Home › City Guides › Abu Dhabi › Tourism

Tourism

Those living or working in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, would know it is the second most popular tourist destination in the UAE after Dubai, known for its fascinating architecture, souks, museums, gardens, as well as beautiful islands, sand dunes, oasis, and beaches. Visitors can also find modern world-class hotels, beach resorts, shopping malls, nightclubs to keep them engaged in Abu Dhabi. There is plenty to see and there are numerous interesting things to do:

• The Corniche Park: Set on the east side of Abu Dhabi Island, Corniche Park is just the spot to do a little nature watching. Between the many varieties of birds seen there and the bursting gardens, the picturesque area is great for a relaxing day off.
• Qasr al-Hosn: Take in a little history with the oldest historic building in Abu Dhabi dating back to 1793. While not open to the public, the palace, on Sheik Zayed First Street, is a beautiful piece of architecture.
• Sheikh Zayed Mosque: Currently under renovation, this is a ‘must see’. The architecture alone is worth a trip to see the third largest mosque in the world. Named after the founder and first President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is buried there.
• Dhow Cruising: Take advantage of one of Abu Dhabi’s gorgeous days and sail the Gulf waters on a dhow cruise. Imagine yourself a sea faring sailor setting out on the ancient wooden vessel to marvel at the city-scape from a different angle.
• Gold Souk: Marvel at the detailed craftsmanship shining in the windows tempting you to take home a trinket. Do your homework first and go there knowing the current gold prices and be ready to bargain. If your heart is set on taking something shiny home with you but you’re intimidated by the negotiations, try eavesdropping on locals or other visitors making a purchase to get the hang of it. Most of all be ready for an entertaining evening.
• Carpets: If bling isn’t your thing at the gold souk, the carpet souk, or Afghan souk is another ‘must see’. Whether or not you’re interested in buying, the carpet souk is great sight-seeing. Found on Al Meena Road, you will appreciate the hand-made artistry and colourful patterns. Who know, with a little savy negotiating you may just end up taking home a piece of art.
• Abu Dhabi Mall: If its trendy shopping with reasonable prices that you’re after then Abu Dhabi Mall is built to please. With all the fashionable stores you would hope for and more, the food court is something to be reckoned with after hours of relentless shopping. Shops generally open at 10am and stay open to 10pm and on weekends to 12am. On Fridays, Abu Dhabi Mall is open 3:30 pm-11 pm.
• Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre and Gold Centre: Covering 600,000 square feet, this is widely regarded as Abu Dhabi’s largest malls. Chock full of international outlets, it also features some of the best gold and jewellery shopping the city has to offer.
• Cultural Foundation: is a must visit destination to all culture lovers visiting Abu Dhabi. It houses the National Archives, the National Library and the Qasr Al Hosn.
• Heritage Village:gives tourists a wide range of information about the lifestyle and traditions of Bedouin and other native cultures. Camel riding is available at the heritage village.
• Liwa Oasis: has some of the tallest sand dunes in the world that dune bashing lovers would definitely enjoy.
• Women's Craft Centre: is where visitors get to see women make local handicrafts, a must visit for culture lovers.
• Emirates Palace: is one magnificent landmark that would bring fairytales back to life!!