Discover Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s unmissable sites

• Emotion at Louvre Abu Dhabi
  The first global museum in the Arab world, this specular museum designed by Jean Nouvel establishes a dialogue between cultures from prehistoric art to contemporary art as well as a reflection on art. In this extraordinary place, a page of the Quran from Tunisia dating from the year 900, a painting by Mondrian and a screen from 17th century Japan come together. It also offers the visitor a new view of the global artistic creation. The building crowned with an immense dome superimposing 8 canopies is dressed in a spectral "rain of light" effect. Built on the sea, you can even take a guided kayak tour to explore the architecture from another angle, lulled by the lapping water. Entry to the adjoining Children’s Museum is also included in the ticket price.

  
• Abundance in the desert
  Each visitor is seized by an indescribable feeling as they tread the immense dunes of the Rub al Khali desert, "The Empty Quarter", the largest unbroken expanse of sand in the world. While this fascinating landscape makes you want to spend hours observing and immortalizing the various views revealed by light, it is also a place to enjoy while having fun.
  
  There are lots of activities to allow you to explore this striking desert. Hike during the day but also in the light of the stars, take a camel or horse ride or enjoy the thrill of off-roading or quad biking on the dunes, you can even sand surf or ski... Everyone can choose how to enjoy it. The day ends with a delicious Bedouin dinner under the stars before spending a night in a tent cradled by the calm of the desert. Or in a luxurious hotel with the desert as a backdrop.

  
• The excitement of Abu Dhabi City
  While the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the various palaces, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the mangroves invite contemplation and wonder, it’s the effervescence of the Corniche and Yas Island, "the Island of Entertainment” that impresses.
  The city of Abu Dhabi is synonymous with luxury and grandeur. Explore the famous F1 circuit, more than a hundred shopping centres and dozens of skyscrapers.
  
  On Yas Island, Yas Marina is swarming with boats, Yas Beach has all sorts of sport activities and the offer of leisure parks is stunning: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and its sensational attractions based on the famous red car, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi where you’ll meet Wonder Woman or Bugs Bunny, Yas Waterworld water park with the world’s biggest tornado slide and the new CLYMB Abu Dhabi attraction with the highest indoor climbing walls in the world!

  
• Relive history in Al Ain
  Palm groves, picturesque clay forts and a camel market transport visitors through history. The historic birthplace of the emirate, Al Ain is home to a number of UNESCO world heritage sites.
  
  Today you can discover cultural exhibitions and museums. Don’t miss: Al Jahili Fort, built to defend the city and its precious palm groves, Qasr Al Muwaiji, birthplace of the current Sheikh and President of the United Arab Emirates, and Al Ain Palace Museum, former home of Sheikh Zayed.
  
  Under the palm trees of the oasis, walk a 3000-year-old falaj (ancestral irrigation system) to cool off while admiring the clusters of dates.
  
  Al Ain is also the 2nd biggest city in the emirate and a popular holiday resort for locals, where ancient tombs can be discovered at the foot of the scenic Jebel Hafit mountain, with a summit of 1240 meters.

  
• The perfect beach for everyone
  White sand and blue waters adorn the emirate's coastline. For a seaside break in the capital, the island of Saadiyat (9km of protected beach on the Arabian Gulf), is a true haven of peace where tortoises nestle and where you can find dolphins at Dolphin Bay.
  
  The Corniche Beach, in the heart of Abu Dhabi, not only offers white sand beaches and spectacular turquoise waters but it also has a beautiful seaside boardwalk with manicured gardens and fantastic views over the Arabian Gulf.
  
  Surrounded by mangroves, Yas Beach’s crystal clear waters are the perfect way for families, friends and couples to relax after taking in the Island’s diverse entertainment activities
  
  For more luxurious or private experiences, a 15 minute boat journey from Saadiyat Island will give you a more luxurious or intimate, private break on the enchanting Nurai Island (for a short stay or day trip).
  
  Two hours by road or half an hour by boat (or half an hour by water plane), Sir Bani Yas Island offers sophistication, calm, pleasure and activities for an ecotourism getaway alongside the protected species of the Arabian Wildlife Park.

  
• Travel safely
  To offer visitors the guarantee of a serene, safe and secure trip, the Abu Dhabi authorities have taken many measures. From pick-up on arrival by the national Etihad airline until return, travellers are accompanied by the Go Safe programme. First used by the W hotel, this plan will eventually certify all the capital’s attractions. Hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, amusement parks and other public spaces will all have to comply with increased hygiene and social distancing measures. Regular inspections are carried out by local authorities to ensure these new standards are met.