Top 5 Experiences to Enjoy in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers a vibrant atmosphere within its compact area. As the capital of its namesake emirate, the city boasts rich cultural experiences, stunning architecture, shopping opportunities, and outdoor adventures, all while exuding a laid-back coastal vibe rather than a bustling urban one. My visit in January 2024 with my husband and toddler allowed us to explore the diverse offerings of this Middle Eastern gem.

The culinary landscape in Abu Dhabi is dynamic and consistently impressive. Throughout our stay, every meal was a delight. With over 200 nationalities represented in the UAE, you can savor a wide array of global cuisines. Nicola Chilton highlighted her top spots for Emirati cuisine with Dinogo readers. We relished creative pan-Asian dishes at Mamafri, exquisitely crafted Indian meals at Mynt, and a casual Thai lunch at San Thai Diner (make sure to try the mango sticky rice). After enjoying the food, discover five essential activities to experience in Abu Dhabi. (For a true local experience, check out these top hotels in Abu Dhabi.)

1. Experience Art Through a Global Lens at the Louvre Abu Dhabi

Just twenty minutes into my exploration at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, I was captivated. Unlike many museums of its size, it begins with a clear perspective and uses its exhibition space to elaborate on that theme. The Louvre takes pride in its global viewpoint, avoiding the conventional categorization of art by geographic region, which often leads visitors to compare primitive art forms of some cultures with the sophisticated techniques of others.

Through twelve rooms, including a grand vestibule at the entrance, the museum guides visitors on a journey through time. For each era, it showcases paintings, sculptures, masks, and various artworks to narrate the broader story of human civilization. An inscription on the entrance wall states, “The chronological journey . . . highlights the shared characteristics of humanity throughout its history. The thematic presentation of the works draws attention to the commonalities and distinctiveness of our artistic expressions, transcending any geographical boundaries.”

For instance, in the grand vestibule, three gold funerary masks are displayed together: one from Peru (100 B.C.E.–700 C.E.), another from the Philippines (900–1200), and a third from either Lebanon or Syria (600–300 B.C.E.). Despite originating from different continents and periods, they all reflect a shared human practice of adorning the deceased with precious metals. Celebrating our commonalities in an era of growing division felt revolutionary to me. (Some reviewers have critiqued such groupings as “simplistic and historically inaccurate,” but I found them invigorating.)

Even if you don’t wish to read every plaque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi offers a delightful half-day visit. Jean Nouvel’s architectural design is breathtaking: a porous half-dome crowns modern gray walls and a series of canals. Visitors can appreciate this from various perspectives, including the Art Lounge on the rooftop, which provides stunning views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline.

Visiting Information

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is located on Saadiyat Island, which is being transformed into a major cultural hub featuring theaters, hotels, and other museums, including the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi set to open in 2025. It’s easily reachable by taxi from the city, public transport (bus or water taxi), or the Cultural Express bus from Dubai. The museum operates Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight, with galleries and exhibitions closing at 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and at 8:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

To enter the museum, you can purchase timed tickets directly from the website. The admission fee is 63 AED (approximately US$17) for adults, while entry is free for children under 18 and individuals referred to as “people of determination,” who may have physical and/or mental challenges. Additionally, visitors can opt for a private 45-minute tour of the permanent collection for 600 AED (US$163) per person.

2. Relax at Corniche Beach

With a stunning view of towering skyscrapers, the aquamarine waters at Corniche Beach are remarkably clear. This five-mile expanse of pristine white sand features walking and cycling paths, beautifully maintained gardens, and impressive play areas for children (from which I had to pry my daughter away).

While at the beach, I noticed two signs that piqued my curiosity. The first indicated specific walkway areas for “people of determination,” a term I hadn’t encountered before. Later, during my visit to the Louvre, I discovered that this is Abu Dhabi’s inclusive term for individuals with physical and/or neurodivergent challenges. The city has a five-year action plan aimed at empowering and integrating these individuals into society. The second sign informed me that Corniche Beach holds Blue Flag status, an international eco-label signifying compliance with strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility standards.

3. Marvel at the Magnitude of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is truly magnificent. As the largest mosque in the UAE and the third-largest globally, it can host over 40,000 worshippers and attracts thousands of visitors. Opened in 2007, its scale is awe-inspiring, featuring 82 domes, 1,096 columns (many embellished with semi-precious stones), the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, and chandeliers adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals.

While the mosque is stunning during the day, it transforms at dusk when the lighting design comes alive. The passageways and columns are softly illuminated, highlighting the intricate arches and design elements. The mosque's design incorporates Islamic architectural influences from around the world, including Persian, Mamluk, and Mughal styles. I later learned that the lighting design corresponds with the lunar cycle (similar to the Islamic calendar); when the moon is full, the lights appear white, while during a new moon, they take on a deeper blue hue.

Visiting Information

Entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is free. From Saturday to Thursday, it welcomes visitors from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., though it is closed on Fridays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can reserve their spots in advance through the mosque’s website. The mosque offers complimentary guided tours lasting up to 45 minutes, providing insights into its architecture, Islamic faith, and Emirati culture. A dress code is enforced: all visitors must cover their shoulders and knees, and women are required to wear loose-fitting clothing and a headscarf. For more details, please refer to the “mosque manners.”

4. Glide Through the Trees at Jubail Mangrove Park

When the bustling, air-conditioned city becomes overwhelming, retreat to the trees—specifically, the expansive mangrove forests along the emirate’s coastline. It’s estimated that the United Arab Emirates is home to over 60 square miles (156 square kilometers) of mangroves. The more I learn about this unique ecosystem, the more I admire it as a quiet guardian of the environment. Besides safeguarding vulnerable shorelines from erosion, mangrove trees can naturally desalinate salty seawater and capture thousands of tons of carbon dioxide in their root systems. The forests in Abu Dhabi also host numerous shoreline bird species, including herons and flamingos, as well as crabs and fish.

The best ways to explore Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forests are by kayaking or strolling along the boardwalks at Jubail Mangrove Park, a sanctuary situated between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, about 30 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi. The boardwalks, which extend for more than a mile, wind through the trees and provide views of the intricate root systems and the marine life they support. Structures resembling fishing nets offer perfect spots for relaxing above the crystal-clear turquoise waters; children often use them as makeshift trampolines. Alternatively, guided kayaking tours allow visitors to experience the area from a unique perspective, with options for sunrise and night tours illuminated by LED lights beneath the boats.

Visiting Information

Tickets for Jubail Mangrove Park can be prebooked online. A single kayak rental costs 120 AED (US$32), which includes entry to the boardwalk; otherwise, the entry fee is 15 AED (US$4). Most sections of the boardwalk are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. After or before exploring the forest, visitors can enjoy an iced cappuccino at the Crane Cafe, located near the entrance.

You may need to wait a bit for a taxi to pick you up from the mangrove park; I suggest arranging a round-trip transfer in advance if you can.

5. Explore the Souks

They say no visit to the Middle East is complete without shopping (“It’s not Dubai,” my cousins in India once joked. “It’s ‘Do Buy!’”). While Abu Dhabi boasts its share of luxury brands and sprawling malls, I hold a fondness for the traditional souks.

For a taste of the region's opulence, visit the Gold Souk at the Madinat Zayed Mall. Here, you'll find an array of intricate necklaces, bangles, earrings, and even pure gold coins and bars (if you prefer more understated pieces, those are available too). Additionally, shops feature a selection of semi-precious and precious gems.

At one end of Mina Road, negotiate for a new living room rug at Abu Dhabi’s Carpet Souk. The Middle East is renowned for its exquisite carpets, with hundreds showcased in this market. Shopping can feel daunting, especially when assistants unfurl one carpet after another, eagerly watching your reactions. I recommend researching what constitutes a high-quality carpet and setting specific criteria for yourself, such as size, color, and material, before diving in.

Close by, the Mina Zayed Dates Market revealed to me that a date is far more than just a date. There are large, sweet Medjool dates, and Ajwa dates that resemble giant raisins with a caramel-like flavor. You’ll find dates dipped in chocolate, rolled in nuts, and paired with tahini. There are also date jams and spreads. Honestly, with how captivating the market is, it might just be the perfect place to bring a date (apologies for the pun).