Experience Abu Dhabi

Overview

The capital city of the UAE is Abu Dhabi, the slick and modern capital is one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Set on a T-shaped island in the Persian Gulf, it boasts an impressive glimmering skyline filled with soaring skyscrapers and a stunning stretch of coastline lined by idyllic beaches and sparkling waters. There are bountiful shopping opportunities at the many magnificent malls and mega centers in Abu Dhabi. Dine on Michelin-starred meals, explore the arts and culture scene, stroll along the sparkling waterfront Corniche, or visit interesting museums, there is something for everyone in Abu Dhabi. 

Abu Dhabi offers its visitors many enriching experiences and plenty of fun-filled adventures including the world’s fastest roller coast at Ferrari World on Yas Island. The vast Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is among the city’s many eye-catching attractions set beneath white marble domes where the city’s avid worshippers go to pray. The spectacular city has a rich heritage dating back thousands of years with early Bedouin settlers and pearl traders, the Emirati traditions can be seen in the bustling souks, and the awe-inspiring Arabic architecture. 

Things to See and Do

Take an exploratory wander along the waterfront promenade at the Corniche Breakwaters. A 5-mile stretch that offers walking and cycling paths, play areas, beaches, restaurants, and shops. Take a bike ride out to Marina Island which is part of the Corniche where the UAE flagpole sits and the Heritage Village.

Learn about the history of Abu Dhabi with a visit to the Heritage Village, a representation of the original fishing village that once stood here. This living museum is decorated with Bedouin tents, wooden huts, and workshops where visitors can watch weaving and metalworking demonstrations. The village offers an interesting look at Abu Dhabi’s history and what life used to be like in the Emirates.

Visit the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (closed on Fridays to non-Muslims until after 2 pm). This is the largest mosque in the UAE, the most important architectural landmark, and a key worship site. A mesmerizing white marble mosaic featuring exquisite architecture with an impressive 82 domes on the exterior, and over 1,000 columns. It can host 40,000 worshippers. Explore inside where you can see the largest hand-woven carpet in the world and the 24-carat gold chandeliers.

The Sheikh Zayad Palace Museum (also known as the Al Ain Palace Museum) offers visitors a glimpse into what life used to be like for the founders of the UAE, and its first president. This large complex was built in 1910 and houses Sheikh Zayad Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his family when he was in power. The museum offers insight into the “Father of the Nation” as visitors wander through the palace’s courtyards, gardens, and sleeping quarters.

Spend some time on the man-made Yas Island just offshore for an adventure-filled day. This Island includes fun and entertainment for the whole family. Spend a relaxing day at the beach, sunbathing on the soft sand, and swimming in the sparkling warm waters. Check out one of the many restaurants on the island for some delicious Arabic cuisine, go shopping at Yas Mall, the largest in the city, and head to the water park or the golf course.

Visit the first Ferrari-branded theme park `Ferrari World` on Yas Island, where you can ride `Formula Rossa` the fastest roller coaster in the world, check out other rides and simulators along with live shows and Ferraris on display.

Head to Yas Marina Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke and the location for Abu Dhabi`s Grand Prix. Here visitors can get behind the wheel of a race car and test out the track which features 21 corners that weave through the island, skimming off the coast and through the sand dunes!

Browse the Etihad Modern Art Gallery, one of the most dynamic galleries in the city showcasing international and regional artwork along with workshops and art classes. 

Spend a day at Corniche Beach which stretches for just over a mile, boasting soft white sand and the sparkling turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. Relax with a book and sunbathe on the beach with a view over Lulu Island, cool off in the refreshing waters, and visit one of the waterfront restaurants and cafes for some snacks and refreshments.

Head over to Marina Island to the Marina Eye Ferris Wheel, and take a spin on the giant 196ft tall wheel in one of the 42 viewing capsules that provide some magnificent panoramic views over the entire city and the surrounding waters and maybe catch a sunset.

Visit the stunning Emirates Palace, a sprawling 5-star resort that sits on an expansive 250 acres of land, and is the number one choice for royals and dignitaries. This spectacular structure boasts over 100 domes, 1000 chandeliers, and rich handmade carpets, and is decorated with gold, crystals, and mother of pearl. You don't have to be a guest to use the amenities here, non-guests can enjoy a traditional hammam (Turkish Bath) experience or other treatments at the Anantara Spa, or dine at one of the nine on-site restaurants, and stroll the magnificent and immaculate grounds.

Check out the Palace Museum at the Al Jahili Fort built in the late 1800s. Visitors can explore the fort’s battlements and watchtowers surrounded by an expansive courtyard. The small exhibit housed here is dedicated to Sir Wilfred Thesiger a British explorer known for his journeys across the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert. Al Jahil Fort provides visitors with an interesting look into the history of the area with plenty of photos on display.

See the spectacular architecture and arts at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. This magnificent museum offers a growing permanent collection of over 700 artworks from every civilization, there are over 300 pieces on loan from partner museums as well as temporary exhibitions bridging East and West. Some of the masterpieces permanently on view include; The Subjageted Reader by Rene Magritte, and Portrait of a Woman by Pablo Picasso. Another magnificent exhibit is Jean Nouvel’s extraordinary 7,500-ton dome that seems to float over the museum.

Shopping

Shopping in Abu Dhabi ranges from some of the biggest shopping malls you have ever seen to traditional authentic family-owned stores on the streets; shoppers can truly find anything in the capital city. The malls are popular as they provide an air-conditioned escape from the sweltering outdoor temperatures! There are several malls featured in the city that offer high-end stores, designer brand names, and large department stores along with restaurants and entertainment. Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall are the popular ones to visit. The smaller independent stores and traditional souqs located around the city sell more traditional items such as tapestries, antiques, perfumes, and spices where you can get lower prices, don`t be afraid to negotiate.

This wealthy country is a shopper’s paradise and there is no shortage of high-end malls such as the Marina Mall one of the most popular in the city. An immense 5 story shopping complex houses over 400 stores as well as a bowling alley, a movie theater, an ice skating rink, an amusement center with arcade games and rides, a trampoline park, and a Mercedes-Benz showroom. The mall offers a variety of restaurants and cafes in addition to its sprawling food court. Due to the mall's excellent location, it offers some incredible panoramas of the Persian Gulf, the Corniches, and Emirates Palace from its observation deck. 

Yas Mall is the largest mall in the city, it is a shopping, dining, and entertainment hub in the city on the iconic Yas Island. The mall spans an impressive 2.5 million square feet and houses over 370 stores, and 68 dining options as well as a variety of entertainment venues like the 24-screen Vox Cinema, Kidzania, and Fun Works. 

The Abu Dhabi Mall offers shoppers over 200 retail stores in the downtown area. A massive mall with different dining options available, it is also equipped with adventurous play areas like Prison Island, Xtreme Zone, and a Vox Cinema. 

Cuisine

The Emarati cuisine blends many different cuisines such as Middle Eastern, Chinese Asian, and other international dishes. There is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from in Abu Dhabi with a diverse choice of food, Seafood is a main dish in the country and has been for centuries along with meat, fish, and rice, pork is prohibited on most menus as Muslims do not eat pork products. Lamb, mutton, goat, and beef are the main protein staples consumed in the Emirates. Restaurants and eateries come in all shapes and forms from the high-end dining experiences at luxury hotels to falafel stands on the street corner, and McDonald`s served at the food court in the mall.

The Marina on Yas Island is a great place to spend the evening with waterfront dining options and spectacular views of the sunset. Stroll around and marvel at the magnificent yachts and boats that are docked at the marina and stop in at one of the rooftop or poolside bars for a cocktail under the stars.

Nightlife

The capital of the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is quite the party destination offering a vibrant nightlife with a wide array of options to choose from. Due to certain laws revolving around alcohol in the UAE most nightlife spots that serve alcohol are based inside hotels which include some of the best bars and nightclubs in the city, for example, the Le Meridien hotel offers the G Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi has the Cinnabar, Capital Hotel features Rock Bottom and Yas Island has a plethora of options for evening fun and entertainment. The city also boasts plenty of other nightlife venues including comedy nights, quiz nights, concerts, etc visit www.thecapitallist.ae for more information.

Catch a spectacular sunset at the magnificent Emirates Palace,a luxurious 7-star hotel providing stunning views over the beach and waters of the Persian Gulf. Grab a drink at one of the bars, relax, and watch the sunset then make your way to one of the 14 restaurants on site for dinner. Stroll around the beautiful pristine grounds of the Palace that cover 250 acres boasting beautiful gardens and fountains.

The Observation Deck at 300 is situated on the 74th floor of the Jumeirah Etihad Towers Hotel and is a great place in the evening for breathtaking sunset views. The observation deck is said to be the highest vantage point in the city at 984ft. Seeing the city lit up and sparkling at night is simply spectacular.