The Best Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi reveals itself through architecture that borders on the impossible, and world-class museums that honour both innovation and tradition. Here, we’ve also included some of our favourite neighbourhoods to just wander…

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Abrahamic Family House, Jaseel T/Unsplash

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

An Abu Dhabi landmark, this is one of biggest mosques in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. Starting in the 1990s, it took 13 years to complete the Sheikh Zayed, which features gold chandeliers, Murano glass doors, marble inlaid with lapis lazuli, traditional reflective pools and no fewer than 82 domes. Sunset is a good time to visit, as a spectacular lighting system creates a special glow against the city skyline.

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Louvre Abu Dhabi

Almost a decade after it first opened, the Arabian outpost of the Louvre still has its wow factor. Designed by prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, it’s a statement building with the space to showcase artifacts from the full span of human civilisation. Thanks to its close relationship with the Louvre in Paris and other standout global institutions, its outstanding permanent collection – featuring big names from Mondrian to Magritte – is regularly supplemented by some prestigious loans.

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Manarat Al Saadiyat

A centrepiece of the Saadiyat Cultural District, Manarat Al Saadiyat is both a gateway to the island’s museums and a significant cultural hub in its right. Exhibitions take turns in its three galleries, and there’s also an outdoor events terrace – plus an auditorium hosting regular film screenings. This is where the Abu Dhabi Art Fair takes place each year, but it’s worth checking the website below for the latest listings whenever you’re here.

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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Pexels/Pashal

Qasr Al Watan

The working Presidential Palace of the UAE is a symbol of Abu Dhabi that’s best recognised by its huge dome. Within the building’s white granite and limestone walls, visitors can see a chandelier with 350,000 crystal pieces, a banquet hall with 149,000 hand-engraved bone china pieces, and the Presidential Gifts room displaying diplomatic treasures including 20-million-year-old Swiss quartz. It’s also worth lingering for the ‘Palace in Motion’ AV show each evening.

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Abrahamic Family House

Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye designed this remarkable interfaith complex that features a mosque, a church and a synagogue. On the outside, the three are identical concrete cubes. Inside, each one embraces the unique architectural traditions of its faith. It’s worth booking onto one of the free guided tours.

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Abrahamic Family House, Amr Abdelkader/Unsplash

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Pexels/Adeeb

TeamLab Phenomena

When it opened in 2025, teamLab Phenomena on Saadiyat Island immediately became the world’s biggest digital art museum. In a cloud-like building, the teamLab collective has created 25 remarkable works that are created by and respond to the movement of visitors. Look for floating spheres, swirling silver balloons and installations that require you to walk across nets suspended above projections.

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Ferrari World

The world's first Ferrari-themed park is, appropriately enough, home to the fastest roller coaster on the planet. Formula Rossa hits 240km/h in under five seconds. Beneath Ferrari World’s car-shaped red roof on Yas Island, there are also some gentler pastimes to enjoy – browsing exclusive merch, trying Italian food and taking a ride on Bell’Italia, which takes its passengers around some Italian landmarks in a vintage Ferrari 250 California. Next-level add-ons include driving experiences, a roof walk and a session in the Karting Academy.

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The Souk At Qaryat Al Beri

Venetian-style canals criss-cross this modern take on a traditional Arabian souk, which you’ll find with Khor Al Maqtaa’s Shangri-La hotel complex. Visitors can use water taxis to explore the two-level markets many boutiques, which sell everything from jewellery and fragrance to antiques. Strategically located restaurants and cafés offer fine views of both the Grand Canal and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

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Pexels/Yasin Gdu

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Jubail Mangrove Park

Between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, Jubail Island has some protected mangrove forest whose tranquillity is appreciated by gazelle, flamingos and other wildlife. There’s a boardwalk for visitors to explore this natural sanctuary on foot, as well as kayak tours on offer – we’d set an alarm and try for the sunrise option.

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Saadiyat Beach

The white sand and turquoise waters of Saadiyat don’t just draw a human crowd. This is also where the endangered hawksbill turtles of Abu Dhabi choose to nest. Elevated boardwalks guide visitors through the natural environment and towards the parts of the beach where you can try everything from water sports to yoga classes. When you’re done, the Mamsha promenade is right behind you.

NEIGHBOURHOODS

Al Kasir

It’s easy to spot Al Kasir: connected by bridge to the mainland, it’s the island peninsula that’s home to the Fairmont Marina hotel, with its twin towers connected by an eye-catching arch. It’s also where you’ll find the Marina Mall, the Marina Eye Ferris wheel and the world’s tallest flagpole. But Al Kasir is also a place just to slow down a little, follow the walking path that loops around its perimeter and enjoy some special urban views.

Mamsha

Saadiyat Island's beachfront promenade stretches for 1.5km, offering a refined blend of dining, shopping and entertainment. It’s an easy place for a languid wander, but it’s also where you’ll find a few of the restaurants from our Eat & Drink section, including Alkalime, Antonio Pizza and Feels.

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Mina Zayed

This emerging neighbourhood is now cool enough to be known just as MiZa. Once just a trading post close to the port, it has become one of Abu Dhabi’s creative hubs. Its fish market is still the place to see the catch of the day, but the old warehouses of MiZa also teem with pop-up markets of a different kind – Prada has even set up stall here – art exhibitions and cafés including Barbassi (another one in our Eat & Drink section).

Jubail Mangrove Park

FESTIVALS

Qasr al Hosn

Abu Dhabi's oldest stone building – the very birthplace of the city – comes alive each January and February as it hosts the House of Artisans festival. The Qasr Al Hosn complex becomes a showcase for traditional Emirati crafts such as Al Sadu weaving, Khoos palm frond work, and Talli metallic thread embroidery. On the right day, you might also see demonstrations of Al Teeb classic perfumery and myriad other cultural performances including shadow-play projections and poetry recitals.

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Liwa Festival

Each winter, the Liwa festival is a 23-day celebration of Emirati culture and motorsports. It combines traditional activities like falconry, camel racing and heritage demonstrations with high-octane motorsports including hill climbing championships and desert drift competitions. The action takes place out in the desert, overseen by the Shams Liwa ferris wheel that offers some spectacular widescreen views. The temporary village that goes up around it includes souks, an art hub and family entertainment zones.

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