The Best Travel Guide to Abu Dhabi

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United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi

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The guide was updated: 2018-12-17

With its awesome glass skyscrapers that reflect the bustle of daily life, magnificent buildings such as the Emirates Palace, its lively souqs, excellent international restaurants and long stretches of white beaches lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Gulf, Abu Dhabi is a city of outstanding contrasts.

The throbbing heart of the city lies 250 metres off-shore on an island linked to the mainland by the Al Maqtaa Bridge and Mussafah Bridge. Home to the respected Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation and the Al Hosn Palace museum, along with numerous venues for the arts, the wealthy city is the cultural as well as the commercial hub of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Facts

Population:	1,145,000 (2015)
Currency:	UAE dirham Dh = 100 fils
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 999 Ambulance: 998 Fire: 997 Operator: 181
Newspapers:	The National Abu Dhabi World Al Ittihad Gulf News Khaleej Times The Gulf Today Time Out Abu Dhabi
Opening hours:	The large shopping malls usually open from 10:00 to 22:00, from Saturday to Thursday, and in the afternoon on Fridays, the day of prayer. Supermarkets often open earlier and smaller shops use to close for lunch for around two to three hours. The weekend in Abu Dhabi is Friday and Saturday.
Tourist information:	Visit Abu Dhabi - Department of Culture and Tourism Nation Towers Corniche, Building B, Abu Dhabi +971 2 444 0444 www.visitabudhabi.ae / www.tcaabudhabi.ae info@visitabudhabi.ae / info@dctabudhabi.ae

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Section in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s attractions are diverse and vary from landmark architectural triumphs to centuries-old structures and beaches. The Corniche sweeps along the waterfront from one side of the city to other, passing by the lavishly-planted Al Markaziyah Gardens, one of the many parks in the city, and Lulu Island across the water, which is delightful with its palm trees and nature reserve.

Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace

Dominating the skyline along the Corniche, the massive Emirates Palace oozes opulence and luxury. Built as a hotel, one of the finest in the world, it is worth seeing, even if the room rates are out of budget. Look out for the Triumphant Arch under which royals pass if staying in the palace and its gardens full of fountains. The palace is famous for its gold-plated lobby, roof frescoes and crystal chandeliers.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Go back to the Stone Age with a visit to Bedrock, explore Gotham City, and Superman's Metropolis at the Warner Bros. first indoor amusement park. Spread across 38 acres and divided into six lands, this is the perfect place for you to unleash your inner child on thrilling and fun rides of your favorite cartoon characters and DC heroes.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi was recently established - in 2017 - and is, with its 24,000 square metres in size, the largest art museum on the Arabian peninsula. The building itself is worth a visit just for its design, with a one-of-a-kind floating dome. The museum boasts a 8,000 square metre gallery which contains a 12-chapter history of humanity, from prehistoric artefacts to modern artwork, and four temporary exhibitions per year.

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari

Adventure lovers should not miss the opportunity to take part in some of the activities offered by Abu Dhabi Desert Safari. Join a dune drive through the desert or a camel ride, attend some belly dancing lessons, try on the traditional costumes and take amazing sunset pictures.

Emirates Heritage Village

Emirates Heritage Village

A Bedouin desert camp complete with tents made from goat’s hair, a bustling souq, mud hut village and a fishing harbour are all reconstructions that make fascinating displays in the Emirates Heritage Village. Visitors can sometimes try their hand at traditional crafts like pottery or weaving, which are demonstrated in a series of small workshops within the village.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

A fabulous white structure and a landmark in Abu Dhabi, the mosque was built to incorporate architectural influences from around the world. Moroccan, Italian, Chinese and styles from the UAE itself can be detected. There are over 1,000 columns and 80 domes decorated with marble and semi-precious stones, while huge courtyards and lakes can be seen in the grounds. The mosque, named after Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (president of the UAE for over 30 years), has four minarets on its corners.

Qasr al-Hosn Palace

Qasr al-Hosn Palace

Built in 1761 as a royal residence and the city’s oldest building, this beautiful palace can be found next to the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. Its main entrance is decorated in true Islamic style with colourful tiles, while inside mashrabiya screens and carved wooden doors have stood for centuries.

Observation Deck at 300

Observation Deck at 300

Located inside the Etihad Towers complex, this observation deck offers some of the best views of the city and is an unmissable attraction. Entry comes with a fee, but the experience is most definitely a rewarding one.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

This enormous venue is called "world" for a reason: it houses a variety of Ferrari, themed exhibits and even several fun rides. Come with a few hours to spare if you want to make the most of your visit.

Al Ain Camel Souq

Al Ain Camel Souq

If you want to experience the atmosphere of souqs, the traditional Arabian markets, then head to Al Ain, a city on the border with Oman, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and prepare yourself for a close encounter with lots of camels. Look at how camel merchants trade and enjoy taking hilarious pictures with the amusing animals.

Women’s Handicraft Centre

Women’s Handicraft Centre

No holiday in Abu Dhabi would be complete without a visit to this fascinating centre. Local female Bedouin artists and artisans, usually wearing a traditional dress, demonstrate age-old crafts, including henna body painting, embroidery and silver thread work in a series of small huts. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering the huts, as is the local custom.

The Corniche

The Corniche

The Corniche is an area frequented by locals and tourists alike, and the promenade is a wonderful stretch of land perfect for an evening walk. There is a beach in the area, and an evening dhow boat ride offers wonderful vistas of the shoreline.

Al Maqtaa Fort

Al Maqtaa Fort

Built to protect the city from invaders around 200 years ago, this fort stands close to the Al Maqtaa Bridge on its approach to Abu Dhabi city. Built in the traditional style of the day in soft sand coloured stone with ornately carved wooden features, and remaining almost intact, it is considered an important historical proof of the city’s past.

Al Bateen Shipyard

Al Bateen Shipyard

Abu Dhabi has long been famous for its expertise in building dhows, the traditional sailing vessels that were the lifeline to importing and exporting goods in days gone by. Visitors can still see a more modern version of the crafts being made at the Al Bateen Shipyard, which can be found on the west side of the island.

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