Discover the incredible city of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a fantastic tourist destination with so much to offer, from luxury experiences to thrilling adventures. The capital of the United Arab Emirates is rich in culture and history. An exotic blend of modern and traditional experiences. You can be strolling along the Corniche Beach admiring the water views, riding a camel and praying at the world's largest mosque all in a day.
City, beach and desert experiences are all part of the deal for travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi. Expect high-end accommodation, curated tours to historical and cultural sites, fine dining, shopping and spas for an inspiring and relaxing stay on this stunning island in the Persian Gulf.
Abu Dhabi also has an excellent nightlife scene. You can dance all night in a club with music by world class DJ´s or hire a private driver for an evening of sightseeing around the city at sunset. And when you're ready to unwind after a long day of exploring, head over to one of the city's many luxury spas or take advantage of all those beachside lounges with drinks in hand.
Key facts about Abu Dhabi City
- biggest of seven Emirates
- Capital of the United Arab Emirates
- Population of 1,5 million
- President: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Predominant religion: Islam
The population of Abu Dhabi City is 1,540,000 and growing yearly. It is the largest of seven emirates along with Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Raw al Khaimah, Umm al Quwain and Sharjah. The wealthy capital city with world-class shopping, high-end dining, beautiful beaches, golf courses, high-rise buildings and a hip cosmopolitan vibe.
Abu Dhabi has a rich cultural heritage. In Arabic, Abu Dhabi means "Land of the Gazelle," with many stories about how the name originated long ago. The president of the UAE is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Religion plays an important role in shaping daily life in Abu Dhabi. Islam is the predominant religion here. Due to the presence of many mosques in Abu Dhabi, there are five calls to prayer throughout the day. The adhan is an integral part of daily life in Abu Dhabi, as it reminds Muslims to pray and helps them find their way back home after work or school.
Best time to travel to Abu Dhabi
- between October and April
- hot and dry climate
- average 24°C (75°F)
- little rainfall
What to see and do in Abu Dhabi City
Louvre
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a world-class museum and the sister museum to the Louvre in Paris. It has a collection of nearly 600 pieces and will be updated with new pieces every year. It offers his visitors the opportunity to learn about the culture of the UAE through art, as well as you can enjoy some spectacular works by famous artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque attracts thousands of locals and tourists a day who come to worship and admire the unique architecture of this iconic landmark. As one of the biggest mosques on the planet, it was created by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. Marbled halls, gold Swarovski chandeliers, handwoven mats, intricate artwork and reflective pools are all wow-worthy features of the grand mosque.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Abu Dhabi Corniche waterfront promenade stretches for 8 km along the coastline of the city, and it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. You can take a leisurely walk along the Corniche, rent a bike, or go rollerblading or skateboarding.
Qasr al-Hosn museum
Qasr al-Hosn is more than just a hotel. It also includes an underground museum telling the story of Abu Dhabi from ancient times through the modern day. This unique museum gives you an insight into how this region was formed and how it has developed over time. The museum also shows visitors how people lived during each era so that they can get a better understanding of their heritage.
Qasr al-Muwaiji castle
Qasr al-Muwaiji is a unique attraction that you don’t want to miss. The castle was built by the Al Nahyan family and served as their home until the 1990s when it was converted into a museum. It is located at the heart of Abu Dhabi city center and is open to the public for tours.
Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace is a luxury beachfront hotel featuring an indoor fountain that rises 50m into the air and cascades down four floors with over 7 million gallons of water per minute. It also contains a private beach club with cabanas for guests.
Excursions and day trips from Abu Dhabi
There are many exciting trips and tours available for visitors to Abu Dhabi. In the following you can find a few examples of the many exciting excursions you can take from Abu Dhabi. No matter what your interests are, you can be sure to find something that appeals to you in this vibrant and diverse city.
✓ Desert safari
✓ Yas Island
✓ Ferrari World
✓ Warner Bros Abu Dhabi
✓ Yas Waterworld
✓ Saadiyat Island
✓ Sir Bani Yas Island
✓ Dubai
Desert safari
A desert safari is a great way to see the desert and the wildlife. Seeing camels, gazelles and ostriches in their natural habitat will be a highlight of your trip. You will also see some beautiful scenery, such as sand dunes and palm trees. A desert safari also offers the opportunity to explore the city's beautiful desert landscape. Here you can do exciting activities such as dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding. You may also have the chance to visit a traditional Bedouin camp, where you can learn about local culture and try activities such as henna tattoos and shisha smoking.
Yas Island is an artificial island located in Abu Dhabi that you should definitely visit. The area is full of thrilling attractions, such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld. In addition to these, there are also many other activities to enjoy, such as shopping at the Yas Mall or relaxing on Yas Beach.
Ferrari World
Ferrari World is the world's largest indoor theme park, with over 30 rides and attractions on Yas Island. The park's main roller coaster, Formula Rossa, reaches speeds of 240 km/h (150 mph) in under six seconds. Other rides include race car driver simulators, bumper cars and go-karts.
Warner Bros World
Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi is a theme park located on Yas Island and a must-visit destination for fans of Warner Bros. One of its main attractions is the DC Comics Super Heroes Flight School, a simulated flying experience. In addition to the rides and attractions, Warner Bros Abu Dhabi also features live entertainment and shows. The park also has a variety of restaurants and food stands offering a range of international cuisines.
Yas Waterworld
Nearby is also Yas Waterworld, one of the largest water parks in the world, with over 40 rides and attractions. The park has a beach, a wave pool, a lazy river, and slides that go into the ocean.
Saadiyat Island is a great destination for those who love water sports. The beach is perfect for swimming, fishing, and snorkeling, and many boat tours are available. You can rent a bike or scooter and explore the island on your own or take a guided tour around the many historical sites. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at one of their many restaurants or cafes.
Sir Bani Yas Island is a short boat ride away from the mainland and has some incredible views of the city. Visit the wildlife park, church and monastery, explore hiking trails and enjoy a meal at a beachfront restaurant.
The glittering city of Dubai is less than 1.5 hours from Abu Dhabi. You can pack a lot into a day trip, including luxury shopping and seeing Burj Khalifa, Dubai Miracle Garden or The Dubai Fountain.