Top 5 Must-Sees
- All travelers are welcome to visit the Grand Mosque of Sheikh Zayed.
- Erth was the first Emirati-owned restaurant to receive a Michelin Star.
- The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a world-class museum.
- Al Ain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Fix Dessert Chocolatier, the original source of “viral Dubai chocolate bars”, is the place to go if you want the famous bar.
Abu Dhabi is often overlooked by DubaiThe capital city of the United Arab Emirates has a blend of tradition with modernity that makes it a must visit destination. Abu Dhabi is a city rich in architectural and cultural wonders. From the stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque to world-famous Louvre Abu Dhabi. Simply put, it caters to adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and leisure travelers alike—there’s truly something for everyone.
As the capital of the UAE the destination has a different beat than its neighboring city of Dubai. Abu Dhabi is without doubt the cultural and financial hub of the UAE. Mo NoubaniDirector at Travel Box International A Travel + Leisure T+L spoke to A-list’s advisor. The pace is different from Dubai, and it can appear less glitzy. This is not to say [it’s] Less luxurious than Dubai Abu Dhabi has opulent experiences that are more conservative than Dubai.
In 2024, the emirate is expected to welcome more than 4.8 million visitorsThis is a significant increase over previous years, with a 26 percent increase since 2023.
“Abu Dhabi is a world-class destination with a variety of unique experiences and sites that are suited to the environment and location,” said Noubani. The destination is a bucket-list destination because of its rich heritage, cultural offerings, architecturally beautiful sites, beautiful beach, world-class themes parks, and hotels that suit every traveler.
How to plan your visit.
Best Hotels
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental This hotel is one of Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious, with a combination of opulent architecture and contemporary elegance. This iconic hotel, located on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, offers stunning views of both the Persian Gulf and the city. There are many amenities available to guests, such as multiple outdoor swimming pool, access a private sandy beach, and dining at world-class restaurants. HakkasanHo Chee Boon’s modern Cantonese restaurant is a Michelin starred Chinese restaurant. Martabaan by Hemant OberoiA fine dining Indian restaurant.
Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel
Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel This luxury resort offers a tranquil retreat while remaining close to the bustling downtown. Kayaking, paddle boarding and boat trips in the mangroves provide unique nature experiences.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi
Marriott Courtesy
The resort is located on Saadiyat Island in the Persian Gulf, only 10 minutes away from the centre of the emirate. The Bloody Mary is a signature drink at St. Regis Hotels. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi This drink is called “Arabian Snapper,” and it’s a local variation. Spoiler alert: It’s infused in za’atar. This spring, the property is welcoming an outpost of Café Ginori, which will bring a taste of Italy to the resort.
You can Do
Abu Dhabi has a wide range of attractions. There are many things to do in Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World The newly opened teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Here are a few things that you should not miss when you visit the emirate.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure
You can also find out more about the following: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque It is a magnificent example of Islamic architecture with its 82 domes. Reflective pools and courtyards covered in marble are also part of the design. The chandeliers are adorned with Swarovski crystals, and it has the largest hand-knotted rug in the world. Travelers of all faiths are welcome, but should follow the modest dress codes, which can be found on its website at the time you buy tickets.
Qasr Al Watan
Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure
Qasr Al WatanThe Presidential Palace, located in Abu Dhabi is a testimony to the UAE’s rich culture and modern achievements. It was opened to the general public in 2019. The architecture is stunning, featuring intricate Arabian patterns, towering domed structures, and expansive gardens. It is easy to get lost in the beauty of the Great Hall.
Mangrove National Park
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Mangrove National Park offers a glimpse of the unique ecosystem in the emirate. This protected area has dense mangrove forest, waterways and diverse wildlife such as flamingos. Visitors can paddleboard or kayak along the calm channels and through the mangroves. They can also take guided eco-tours to highlight the importance of the wetlands for combating climate changes.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s Louvre is a replica of the iconic Parisian Louvre. Louvre Abu Dhabi. It was opened in 2017. The dome creates a “rain” of light. The museum’s collection is world-class, with works by Van Gogh and Monet as well as iconic artists such da Vinci. Visit the museum during the golden hour and enjoy the sunset.
Al Ain
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The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe perfect day trip is to visit the Garden City, located about 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi and near the Oman Border. It has historic forts, lush oases, souks, and traditional camel markets—just be sure to reserve your visit to the camel market in advance. While in Abu Dhabi, tourists can visit Jebel hafeet – the only mountain. Enjoy stunning sunrise and sunset views at its summit, or explore Jebel Hafit’s larger desert park on foot, bike or horseback.
Best Restaurants
Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of cultures, and the most popular cuisines are Middle Eastern and Arab. The emirate’s diverse cultural influences are reflected in the most popular cuisines, with Middle Eastern and Arab flavors taking center stage. machboos A rice dish with vegetables and meat khuzi (slowly-cooked lamb and rice). There are also many restaurants that offer international, Persian and South Asian cuisines.
ErthThe first Emirati Michelin-starred restaurant is located in the Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Site. The menu includes Emirati spiced potatoes, braised machboos lamb, and Margooga A type of stew ravioli
Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure
Noubani has a few favorites. Fresh BasilAsian restaurant in complete darkness Li Jang; Kopitiam by Chandy’s For a Michelin-rated Malaysian meal.
Arva Ahmed founded the Dubai-based food tour company. Frying Pan AdventuresAccording to,, her current choices are Al KhabbazThe pie shop Al Safwa and the Indonesian place called Rempah. Frying Pan Adventures is the perfect place to learn about Abu Dhabi’s cuisine. special walking tour This fusion of local bites and art combines local bites with artwork. “The whole experience is about uncovering layers of multiculturalism, coexistence, and harmony—ideas that aren’t just concepts here, but something you can see, taste, and feel,” Ahmed said.
You’d miss out on a lot if you don’t. Try to find out how you can try to get hold of someone else. Score the “Can’t Get Knafeh of It Bar” from Fix Dessert Chocolatier Deliveroo delivers “Dubai’s original viral chocolate bar” to Abu Dhabi. Pro tip: Orders are open from 2 to 5 pm, and they sell out in minutes. So, be prepared and have your order ready a couple of minutes before.
“All our bars begin with an emotion or memory. Sarah Hamouda of Fix Dessert Chocolatier told T+L that she would take a memory or a sweet from childhood, a classic sweet, or a smell from a family gathering on a Friday. “We try to recreate these moments through chocolate,” Hamouda said. We don’t only recreate traditional desserts as chocolate; we like twisting them to surprise people and make them laugh. Hamouda’s favorite chocolate bar is the Catch Me If Pecan Bar.
When is the best time to visit?
Abu Dhabi’s summer temperatures are as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Noubani says that budget travelers are able to find great deals between June and September. “The winter months—December to April—are the best times to visit for the most pleasant weather,” he said. “It’s more active, the outdoor cafes thrive and there are generally more people.”
When planning, Noubani recommends keeping Ramadan’s dates in mind. During Ramadan some operators will change their service hours and operational hours, he explained. Ramadan is an annual event according to the Islamic Calendar, which is based upon lunar cycles.
NANCY PAUWELS/Getty Images
How to get there
Zayed International Airport is the closest airport for visitors. Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, offers direct flights to New York City, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., as well as Dubai International Airport (DXB), located approximately one and a quarter hours away (roughly 93 miles). Emirates, another flagship airline in the UAE, offers 96 weekly flights between Dubai and the U.S.
How to Get Around
A car is the most convenient way to travel. You can call a taxi using the Abu Dhabi taxi app Uber and other ride-hailing services in Dubai are available. Careem.
Is Abu Dhabi Safe?
Noubani stated that it is so safe, you can leave your wallet on the streets and most likely no one will notice. It was even named the safest place in the world. Numbeo.” ” (As a female solo traveler, I have never felt insecure while exploring.
Local Culture and Etiquette
Respecting the culture is important when you travel to a foreign country. Noubani said that English is widely spoken throughout the country, including in the service sector. He added that all sites, hotels, and restaurants have information available in both Arabic, and English. He also says that in some resorts, supermarkets and religious sites alcohol is served. Noubani explained that gratuity is expected, but not common.
