Top 10 Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

Jean Nouvel's stunning museum sits beneath a perforated dome that creates a magical "rain of light" effect, housing an extraordinary collection that traces art's universal story from ancient civilization to the present. The collaboration between France and the UAE has produced one of the most architecturally spectacular museums on earth.

This purpose-built entertainment hub is home to Ferrari World (with the world's fastest roller coaster), Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit. Whether you come for thrills, concerts, or a round of golf, Yas Island delivers world-class entertainment on a grand scale.

The stunning 8-kilometer waterfront promenade that stretches along the city's coast is lined with gardens, cycling paths, beaches, and cafes, offering spectacular views of the skyline. It is the city's great outdoor living room, equally popular with morning joggers and evening families.

This cultural district is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and is set to house outposts of the Guggenheim and a new natural history museum, making it one of the most ambitious cultural development projects in the world. Its pristine beaches and luxury resorts make it equally attractive for relaxation.

The Presidential Palace of the UAE offers public tours that reveal an astounding interior of gleaming white marble, intricate geometric patterns, and a vast collection of rare books and artifacts. The nightly sound-and-light show projected onto the palace facade is a spectacular free attraction.

The UNESCO-listed Al Ain Oasis, a short drive from the city, contains over 147,000 date palms irrigated by a 3,000-year-old falaj system that still flows today. Walking the shaded pathways through this ancient agricultural marvel is one of the most serene and historically rich experiences in the UAE.

Kayaking through Abu Dhabi's protected mangrove forests offers an extraordinary glimpse of natural biodiversity tucked between the city's skyscrapers and the coastline. The park is home to flamingos, herons, and countless marine species and provides a peaceful escape from urban life.

This open-air museum on the Corniche recreates a traditional Emirati village, showcasing the architecture, crafts, and way of life of Arabia before the oil era. Potters, weavers, and blacksmiths demonstrate their crafts, giving visitors a tangible connection to the region's pre-modern heritage.

This natural island retreat houses the Arabian Wildlife Park, home to cheetahs, Arabian oryx, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species in a free-range setting unlike any traditional zoo. It is one of the few places in the world where you can do a genuine wildlife safari in the Arabian Peninsula.

Jean Nouvel's stunning museum sits beneath a perforated dome that creates a magical "rain of light" effect, housing an extraordinary collection that traces art's universal story from ancient civilization to the present. The collaboration between France and the UAE has produced one of the most architecturally spectacular museums on earth.

This purpose-built entertainment hub is home to Ferrari World (with the world's fastest roller coaster), Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit. Whether you come for thrills, concerts, or a round of golf, Yas Island delivers world-class entertainment on a grand scale.

The stunning 8-kilometer waterfront promenade that stretches along the city's coast is lined with gardens, cycling paths, beaches, and cafes, offering spectacular views of the skyline. It is the city's great outdoor living room, equally popular with morning joggers and evening families.

This cultural district is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and is set to house outposts of the Guggenheim and a new natural history museum, making it one of the most ambitious cultural development projects in the world. Its pristine beaches and luxury resorts make it equally attractive for relaxation.

The Presidential Palace of the UAE offers public tours that reveal an astounding interior of gleaming white marble, intricate geometric patterns, and a vast collection of rare books and artifacts. The nightly sound-and-light show projected onto the palace facade is a spectacular free attraction.

The UNESCO-listed Al Ain Oasis, a short drive from the city, contains over 147,000 date palms irrigated by a 3,000-year-old falaj system that still flows today. Walking the shaded pathways through this ancient agricultural marvel is one of the most serene and historically rich experiences in the UAE.

Kayaking through Abu Dhabi's protected mangrove forests offers an extraordinary glimpse of natural biodiversity tucked between the city's skyscrapers and the coastline. The park is home to flamingos, herons, and countless marine species and provides a peaceful escape from urban life.

This open-air museum on the Corniche recreates a traditional Emirati village, showcasing the architecture, crafts, and way of life of Arabia before the oil era. Potters, weavers, and blacksmiths demonstrate their crafts, giving visitors a tangible connection to the region's pre-modern heritage.

This natural island retreat houses the Arabian Wildlife Park, home to cheetahs, Arabian oryx, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species in a free-range setting unlike any traditional zoo. It is one of the few places in the world where you can do a genuine wildlife safari in the Arabian Peninsula.