10 Top Rated Attractions To Visit in Abu Dhabi

It would be fair to say that Abu Dhabi has it all. If you’re planning to visit soon, you can look forward to any combination of unparalleled luxury, refined culture, wild fun, adventurous experiences, natural beauty and incredible architecture.

Here are ten of the most popular places to visit in Abu Dhabi, representing just a taste of what this city has to offer.   

1.  Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

This is one of the world’s largest mosques and also one of the most unique and beautiful.

Commissioned by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, it was designed to combine influences and styles from Muslim civilisations all over the world. The finished result is an exquisite building, often described as an architectural marvel that truly celebrates the UAE’s cultural diversity.

The highlights

• Everywhere you look, there is intricate, dazzling beauty. The 1096 amethyst-and-jasper-studded columns and gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers are just two examples.
• The mosque is home to the world’s largest hand-woven carpet.
• Be in awe of the incredible gold leaf calligraphy used to encircle the insides of the mosque’s domes with verses from the Quran.

2.  Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a haven for art and culture lovers and one of Abu Dhabi’s most notable buildings. It is known as the Arab world’s first universal museum and is revered as much for its beautiful architecture as its incredible collections of fine art and artefacts from both the local region and all around the world.

The highlights

• The museum collections bring together cultures from across the globe under one roof. Witness Renaissance paintings, modern art, Bedouin artefacts and Chinese pottery and so much more. There’s so much to absorb and enjoy here!
• A free app helps you navigate the museum, ensuring you don’t miss any of the highlights, and gives you the lowdown on your favourite exhibits.
• Enjoy the view as you approach the museum. The building’s silver dome appears to float effortlessly above the galleries and the surrounding waters of the Arabian Gulf.

3.  Yas Marina Circuit

One weekend a year, Yas Marina Circuit becomes the focal point of the city. It’s home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a highlight of the Formula One calendar. That said, Yas Marina Circuit is a popular destination all year round.

It hosts a wealth of motor-themed events and experiences almost 365 days of the year. The marina itself is also a favourite place to relax and features many luxury dining, entertainment and hotel options.

The highlights

• Get behind the wheel of the high-performance vehicle of your choice and take a spin around this iconic circuit. There are many possibilities for driving experiences available here.
• If you can be in town at the right time, don’t miss the chance to be at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This race weekend has an atmosphere like no other and is famous for the world-class live entertainment put on for visitors to the race.
• Unwind with a delicious meal at Yas Marina while admiring the many incredible superyachts moored here.

4.  Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is the ultimate escape for young and old. Here you have the opportunity to mingle with your best-loved cartoon characters, like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Scooby Doo.

Six different lands fully immerse you in a whimsical land of fiction and endless fun. There are heaps of rides, shows, meet and greets, shopping and dining experiences ready to be enjoyed by all the family.

The highlights

• Thrill seekers will enjoy a journey to Gotham City. This land promises heroic exploits around every corner, including the high-speed ride, Batman: Knight Flight, and the spinning, twisting roller coaster Riddler Revolution.
• Warner Bros. Plaza, at the heart of the park, celebrates all things Warner and the golden age of Hollywood.  This is the place to treat yourself to fun dining options and exclusive merchandise, and to get up close with all your favourite characters.
• Kids will love helping Scooby out at Scooby Doo: The Museum of Mysteries. Hop aboard the Mystery Machine to follow the clues and solve the mystery.

5.  Yas Beach

Spending time at the beach is a popular pastime in Abu Dhabi and a must-do for any visitor to the city. With white sandy beaches and crystal clear, calm waters to enjoy, who could think of a better way of switching off from the fast pace of modern life?

There are several popular beaches in Abu Dhabi but Yas Beach on Yas Island is one of the best. It’s a blissful place to escape thanks to its natural mangroves. Bars and restaurants line the coastline so you can enjoy the beach late into the night.

The highlights

• Spend a sophisticated afternoon soaking up the sun and enjoying the elegant infinity pool. To elevate your experience to the height of luxury, book one of their exclusive private chalets.
• Yas Beach is a popular spot for watersports, with lots of choices for lessons, instruction and equipment hire. The tranquil water means that this is a favourite place to head out on a paddleboard.

6.  Yas Mall

The ambitious, purpose-built entertainment hub Yas Island Abu Dhabi is home to many of the UAE’s most popular attractions.

As well as the marina, race track and beach all featured above, Yas Island Abu Dhabi also offers one of the best shopping experiences in the region. Yas Mall’s three floors of leading international and regional brands promise a shopping experience like no other. Don’t miss the entertainment options, either.

The highlights

• As well as offering hundreds of stores, Yas Mall promises lots of entertainment. The huge family entertainment zone is home to several kids’ attractions, including the award-winning, child-sized city Kidzania Abu Dhabi.
• Vox Cinema at Yas Mall is one of the region’s premier cinema experiences, with 20 enormous IMAX screens and luxury seating.
• With over 90 cafes, restaurants and fast-food outlets at Yas Mall, you are spoiled for choice should you fancy a bit to eat.

7.  CLYMB Abu Dhabi

Right by Yas Mall is CLYMB Abu Dhabi. This is yet another record-breaking attraction and is billed as the ultimate indoor adventure destination. There are two main attractions here: the indoor climbing wall and the indoor skydiving area.

The highlights

• Are you ready to fly? CLYMB is home to the world’s widest indoor skydiving chamber. With expert instruction on hand, you can expect to reach new heights and experience the thrill of a lifetime.
• For another unforgettable experience, gear up for The SUMMYT, the world’s tallest rock climbing wall.
• More of a novice climber? Then there are 5 walls to suit different levels of climbing experience and confidence.

8.  Mangrove National Park

With all the incredible man-made attractions and architecture Abu Dhabi has to offer, you might be surprised to learn that an incredible national park and nature reserve is just minutes away from downtown Abu Dhabi. Mangrove National Park is a natural mangrove forest. It is home to over 60 species of birds and an array of other wildlife.

The highlights

• A kayak is by far the most popular way of exploring the park. It’ll help you get up close to the amazing array of flora and fauna. Plus it’s a really fun and accessible way of getting out on the water.
• The boardwalks are also a great way to explore the park, enjoy the spectacular natural scenery, and learn about the region’s animal and birdlife.

9.  Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

For a completely different way to experience water, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi has you covered. This is a world-beating water park in UAE where the emphasis is on thrills and spills and getting completely soaked.

The highlights

• There are more than forty different rides and slides here. They include the world’s largest six-person water coaster, the Dawwama, which simulates tornado-like conditions.
• This is a great place to hang out with friends. Why not challenge them on the six-person race slide?
• Indulge in a one-of-a-kind pearl diving experience.

10.  The Corniche

The Corniche is one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic locations and is adored as a place to relax amongst the locals. Stroll along the eight kilometres of seaside boardwalk or relax on the beach and soak up mesmerizing views of the Abu Dhabi skyline.

At weekends and holidays, The Corniche is popular with families who come here to enjoy a safe, clean beach and the pretty, manicured gardens beside it.

The highlights

• Tour The Corniche by bike, the easiest way to enjoy the whole length of this lovely area. There are several rental stations spaced throughout.
• Take snapshots of the Abu Dhabi skyline. This is considered to be one of the best places to enjoy this fabulous view.

And there’s more…

Narrowing Abu Dhabi’s attractions down to the ten of the best is no mean feat; there is so much for everyone here.

As well as downtown Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is the place to be for any visitor. Many of the attractions listed above are situated here. With more entertainment options, plenty of choices for fine dining and family-friendly feasts, plus several luxury hotels to choose from, Yas Island is the ideal base for exploring Abu Dhabi.