The Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, set between desert, sea, and sky, moves to its own rhythm. Here, the type of luxury expressed is unique, characterised by a balance of excess, stillness and scale. Vast courtyards are softened by jasmine, galleries open quietly onto water, and spaces where the architecture breathes. As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, it draws from deep cultural roots and a quiet confidence, with a slower, more contemplative alternative to the pace and style of neighbouring Dubai.

The city blends historic landmarks with modern cultural institutions, including restored forts, contemporary museums, and long-established local dining traditions. The following guide highlights key experiences across the city, starting from cultural visits and architectural landmarks to dining, wellness, and outdoor pursuits. Mainly selected for their significance, visitor access, and consistent popularity among both residents and international travellers.

Discover World Art at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Whereas the original Louvre, located in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, Louvre Abu Dhabi is set on Saadiyat Island and stands as one of the UAE’s most prominent cultural institutions. The museum’s lattice dome, designed by Jean Nouvel, spans 180 metres and filters sunlight through a complex geometric pattern, creating a changing play of light across the outdoor walkways and internal spaces. Inside, the collection is arranged chronologically and thematically, bringing together artworks and artefacts from across civilisations, including pieces by da Vinci, Monet, and Van Gogh, as well as objects from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Islamic world. The layout is spacious and deliberately paced, encouraging visitors to engage with each gallery without rush.

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Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most recognised examples of contemporary Islamic architecture, offers moments of contemplation and serenity. Its design combines white marble façades, floral inlays, and intricate stone carvings, which are arranged beneath open skies and wide colonnades. Despite its capacity of over 40,000 worshippers, the space remains remarkably serene. Early morning and late afternoon visits tend to offer a quieter atmosphere, allowing for a more reflective experience.

Walk Through Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, opened to the public in 2019. The building is vast but never ostentatious, with its domed ceilings, carved marble, and curated exhibitions offering a formal yet accessible insight into the workings of the Emirati state. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, view historical manuscripts, and stroll through landscaped gardens that feel thoughtfully designed rather than ornamental.

Trace History at Qasr Al Hosn

The oldest standing structure in the city, Qasr Al Hosn dates to the 18th century. Once a watchtower and later a seat of government, it has been restored as a museum and cultural hub. The contrast between its simple stone architecture and the glass towers that now surround it gives the site a quiet authority. On the grounds, Erth restaurant offers an updated take on Emirati cuisine in a setting that complements the building’s heritage.

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Stay at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

The palace occupies a prominent position along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche. The architecture draws on regional influences, with domes, archways, and decorative motifs that reference classical Arabian design, interpreted through a contemporary lens. Interiors are expansive yet well-balanced, with a focus on space, light, and proportion. With the hotel regularly hosting official events and international guests, there are still quieter corners throughout, from palm-lined garden paths to its private beach and a series of lounges designed for reading, meetings, or simply a moment of calm.

Spend a Day on Zaya Nurai Island

Looking for a quieter escape just beyond the city? Zaya Nurai Island sits a short boat ride from Abu Dhabi’s shore and offers a more private alternative to the larger beachfront resorts. Each villa is positioned for maximum privacy, with direct access to the water and understated interiors that keep the focus on the natural setting. The pace here is deliberately slow, as you might opt for an early swim, a midday meal with no rush, or even quality time spent in the overwater spa suites.

Experience the Desert at Qasr Al Sarab

Qasr Al Sarab sits deep within the Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, and is designed in the style of a traditional desert fortress. The architecture is subtle and aligns perfectly with its setting, using sand-toned stone, shaded courtyards, and interiors that reflect the colours and textures of the surrounding landscape. Mornings often begin with a walk at first light or a quiet camel ride across the dunes, while evenings are spent over dinner by lantern glow or in the stillness of the hammam. The experience presents a sense of distance from the everyday.

Walk Along Saadiyat Beach

Saadiyat Beach remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most natural settings. Its pale sand and turquoise shallows have been kept largely undeveloped, with a focus on conservation. A handful of resorts sit along the shoreline, but the experience here is largely about simplicity: you can enjoy walking by the beach at low tide, watching turtles nest, or sitting under an umbrella with a book.

Explore SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is a next-generation marine life centre. Housed entirely indoors, it covers eight immersive realms, where the experience shifts from polar coasts to tropical reefs with architectural precision and ecological sensitivity. The focus is on education as much as entertainment. Advanced aquarium technology enables close-up viewing without compromising animal welfare, and with the presence of immersive elements, such as sound design and staging, this contributes to a controlled yet engaging atmosphere.

Feel the Rush at Ferrari World Yas Island

Ferrari World remains one of Yas Island’s defining landmarks, not just for its record-breaking roller coasters, but for how it embodies a unique kind of the most expressive Italian engineering designs. Beneath its red roof lies an architectural tribute to speed, power, and design legacy. There you can find the world’s fastest roller coaster, like Formula Rossa, as well as interactive exhibits that dissect Ferrari’s iconic design DNA. And during the moments of pause spent at the simulator or inside a vintage car gallery, the sense of kinetic potential is still there. It’s an adrenaline-fueled day out, but not without its cultural cues.

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Step Into Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is an immersive theme park designed around the studio’s most recognisable characters and settings. Set entirely indoors and divided into themed zones, the park moves seamlessly between cartoon nostalgia and darker cinematic settings, from the bright streets of Bedrock to the shadowy architecture of Gotham City. Each area combines set design, ambient sound, and motion-based rides to create a sense of continuity and immersion. For families and fans of all ages, the experience is structured and accessible, queues are generally well organised, and the level of upkeep reflects a consistent standard.

Final Thoughts

Together, these experiences reflect the breadth of Abu Dhabi’s offering, rooted in heritage, yet open to innovation. A destination where all tastes find their place, from the quiet permanence of Qasr Al Hosn and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the high-speed precision of Ferrari World and the narrative depth of SeaWorld or Warner Bros. World.