Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a dynamic city that blends tradition with modernity. Known for its beautiful coastline, luxurious experiences, and cultural heritage, the city offers travelers a unique destination.
From its desert landscapes to its beautiful skyline, Abu Dhabi provides the ideal place for adventure and exploration. Visitors can immerse themselves in deep-rooted traditions while experiencing cutting-edge modernity in a place that showcases the best of both worlds.
It has refined elegance with an emphasis on comfort and luxury. Its blend of cosmopolitan energy and natural landscapes makes it a place that caters to fun seekers and those looking for cultural insights. Abu Dhabi's geographic diversity also plays a role in its appeal. With its pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, and lush green oases, there are many things to do in Abu Dhabi:
Films/TV references
Things to do & See
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Standing as a symbol of architectural splendor and spiritual magnificence, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a large mosque named after the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed.
A symbol of faith, arts, unity, and cultural heritage, it is one of the largest mosques in the world. The building measures approximately 290 meters by 420 meters.
Construction began in 1996 and finished in 2007. It was built using materials sourced from various parts of the world, such as white Macedonian marble. It features intricate designs inspired by various types of architecture, including the Mughal, Persian, and Ottoman.
The mosque has 82 domes of varying sizes. These include one of the largest mosque domes in the world, containing seven chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals. The mosque is open to the public and is a must-see destination.
However, it's important to be aware of strict dress codes, with women required to be completely covered. It has a capacity of about 41,000 people, with the main hall alone accommodating about 10,000!
The Corniche
‘The Corniche’ refers to Corniche Road in Abu Dhabi. It is an 8km waterfront promenade with plenty to offer. The most interesting attraction along the road is Corniche Beach, a Blue-Flagged public beach known for its clear turquoise water and white sandy shore surrounded by well-manicured gardens.
The beach is 2km long and has three sections: a singles beach called Al Sahil, the ‘quiet zone’ for families, and the third section open to families and children.
Also present is a seaside boardwalk with walkways where you can enjoy views of the Arabian Gulf. While at the beach, you can enjoy one of many beach activities. There are two football pitches, five volleyball courts, and three playing fields available.
You can also rent a boat for a short cruise or a jet ski for more excitement. If you prefer just lounging at the beach, you have the Marina Mall on Lulu Island to check out (bring your own binoculars) or see how many buildings in the Abu Dhabi skyline you can identify.
Beyond the beach, the Corniche also has many small parks, gardens, and a variety of fine dining restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Offering a great marine experience for all, SeaWorld features diverse marine life, engaging shows, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can witness incredible marine creatures in all their glory.
Featuring over 183,000 square meters with more than 58 million liters of water, visitors can view all types of animals, from sea turtles to sharks and rays. The park has eight different sections, from the Arctic to the Atlantic. These have unique shows, and interactive exhibits, including sea lions, and dolphins.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the first SeaWorld park outside the United States and carries on the tradition of SeaWorld as a family-friendly place with plenty of educational opportunities.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a unique cultural landmark on Saadiyat Island. Opened in 2017, it is the first Louvre museum outside of France.
It was established thanks to a partnership between The UAE and the French government. It offers a blend of global art and local Arabian influence.
The museum's stunning design, by architect Jean Nouvel, features a massive dome that creates a "rain of light" effect as sunlight passes through its intricate pattern. This reflects the museum's connection to nature and enhances the visitor experience, combining art, architecture, and natural elements.
The museum's collection spans thousands of years, showcasing art and artifacts from different cultures and periods. Louvre Abu Dhabi highlights the shared history of humanity by displaying works from ancient civilizations, Islamic art, and modern masterpieces in one space.
Visitors can see pieces from renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, and Ai Weiwei. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions and cultural events, making it a vibrant center for arts and education.
Qasr Al Watan
Located close to the Emirate Palace Marina, Qasr Al Watan is a magnificent palace that comes close to the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The exterior of the palace is built with white granite and limestone with an elaborate 37m diameter dome.
The building is a beautiful example of the United Arab Emirates' goal of dazzling guests with difficult to match architectural marvels. One of the most interesting parts of the building is The Great Hall.
The mosaic patterns of the central dome, archways, and floor exhibit the very best of Arabian architecture and culture with theme colors white, blue, and yellow. Each represents purity, the Arabian Gulf waters, and the desert respectively.
Originally built as a palace for government officials and a place for hosting guests of the government, it was opened to the public in 2019 at the direction of Sheikhs Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In addition to the awe-inspiring interior, the grand palace has a large library where visitors can take some time to learn more about the history and culture of the UAE.
The Falcon and Saluki show
The Falcon and Saluki show is a popular desert experience. It lets visitors observe the ancient sport of falconry and the traditional art of Saluki hunting. It is held twice daily at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in the Liwa Desert.
Visitors can witness the agility and skill of falcons and Salukis and immerse themselves in Emirati culture. The falcon is a cultural symbol of the UAE. The birds have been in Emirati culture for centuries.
The show offers insights into the role of falcons in the lives of the Bedouins, a nomadic Arabic tribe in the Middle East. It also showcases the uniqueness of the Salukis, one of the world's oldest dog breeds.
The show is often part of the Desert safari experiences in Abu Dhabi, so visitors can combine it with various other activities, such as camel rides and dune bashing.
Ferrari World
Ferrari World is a must-visit place for theme park lovers and Ferrari fans. The theme park is designed for family fun, and many of the attractions are kid-friendly. There are also plenty of rides for mom and dad.
Rides available include adrenaline pumping, hair-raising racing-themed options. These include Formula Rossa, which is the fastest roller coaster in the world.
The Fiorano GT Challenge will propel you at speeds of 95 km/h in a Ferrari F430 Spider. The circuit was created on a real GT racecourse, and it will send you down twisting parallel tracks.
After experiencing the Ferrari fun rides and rollercoaster, you can dine at one of the six Ferrari World restaurants. Options include Mamma Rossella, which serves pasta and pizza, and the Ferrari factory-themed Il Podio, offering Arabic, Indian, and Western food.
Ferrari fans will find a well-stocked store with plenty of Ferrari branded goods to help keep the memory of the theme park alive.
Natural History Museum
If you're a history (and future) fan, the Natural History Museum is a place you should visit. A new addition to the Abu Dhabi cultural scene, it has exhibits with a lengthy timeline. The museum offers a journey through 13.8 billion years of history (give or take a few years here and there).
It traces the origins of the universe and the Earth, the rise of prehistoric life, and recent changes on the planet. Stan, the Tyrannosaurus rex, and the ancient Murchison Meteorite, whose stardust offers clues about the solar system, are among the most popular items here.
Beyond the displays, the museum is a center for research across fields like zoology and earth sciences. Natural rock formations inspired the building's design, inviting visitors to think about the Earth's future.
Yas Marina Circuit
Home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Yas Marina Circuit is arguably the most modern circuit on the Formula One calendar. This destination offers visitors the chance to feel like a real Formula One race car driver. Movie buffs will remember its use as the fictional Las Vegas Raceway in the Netflix movie 6 Underground.
It provides car lovers the opportunity to drive the custom open-wheel car called the Formula Yas 3000 or GT cars from Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Mercedes. One of the most impressive aspects of the circuit is it takes you through the W Abu Dhabi Hotel.
The hotel makes an excellent base for anyone in need for speed as the Yas Marina Circuit is built around it. In certain rooms, you will be able to see the track right from your window. That is something every racing fan wants to wake up to.
If getting behind the wheel is a little too much, you can take a tour of circuit instead. You'll see where the Formula One teams spend their time when competing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Observation Deck at 300
The capital of the UAE has some of the most unique buildings being constructed today. They house hotels and companies from around the world and offer a brilliant skyline. Just wandering around the city will give you the chance to take in the great views.
But, if you want panoramic views of the city and everything around it, there is no better place than the Conrad Etihad Towers. Located on the 74th floor, the Observation Deck at 300 gives you the chance to observe Abu Dhabi and the Gulf coast.
There is a fee for visitors (if you're not staying at the hotel) to explore the observation deck but you can redeem the ticket for food and drinks at the restaurant located on the observation deck.
Jubail Mangrove Park
If you're looking for serene beauty, Jubail Mangrove Park is an ecological gem in Abu Dhabi. The park provides a tranquil escape through lush mangrove forests and winding boardwalks, pleasing all nature lovers.
A unique attraction located on Al Jubail Island, the park is primarily a mangrove sanctuary, home to a variety of wildlife, such as herons and flamingos. The 2-kilometer boardwalk offers close-up views of the mangroves and the wildlife.
The park aims to enhance understanding of the mangrove habitats. It focuses on the ecological functions and the importance of protecting the natural environment and wildlife.
Beyond the visitor center and cafe, visitors can engage in a variety of water-based activities. These include stand-up paddleboarding and sunset kayaking. A tranquil and educational experience in equal measure, it provides a fantastic escape from urban environments. It is a popular destination for people who love nature.
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi offers many ways to marvel at the wonders of marine life. It has a stunning array of fish, many other aquatic species, and coral reefs.
It is the largest aquarium in the Middle East. It spans over 9,000 square meters split across ten zones and is home to 46,000 animals from 330 species.
With many marine creatures on display, from rays to sea turtles and, the majestic shark, there's plenty for everyone see. The aquarium has a strong focus on the environment, with wildlife rescue being a key part of its operations. Having teamed up with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, they ensure they lead conservation efforts in the region.
Warner Bros. World
Looking for a place the whole family can agree on? Warner Bros. World is a sure bet. There’s something for everyone at this marvelous theme park.
Mom and dad will enjoy a moment of nostalgia with rides like the Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure and the Jetsons Cosmic Orbitor. Dining options include The Starlight, an Art-Deco Hollywood-style theater restaurant, which offers favorites like steaks, lamb chops, and a variety of skewers.
You certainly don't want to leave a place like this without souvenirs, so be sure to visit one of the stores available. A good option is the Warners Bros Studio Store, which offers a variety of official merchandise.
teamLab Phenomena
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is a very different kind of art museum. The Saadiyat Island attraction, which opened in 2025, is the brainchild of Tokyo-based art collective teamLab. It replaces the traditional gallery with multisensory environments shaped by light, sound, water and technology. The displays respond to activity around them, creating fluid spaces where the boundary between the observer and the art fades.
The museum showcases artworks that emerge from environmental processes and change from one moment to the next. Every visit is different as the level of interaction can alter the experience. No one is going to claim this is a typical art gallery. The building's unique exterior also elevates the profile of the island that is already shaping up to be the must-see destination in the capital of the UAE.
Umm Al Emarat Park
Built with the aim of honoring the legacy of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Umm Al Emarat Park is great for families or groups with a mix of ages as it has something to suit all audiences.
The kids can enjoy the playgrounds and sports fields, with walking trails connecting the different park's elements. Adults can enjoy music concerts, art performances, and movies at the amphitheater, which has a very elaborate design.
Be sure to explore the park's event calendar to see what's available during your trip.
Emirates National Auto Museum
One place car enthusiasts will want to add to the list of places to visit while in Abu Dhabi is the Emirates National Auto Museum. Located in Al Dhafra, about 28 miles south of Abu Dhabi, this pyramid-shaped museum houses the car collection owned by Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.
Also known as the Rainbow Sheikh, he is famous for his collection of Mercedes cars in different colors. The collection includes exotic, unique, and record-holding vehicles. Even if you tried, you can’t fail to notice the incredibly large model trucks on display at the museum.
Sea Plane Tours
Can't decide if you want an air or a sea tour of Abu Dhabi? Do both! Explore the Emirati coastline by sea and sky for a one-of-a-kind adventure. Board one of these amphibious planes to see the Yas Marina circuit and surrounding areas from the best seat in the house; above.
Yas Waterworld
With a wide range of water attractions, Yas Waterworld is the perfect blend of excitement and adventure for everyone. Located on Yas Island, the largest water theme park in Abu Dhabi spans over 15 hectares with over 40 rides and slides catering to thrill-seekers and families.
Inspired by Emirati culture and history, with its design and story based on "The Legend of The Lost Pearl," the park offers many services for visitors. These include quick-service takeaways for those on the move, as well as sit-down restaurants that cater to all visitors' needs.
There are many opportunities to indulge, as well as a self-service market complex, Qaryat Al Jewana, where visitors can shop comfortably.
The park is recognized as the world's leading water park and is home to the World Flowboarding Championships. It offers a diverse and immersive water adventure that satisfies all visitors.
Yas Mall
Yas Mall is the largest shopping mall in Abu Dhabi and a must-visit place for anyone looking to experience luxury, leisure, and entertainment under one roof.
Spread over 2.5 million square feet, the mall offers a world-class experience with over 370 international brands ranging from high-end luxury boutiques to popular global retailers. Beyond shopping, Yas Mall is an entertainment hub providing visitors with various activities.
Families can catch the latest films at the 20-screen VOX Cinemas and enjoy fun and games at Fun Works. They can also explore Clymb Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor skydiving flight chamber and climbing wall.
The mall has over 90 restaurants and cafés offering international and local flavors. Conveniently located near some of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions, including Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, Yas Mall offers all visitors a full day of excitement.
Emirate Palace
Emirates Palace is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in the world. Set on a private beach and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel exudes grandeur with its blend of Arabian architecture and modern luxury.
The palace boasts over 114 domes, gold-leaf accents, and marble interiors. It offers a true taste of luxury. Visitors are greeted by views of the Arabian Gulf, making it a tourist attraction.
Whether you're staying overnight or simply exploring the property, the Emirates Palace offers a glimpse into the opulence that defines Abu Dhabi's hospitality scene. A glimpse of that opulence was on display in the initial Abu Dhabi scenes in the movie Furious 7.
Emirates Palace offers a wealth of experiences. The hotel is home to luxury spas, award-winning restaurants, and two expansive swimming pools - one for relaxation and the other for adventure and family fun.
Emirates Palace welcomes visitors not staying at the hotel to enjoy a meal or stroll along its stunning beachfront. Guests can try Emirati cuisine, enjoy fine dining prepared by famous chefs, or have tea in the lounges.
Airport
Transportation
- Bus: The bus service at the airport is run by Abu Dhabi economic public bus system. The buses are located at the lower curbside outside each terminal and depart every 40 minutes.
- Taxi: Metered taxis are available 24/7.
Ride Hailing
Uber, Careem, Blacklane
Abu Dhabi is a travel experience unlike any other. It is the gateway to the rising Middle East. The city bridges the gap between east and west, and its many tourist attractions offer visitors a unique holiday experience.
Popular Local Cuisine
Madrooba
Madrooba is a popular dish in the United Arab Emirates and is widely eaten in Abu Dhabi. The meal is made using seafood – any fish will do - that has been salted. This is known as "maleh." Maleh is a delicacy in Abu Dhabi, with many restaurants serving it. The fish is rinsed thoroughly before being placed into a pot of water that is seasoned with spices.
Flour is slowly added as the fish and spices combine, thickening the fish/water broth into a sauce. The finished madrooba will then be served with flatbread (naan) and ghee. Madrooba is a demonstration of the UAE's cuisine from when the country was known for fishing and not oil.
Best Time to Visit
Unless you're used to scorching hot weather, you should avoid going to Abu Dhabi during the summer months. While you'll get lower hotel prices, you won't be able to enjoy any outdoor activity. Plenty of visitors are aware of this, so winter's clement weather draws a large crowd of tourists and business travelers. Late spring/early fall are better periods, and if you plan to visit during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (usually in November), you'll enjoy relatively temperate weather. Expect higher hotel prices during the grand prix weekend, and be sure to book well in advance.
Historical Weather by Month
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Where to Stay
