le Café, renowned for its signature 23K gold-flaked Palace Cappuccino, along with a one-of-a-kind Camelccino and classic afternoon tea.
P: Presidential Palace
Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Watan is both a working Presidential palace and a majestic cultural landmark that invites the world to discover the rich legacy of knowledge and tradition that has shaped the UAE’s journey. Qasr Al Watan is an exquisitely crafted tribute to Arabian heritage and artistry, with its architecture and design echoing the significance and function of the impressive exhibits and iconic rooms housed within its halls. If visiting at sunset, don’t miss the family-friendly Palace In Motion event, a spectacular sound-and-light show that celebrates the UAE’s journey in three breathtaking acts.
Q: Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest and most significant building in Abu Dhabi, holding the city’s first permanent structure, the watchtower. Built around the 1790’s, the commanding structure overlooked the coastal trade routes and protected the growing settlement established on the island. Qasr Al Hosn comprises two significant buildings: the Inner Fort and the Outer Palace. Over the centuries, it has been home to the ruling family, the seat of government, a consultative council and a national archive; it now stands as the nation’s living memorial and the narrator of Abu Dhabi’s history.
R: Restaurant Gems
The UAE is a melting pot of cultures, and the result is an abundance of global cuisines freely available on every street in the city. From the upmarket fine dining establishments to the family-friendly mall options, there is something for everyone in Abu Dhabi. We’d much prefer to take to the streets on foot in the densely populated Khalidiya and Tourist Club neighbourhoods and discover hidden gems such as shawarma and karak tea for just a few dirhams. Head to Bonna Annee Restaurant for Ethiopian coffee, injera bread, and lamb stew, or perhaps to Zahrat Lebnan, a culinary landmark on the Abu Dhabi food scene.
S: Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. It is now home not only to Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum, and Zayed National Museum, but also to several five-star resorts and the FACT award-winning Saadiyat Beach Club. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Saadiyat, then you will already know that its palm-fringed beaches characterise the area. From long strolls on the powder white sands to calming swims amidst turquoise waters, Mamsha Beach is ideal for those looking to spend a day topping up the tan.
T: teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
Sprawling across 17,000 square metres, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is designed for curious minds and hands-on exploration. Here, interaction is part of the art, as immersive installations shift and respond to your presence. In Massless Suns and Dark Suns, spheres of light and darkness converge to challenge perception, with a single touch triggering a radiant glow and a ripple that spreads across the space. Keep moving, and you will find the Levitation Void, a suspended presence that feels like an energy-born phenomenon, floating in defiance of gravity.
U: Umm Al Emarat Park
Abu Dhabi is a city of numerous parks, and the pristine outdoor spaces are an absolute blessing in the colder months, especially for those with young children. Umm Al Emarat Park is a park designed to connect communities in a safe, secure environment. With plenty of areas to explore, the park features an elevated shade house, the tranquil Wisdom Garden, an amphitheatre, and an animal barn home to camels, goats, and tortoises.
V: Venetian Village
Experience Italy in Abu Dhabi. Venetian Village is located within the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal and overlooks the waters of Khor Al Maqta, bringing together a collection of internationally acclaimed artisan restaurants offering exquisite cuisine from around the world.
W: Warehouse 421
Hidden in Mina Port is Warehouse 421, a cultural destination which has transformed a collection of warehouses into a platform for artistic expression, understanding, and the development of the UAE’s creative community. Several tutorials, short courses, and exhibits are offered at this creative hub, with the current program featuring The Stonebreakers. An exhibition that runs until December 31 and brings together three recent projects by Shumon Ahmed, Ranjit Kandalgaonkar and Hira Nabi that focus on a specific node within the modern shipping infrastructural network: the ship-breaking yard.
X: Xtreme Sports
Abu Dhabi is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a range of exciting sports on both land and water. Rent a jet ski or flyboard at one of the numerous beach clubs around town, or slow down the pace with sea kayaking at both Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Eastern Mangroves. For those looking to get the heart rate going, track days can be arranged at Yas Marina Circuit, with the option to drive the Formula Yas 3000. The closest thing to an F1 car that most people will ever get to drive. There is also the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall at CLYMB Yas Island.
Y: Yas Island
Theme parks, a golf course, a Formula 1 circuit and Abu Dhabi’s largest shopping mall all await visitors to Yas Island. As the city’s premier leisure destination, Yas seemingly has it all! Splash your way through a morning at Yas Waterworld, shop until you drop at Yas Mall, ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World and dine at some of the capital’s best restaurants at Yas Marina.
Z: Zayed National Museum
The long-awaited Zayed National Museum is set to open its doors on 3 December in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, the structure takes inspiration from the wings of a falcon — a nod to a cherished Emirati tradition — and will serve as the national museum of the United Arab Emirates. Created in honour of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the landmark institution charts the history of the land from deep prehistory to the present day, blending archaeological artefacts and historic objects with audiovisual storytelling, sensory experiences and contemporary installations.
