Living in Abu Dhabi
Explore Abu Dhabi
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Attractive Places in Abu Dhabi
Capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a well-ordered, industrious city with a pretty waterside location.
First inhabited by the nomadic Bani Yas tribe in 1760, the settlement remained a small fishing village until oil was discovered. The revenues transformed Abu Dhabi into the modern city of today-a bustling center of government and business.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the major tourist attraction and wows all who visit. But the city also makes a good base for excursions to the desert landscapes of Liwa Oasis and the oasis city of Al Ain. Find the best things to do with our list of the top attractions in Abu Dhabi.
See also: Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Clad in Macedonian marble, the beautiful and absolutely mammoth Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is Abu Dhabi’s landmark building and by far the most popular sightseeing attraction in the city. The mosque fuses Mameluke, Ottoman, and Fatimid design elements to create a harmonious and thoroughly modern mosque that celebrates Islamic architecture. Artisans used glass-work, mosaic tiling, and intricate carvings to spectacular effect on both the interior and exterior.
It was opened in 2007 after nearly 20 years of construction. Able to hold 40,000 worshippers, it is the biggest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, and like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, it is dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan.
Non-Muslims are allowed into all areas of the mosque (including the vast library), and guided tours are available. The Abu Dhabi Morning Tour is a good way to get acquainted with the city. This four hour tour visits the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the bustling markets and fishing harbor of Al Mina, and the heritage village with a local guide. Transport and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Address: Al Khaleej al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabihttps://56c82976f5d93b4e3a04afdd31a9736b.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
View of the Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Middle East’s most spectacular museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi traces the entire history of humanity’s artistic achievements, from the Neolithic right up to the current day. The wealth and diversity of art on display, from ancient Egyptian statuary to famous paintings by Picasso, is mind-boggling, while the museum’s contemporary architecture, with its galleries gathered under a vast silver dome, is a reason to visit in itself.
As well as the permanent collection, which runs over 12 galleries, several major temporary exhibitions are staged each year. The Louvre is the first of three planned major museums to open on Saadiyat Island, which is set to become the cultural heartbeat of Abu Dhabi in the coming years. The other two-Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum-are still in the planning phases.
Official Site: www.louvreabudhabi.ae
Kayaking at sunset in Abu Dhabi
To see a different side of Abu Dhabi’s steel and glass exterior, head into the mangrove forests that still ring the islands along the shore surrounding the city. There’s a bundle of kayaking tours available for all levels of experience and age, ranging from 1.5 hours to three hours of paddling. The Eco Tour allows you to understand the important ecology of mangroves, as well as explore these beautiful last remnants of the city’s forests.
Another interesting thing to do for a really special experience, is to sign up for a night tours and discover the mangroves by gliding through the waters after dark.
Official site: www.noukhada.ae
Ferrari World | Aziz J.Hayat / photo modified
This branded theme park brings the thrill of Formula One racing to Abu Dhabi and is one of the city’s top things to do for thrill seekers and families alike. Small children can test out newly learned driving skills on the Junior GT track, while adrenaline junkies can buckle up and ride the Flying Aces roller coaster, which clocks up speeds of 120 kilometers per hour on a 52-meter loop (the tallest in the world).
There’s also a collection of Ferrari’s cars, with models dating back to 1947, and a Ferrari factory tour and Ferrari knowledge game show for true car nerds.
Address: Yas Leisure Drive, Yas Island
Official site: www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Qasr Al-Hosn
The recently restored Al-Hosn Fort, also known as the Old Fort or the White Fort, is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi and one of its major historical points of interest. The palace was built in 1793 as the residence of the ruling family and the seat of government. The interior of the Al Hosn Fort has been modernized and is now used as a museum that traces the history and culture of Abu Dhabi, with oral histories and plenty of historical photographs on show. The courtyard and the magnificent tile work over the main northern gate are notable features.
Address: Hamdan bin Mohammed Street, Abu Dhabihttps://56c82976f5d93b4e3a04afdd31a9736b.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html