Discover 15 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Qasr al-Hosn. Also, be sure to include Corniche Beach Abu Dhabi in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi).
Table of Contents
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Also known as: جامع الشيخ زايد
Iconic landmark with 82 white domes. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The largest mosque in the country, it is the key place of worship for daily prayers.[1]
Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, 5th St, Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Also known as: اللوفر أبوظبي
Unique museum for international artwork. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art museum located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It runs under an agreement between the UAE and France, signed in March 2007, that allows it to use the Louvre's name until 2037, and has been described by the Louvre as "France’s largest cultural project abroad." It is approximately 24,000 square metres in size, with 8,000 square metres of galleries, making it the largest art museum in the Arabian peninsula. Artworks from around the world are showcased at the museum, with stated intent to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western art.
By 2019, the Louvre Abu Dhabi had already attracted 2 million visitors, making it the most visited museum in the Arab world.[2]
Address: Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi
Qasr al-Hosn
Also known as: قصر الحصن
Building in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Qasr al-Hosn is a historical landmark and the oldest stone building in the city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It was designed by Mohammed Al Bastaki and built in 1761.[3]
Address: Al Hosn, Sheikh Zayed, Abu Dhabi
Corniche Beach Abu Dhabi
Beach
Address: Corniche Rd, Abu Dhabi
Yas Beach
Beach, Outdoor activities, Park
Address: Yas Leisure Dr, 105101 Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Vegetable Market
Vegetable wholesaler in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Abu Dhabi Vegetable Market is the main vegetable market in central Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
As well as stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables in general, the market also features a row of shops selling dates. The market is next to Zayed Port and the Fish Market is close by too.[4]
Heritage Village
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Address: Nr Marina Mall, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Art museum. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is a planned art museum, to be located in Saadiyat Island cultural district in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Upon completion, it is planned to be the largest of the Guggenheim museums. Architect Frank Gehry designed the building. After announcing the museum project in 2006, work on the site began in 2011 but was soon suspended. A series of construction delays followed; the museum is expected to be completed in 2025.
The museum is part of a larger complex of arts and cultural institutions on Saadiyat Island intended to appeal to international tourists. The museum's collection is expected to focus on modern and contemporary art from West Asia, North Africa and South Asia.[5]
The Founder's Memorial
The Founder's Memorial, a monument and visitor centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is a memorial to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the United Arab Emirates, who died in 2004. Zayed was the driving force behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates, becoming the Union's first President, a post which he held for a period of almost 33 years.
Zayed was appointed the governor of the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi in 1946, and was based in the Muwaiji Fort in Al Ain. He became Ruler of Abu Dhabi on 6 August 1966. Following the announcement by the British government that it intended to abrogate its treaties with them and to withdraw from the area. In a seminal meeting on 18 February 1968 at a desert highland on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai shook hands on the principle of founding a Federation and attempting to invite other trucial rulers to join in order that a viable nation be formed in the wake of the British withdrawal.
Zayed's tireless determination to cement the foundation of the Federation that he saw as critical to the survival of the Trucial States as a viable political entity bore fruit when, on 2 December 1971, the UAE was founded. Zayed is often referred to as the Father of the Nation.[6]
Wahat Al Karama
Wahat Al Karama, which is also known by its English translation Oasis of Dignity, is a war memorial and monument in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates located across Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to commemorate all Emiratis who are killed in the line of duty. The memorial was unveiled on the United Arab Emirates Commemoration Day on 30 November 2016. The memorial is composed of three structures: the leaning pillars, the pavilion of honor, and the memorial plaza. The names of all Emirati soldiers who are killed in duty are inscribed in the pavilion of honor.
British artist Idris Khan was commissioned to deliver this artwork as the centerpiece of the new United Arab Emirates Memorial Park in Abu Dhabi.[7]
Sheikh Zayed Bridge
Bridge
Address: Near Maqtaa Bridge, Abu Dhabi
The Landmark
Towering skyscraper with modern design. The Landmark is a postmodern supertall skyscraper in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The mixed-use project stands 324 metres tall with 72 floors above ground and five basement levels. Construction on the skyscraper started in late 2006 and the building was completed in 2013. It is the second tallest building in Abu Dhabi behind the Burj Mohammed bin Rashid in the Central Market Project World Trade Center complex.[8]
Address: Al Bahhar Street, Abu Dhabi
Khalifa Park
Park, Relax in park
Address: Khalifa St., Abu Dhabi
Yas Island
Also known as: جزيرة السعديات
Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Saadiyat Island is a natural island and a tourism-cultural project for nature and Emirati heritage and culture that is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The project is located in a large, low-lying island, 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi island. A mixed commercial, residential, and leisure project is currently under construction on the island. When completed, Saadiyat Island is expected to become Abu Dhabi's cultural centre, mostly for the Island’s Cultural District that is expected to include eight museums.
The island is five-minute drive away from downtown Abu Dhabi, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and one hour from Dubai.[9]
ADNOC Headquarters
Skyscraper in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. ADNOC Headquarters is a skyscraper office complex located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and is the corporate headquarters of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
The building incorporates energy efficiency and sustainable engineering technologies, such as a double skin façade, LED exterior lighting. Designed by HOK, the overall building complex consists of more than 65 floors with an office tower, corniche club, SPC and Crisis Management Centre, a heritage museum and other supporting facilities.[10]
Address: Corniche Rd W, Abu Dhabi