The Complete Abu Dhabi Experience

The impressive and inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world’s largest mosques and the only one that captures the unique interactions between Islam and other world cultures. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the UAE, had a very specific vision for this mosque: to incorporate architectural styles from different Muslim civilisations and celebrate cultural diversity by creating a haven that is truly welcoming and inspirational in its foundation. The mosque’s architects were British, Italian and Emirati, with design ideas borrowed from parts of Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan and Egypt, among other Islamic countries. The end result is a breathtaking, gleaming architectural marvel.

The iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Arab World, translating and fostering the spirit of openness between cultures. As one of the premier cultural institutions located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, this art-lovers’ dream displays works of historical, cultural and sociological significance, from ancient times to the contemporary era. Designed by Pritzker-prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi encompasses 9,200 square metres of galleries, including a Permanent Gallery and a Temporary Gallery enriched by loans from notable French museums including Musee du Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou. Clearly showcasing the juxtaposition of different civilisations in the same space, the Louvre Abu Dhabi illustrates similarities and exchanges from the shared human experience, going beyond geography, nationality, and history.

A symphony in concrete, water and the subtle play of reflected light, the incredible structure was inspired by the region’s rich architectural traditions and the museum’s unique location, where the Arabian sky meets the sands of Saadiyat Island and the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Considered one of the modern urban wonders of the world, Louvre Abu Dhabi is not only the Arab world’s first universal museum but also a powerful symbol of the United Arab Emirates’ ambition and achievement. The centrepiece of Nouvel’s vision is a huge silvery dome that appears to float above the museum-city. Despite its apparent weightlessness, the dome weighs around 7,500 tons. That’s about the same as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Inspired by the cupola, a distinctive feature in Arabic architecture, Nouvel’s dome is a complex, geometric structure composed of 7,850 stars. These stars are repeated at various sizes and angles in eight different layers. As the sun passes above, its light filters through the perforations in the dome, creating an enchanting effect within the museum, known as the ‘rain of light'. This tribute to nature is inspired by the palm trees of Abu Dhabi. Their leaves filter and soften the bright sunlight from above, projecting a dappled pattern on the ground.

Since opening its gates in 2008, Al Jahili Fort – set in Abu Dhabi's lush garden city of Al Ain, about an hour and a half away from the capital – has been a focal point of activities associated with the philosophy, culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi. Al Jahili is one of the largest forts in the UAE, built in the 1890s on the orders of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, also known as Zayed the First, as the home to members of the ruling Al Nahyan family.

Between 2007 and 2008 the fort was impeccably restored by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. Transformed into a cultural centre and tourist attraction, it now houses a permanent exhibition devoted to Sir Wilfred Thesiger, the intrepid explorer, travel writer and photographer who, with his Emirati and Omani companions, crossed the world's largest sand mass, the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali), twice in the 1940s. Al Jahili Fort is also home to a temporary exhibition gallery. Surrounded by a lush park, this enchanting fort won the prestigious Terra Award for Internal Design and Layout in 2016.

For more than 100 years, this incredible historic fort in the lush garden city of Al Ain, about an hour and a half away from Abu Dhabi, has played a major role in the history of the United Arab Emirates. Today, it offers visitors an opportunity to understand the country's story. Situated at the western approach to Al Ain city, Qasr Al Muwaiji's picturesque structure is a fine example of early 20th-century mud-brick architecture and a great place to take stunning photographs. The building is a simple but striking form: a square enclosure with projecting corner towers and a grand entrance gate.

Yas Marina is not only one of Abu Dhabi’s finest marinas, but also a vibrant venue offering dining, fitness and leisure facilities for the whole family. Situated at the heart of Yas Island, alongside Yas Marina Circuit’s Formula 1™ race track, the 227-berth marina caters to vessels from eight to 150 metres, with competitive packages and track and non-track views available during the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Casual berthing rates with complimentary visitor berthing for up to four hours allow boat owners to dock, dine and discover Yas Marina’s many outlets.

Speaking of which, Yas Marina features several licensed restaurants and lounges that cater to travellers of all tastes and budgets. Every outlet along the waterside promenade boasts iconic views of the W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, the only five-star hotel built next to a Formula 1™ race track. 

As the sun sets, this family-friendly destination transforms into a bustling dining and nightlife entertainment hot spot. But it doesn’t only come alive after the sun goes down. From premier fitness facilities and physiotherapy services to watersports, boat charters, a children’s playground, musical water fountain, promotions and events, there’s something on offer for all ages throughout the day.

If excitement for the entire family is what you’re after, from toddler to teen, parent to grandparent, the mostly indoor theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, is the answer.

Open 365 days a year, the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park tells the marque’s story with passion, showcasing more than 20 exhilarating and educational rides and attractions, incredible shopping, and authentic Italian dining experiences. The only time you’ll be outside in the sun is on board the Formula Rossa – the world’s fastest roller-coaster. Go from 0 to 240km/h in 4.9 seconds, while soaring to heights of 52 metres. The Flying Aces, meanwhile, comes with the world’s highest roller-coaster loop. Climb 63 metres at a 51-degree angle, and enjoy your ride! The Tyre Change Experience tests if you can match the pace of F1™ pit crews, while Turbo Track offers an epic zero-gravity fall. Those who enjoy a more relaxed experience will love Bell'Italia, a ride that lets you explore a mini Italy in a Ferrari 250 California, circa 1958. The ride also showcases other Italian landmarks such as the Amalfi Coast, Monza Racetrack, the Colosseum di Roma, Venezia and Maranello, the home of Ferrari.

You’ll also find a Family Zone, family-friendly attractions, state-of-the-art simulators, electric-powered go-karts, live shows and an inspiring collection of racing memorabilia.