The capital and cultural center of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan city with no shortage of things to do. With so many tourist places to visit like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and attractions such as Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the capital-city is a perfect blend of history, culture and modernity. Whether you’re a history and heritage buff, an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, you will be sure to find something under the Abu Dhabi sun.
One of the largest mosques in the world, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque draws in thousands of visitors per year, especially during Eid. With a capacity of over 44,000 people and the rough size of four football fields, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the popular and iconic landmarks in the whole world. It currently holds three Guinness World Records for the largest handwoven persian carpet, the biggest chandelier – and the world’s largest dome, respectively. With its marble courtyard, and grandiose interior – seven of the chandeliers are made up of 24-carat gold-plated Swarovski crystal – the grand mosque is a breathtaking sight for all of its visitors. For those who are looking to visit the grand mosque, take note that there is a dress code, with robes available for loan before you enter the premises.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, an indoor theme park open 365 days a year, is the world’s very first Ferrari-theme-park. The family-friendly attraction boasts over 20 rides – from rollercoasters, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the Formula Rossa, to simulators like the Tyre Change Experience allowing you to simulate being a member of the F1 pit crew, to shopping experiences, and more!
Located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is an iconic landmark – due in part to the striking architecture and large dome that creates beautiful pockets of light inside the museum – and one of the most premiere cultural attractions in the country. The museum boasts a collection of over 8,000 square meters of galleries featuring historical and modern artworks from around the world curated seamlessly throughout the staggering 24,000 square-meter museum. A haven for art-lovers, the museum is a successful celebration of cultures from all over the world.
An iconic eight-kilometer waterfront road in Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road is a fantastic place to spend a day of bike-rides and leisurely strolls with friends or family. With cafes and restaurants just a walking distance away from Corniche Beach, and a fantastic view of Abu Dhabi’s skyline, it’s one of the most popular places in Abu Dhabi to soak in the sun and enjoy a day-off.
A national monument, Qasr Al Hosn is not only the oldest structure in Abu Dhabi, it also housed the royal family and was once the seat of government. An iconic landmark, Qasr Al Hosn is made up of two major buildings, the Inner Fort and the Outer Palace, and finally, the well-photographed watchtower. History-buffs and those who are interested in national heritage will enjoy walking through Qasr Al Hosn, which now displays artifacts and historical archives that date back to 6000BC.
Located in the popular, indoor-theme-park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Formula Rossa is the world’s fastest rollercoaster. Experience what it’s like to be an F1 racer with this rollercoaster that takes you 52 meters above ground. With speeds accelerating to 240km/h in 4.9 seconds, this is a ride for adrenaline-junkies only.
Launched in 2009, the Yas Marina Circuit is one the world’s most advanced tracks in the world. The host of Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Yas Marina Circuit launched Abu Dhabi to its status as a world-class sporting destination. With a plan to deliver over 400 events annually for motorsports and health and fitness fanatics, there is much to see and experience at the Yas Marina Circuit. Aside from racing, there is the Yas Kartzone for Kart Racing, and drag racing during Yas Drag Night. Visitors can also take part in some health and fitness events that involves jogging, running or cycling along the track.
Another family-friendly favorite attraction, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is chock-filled with water rides, rollercoasters, slides and other water-based activities. From tornado-water slides like the world’s first hydromagnetic powered ride, Dawwamma, to the Bubble’s Barrel, where visitors can practice their surfing skills by riding a sheet wave, and more, there’s much to experience for fun-day out with family and friends.
The world’s first Warner Bros. theme park, Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi is family-friendly indoor theme park. Visitors will find themselves transported to the lands of their favorite characters like Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, Batman, Superman through the six worlds found in the park namely: Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Gotham City, Metropolis and Warner Bros. Plaza. With over 29 rides, interactive attractions, a variety of dining options and shops, it’s a fantastic place to spend the day.
Crystal clear waters, spotless, soft white sand, a beautiful seaside boardwalk – you can find all of this and more at Abu Dhabi’s popular Corniche Beach. The beach, which is open to the public, is any favorite for locals and tourists alike. Boasting well-kept walkways, showers, cabanas and changing rooms, and is a just walking distance from the iconic Corniche Road, where visitors can jog, bike and take leisurely strolls, there is much to take in at Corniche Beach. The views of the skyline backdropped by the Abu Dhabi sunset is only one of the many reasons to go.
Abu Dhabi is best known for its perfect blend of modern and cultural. As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is your go-to destination for museums, mosques, beaches, stunning architecture, and the tourist attractions on Yas Island, as well as the stunning Corniche Road and Beach.
Temperatures soar in the summer (from June to September), so the best time to visit Abu Dhabi is from October to April when the weather is warm. You can also decide to visit on specific months if you’re looking to catch particular events, like the Abu Dhabi Festival in March and the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in October.
For visitors who want to be walking distance from the beach, stay anywhere along the beautiful eight-kilometer stretch of Corniche Road. If you’re interested in culture and the arts, you can stay on Saadiyat Island. Finally, for families with children who want to make the most of the theme parks in Abu Dhabi, stay at Yas Island to make the most of your trip.