Tourist Attractions in Abu Dhabi

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Abu Dhabi

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the luxurious capital of the UAE, has grown up amidst a barren desert in just a few decades. In the late 1960s, it was an unremarkable settlement of fishermen and pearl fishers. After the discovery of bountiful oil reserves, the city was showered with “”golden rain””, and in just 40-50 years it became one of the most expensive, technologically advanced and pretentious metropolises in the world.

During the construction of Abu Dhabi’s skyscrapers, the latest technologies were applied and the most daring architectural solutions of the future were realised. That is why the city looks like a figment of a science-fiction writer’s imagination. Striving to surpass each other in glitz and wealth, Arab sheikhs constantly invest money in the construction of grandiose mosques, opulent hotels and shopping centres of incredible size.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

 4.8/5

49349 reviews

The mosque was built in 2007 and named in honour of Sheikh Zayd ibn Sultan al-Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. Architecturally, the structure is a mixture of Moorish, Arabic and Persian styles. The floor of the mosque is covered with the largest carpet in the world with an area of more than 5.6 thousand square metres. The hall is decorated with seven huge chandeliers decorated with Swarovski crystals. The building can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Etihad Towers

 4.7/5

5031 reviews

A modern architectural ensemble consisting of five skyscrapers. It is located in the western part of Abu Dhabi on the Persian Gulf embankment. The tallest structure reaches 300 metres. The complex contains residential apartments, shops, offices, conference halls, restaurants and a luxury hotel. One of the towers on the 74th floor has a panoramic observation deck.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Al Hilal Bank, Al Bahr Towers

 4.7/5

70 reviews

Twin skyscrapers erected in 2012 in the eastern part of Abu Dhabi. The facade project was developed in partnership with the British company Arup Engineers. The architects realised the idea of harmonious combination of traditional features of Arabian architecture and ultra-modern design, which gave the towers an unusual futuristic look. The outer walls of the buildings consist of sliding panels that move under the influence of sunlight.

Open time

Capital Gate

 0/5

The skyscraper is built in the form of a “falling tower”. Its exterior facade consists of a reinforcing mesh on which glass diamond-shaped panels are fixed. The building was erected between 2007 and 2011. During the project realisation the latest developments in the field of ecological construction and energy-saving technologies were used. The building houses commercial offices and a five-star hotel.

Aldar headquarters building

 0/5

A unique skyscraper repeating the shape of a seashell. The walls of the building are symmetrically curved surfaces of concrete, steel and glass. The structure reaches a height of 110 metres and is equipped with innovative automatic life support systems. The Aldar office is located inside. The building is a recognised masterpiece of modern high-tech architecture.

Abu Dhabi Corniche Park

 4.6/5

727 reviews

A landscaped coastal strip stretching along the shore of the Persian Gulf for 10 kilometres. The seafront is home to numerous parks, gardens, fountains, hotels, clubs and restaurants. The place is well suited for walking, jogging and cycling. The best time to visit the Corniche is in the evening, when the magnificent lighting is switched on.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Marina Mall

 4.4/5

29778 reviews

One of the largest and most visited shopping centres in Abu Dhabi, which is located near the Emirates Palace Hotel. There is a real skating rink, cinema, bowling alley, children’s playgrounds, numerous restaurants and shops located on several shopping levels. Marina Mall even has its own observation deck at the top of the tower.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

 4.5/5

46899 reviews

Entertainment park opened in 2012. The theme of the place is connected with the history of the famous car brand “Ferrari”. Inside there are very unusual attractions, such as a carousel of prototype cars, 3D-show about the work of Ferrari engineers, ultra-fast roller coaster. The park also has a car exhibition gallery, an interactive theatre, a children’s racing school and much more.

Open time

Monday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM

Yas Marina Circuit

 4.6/5

1696 reviews

A track adapted for Formula 1 competition, located on the artificial Yas Island next to the Yas Marina, Yas Mall and Ferrari World Park. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been held here since 2009. The length of the track is 5.5 kilometres. The maximum speed that the car can reach while driving is 317 kilometres per hour. The grandstands are designed for 50,000 people.

Open time

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

 4.5/5

15017 reviews

The water park is located on Yas Island, which is a popular tourism centre in Abu Dhabi. “YasWaterworld” occupies an area of 15 hectares. On its territory there are more than 40 attractions, some of them are unique. The main role in the design of the water park is played by the “pearl” theme, as in the past the residents of the emirate were mainly engaged in pearl fishing on the shores of the bay.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Emirates Heritage Club Heritage Village

 4.3/5

9619 reviews

An ethnographic complex consisting of traditional Bedouin dwellings. The open-air museum was established in 1997 to preserve Abu Dhabi’s historical heritage. In the village you can learn a lot about the traditional crafts of the Emirate’s inhabitants and see the life that characterised the area before the oil era. Several five-star hotels are located around the historical complex.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

 4.3/5

1540 reviews

The clinic specialises in providing veterinary care for falcons. This bird is one of the national symbols of Abu Dhabi because of the sheikhs’ special love for falconry. Since 2006, the clinic has been treating other species of birds, and since 2008 – pets. Tourists can enter the territory of the treatment facility on specially designated days, visit the local museum and observe birds in special aviaries.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Emirates National Auto Museum

 4.2/5

906 reviews

Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan’s private car collection, which can be visited by everyone. Among the interesting specimens on display are a rare Rolls-Royce that once belonged to the British royal family, a five-metre-high Dodge, a huge motorhome designed according to the owner’s preferences, and many other exotic models.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Qasr Al Hosn

 4.5/5

5383 reviews

The fortress dates back to the early 18th century, making it one of the oldest structures in Abu Dhabi. The structure was erected on the site of a freshwater spring and gradually became the centre of a growing settlement – the future city of Abu Dhabi. Until 1966, the sheikh’s residence was located on the territory of the fort. Since 2007, full access to the fort was opened for tourists. Very quickly it turned into a popular attraction.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Corniche Beach

 4.5/5

8241 reviews

Abu Dhabi’s public beach, divided into family, women’s and free public zones. The place is marked by the international “Blue Flag”, which confirms its cleanliness, safety and perfectly developed infrastructure. The beach stretches for 4 kilometres along the Persian Gulf. In high season and during weekends it is quite crowded. There is a cosy park and a large car park next to the beach.

Open time

Saadiyat Beach

 3.8/5

508 reviews

A strip of dazzling white sand stretching for several kilometres along the bay, which is located on Saadiyat Island – one of the tourist centres of Abu Dhabi. For visitors there is everything necessary for a comfortable holiday: changing rooms, showers, deck chairs with umbrellas, lockers for storing valuables and other elements of infrastructure. Several 5* hotels are located near the beach.

Open time

Emirates Park Zoo

 4.3/5

13587 reviews

The zoo was founded in 1968. A major reconstruction was carried out in 2006. Since then, it has become one of the largest menageries in the Middle East. It is home to lions, tigers, gazelles, monkeys, kangaroos, snakes and other species imported from Africa, India, Australia and neighbouring regions of the UAE. A separate zone is home to the Arabian desert dwellers, who live a predominantly nocturnal lifestyle.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Eastern Mangrove National Park

 4.4/5

4042 reviews

A green oasis amidst the vast desert where you can enjoy freshness and coolness. The ecosystem of the reserve is strictly protected by the state, so all vehicles with internal combustion engines are prohibited here. Tourists are offered mini trips on boats with electric motors and kayaks. The reserve is home to flamingos, turtles, crabs, black herons and other fauna.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

 4.8/5

25651 reviews

Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious hotel complex, reminiscent of a sheikh’s fairytale palace. For tourists who are not its guests, entry is possible only with a guide. On the vast park territory, which surrounds the building, you can walk freely. In the lobby of the Emirates Palace there is a detailed model of the city, which shows the stages of Abu Dhabi’s development, starting from the 60s of the XX century.

Open time

Observation Deck at 300

 4.7/5

2189 reviews

The site is located on the 74th floor of a skyscraper (300 metres above sea level), part of the Etihad Towers complex. It is the highest point from which you can admire the magnificent panorama of the city. It overlooks the Persian Gulf, skyscrapers, islands and the Emirates Palace Hotel. Observation Deck at 300 has a small restaurant with various drinks, desserts and light snacks.

Open time