10 Places you need to visit in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has been diligently carving itself out to be a destination that has it all—culture, gastronomy, thriving communities, and safe living, nodding to its rich Emeriti culture, whilst embracing the future with innovative, and strategic thinking.

With its year-round sunshine, white beaches, and crystal-clear waters, it not only makes for a sunshine break, but if you’re in the market for a second home, there’s a burgeoning scene with exciting future developments in the mix, cue the ultra-luxurious beachfront Nobu Residences Abu Dhabi (sales open from December 5). In fact, leading developer, Aldar has seen particular growth in overseas interest over the past three years, with 25 per cent of sales recorded coming from overseas buyers in the first nine months of 2023. It seems that the time to buy is now.

From cultural outposts to family-friendly attractions, a vibrant foodie scene and dune experiences for the adventurous at heart, here are Abu Dhabi’s must-visits that’ll see you embrace the rich Emeriti spirit first hand.

The vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques, and a stunning example of architecture and design on a grand scale. Here, there are 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, intricate 24k gold gilded chandeliers, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, whilst the courtyard features marble mosaic artwork and reflective pools that mirror some of the many amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns.

Created to form a cultural hub for people of all backgrounds, it’s a place for people to come together, enjoy the splendour of this building, and the religion of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers free guided tours in both English or Arabic.

A natural marvel, the infamous Al Wathba Fossil Dunes are set in a protected area and dons the greatest concentration of fossil dunes in one location in the emirate—there’s over 1,700 fossil dunes, spanning across seven square kilometres, and these fossil formations are also estimated to be over four million years old.

At the reserve, walk the trails (there are benches and shaded areas along the way) and enjoy the music and light which can be viewed from the amphitheatre. If you want to ramp up the experience, take a guided tour and check out the Al Wathba Camel track, Salt Lake, and Wetland; plus, there’s an opportunity to ride in a 4x4 up and down the dunes, and children can go sand boarding and dune bashing for some more adventure.  

The home of architecture, attractions, culture, shopping, hospitality and much more, is Yas Island. A hub that has it all, there is Yas Bay, Yas Marina, Yas Beach, Yas Mall and The Fountains which sits alongside family-friendly theme parks, such as Ferrari World Yas Island (featuring the world’s fastest roller coaster), along with Yas Waterworld Yas Island and Warner Bros World™ for the film buffs.

Calling all racing and F1 fans, it’s also the place to find the Yas Marina Circuit, the location of the Grand Prix, and Eithad Park for concerts (including post-race gigs). There is also the architectural giant that is the five-star W Abu Dhabi, set within the circuit and the marina, that attracts both race and design lovers alike. There is serious shopping on the cards too, with Yas Mall that spans 2.5m sqft, over 370 international brands, alongside local labels, and other offerings such as the 24 Screen Vox Cinema, Fun Works, and 68 F&B outlets. 

The World Trade Centre Mall is a mixed-use development that is set in the historic district, offering a mall, and modern souk merged with office space and residences. Spanning three levels is The Souk element, and as you’d expect, the design reflects Arabian architecture as it combines heritage with innovation, and it’s where to pick up artefacts, local spices, and Arabic perfume.

There are also public squares, 3,000 sqm of terraces, two atriums beneath a fully retractable roof, and landscaped rooftop gardens, connected to The Mall by the Khalifa Bridge.

For a touch of paradise, Nurai Island is a must visit/stay, and what’s more, it’s only a 15-minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island. This boutique private island resort offers luxury accommodation, a spa, five fine and casual food and beverage outlets to suit all tastebuds, a fun beach club, and residences if you’re in the mood for a plush second home.

There’s a range of accommodation types including the Beach Villa, one-bedroom villas that have been designed to blend with the landscape; the elegant Beach House with its terrace and pools for each bedroom and direct beach access; the family-friendly Two Bedrooms Pool House with a living room and pool; the 10,000 sqft Water Villa with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to sea, and four bedrooms. For those looking for even more space, the Estate Villa comprises of five-bedrooms, with substantial living spaces, private gardens and beach, and infinity swimming pools. 

Voted the best beach club in Abu Dhabi, the Saadiyat Beach Club is the place for lounging, swimming, and dining. Expect a temperature-controlled pool, along with a spa where there’s a steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, and plunge pool. Be sure to hit the white sands and the turquoise waters of Saadiyat. All there is left to do, is lie back and relax on one of their cabanas. 

An artistic landmark of the region is the impressive Al Raha Mural. Unveiled by Aldar Properties in 2016 the 600-metre-long artwork features a boy walking his camel, an Emirati woman heading to the desert, and a falcon, the national bird of the UAE to convey Emirati culture for tourists and locals alike. Find this mural between Al Raha Mall and Al Bandar (close to the headquarters of Aldar, the company that has led the project). 

Saadiyat Island is the cultural home of Abu Dhabi and is also the location of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Having signed an agreement in 2007 with the Louvre Paris, it’s the debut universal museum in the Emirates, and at the heart of it is an ethos to forge connections, and celebrate all cultures.

First off is its incredible design, brought to you by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, that draws inspiration from the Saadiyat site: a virgin lagoon island, between sand and sea, shade and light. On display here is a series of engaging exhibitions and collections, all of which highlight historical, cultural and sociological significances from ancient times right through to the contemporary era. Current exhibitions include Letters of Light and Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design. There are also plenty of activities from workshops to masterclasses and water sports, cue kayaking and catamarans.

Calling all foodies, The Michelin guide arrived in Abu Dhabi last year, and this has further supported the regions flourishing F&B landscape, and a must-visit is the one Michelin star Talea by Antonio Guida loved for his Italian family-style menu.

There is also Hakkasan and 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Abu Dhabi with their one Michelin stars, Bib Gourmand eateries such as Tazal (international cuisine), Otoro (Japanese) and favourites such as Oak Room at EDITION by Tom Aikens, and classic French fare at Fouquet’s. Abu Dhabi is proving to be a location for traditional Emirati gastronomy, to fine dining delights—and there’s even the Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey on Yas Marina Circuit for those who love barbecue.

Al Bandar Marina is a lively island community that’s located at the centre of the Al Raha Beach development, where contemporary residential towers sit alongside stores, and a bustling promenade that’s lined with food and drink outlets. The marina offers over 130 berths up to 24 metres for resident and visiting yachts of all types, as well as easy access to the sheltered waterways for cruising, water sports, and fishing.