Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offers the best of both worlds. While boasting modern marvels, it also has its array of cultural and historical wonders. If you’re heading to this part of the Middle East, count on this guide, which rounds up the top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy
Launched in 2021, the Abu Dhabi strategy aims to boost overnight visits to 23 million per year by 2030. A thriving tourism sector means more employment opportunities. Statista predicts that by 2026, this sector could generate about 56,400 jobs in Abu Dhabi.
On track to sustained growth, the emirate’s airports welcomed 10.26 million visitors in the first half (H1) of 2023. This represents a 67 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase. The number of flights also jumped 36 percent, from 49,919 in H1 2022 to 67,835 in the same period last year. The Zayed International Airport, which began operations in the last quarter of 2023, is also expected to boost Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry with an enhanced passenger capacity that is expected to reach 65 million in the next decade.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi hotels accommodated 2.4 million tourists in H1 2023, according to the Abu Dhabi Division of Culture and Tourism. During this time, the hotels collectively generated over AED3 billion.
Read: Places to visit in Dubai
10 places to visit in Abu Dhabi
Visiting Abu Dhabi soon? Enrich your experience by visiting these attractions.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the UAE and third largest globally, is an architectural icon spanning over 22,400 square meters. While it welcomes around 50,000 worshippers daily, it is also one of the most beautiful attractions that tourists from all walks of life can visit. The mosque was envisioned by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s founding father, as a sanctuary where people from diverse backgrounds can converge to appreciate art, religion and heritage. Built by skilled artisans from various countries, it features intricate marble mosaics, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is a hotel that epitomizes luxury. But beyond that, it’s one of the most remarkable structures to grace the Abu Dhabi soil. Evoking Arabian fairy tales, it has grand domes and sprawling gardens. The property has many decadent amenities and features, including a pristine 1.3-kilometer private beach, exquisite pools, a private marina and a luxurious spa. Even if you’re not staying in this hotel, you access it via a day pass. It lets you explore its pools, cycling paths, tennis courts and more. The Emirates is also proximal to other known places to visit in Abu Dhabi, including Qasr Al Watan (The Royal Palace) and the Founders Memorial.
Qasr Al Hosn
Abu Dhabi’s oldest standing structure, Qasr Al Hosn bears witness to the emirate’s rich heritage. It was originally built in the 1790s, serving as the home of the ruling family. It also housed the National Consultative Council. In 2018, it was transformed into a museum. When you step into its premises, you can access 6,000 years of history through various well-preserved artifacts and archival materials. The structure features iconic buildings, such as the original watchtower, the Inner Fort and the Outer Palace. Near Qasr Al Hosn, you will find a haven for art enthusiasts — the Cultural Foundation. This offers regular cultural programs and showcases several art forms.
Observation Deck At 300 (Etihad Towers)
Perched atop the second tower of Etihad Towers, the Observation Deck at 300 is the highest vantage point in Abu Dhabi. Thanks to its location — 300 meters above the city — you can enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the capital, the sparkling Arabian Gulf and the Corniche, which is yet another famous destination known for its pristine beach and polished waterfront. While at the Observation Deck, you can complement the experience with a gastronomic adventure. One of the most popular things to do here is indulge in an afternoon high tea. You can also combine it with dinner, a pool day or water sports at nearby hotels.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
Want to step into a unique artistic world? The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the place to be. It’s the first universal museum in the Arab World, fostering dialogue between diverse cultures. The building itself is a masterpiece designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Its standout feature is a silvery dome weighing 7,500 tons. Housed inside the building are 9,200 square meters of galleries featuring treasures and art pieces from ancient to contemporary times. You will also find loans from renowned French museums, including Musee du Louvre, Musee d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou.
Kai Beach, Saadiyat Island
Whether you want to go on leisure or open-water swimming, heading to Kai Beach on Saadiyat Island is a good idea. Stretching 400 meters, the stunning beach boasts white sands and tranquil azure waters. As one of the UAE’s leading beach destinations, it also has eco-friendly watersports and food hubs with delectable menus to elevate your beach experience. Kai Beach is nestled between the luxurious Park Hyatt and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. And its lush greenery sets it apart from other beaches in the emirate and the country. While the beach was temporarily closed for beautification, it will welcome beach lovers again on March 16.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
Ferrari World winning the World’s Leading Theme Park for the fifth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards is one big reason to include this in the places you want to visit in Abu Dhabi. The adrenaline-packed theme park located on Yas Island offers record-breaking attractions. These include the world’s fastest rollercoaster (0 to 240km/h in just 4.9 seconds) and the world’s highest roller-coaster loop (63 meters with a steep 51-degree incline). Meanwhile, you can enjoy a more serene experience at Bell’Italia. This lets you explore a miniaturized Italy aboard a classic Ferrari 250 California.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
On Yas Island, you can also find another award-winning attraction. But this time around, you will be taken into a wonderful “SeaWorld.” Last year, it bagged the Outstanding Achievement recognition at the esteemed TEA Awards. This aquatic theme park covers 183,000 square meters, touted as the region’s most extensive multi-species aquarium. There are also hands-on displays for a richer, more educational experience. If you want to have close encounters with regal sharks, elegant manta rays and friendly sea turtles, don’t miss out on this Abu Dhabi attraction.
Al Ain Oasis
The verdant expanses of Al Ain Oasis in the Abu Dhabi emirate are a serene contrast to the adrenaline-filled adventures offered by Abu Dhabi’s theme parks. This oasis lives up to its name, spanning over 1,200 hectares and just a 90-minute drive from the capital city. Surrounding the sanctuary are a unique combination of 147,000 palm trees, over 100 varieties of lush vegetation and remnants of the country’s ancient past. These include the traditional falaj irrigation system. This method of water management is pivotal in Al Ain’s being named a UNESCO Cultural Site.
Jebel Hafit, Al Ain
Abu Dhabi’s tallest peak is best known for the 5,000-year-old tombs found at the foot. This is another UNESCO-designated site in the UAE. The base is also where the Jebel Hafit Desert Park is situated. Besides exploring the tombs and the desert park, one of the best things to do here is to catch the breathtaking sunrise and sunset. From Jebel Hafit, you can also get access to wonderful vistas of the Al Ain Oasis. At 1,249 meters, it’s also the UAE’s second-tallest mountain. You can reach its summit by car, motorbike or bicycle.
Final thoughts
Abu Dhabi masterfully blends the ancient with the modern, offering various attractions for every type of traveler. While this list features 10 of the most popular places to visit in Abu Dhabi, there more attractions that can satisfy your carvings for an unforgettable adventure.
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