Abu Dhabi is such an underrated destination! I recently visited Abu Dhabi and I think it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Abu Dhabi is one of seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates. Although it is only one out of seven, Abu Dhabi covers the most land! Before I visited, I imagined Abu Dhabi to be just an urban city, but it is so much more than that! You’ll find sand dunes, mountains, ocean, desert, and even wetland! I spent over a week exploring Abu Dhabi and I am so excited to share the best things to do in Abu Dhabi with you.
Note: People commonly think that Abu Dhabi is a country or that it is a city in Dubai, but both are misconceptions. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are both separate emirates within the UAE. It is less than an hour and a half drive between Abu Dhabi and Dubai so the mix-up is totally understandable.
Map of Things to do in Abu Dhabi
Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is known for its collection of grand hotels and resorts! Check out some great places to stay in Abu Dhabi –
Booking.comBest Things to do in Abu Dhabi
Part 1: Places to Visit Within Abu Dhabi City
Abu Dhabi is both a city and a region, so I wanted to cover both in this article. I am starting out first with the best things to do in the city of Abu Dhabi. The places listed in this first part are all within the city and you can easily use Uber for transportation between these spots.
1. Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates and one of the newest landmarks in Abu Dhabi! It was built in 2017 for official governmental business but later opened to the public in 2019 so all could admire the beauty of the palace. The architecture of Qasr Al Watan is absolutely stunning! It is well worth a visit and you can reserve a ticket here.
I recommend visiting at a later time as there is a light show (Palace in Motion) at 7:15 PM daily that you can’t miss out on. The tickets for the light show are separate from visiting the actual palace and you can reserve those here.
2. Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace is a 5-star luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi that is open to all! Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still visit for free. It is certainly worth a visit as the hotel is extraordinary! It is complete with high ceilings and gold and marble finishes everywhere. Don’t miss out on exploring the hotel’s vast gardens as well.
You can also dine and shop at Emirates Palace. There are several notable restaurants at the hotel and luxury stores as well. If you truly want to feel like you’re in one of the most luxurious places in the world, you should get the 24-karat gold-flecked cappuccino at Le Café!
3. The Founder’s Memorial
The Founder’s Memorial is dedicated to the Founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He united the seven emirates in 1971 to form the country of UAE. He is also the first president of the UAE and his son currently serves as the second president.
Come learn about the life and legacy of the founder of the UAE through art, words, and stories. The main centerpiece of the Founder’s Memorial is a monument called “The Constellation“. This memorial is comprised of geometric shapes suspended in the air to form the likeness of the late Sheikh, The shapes are supposed to represent stars and together they form a constellation of the founder of the UAE. I highly recommend visiting at night so you can see the memorial light up.
4. Cultural Foundation
The Cultural Foundation is the UAE’s first center dedicated to the creation and appreciation of Emirati arts and literature. It is free to visit and I highly recommend stopping by to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Emirati culture. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan founded the Cultural Foundation in 1971 and it serves multiple purposes today.
The building was recently reopened to the public in 2018 and today it is a dedicated space for community exhibitions, performances, workshops, and events. It is home to a 900-seat theatre, the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library, and the House of Calligraphy. Additionally, it houses dedicated studio spaces for artists from all over the UAE as part of the Art Residency program.
5. Qasr Al Hosn
How would you like to visit the oldest building in Abu Dhabi? Qasr Al Hosn was originally built in 1761 and founded by the Bani Yas tribe when they discovered water on the island that is modern-day Abu Dhabi. Throughout the years the fort was turned into a fortress and then further expanded to house the royal family of Abu Dhabi.
Visit Qasr Al Hosn to learn about the history of Abu Dhabi and how it has changed from a settlement to a modern, global metropolis. I loved seeing the juxtaposition of the old fort with the skyscrapers in the background – truly a living representation of the past and the present.
6. Louvre Abu Dhabi
Did you know that there is a Louvre in Abu Dhabi? This art museum itself is a work of art! I loved visiting this world-class museum both for the architecture of the building and the galleries within. I thought the gallery was wonderfully curated and definitely well worth a visit even if you’re not a fan of art museums.
You can even go kayaking at the Louvre Abu Dhabi! Take a tour of the museum by water while learning about its architecture from a unique perspective.
7. Jubail Mangrove Park
Jubail Mangrove Park is one of Abu Dhabi’s newest attractions and it is a very serene place! Take a walk on the boardwalk while admiring the beauty of the mangrove forests. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, book a tour to kayak through the mangroves!
8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Abu Dhabi and one of the largest in the world! You can book timed tickets to visit this magnificent place of worship and marvel at this architectural wonder in person. This mosque is unique in that it incorporates architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations to celebrate cultural diversity and creates a symbolic haven for all. Designs from Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, Egypt, and several other Islamic countries influenced the design of the mosque.
Be sure to read about rules for visiting the mosque and the dress code in advance! Women need to be covered from head to toe and no sheer and tight clothing is allowed. Be sure to pack a headscarf and modest clothing for visiting the mosque.
9. Wahat AlKarama
Wahat AlKarama is a war memorial and monument that is across the street from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The best view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is actually from Wahat AlKarama. I highly recommend watching the sunset from this spot and seeing the mosque change colors.
10. The National Aquarium
Come visit the largest aquarium in the Middle East! The National Aquarium is a fun place to visit for all ages. The aquarium features 10 thematic zones, over 330 unique species, and over 46,000 animals. Take a journey through the Arabian Gulf and beyond!
Part 2: Places to Visit Outside Abu Dhabi City
There are several remarkable places outside the city of Abu Dhabi that you should definitely check out. These are in the city of Al Ain which is two hours from Abu Dhabi city. Al Ain is significant to Abu Dhabi and the UAE as the founder of UAE was from Al Ain. I highly recommend visiting Al Ain to gain a better understanding of the history and culture of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.
11. Jebel Hafit Desert Park
Did you know you can go glamping in Abu Dhabi? This desert park is located near the border of Oman and is home to fascinating archaeological and historical remains.
You can choose from different accommodations from budget to luxury. I stayed in a glamping dome and it did not feel like I was staying in a luxurious hotel. The amenities and accommodations are amazing here and I recommend booking a stay!
You can also book a variety of activities at the park! Go hiking, mountain biking, star gazing, dune buggying, or camel trekking – you can’t go wrong.
12. Al Ain Oasis
The Al Ain Oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to over 147,000 date palms.
Wander through this park and observe the traditional irrigation system on display. It preserves a culture and way of life going back thousands of years.
13. Al Ain Palace Museum
The Al Ain Palace Museum is a very important historical site for both Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The palace was home to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was the Founding Father of the UAE. He lived here with his family until the 1960s when he moved to Abu Dhabi to serve as the first president of the UAE.
You can tour the palace and see the private residences of the royal family to gain a better understanding of the history of this region. It was opened as a museum in 2001 and each room has been restored to what it used to look like.
14. Al Jahili Fort
Built-in the late 19th century, the Al Jahili Fort is one of the largest forts in the UAE. It was opened to the public in 2008 and serves as a cultural center and tourist attraction with rotating galleries and exhibits.
15. Qasr AlMuwaji
Qasr AlMuwaji is another highly significant site in Al Ain as it was the birthplace of the current president of the UAE! Come learn about the life of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
There are several fascinating exhibits on display at Qasr AlMuwaji and it is well worth a visit!
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