When you enter Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you instantly understand why it is such a special place. People from all walks of life come together here to admire its breathtaking architecture and gain a deeper understanding of the UAE’s rich culture and religious heritage. As one of the world’s largest mosques, it was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, who dreamed of creating a welcoming cultural haven that inspires harmony and respect. The mosque is a true global masterpiece, built through international collaboration, including the work of 1,300 female artisans who hand-knotted the main prayer hall’s carpet—the largest in the world. As you walk through its marbled halls, you’ll see gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, a vast marble mosaic courtyard, reflective pools, and columns inlaid with amethyst and jasper, making every step a memorable experience.

Meet Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village, a family-friendly place where you can experience the traditional way of life in the desert. This immersive village is like stepping back in time, featuring an old-style souk, a mosque, and a Bedouin camp that reflect life in the pre-modern UAE. Located on Marina Mall Island near the city centre, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s past. You can shop, explore artefacts, and watch artisans create pottery, blow glass and weave fabric on a loom. The village also houses the Emirates Heritage Club, which hosts workshops showcasing traditional crafts such as metalwork, pottery, weaving and spinning yarn, and you may even get the chance to try them yourself. Don’t miss the cosy spice shop offering dried herbs, handmade soaps and souvenirs perfect for taking home to family and friends.

Step inside the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab world, created to celebrate openness between cultures. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, this stunning museum showcases masterpieces from ancient times to the modern era, placing works from different civilizations side by side to highlight shared human stories. With 9,200 square metres of displays, the museum features permanent galleries, loans from major French institutions like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou, and rotating special exhibitions. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the building itself is an artwork, featuring a floating dome that creates the famous ‘rain of light’. Inspired by regional architecture and its coastal setting, the structure beautifully blends sky, sea and light. For a unique experience, you can even kayak around the museum, with tours available both day and night.

The Abrahamic Family House is a remarkable interfaith complex on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, designed to promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence among the Abrahamic faiths. Inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb, the project brings together three separate yet harmoniously designed houses of worship: the Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, the St. Francis Church, and the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue. Supervised by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, the initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to dialogue and unity. Announced in 2019 and officially inaugurated in February 2023, the Abrahamic Family House stands as a global symbol of mutual respect, cultural understanding, and shared humanity.

Yas Island is one of Abu Dhabi’s top leisure and entertainment destinations, covering 25 sq km and named after the Bani Yas tribe. Developed in 2006, it has grown into a world-class hub for theme parks, motorsports, beaches, and family attractions. The island is home to Yas Marina Circuit, host of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009, Ferrari World with the world’s fastest rollercoaster Formula Rossa, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Newer highlights include CLYMB with the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, featuring over 100,000 marine animals. Yas Island is also known for Yas Links golf course, Yas Beach, and major event venues including Etihad Arena and du Arena. Recognized globally, it continues expanding as a premier tourism destination.

Abudhabi Dates Market is the main and biggest market to get dates in Abu Dhabi. The various products of date species are available usually in the market during the season. You can find date products from Oman and Saudi as well. The prices you can get here are the best in town.

Qaṣr Al-Waṭan, the Presidential Palace of the UAE in Abu Dhabi, is a striking symbol of governance and culture. Completed in 2017, it serves as a venue for diplomatic receptions, Council of Ministers meetings, and official state functions, while also welcoming visitors since 2019. The palace’s grand architecture features a white granite and limestone façade, an ornate dome 37 meters wide, and a chandelier with 350,000 crystal pieces in the Great Hall. The eastern wing houses the “House of Knowledge,” containing important artifacts, gifts from visiting leaders, a replica of the Birmingham Quran, biblical texts, and a library with over 50,000 books documenting the UAE’s cultural, social, and political history. Qaṣr Al-Waṭan has been recognized as one of the top cultural landmarks in the world and remains a major tourist and educational destination.

The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, is a luxurious five-star hotel that blends Islamic architectural elegance with modern design. Opened in 2005 and managed by Mandarin Oriental since 2020, the palace features a central dome with intricate geometric patterns, 114 smaller domes, and interiors adorned with gold and marble. It offers 390 rooms, including 92 suites and six exclusive Rulers’ Suites, plus world-class facilities such as two spas, a 1.3 km private beach, a marina, a ballroom for 2,500 guests, luxury shops, restaurants, and helicopter pads. Over the years, the palace has hosted major events and performances by international stars, and appeared in films like Fast and Furious 7 and 6 Underground. With its grandeur and unique design, Emirates Palace remains an iconic symbol of Abu Dhabi’s luxury and hospitality.

The Abu Dhabi Corniche is an 8-kilometer waterfront promenade offering a mix of urban charm and coastal beauty. Featuring pristine beaches, walking and cycling paths, play areas, cafes, and stunning city views, it is perfect for families, fitness enthusiasts, and visitors seeking relaxation or recreation. Corniche Beach provides clean white sand, lifeguards, showers, and designated areas for families and singles, while Al Sahil (Night) Beach offers evening access with entry fees. The promenade hosts playgrounds, volleyball courts, and food stalls, and is a prime spot for spectacular events such as fireworks. Facilities include parking, first aid, prayer rooms, and accessibility options. With its lively atmosphere, scenic views, and recreational offerings, the Corniche is a must-visit destination to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s coastal lifestyle.