Places to Visit

Abu Dhabi Landmarks

Emirates Palace

Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace is one of the capital’s most well-known landmarks. It is known for its enchanting Arabesque style, award-winning five-star hospitality, and wonderfully unique and authentic local experiences. Directions can be found here.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Arab World, translating and fostering the spirit of openness between cultures. As one of the premier cultural institutions located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, this art-lovers’ dream displays works of historical, cultural, and sociological significance, from ancient times to the contemporary era. Directions can be found here.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The impressive and inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world’s largest mosques and the only one that captures the unique interactions between Islam and other world cultures. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the UAE, had a very specific vision for this mosque: to incorporate architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations and celebrate cultural diversity by creating a haven that is truly welcoming and inspirational in its foundation. The mosque’s architects were British, Italian, and Emirati, with design ideas borrowed from parts of Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, and Egypt, among other Islamic countries. Directions can be found here.

Qasr Al Hosn

Over the centuries, Qasr Al Hosn has been home to the ruling family, acted as the seat of government, housed the National Consultative Council founded by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE, as well as being a national archive. Today it stands as the nation’s living memorial and a narrator of Abu Dhabi’s history. Directions can be found here.

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi

The largest aquarium in the Middle East, The National Aquarium in Al Qana is literally swimming with aquatic wildlife featuring over 46,000 animals from more than 300 unique species. Spread across 10 nautically-themed zones, from the UAE’s Natural Treasures, sunken sea wrecks, and Atlantic caves, right through to flooded forests, fiery volcanoes, and a frozen ocean, there are more than 60 attractions that will be sure to delight and excite the whole family. Directions can be found here.

Yas Island

This family-friendly entertainment hub is just a 30-minute drive from the city and a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Yas Island is home to an F1™ race track, several theme parks, an incredible links golf course, a beautiful beach, stunning hotels, an impressive mall and much more. It’s the perfect place to bring the kids, from toddler to teen, for a fun-filled holiday by the sea. Directions can be found here.

Jubail Mangrove Park

Jubail Mangrove Park is home to meandering boardwalks that allow you to wander through the mangroves, discovering a nature-rich side to Abu Dhabi and spotting an array of wildlife, from turtles to herons, gazelle, and more. Birdwatchers, nature-lovers, and photographers will be in their element here. Directions can be found here.

Abu Dhabi’s Corniche

Abu Dhabi’s Corniche stretches over eight kilometers of manicured waterfront that includes children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés and restaurants, and a lifeguarded beach. Directions can be found here.

Abu Dhabi Beaches

• Soul Beach Saadiyat Island: Tucked away in Saadiyat Island, Soul Beach is Saadiyat Island’s new captivating beachfront location, part of the Mamsha Al Saadiyat community. Directions can be found here.

• Saadiyat Beach: With pristine white sands stretching out along a generous shore, Saadiyat Beach maintains its reputation as one of the most desirable beach locations in the UAE. Directions can be found here.

• Yas Beach: Set on a majestic stretch of white sand, sun-seekers holidaying at any of Yas Island’s hotels and hotel apartments can enjoy complimentary access to the island’s crystal clear waters and natural mangrove surrounds. Directions can be found here.

• Corniche Beach: This beautiful beach isn’t just home to turquoise water and soft, white sand, it also has a beautiful seaside boardwalk, with well-kept walkways home to manicured gardens and benches overlooking the picturesque Arabian Gulf. Directions can be found here.

Dubai

Dubai is only 140km (1 hour and 20 minutes by car) away from Abu Dhabi. Dubai is a vibrant, urban, and multicultural city with attractive tourist destinations, such as Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world. To find out more, please visit here.

Sharjah

Sharjah is the third largest Emirate, it is only ~165km (1 hour and 50 minutes by car) away from Abu Dhabi. It is a major cultural hub in the UAE, there is also a wide variety of activities awaiting. To find out more, please visit the city’s guide here.