We have spent 3 days in Abu Dhabi all together. It’s not much, you can definitely add couple of days more if you have more time. But if you have limited time, you can rely on this article. As we have put together our ultimate Abu Dhabi Bucket List, that you can complete within this period of time. Now you can discover Abu Dhabi with us, as we share here the best places that you really cannot miss!
About Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second-most populous city (after Dubai) of the United Arab Emirates. It is also the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The city of Abu Dhabi is located on an island in the Persian Gulf, off the Central West Coast. As of 2021, Abu Dhabi’s urban area had an estimated population of 1.5 million, out of 2.9 million in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, as of 2016.
Before any visit – Download the Alhosn App!
Please note, that starting from 15 June 2022 in line with the precautionary measures in force, all residents and tourists must show ‘green’ status on Alhosn App to enter almost all palaces, sites, mosques, entertainment parks, shopping malls, etc. That currently means:
- Visitors coming from outside the UAE and who face difficulties using Alhosn App they then can show an internationally approved vaccine certificate which testifies that they have taken two doses and a negative PCR test taken during the 14 days.
- Visitors who are not vaccinated must present a negative PCR result no more than 48 hours.
- Please always check the latest precautionary measures before your travel, to avoid the rejection.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Watan – The Presidential Palace
The first place we decided to visit in the UAE was the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan. An amazingly beautiful palace made out of white granite and limestone. All the shining elements, golden details, and all the rich patterns are indeed coming together in a breathtakingly beautiful palace.
To celebrate the heritage of the country, Sheikhs Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates) and Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces) decided to open the palace to the public in 2019. Just one year after, in 2020, the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace was nominated for the World Travel Awards as the main cultural tourist attraction in the Middle East.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world’s largest mosques and an architectural masterpiece that beautifully combines Islamic architecture and design. If you would like to visit it, you need to get to Gate 6 entrance, recently this one is opened for public. It’s important to keep the dress code, otherwise you won’t be able to enter.
Once you got through the shopping mall and all the security checking you can approach the Grand Mosque by free golf car taxis or walk on the moving pavements. The mosque is very big, and is always packed with a lot visitors, therefore you can only move on the paths dedicated for visitors. Amazing experience, really worth it!
Oasis of Dignity
The Oasis of Dignity – Wahat Al Karama -, is a national monument that tells the stories of the sacrifices of the heroes of the Emirates. But it’s also an interesting spot for another reason, as you can find the best view about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at the Oasis of Dignity Viewing Terrace. You can find the spot on Google Maps, so it’s not hard to navigate there, but keep in mind that is almost impossible to park there. So the best is to leave your car nearby at an official parking and take a walk to the Oasis of Dignity.
Qasr Al Hosn
The Qasr al-Hosn is a historical landmark and the oldest stone building in the city of Abu Dhabi. Qasr al-Hosn, also known as the White Fort (originally not white in colour but painted bright white during 1976–1983 renovations) or Old Fort, was constructed in 1761 as a conical watchtower to defend the only freshwater well in Abu Dhabi island.
The tower was later expanded into a small fort in 1793 by the then ruler, Shakhbut bin Dhiyab Al Nahyan, and became the permanent residence of the ruling Sheikh. The tower took its present shape after a major extension in the late 1930s, aided by revenues received for granting the first oil license in Abu Dhabi. It remained the emir’s palace (hence the name Qasr al-Hosn, meaning Palace Fort) and seat of government until 1966. The fort has been developed several times and is now partially open to the public.
The Rixos Marina
Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi is an iconic architectural landmark that unites the very best of Arabic and Turkish culture, dining and hospitality. Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s retail, entertainment and residential hub. It functions as a hotel, as well as offering residencies for a longer stay. The place is located next to the Marina Mall.
Corniche Viewing Deck
The Corniche Viewing Deck we can find on the artificial bridge and road of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The views are indeed amazing here on the skyline of Abu Dhabi, on the Corniche and the related beach as well as on the ADNOC Headquarters.
The ADNOC Headquarters
The ADNOC Headquarters is a skyscraper office complex located in Abu Dhabi on the Corniche, and is the corporate headquarters of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The building incorporates energy efficiency and sustainable engineering technologies, such as a double skin façade, LED exterior lighting. Designed by HOK, the overall building complex consists of more than 65 floors with an office tower, corniche club, SPC and Crisis Management Centre, a heritage museum and other supporting facilities.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a new cultural beacon, bringing different cultures together to shine fresh light on the shared stories of humanity. The origins of Louvre Abu Dhabi date back to March 2007. The UAE and France formed an unprecedented partnership for cultural exchange, and the highlight of this would be the establishment of Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. The partnership would combine the UAE’s bold vision of cultural progression and openness, with France’s expertise in the world of art and museums. It would explore the shared themes that reveal and connect humanity. The result is Louvre Abu Dhabi. It represents the dynamic nature of the contemporary Arab world while celebrating the region’s vibrant multicultural heritage.
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
Ramada Corniche Hotel
We have stayed in Ramada Corniche Hotel and it was a very reasonable option for our money. They offer breakfast, buffet dinner, and operate a rooftop swimming pool, too. The location is as well convenient. If you would like to book it, enter your arrival and check-out dates & click on the below link (Show prices). Or if you prefer any other options with a swimming pool, you can check the below selection.
Best experiences in Abu Dhabi
Enjoy our discounts in the place
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Wonderful pictures and a good article to get some basic information. Thanks for sharing!
Your photos are stunning
Thank you 🤩
Fabulous post about a very interesting place. Your photos are wonderful!
Thank you! ☺️