As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is one of the most important cities in the entire Gulf region. Though it was still a mostly desert landscape as recently as the mid-1970s, today it’s towering skyscrapers that form a remarkable backdrop to an exciting modern city.
The streets house a range of impressive galleries and museums, including the city’s own Louvre museum, along with some of the most majestic recent architecture in the Arab world, from the Grand Mosque to a series of elegant palaces and hotels.
Blue waters meet sandy shorelines along the Corniche and on several nearby islands, while those who venture further into nature will find a vast expanse of desert or the rivers of a national park. But with new openings constantly popping up, there’s plenty more to see and do in this ever-evolving city. If you’re looking for how best to spend your time in Abu Dhabi, here are the top 5 things to do.
1. Stroll along the Corniche
The Corniche is a waterfront promenade that stretches for almost five miles, and includes over a mile of beach areas divided into different sections suitable for families, children and larger groups. Filled with pavements, cycle lanes, manicured public parks, plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants, the walkway is a popular place to spend a few hours.
On the western corner, the Heritage Village, a time capsule village built in the form of a traditional oasis settlement, sits near Marina Mall, a shopping centre with over 400 outlets. The opulent Emirates Palace, the site of a $3bn hotel project, lies just south; though a stay may be out of budget, you can take a guided tour of the famous complex for 150 AED (£32) or enjoy a brunch for 295 AED (£63). The Founder’s Memorial, dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed, occupies a privileged space at the end of the main beach, and that area contains two gardens and an elevated walkway that provides excellent views of the city skyline, particularly at night.
2. Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan
The religious focal point of the city, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is an architectural masterpiece. Inaugurated in 2007 by the late Sheikh Zayed, it has space for 40,000 worshippers. An elegant showcase of Islamic architecture, it has several intricate design elements, including marbled halls, tiled mosaics, calligraphy and large ornate domes.
The Qasr Al Watan is a working presidential palace. Constructed from white granite and limestone, it has several ornate features – from geometric designs in the interior to a dome that measures 37 metres in diameter – and was opened to the public in 2019. Tours are worth the 65 AED (£14) for the incredible interiors alone, though the eastern wing of the palace contains the so-called “House of Knowledge”, where visitors can see artefacts and manuscripts from across the Arab world, including the first modern map of Arabia and an official replica of the Birmingham Quran, one of the earliest surviving manuscripts of the Islamic holy book.
3. Take in some art and culture
The city has an ever-growing range of museums and galleries, and one of the most recent additions is the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the result of a cultural collaboration with the French government. It holds hundreds of artefacts and works of art – ranging from ceremonial vases that date back two millennia to a 17th-century work by Rembrandt – in a strikingly futuristic complex.
Other galleries in the city include the Etihad Modern Art Gallery (which shows contemporary art from up-and-coming Emirati artists), the Abu Dhabi Art Hub (showcasing modern art from a range of international artists, as well as themed exhibitions) and the Warehouse 421. This is a larger complex home to a cultural centre and rolling art exhibitions. In addition to showing work from local artists, the centre puts on workshops, readings, lectures and international films.
If exploring the history and culture of the Emirate, start at the Abu Dhabi History Museum. It chronicles the rise of the city from traditional desert life to the discovery of natural resources and the subsequent explosion in development. The Zayed Heritage Centre is a smaller museum but great for learning about the early days of Abu Dhabi, from the establishment of the police and postal services to the life of Sheikh Zayed. Finally, the Heritage Village, built in the mould of a traditional settlement, offers an immersive way to learn about the region’s heritage, from souks and Bedouin camps more modern Abu Dhabi houses.
4. Get the best view of the city
Located on the 74th floor of the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, the Observation Deck at 300 is the highest viewpoint in the city at 300m. It offers sweeping birds-eye views of the Corniche, the Gulf and landmarks such as the Qasr Al Watan, and tickets are priced at 95 AED (£20) per person. This price includes a voucher of 55 AED (£11) to spend on food and drinks, so it’s a great opportunity to grab a drink or some food while enjoying the best view you can get. If it’s a particularly special occasion, you can splash out on the cafe’s afternoon tea for 250 AED (£53).
5. Hit the beach
The city is home to an excellent range of beaches. If you’re with the kids, you can head to the Corniche’s peaceful play areas and closed off sections or the 800m stretch of sands at Al Bateen, a charming location with calm water – great for swimming.
For something a little more isolated, head to Soul Beach, Saadiyat or the island of Hudayriat. You’ll likely see an array of people at food trucks, in great restaurants or on jet skis and playing volleyball. There are small fees of 50 AED (£10) and 75 AED (£16) for Soul and Saadiyat, respectively. Popular beach clubs include Al Maya Island and Yas Beach (prices are 250 AED (£50) and 120 AED (£25), respectively). Although they offer relaxation in parts, they’re best for days filled with music, drinks at poolside bars, brunches and afternoon parties.
Zaya Nurai carries a 480 AED (£102) fee just to enter the island, though you get 420 AED (£90) of that entry fee back to spend on food and drink. It offers perhaps the best beaches in the region, with remarkable emerald waters and fine white sands. Even better, the backdrops consist of large green spaces and low-rise beach huts rather than dizzying skyscrapers.