We have selected the TOP-20 sights of Abu Dhabi with descriptions and photos that you should definitely see on vacation alone or with children. Gave some tips for planning your trip and what to see. If you are fans of excursions, then in the material we found excellent sightseeing programs in Russian with fascinating guides who will most fully open the capital from a completely different side. But, we also recommend taking a walk on your own, a map of the location of objects will help with this.
The capital of the UAE is a luxurious city that has grown over several decades. The sights of Abu Dhabi claim to be the best in the world. These are modern skyscrapers, grandiose buildings, beautiful gardens and parks. Lovers of historical and cultural values will like it here. There are many museum objects in the metropolis that tell about the rich past of the country.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The majestic building was erected in 2007. This is a symbol of the prosperity and power of the Arab sheikh. The building is characterized by a mixture of styles. There are architectural features inherent in Moorish, Persian and Arabian architecture.
The carpet, which covers the floors inside the shrine, is considered the largest in the world and has an impressive size: more than 5.5 thousand square meters. m. You will be especially surprised by the white marble sparkling in the sun. By the way, we advise you to visit here in the evening, the illumination makes the building even more amazing. And by the way, we do not recommend planning a trip on Friday before lunchtime, Zhuma Namaz takes place here.
The prayer rooms are illuminated by luxurious chandeliers. They are decorated with real Swarovski stones.
The mosque is large in size: up to 40 thousand people can pray here at the same time.
This is the best in the TOP-s attractions of Abu Dhabi for tourists, which we recommend to visit first.
Al-Bahar Towers
Skyscrapers were erected in the eastern part of the city. The style combines traditional features of Arab architecture and ultra-modern design solutions.
The walls of high-rise buildings are represented by sliding panels in the form of umbrellas. They are able to move under the influence of sunlight, the mechanism is built so that there is natural ventilation in the offices of the building. Moreover, the panels tend to rotate relative to the sun, protecting workers from overheating.
The building makes a lasting impression and was recognized in 2012 as the best among the innovative architecture.
Etihad Towers
A complex consisting of 5 high-rise buildings. Located on the embankment of the bay. Tourists are attracted here by the opportunity to explore the surroundings and admire the sea.
One of the skyscrapers has an observation deck, which is called the highest point in the city (300 m above sea level).
Guests of the city are offered to stay at a local hotel. Pleasure is not cheap. But you will definitely not be disappointed: the elite rest here, all conditions for a comfortable pastime have been created.
Skyscraper "Aldar HQ"
The unusual design of the skyscraper makes it unique on the planet. It is made in the form of a shell resting on two concrete supports, and the frame consists of ordinary iron beams. The building rightfully bears the title of a masterpiece of modern architecture and has already earned several awards, one of which is the achievement for the minimum energy consumption due to natural light.
The height of the building is 110 meters, it is located on an artificial island, the construction due to groundwater was delayed for as many as three years, from 2007 to 2010. Construction company “Aldar»Placed her office here.
The skyscraper can be seen in the photo of the city of Abu Dhabi. This is a popular tourist destination and is rightfully included in the TOP of interesting places. You will find a structure in the Al-Raha area.
Skyscraper "Capital Gate"
This skyscraper is presented in the form of an inclined structure. One gets the impression that the tower is falling. The external facades are finished with glass. The construction shines in the sun.
The wealthy residents of the city settle here. The hotel is equipped for guests. This prestigious hotel is the most expensive in the world.
The height of the building exceeds 160 meters and is included in the list of the tallest buildings in Abu Dhabi.
The building is included in the Guinness Book of Records. The degree of inclination is greater than that of the famous Penza Tower.
The information will be useful to tourists who collect information about what to see in Abu Dhabi from attractions with children, they will be interested in seeing such a miracle. An excellent option for photo shoots on Instagram, which is what tourists actually do here.
SEC "Marina Mall"
If you don't know what to do in Abu Dhabi, visit this mall, especially in bad weather, but here we recommend bringing a warm windbreaker with you, as the air conditioning inside works at full capacity. You can arrange a virtual tour of boutiques using google panorama:
In addition to shopping, guests are offered a lot of entertainment.
The mall employs:
- playgrounds;
- ice rink;
- restaurants and cafes;
- cinemas;
- bowling.
As for prices, boutiques are expensive, things can be bought in other places much cheaper. We advise you to go here first of all for the impressions of what you have seen, it is very beautiful inside. There is an observation deck on the upper floors. The object has its own website: www.marinamall.ae... Here you will find the information you need about pricing.
Corniche promenade
The street stretches along the bay for 10 km. This is the perfect place for a promenade.
It is especially beautiful here in the evening, when the illumination is turned on; it is at this time that the locals like to spend time here with their whole families. Tourists mainly rent bicycles, the rental cost is $ 4.
There are parks, gardens, jogging tracks, restaurants and clubs on the Abu Dhabi waterfront. You can lie on the beach, but on weekends we recommend finding less popular places.
Ferrari World Park
Opened in 2012. Dedicated to the production of Ferrari cars.
If you do not know where to go in Abu Dhabi with children, organize an excursion to this place, and for the whole day. The number of rides is about 20. There is a children's racing school here, rides for adults with good nerves are installed. Teens love the carousel carousel. They attend theatrical performances with the kids. First of all, we recommend Flying Aces and Formula Rossa.
- Ticket prices start at AED 230 for children and AED 295 for adults.
- The park is located on Yas Island.
Water park "Yas Waterworld"
All tourists come here with children. Such entertainment in Abu Dhabi is remembered for a long time.
The complex covers an area of 15 hectares. There are slides, pools, attractions here.
The theme of the park is related to pearl mining. The interiors of the institution are decorated in accordance with this trend. The fact is that natural stone was previously mined on the territory of the country. Guests are invited to try themselves as pearl divers.
- Find the attraction on Yas Island.
Historical and ethnographic village
If you do not know what to see in Abu Dhabi interesting, visit this place. The ethnographic complex, located in the open air, will tell about the life, culture, traditions of the Bedouins - the indigenous inhabitants of the UAE.
The project was implemented at the end of the 90s of the last century in order to preserve the local culture and attract young people and guests of the state to study the historical heritage of the region.
There are hotels in the village. Travelers are given the opportunity to settle in an unusual place.
The facility is located on Mussafa Street, entrance for tourists is free, but you will have to pay for some services. More information can be found on the website http://torath.gov.ae/.
Falcon hospital
Unusual landmark of the city of Abu Dhabi.
Falconry is a favorite pastime of Arab sheikhs. The bird is even considered a symbol of the country.
The clinic organizes the treatment of falcons injured in nature or in captivity. Visitors are allowed to watch the life of birds; there is a museum on the territory of the veterinary hospital. Collections tell about the intricacies of hunting with falcons.
- Find out about prices and opening hours on the institution's website www.falconhospital.com.
Automobile Museum
The collection is in the possession of Sheikh Abu Dhabi Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, there are about 200 copies of cars from different eras. Anyone can view the meeting. The information will be useful for tourists who are looking for what to see in Abu Dhabi on their own, especially by car. The attraction is located far from Dubai, 150 km. Therefore, we recommend to go here only when planning to visit a few more sites, such as mosques.
From Abu Dhabi to go less, the object is located 45 km away from the city (Liwa oasis).
The collector's pride is an antique Rolls-Royce car. The car belonged to the British royal family.
Also noteworthy is a car - a house on wheels. It is designed in accordance with the owner's requests.
Fort Al Husn
The monument dates back to the 18th century. The fortress is considered the oldest building in the metropolis.
The object will be of interest to fans of historical sights. It is believed that this is the center of the city, it was from here that it began to grow, acquiring new buildings.
Previously, the residence of the sheikh was located here. It is now a popular tourist destination.
What to bring from the UAE as a gift?
All entertainment and recreation for children in the UAE
Abu Dhabi Zoo
Founded in the middle of the last century. The object is included in the list of places to go in Abu Dhabi with children, especially preschool children.
The largest zoological garden in the Middle East welcomes guests all year round. Here you will be able to observe the life of lions, gazelles, elephants, tigers and other exotic animals. You can ride elephants and pet some species, such as donkeys.
Of interest is the area in which the animals of the representatives of the Arabian desert were settled. The cost is only 100 dirhams for a family of three tourists. From active entertainment there is a rope park.
- The institution has an official website: www.emiratesparkzooandresort.com... Here you will find the necessary information on tickets and timetables.
Mangrove reserve
The protected area is a popular tourist destination. Guests are offered a boat ride and enjoy the beauty of the oasis. Many travel agencies offer sightseeing tours in the vicinity from this very place, in principle, the way it is, put a tick in your guidebook for a mandatory visit to natural places.
Driving in cars on the territory of the reserve is prohibited.
The paradise was chosen by flamingos, black herons. Here you will be able to calmly watch rare birds. And the park got its name from the name of the trees - mangroves. They grow directly in shallow water, in salt water. The best thing to see in Abu Dhabi to appreciate the beauty of the region.
Hotel "Emirates Palace"
A real palace in Abu Dhabi. The building got here as if from a fairy tale. It's not easy to get inside. Only guests or those guests who came with a guide can enter here.
The lobby of the hotel is decorated with a huge model showing the periods of development of the metropolis.
The hotel is conveniently located, in the very center of the city on the first line, which is why many tourists with a big wallet like to stay here. From here, the main attractions are within easy reach, and the hotel pick-up takes you in any direction.
Those wishing to stay at the hotel should take care of booking a room in advance, the places are sold out two to three months in advance. The cost of the cheapest room per day will be “only” 23 thousand rubles.
Qasr Al Watan Palace
Several cultural sites are located under the roof of the palace, including a museum and a library. This is a modern building, the opening took place recently.
Visitors get acquainted with the history of the formation of the state, with where the UAE is located, and what role it plays at the global level.
Of interest is the unusual collection of gifts that the sheikhs received at different times of the reign. The complex also houses a collection of significant archaeological finds.
The library of the palace contains more than fifty thousand books, among which there are old manuscripts.
If you want to visit this building, use the services of a guide. The guide will tell you about the stages of construction, details of the interiors, and tell a lot of interesting facts.
Louvre Museum"
It is considered a branch of the famous French museum. But in fact, this is not entirely true. The famous Louvre simply supports the namesake. For this, the state annually pays the country providing assistance, almost a billion euros.
The canvases of famous artists are kept here. Many of the works of art are supplied for the exhibition by France, but some of the masterpieces were acquired by the Emirates themselves. Of interest among them is the work of Picasso, previously unknown to art critics.
Also, rare copies of books are kept here: samples of Bibles, Korans, manuscripts. The institution was opened in 2017. Detailed information is presented on the website http://louvreabudhabi.ae... The information will be useful for travelers who do not know what to visit in Abu Dhabi from cultural places.
Yas Island
If you don't know what to do in Abu Dhabi, head to Yas Island. This artificial island has become a popular tourist destination. The best entertainment is concentrated here. The visit will appeal to both adults and children.
More than $ 40 billion was spent on the project. More than 30 million people have visited the island since its opening.
Now people come here not only for entertainment, wealthy residents of the world buy real estate here. Residential buildings continue to be built.
On the territory of Yas there are luxury hotels, which are included in the list of the most expensive hotels in the world.
Saadiyat beach
The best beach in the Emirates. Located on the island of the same name. It is a strip of white sand that stretches along the bay. All conditions for a comfortable stay are created here. Among the visitors to the beach, there are world celebrities.
- Hotels are built nearby, guests of the region can stay in the immediate vicinity of the beach area.
Top sights in Dubai
Sights of Abu Dhabi on the map
Best hotels in Abu Dhabi
- And finally, excursions that will help you save money and see the city from a completely different side with a Russian-speaking guide.