Top ten must visit attractions in Abu Dhabi

This guide with the best places to see in Abu Dhabi will help you organize your visit and make sure you don’t miss anything in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Located an hour and a half by car or bus from touristy Dubai, this city became the richest in the world after someone found one of the planet’s largest oil reserves about 50 years ago. But despite this wealth, it wasn’t until recent years that the sheikhs and the government invested huge amounts of money in building tourist attractions like the stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Louvre, and various theme parks, to turn this city into another star destination in the Middle East.

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the country’s largest, is one of the most beautiful places you’ll see in Abu Dhabi and many consider it a wonder of the modern world. They built this mosque between 1996 and 2007, and it uses white marble throughout.

Admission is free for everyone, but you must follow a set of rules. For example, men wear long pants, and women wear a scarf to cover their hair along with loose clothing that covers their legs and arms.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

 

The Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2017, sits in the Saadiyat Island cultural district and is the most important museum you must visit in Abu Dhabi.

This architectural marvel, the work of French architect Jean Nouvel, impresses visitors with its seemingly floating steel dome, which allows sunlight to filter through, creating a sea of stars.

Although the building’s design alone makes a visit worthwhile, inside you will find works by great masters loaned by several French museums, such as the Musée D’Orsay and the Louvre in Paris.

Corniche: One of the Places to See in Abu Dhabi

One of the best things you can do in Abu Dhabi is take a walk along Corniche Avenue at sunset and finish the day with a relaxing swim at its public beach.

This endless 8-kilometer promenade features a defined path for walking or exercising, and it also includes shaded rest areas, parks, and stalls where you can grab a snack or a meal.

Emirates Palace Hotel

The Emirates Palace, situated on the shores of the Persian Gulf, is one of the most luxurious hotels and one of the few seven-star hotels in the world.

Holding the title of the world’s most expensive hotel, it cost over 3 billion dollars. This enormous complex features everything from a 1.3-kilometer private beach to a helipad. The luxury also defines its more than 90 suites, some of which are adorned with gold and others they reserve for official visits to the country.

Abu Dhabi Theme Parks

Another of the best things you can do in Abu Dhabi, if you have more than a day, is visit one of its fantastic theme parks.

Among the most highly recommended, all located on Yas Island, you will find:

• Ferrari World: This is the largest indoor theme park in the world, and it dedicates itself to the Italian Ferrari brand. Among its numerous attractions, the Formula Rossa stands out, which holds the record for the world’s fastest roller coaster. You can book your ticket here or book this experience that includes the entrance and a Ferrari driving session on the Yas Marina circuit.
• Warner Bros World: This park, which opened in 2018, features 29 state-of-the-art attractions inspired by the world and animated characters of Warner Bros. You can book your ticket in advance here.
• Yas Waterworld: This water park is perfect for spending a fun day, especially during the hotter months. Book your ticket from this page.

Yas Island

Yas Island is the playground for thrill-seekers! Home to attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World, you will find no shortage of fun here. Whether you are racing on the world’s fastest roller coaster or splashing down water slides, Yas Island promises a day full of adventure.

Family-Friendly Activities abound, from go-karting to interactive shows. To get the most out of your visit, consider buying tickets in advance and arriving early to beat the crowds.

Shopping Malls

Another one of the best things you can do in Abu Dhabi is go shopping in its enormous malls, such as the Marina Mall and Yas Mall. Although they are not as spectacular as those in Dubai, it is definitely worth it to at least go inside one. In this case, we would choose the Yas Mall, which is much more modern than the Marina, has better stores, and offers a wider range of dining options.

Qasr Al Hosn

 

Qasr Al Hosn, known as the White Fort, is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. They built it in 1761 to serve as a watchtower to defend the only freshwater well in the area.

Today, you can enjoy this architectural masterpiece and visit its beautiful interior rooms, such as the gift and banquet halls, which they decorate with mosaics and gold-plated furniture.

Etihad Towers

The Etihad Towers, located at the end of the Corniche promenade and opposite the Emirates Palace, is another of the must-see places in Abu Dhabi.

With 5 towers ranking among the city’s tallest, this complex is worth seeing by day and especially at night, when they illuminate the towers.

In the Jumeirah building of the Etihad Towers, you can go up to the 74th floor, which features a 360-degree panoramic observation deck located 300 meters high, with spectacular views of the city and the Arabian Gulf.

Yas Marina

 

Yas Marina, located on Yas Island, is the trendy area you must visit in Abu Dhabi—a place where many foreigners have fun at night and a perfect spot to spend the last hours of the day.

In this seaport, you will find impressive yachts, restaurants with terraces for eating or drinking, the striking Yas Viceroy hotel, and the famous Formula 1 racing circuit.

Abu Dhabi is a city where the past and the future coexist in perfect harmony. From the majesty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the cultural innovation of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, every corner reflects the essence of a destination that combines tradition, luxury, and modernity. By visiting the exciting parks on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi offers unique experiences for every taste.

Visiting these 10 places will allow you to discover the true soul of the United Arab Emirates: hospitable, vibrant, and full of history. And remember, if you want to travel with comfort, safety, and style, Airport Transportation is ready to take you to each of these destinations, making your trip an unforgettable experience from the very first moment.