Cultural Attractions
Abu Dhabi is a city renowned for its diverse culture and attractions. Visitors to the city have a wealth of cultural attractions to explore, from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
In this article, we will look at some of the cultural attractions that are on offer in the city, giving you an insight into the culture and heritage of this fantastic city:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most impressive cultural attractions in Abu Dhabi and one of the most visited places in the city. It was built between 1996 and 2007; this awe-inspiring mosque was built in honor of founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by his son, the current president of the United Arab Emirates.
The mosque’s design and brilliance illustrate a modern interpretation of Mameluke and Moorish Islamic architecture, with 82 domes decorated with intricate geometric designs and glazed mosaic tiles. Multiple minarets rise to 87 meters. Breathtaking columns line the main prayer hall and are adorned with marble and gold trimming. In addition, the Grand Mosque houses a vibrant array of hand-spun carpets, crystal chandeliers, stained glass windows, and gilded marble doors, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors.
While guests are expected to dress respectfully according to Muslim laws when visiting this sacred site, free abayas (traditional cloaks) are available for those who do not have their covering garments. Although men must wear ankle-length trousers or long sleeves, there is no risk from any security guards as religious requirements abide by word-of-mouth only in Abu Dhabi’s relaxing atmosphere. With hours ranging from 9 am – 10 pm, daily visitors can explore every corner of this grand structure leisurely.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The world-renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi is a stunning architectural masterpiece featuring a beautiful dome that encases the museum and creates a unique museum experience. Located on the waterfront of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the 37,000-square-meter facility boasts more than 600 pieces of artwork from around the world.
Exhibitions span a range of cultures and historical periods, including ancient Egyptian antiquities, contemporary artworks, and art from regional countries like Bahrain, Iran, and Morocco. Louvre also houses resources specific to Arabian cultures, such as Arabic manuscripts and collections of scientific instruments used by Emirati astronomers.
From educational programs for young people to special events for adults, there’s something for everyone at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn is a cultural landmark and symbolic public space in the heart of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The fort-like structure served as the original stronghold of the ruling Al Nahyan family and has been a symbol of power for centuries. The fort-like building was constructed in 1793 as a defensive tower by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab Al Nahyan and served multiple uses over the years, from a palace to a prison.
Qasr Al Hosn remains integral to Abu Dhabi’s history and cultural identity today. Visitors can explore its walls, experience interactive displays within its interior, or marvel at its majestic beauty from afar. As a result, it has become one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic attractions. It is considered the oldest remaining structure in the city – making it a must-see for any visitor.
The Fortress also housed Qatar National Day Celebrations every year since 2008, which include
- live music performances
- traditional dance shows
- art exhibitions
- car shows
- activities for people of all ages!
To get more information about Qasr Al Hosn, visit their official website, where all their events are listed!
Adventure Activities
Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven Emirates that form the United Arab Emirates, is full of exciting and adventurous activities. From splendid beaches to incredible desert safaris, there’s something for everyone in Abu Dhabi.
Let’s explore some of the adventure activities you can do in the city:
Desert Safari
An Abu Dhabi desert safari is one of the most popular adventure activities tourists, and locals can enjoy in the United Arab Emirates.
A desert safari usually begins with a pick-up from your hotel, followed by a drive into the vast desert environment. You will then go on an exciting 4×4 ride in the dunes, exploring varied terrain and making thrilling turns and breathtaking stops. Once at your destination, you will have time to explore the area, take pictures and witness magnificent sunsets over desert scenes.
Other exciting activities available during an Abu Dhabi desert safari include:
- Sandboarding
- Camel rides
- Falconry displays
Many tourists enjoy a barbecue dinner in a traditional Arabian-style camp, including fun entertainment such as belly dancing or henna tattooing sessions. Moreover, night tours offer adventurous travelers unique stargazing experiences as they look upon the incredible beauty of a clear Arabian night sky.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
One of Abu Dhabi’s most popular adventure activities is a hot air balloon ride over the city. On this tour, visitors experience the eternal beauty of desert landscapes, gold-domed mosques, and Arab culture from a bird’s-eye view. A team of local ballooning professionals will securely guide you during this remarkable journey. In addition, they provide personal service with an interior briefing before your flight, during which they explain flight rules and regulations.
Worried about the climate? Don’t be – Abu Dhabi offers beautiful clear skies all year round, and with two significant sites to choose from (Liaa Desert or Yas Island), you can sightsee some of the Emirati’s most iconic dunes from high in the sky. Then, as you take off and advance higher altitude, watch nearby jagged rocks slowly become shadows forming Persian patterns on the background sands.
Nighttime balloons boast even more spectacular views – all thanks to Abu Dhabi’s unique environment that allows for hot air balloons to routinely fly for up to an hour (or more!) filled with splendid desert hues in a variety of shades as far as the eye can see. Then, after dark, it’s party time! Fly alongside beautiful glimmering skyline lights and gaze at pinpricks stars lighting up the bountiful night skies so crystalline they look almost like velvet beds carpeted in diamond dust!
Hot air balloon trips are another great way to explore the beauties of the United Arab Emirates capital city – after all, who wouldn’t want a chance to experience such unparalleled sights right out of fairy tales? So join us on board, where we bring seasons to come alive with our exclusive hot air balloon rides!
Dhow Cruise
Dhow Cruise is a popular adventure activity in Abu Dhabi, offering a unique way of enjoying the city’s scenic skyline. A traditional Arabian fishing boat, now used for sightseeing, will take you away from the busy city and into peaceful calm waters. Depending on the package, you can enjoy a sunset or dinner cruise on board a charming dhow with guided commentary. A selection of finger food and drinks are served on board with live music to create an enjoyable atmosphere.
This leisurely journey will allow you to admire the twinkling lights of the city’s modern architecture, including giant skyscrapers, 5-star hotels, and luxury yacht clubs. Plan your trip to secure the best rates, or look for special deals during popular holidays such as Ramadan or Eid Al Fitr. This activity is recommended for families, couples, and friends looking to capture beautiful photos and videos along their journey!
Shopping
Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to go shopping. Whether it’s souvenir gifts, high-end fashion, or traditional Arabic clothing, you can find it all in the malls and souks of Abu Dhabi. There are also plenty of boutique stores offering local products and designer labels.
Read on to find out more about the shopping opportunities in Abu Dhabi:
Abu Dhabi Mall
Abu Dhabi Mall is the premier shopping destination in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Located in the city’s heart and near some of Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks, it provides many stores and restaurants for locals and tourists alike.
The mall covers an area of 139,000 square meters with over 230 stores comprising retail outlets, hypermarkets, fashion boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. From luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada to popular high streets stores like H&M or Uniqlo and electronics giants like Apple or Samsung, customers can find everything they need across multiple floors at Abu Dhabi Mall. A Carrefour Hypermarket onsite offers groceries and household items for your convenience!
Alongside its extensive choice of shops and services, there are regular events at Abu Dhabi Mall, too; culinary festivals, film screenings, and live entertainment programs are some recent highlights that enhance customers’ shopping experiences here. Furthermore, with ample parking facilities right around the mall complex – you can quickly drive down here or take advantage of one of the various public transport routes on offer to reach Abu Dhabi Mall quickly!
Marina Mall
Marina Mall is a conveniently located shopping center that features some of the best brands in a relaxed atmosphere. This mall is situated at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s picturesque Marina and its waterfront surroundings, making it an ideal spot for retail therapy. Whether luxury, fashion, or electronics, there’s something for everyone at Marina Mall.
Within its elegant and contemporary setting, the mall offers an array of shopping experiences such as top brands of clothing and fashion accessories like Rolex, Dunhill, Prada, LVHM & Versace. With over 200 outlets, including 20 restaurants and cafés dotted around this mall, you can shop all day long and never go hungry! In addition, a multiplex cinema also shows international movies in 3D & 4DX technology, making it perfect for entertainment seekers.
Marina Mall also includes many recreational activities, such as:
- Karting tracks are suitable for kids and adults alike.
- Mini-golf courses with different difficulty levels suit up to five players at once.
- Amusement arcades with thrilling video games will excite visitors of all ages.
- The mall’s lawn hosts family-friendly activities on weekends for all to enjoy.
- Fans can bravely take on some highly sharp turns at the ice rink skating or relax leisurely in the airy ambiance, depending on their level!
So what are you waiting for? Head down to Marina Mall today!
World Trade Centre Mall
The World Trade Centre Mall is a popular shopping destination in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Located near the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, this mall features an array of shopping and dining opportunities and various entertainment options, all housed within a bright and modern two-story complex.
The mall offers something for shoppers of all ages. You can find international fashion brands at Zara and Primark, electronics stores such as Plug-Ins or the Apple Store, and numerous jewelry stores featuring modern and traditional designs. For those looking for something special to take back home, the Handicraft Centre is an ideal place to browse handcrafted souvenirs ranging from carpets to small mementos.
Dining options are equally diverse, from fast food outlets like Mcdonald’s or Burger King and cafes like Costa Coffee or Shake Shack to more elegant eateries like La Brioche Doree, serving delicious French pastries. A movie theatre onsite offers the latest blockbusters on 14 screens, while an amusement park featuring thrilling rides keeps kids entertained during their visit. The area also houses several salons and spas offering treatments tailored to both ladies and gentlemen.
Whether shopping for luxury items or enjoying your favorite foods along with some entertainment, the World Trade Centre Mall provides Abu Dhabi’s visitors with plenty of activities they won’t soon forget!
Dining
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is a culinary hotspot with something for everyone. From street food to high-end restaurants, the city offers many delicious options. So whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a gourmet experience, you’ll find it in Abu Dhabi.
Let’s take a look at some of the best places to dine in the city:
The Fish House
The Fish House, located in one of the city’s oldest open-air fish markets, is a restaurant serving some of Abu Dhabi’s freshest and most authentic fish cuisine. With the freshest seafood caught just moments away and prepared and cooked within minutes, diners can enjoy flavorful local specialties such as freshly grilled lobster, kibbeh nayyeh (minced raw fish with a hint of olive oil), and much more. All these dishes are made using traditional Emirati cooking methods, using unique herbs and spices to flavor each dish. The Fish House also serves a range of international favorites such as sushi & sashimi platters, flame-grilled steak sandwiches, prawn skewers, and fresh salads.
At The Fish House, you can always find superior customer service from knowledgeable staff to help guide your decisions so that you are guaranteed to experience a memorable meal every time. Open from 12:00 pm until 11:45 pm every day except for Thursday, where it closes at 3:30 pm for afternoon prayer before reopening afterward – this is truly a must for everybody visiting Abu Dhabi!
Al Fanar Restaurant & Café
Al Fanar Restaurant & Café, in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, is one of the city’s most popular dining spots and offers a unique mix of Middle Eastern flavors. They serve traditional Emirati cuisine and modern interpretations of classic regional dishes. In addition, they offer outdoor and indoor seating, making it easy to enjoy your meal, whatever the weather.
The restaurant’s interior is decorated with Arabian artwork and decor that transport you to an old-world atmosphere. As you walk in, the scent of fresh spices floating in from their kitchen will greet you.
Opt for traditional Emirati bites like crunchy falafel or fattoush salad to start your meal on the right foot. Next, a variety of main dishes are available, such as kebabs and stewed lamb shank or stuffed Lebanese kibbeh to follow up. There’s also a range of vegetarian options and seafood entrees like succulent shrimps cooked with turmeric and cardamom, plus more creative platters made with special spices alongside rice or lentils served straight from the tandoor oven. Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try out some specialties like Lahm B’Ajeen – an Arabic pizza topped with minced lamb – or Umm ali – a rich custard-like pudding made of flaky pastry stuffed with nuts and raisins.
Alongside all these delicious delicacies, there are plenty of catering options for group events, too, so be sure to check them out for your next get-together!
Al Arish Restaurant
The Al Arish Restaurant is a renowned spot for local and international cuisine in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This eatery offers a vast selection of delicious dishes from Italian, Indian, and Lebanese cuisines. An expansive buffet packed with flavor is also featured every evening for diners looking for an array of options.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the scent wafting from the nearby Copper Fish & Grill restaurant, which serves fresh seafood dishes inspired by coastal cultures in the area. For sweet finales to a satisfying meal, guests can partake in Al Arish Restaurant’s extensive dessert selection, including homemade pastries such as baklava or french-style crème caramel.
The atmosphere of this restaurant blends traditional Middle Eastern décor with sleek modern design elements and is an ideal backdrop to whichever cuisine you prefer. So if you’re seeking an unforgettable dining experience in Abu Dhabi, Al Arish Restaurant will satisfy your cravings!
Natural Attractions
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is a stunningly beautiful city with many natural attractions worth exploring. From deserts to beaches to mountains, there are plenty of natural wonders to explore in Abu Dhabi.
In this article, we will discuss the various natural attractions in Abu Dhabi and what makes each one special. From wildlife to unique geology, the city has enough interests to keep you busy for days on end:
Mangrove National Park
Mangrove National Park is a unique natural attraction in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The park is an ecologically critical habitat for several creatures that rely heavily on the mangroves for sustenance and shelter. In addition, the park’s mangroves form an intricate web of waterways that support the life of its local inhabitants, thereby creating an excellent and valuable environment.
Popular activities in the Mangrove National Park include kayaking, bird watching, and fishing. While visiting this beautiful site, guests may spot rare birds such as Arabian red-legged partridge, peregrine falcon, sittelle torilla, and more! In addition, there are birds to watch out for and other wildlife, including crabs and water snakes!
The Mangrove National Park is an ideal spot to spend time appreciating nature away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is notably one of the few places in Abu Dhabi where garbage floats anchor against the banks without sinking underneath due to their size. It is an inviting sight for any visitor who walks through this area!
Al Ain Oasis
Al Ain Oasis, located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is a lush green oasis where you can spend an afternoon exploring its vast expanse of terraced gardens and historic sites. Dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, this 40-square-kilometers area is known for its unique agricultural landscape that has evolved over 31 centuries of settlement. Once an essential stopover on the caravan routes between East Asia and the Mediterranean region, it is now one of the largest natural oases in this region.
Visitors can wander shaded pathways under ancient date palms, admiring historic buildings such as fortifications and archaeological ruins of tower tombs belonging to pre-Islamic era kings. The Al Ain Oasis also serves as a sanctuary for almost forty different species of birds and mammals, including badgers, hedgehogs, and foxes, as well as a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and tortoises.
This delightful natural attraction is open all year round, with fees applied only to enter some parts of the oasis; otherwise, entrance is free. There are restaurants nearby where visitors can purchase food or snacks.
Activities that visitors can engage in while at the oasis include:
- Bird watching
- Stargazing
- Safari tours
- Trekking journeys through valleys with their particular points of interest, such as waterfalls or even an extinct volcano!
Jebel Hafeet Mountain
Jebel Hafeet Mountain, located in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is a unique natural wonder. The second tallest mountain in the UAE – with its highest peak at 1245 meters above sea level – overlooks a picturesque landscape and mesmerizing cityscape. The hill lies approximately 3 kilometers from the Omani border, giving tourists a good view of both countries.
The 40-kilometer drive to the top is considered one of Asia’s most scenic routes through mountain scenery. Along its winding roads are 25 well-maintained hairpin turns and some inspiring views of Wadi Al Ain oasis and lush green palm plantations, making it an excellent place for tourist attractions. Other exciting features include fresh streams from mountain springs, creating a pleasant surprise when traveling. Several ancient tombs also spread around Jebel Hafeet, reminding visitors of its rich history as old settlements once stood and flourished as early as the 4th millennium BC before vanishing for unknown reasons.
Atop Jebel Hafeet lies a grand palace where guests can admire breathtaking views from among the clouds or have dinner in his royal highness’s luxurious royal court. Tourists often take advantage of this facility to take pictures and enjoy some traditional Middle Eastern foods such as local dates or have afternoon tea with friends while admiring exceptional views day time hours before setting off back down towards town to admire even more beauty by nightfall.
Jebel Hafeet is one of Abu Dhabi’s most visited attractions due to its unbelievable sights that captivate anyone who sets eyes on them and thus make an essential visit for all those who travel there!