The 16 most amazing attractions in Abu Dhabi

A lot of the cultural and economic resources of the United Arab Emirates are concentrated in this oil-driven tourist playground. The ultra-modern capital boasts a host of outdoor and in-city recreational options for almost any type of traveler. Adventurous types can go kayaking along mangrove-adorned waterways or ride an SUV to explore some dunes. Motor racing fans, meanwhile, can visit the Ferrari World amusement park and the Yas Marina F1 Circuit. More laid-back art lovers, on the other hand, will enjoy strolling through Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and browsing the art collections of Louvre Abu Dhabi.

In Abu Dhabi you will find some beautiful attractions that you just cannot miss! Places like Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Qasr Al-Hosn, and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort and many more. Continue reading to know more.

1. Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, is considered to be the largest mosque in the country. Visitors would surely have a great time at the mosque as it is perfect for those who want to be at peace. It also offers a quiet and serene place to worship and pray and also wonderful architecture which reflects the rich culture of the country.

2. Qasr Al-Hosn

Once home to the ruling family, Qasr al-Hosn fort is also home to the iconic watchtower. Often referred to as “White Fort” in common parlance, it is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. This magnificent building has served as a consultative council, a national archive and even as the seat of the government.

3. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

Seemingly isolated yet located only 200 km away from Abu Dhabi, this resort offers an unparalleled experience under the desert skies. They also offer relaxing desert spa rituals and Moroccan hammam. A night spent under the wide skies and the unending sandy landscape reminds one of the Arabian Nights.

4. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

One of the biggest amusement parks in the world, Ferrari World of Abu Dhabi fills locals and tourists alike with some thrilling adventure. Ride the craziest roller coasters or go-kart or just check your speed at the racing track, your kids and family will refuse to leave the place.

5. Manarat Al Saadiyat

The name Manarat Al Saadiyat literally translates to ‘a place of enlightenment’. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, it is home to the annual Abu Dhabi Art fair. Apart from various outdoor events, it also houses galleries with art exhibits, an auditorium as well as a photography studio. There are also many interesting workshops, which can be enjoyed with families and kids.

6. Souk Al Zafarana

Souk Al Zafarana is located around the corner of Al Jimi Mall in Al Ain. It has an exclusive area which houses shops run by female shopkeepers. This particular area caters only to women and is called Mubdia village. It is a perfect place for women to shop and enjoy.

7. Marina Mall

With an area of 2.5 million sqaure feet, Yas Mall – as it is alternately called, also has a collection of around 60 food and beverage outlets to choose from. The parking area can accommodate about 10,000 cars. It is easily the largest mall in Abu Dhabi.

8. Al Bateen Beach

Located in one of the more peaceful parts of the city, the Al Bateen beach offers beautiful pristine views. The beach offers a range of facilities such as a separate ladies section, changing rooms, cabanas, sunbeds as well as a children’s playing area. It is clean and very well-maintained and is definitely one of the best places to relax and unwind.

9. Indulge Like Royalty In Emirates Palace

It may be quite expensive to stay even for a night in this luxurious and record-breaking hotel but it will give you a taste of Arabic grandeur and opulence. Designed as an ode to the desert, the building features 114 marble and gold gilded domes. The hotel’s vast surface area strikingly resembles gold during sunset. Located strategically amidst the Arabian Gulf, it is strikingly beautiful amidst the palm trees and fountains in its pathways. Truly a symbol of how rich Arab countries are.

10. The Louvre Abu Dhabi

Located on the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, this art and civilization museum was built in the hopes that it might act as a bridge between Eastern and Western art. First opened in 2017, the museum has quickly become a popular tourist attraction. It showcases works from French museums such as the Louvre, Palace of Versailles as well as photography pieces by artists such as Roger Fenton and Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey.

11. Emirates Heritage Village

Walking into Emirates Heritage Village is like walking to a time capsule. In this small-scale model of a city gone by, learn about how palm-leaf houses were built back in the day. You can also marvel at the know-how of ancient Arabs by taking a look at age-old irrigation channels that still make agriculture possible in the desert until today. While you’re at it, spare some time to watch craftsmen create leather, pottery, glass products and swords using old-school techniques. Cap your visit by touring the museum in the old fort. Here, you can browse galleries that exhibit items like authentic jewelry, ancient weapons and historic tents.

12. Abu Dhabi Desert Safari

Feel like a tough Arabic nomad while not forsaking elegance as you tour this hot and arid part of Abu Dhabi. Many tour companies offer exploring this inhospitable place either by land or by air. If you want to go really old school, you can contact tour companies that offer exploration options by camel. You can go progressively modern from there, with options like riding it tough in a Land Rover or viewing the desert in style in an SUV. You can also ride it rough in vehicles called buggies, in an activity popularly known as “dune-bashing.” If flights are more your fancy, then some companies offer hot-air balloon rides above the vast dry areas of this part of the world.

13. Balloon Expeditions Above The Desert

Experience the variety and diversity of color of the city’s sights through a hot air balloon excursion. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Abu Dhabi as a lighter-than-air vehicle takes you way above streets and buildings. As minutes pass and as your balloon flies through the air, enjoy the transition and contrast from concrete jungle to giant red sand dunes. You may also see emerald green oases, gazelles and camels as your aircraft goes through the arid regions.

14. Etihad Modern Art Gallery

Etihad Modern Art Gallery, located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, is a museum that is known for housing collections of modern art as well as a being a contemporary art space. It was even the first privately funded gallery to host an exhibit in Berlin. The art gallery is perfect for the art enthusiast who want to see captivating art works.

15. Yas Marina Circuit

The perfect setting for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is at the Yas Marina Circuit. Formula One or Go Kart or Triathlon, Yas Marina Circuit hosts every grand racing sport in the world. With the seating capacity of 60000, Yas Marina Circuit is just 30 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi and it also boasts of theme park and water park.

16. Capital Gate

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy may be amazing. But this leaning building, called Capital Gate, is equally breathtaking. Despite having a height of around 500 feet, the structure can lean thanks to 490 pilings. Each piling has a diameter of around 3 feet and buried 100 feet below ground. The Capital Gate, however, is no mere ornament as it functions as both a hotel and an office complex. It also has a swimming pool and a tea lounge.