1. Louvre Abu Dhabi

Drawing inspiration from the traditional Arabic dome, Jean Nouvel, the Pritzker Prize-winning architect, designed Louvre Abu Dhabi. This groundbreaking institution, the first universal museum in the Arab world, seamlessly blends heritage with modern innovation. Housing over 600 masterpieces across 9,200 square metres, the museum showcases a diverse collection of historical and cultural treasures from around the globe.

However, the showpiece of the museum is the iconic 180-metre, eight-layer star-latticed dome, which allows sunlight to filter through and cast an intriguing "rain of light" pattern on the walls and floors.

Wonder what’s in store for you? Take this virtual tour. If you’re interested in learning about Louvre Abu Dhabi's architectural concept, the multimedia guide at the museum is recommended. 

Tickets: AED 63

When to visit: The museum is open from 10am to midnight. It’s closed on Monday.

2. Capital Gate

A silver slant of curved steel and glittering glass slicing Abu Dhabi's horizon, this magnificent skyscraper is perfect photograph fodder - and high on the list of luxury destinations. An architectural and engineering feat, Capital Gate (also known as the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi) leans 18 degrees west and stands 160 metres (524.9 feet) tall. In 2010 it was certified as the World's Furthest Manmade Leaning Building by the Guinness World Records.

Tip: Stay at Andaz Capital Gate Hotel for incredible views of the city from the outdoor pool deck.

3. Sheikh Zayed Bridge

The 843-metre-long Sheikh Zayed Bridge is a prominent Abu Dhabi landmark, connecting Abu Dhabi to the mainland. 

It was designed by the late British Iraqi architect, Zaha Hadid, the first female architect to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2014. The steel arches with a suspended deck were built to mimic the sweeping curves of sand dunes and the waves of the Gulf that roared below.

Tip: At every new moon, the bridge is coloured deep blue.

4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and the largest in Abu Dhabi. UAE Founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, had a specific vision for the UAE, to celebrate cultural diversity. A place that welcomes all, the mosque is the manifestation of his vision.

The exterior and interior architecture of Abu Dhabi’s iconic mosque is a global artistic collaboration. It features 82 Moroccan-designed white marble domes, the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, and a courtyard featuring one of the world's largest marble mosaic artworks by Italian artisans. A guided tour is recommended to learn more about the mosque.

Tip: Just like the Sheikh Zayed Bridge, on every new moon, the mosque is lit up in deep blue.

5. Etihad Towers

Etihad Towers is one of the finest architectural examples in Abu Dhabi’s striking modern skyline. Towering at the end of Abu Dhabi's Corniche, the five-structure complex is a one-stop live, work, stay, shop and dine destination, and boasts stunning views of the city and the Arabian Gulf.

Tip: Head to the Observation Deck at 300 (on Tower 2's 74th floor) for the best view of the city. To fully experience this architectural masterpiece, book your stay at the 280-metre tall, five-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel.

6. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Emirates Palace, one of Abu Dhabi’s most renowned landmarks, was designed to reflect Arabian tradition. This luxurious hotel promises an unforgettable five-star stay. The main palace building stretches over a kilometre from wing to wing, with its manicured gardens spanning an impressive 100 hectares. Its interiors are adorned with 1,002 chandeliers,  394 rooms, suites and Royal Suites decorated with mother-of-pearl and crystals, 114 luminous domes and more.

7. Qasr Al Hosn

Step back in time by visiting Abu Dhabi City's most important historical landmark, Qasr Al Hosn. A fort incorporating the area's oldest standing structure, a watchtower built in the 1760s, it was also home to the royal family at one point!

Now a national monument, the recently restored Qasr Al Hosn, with its two iconic buildings - the Inner Fort (first constructed in 1795) and the Outer Palace (1939-1945) – tells the story of this fascinating city’s history and development. This incredible structure overlooked the coastal trade routes and protected the only freshwater well in Abu Dhabi.

If you love Qasr Al Hosn and want to see more of Abu Dhabi’s traditional architecture, check out our Tour Abu Dhabi's Architecture guide.

Fun fact: Qasr Al Hosn was known as ‘The White Fort’, as the fort’s walls sparkled in the sunlight and served as a navigational point for ships.

8. Qasr Al Watan

Discover the rich legacy of the UAE at the exquisite Qasr Al Watan, a working presidential palace and cultural landmark built from white granite and limestone. Honouring traditional Arabian heritage and artistry, the 'Palace of the Nation' houses impressive exhibits and iconic rooms with over 5,000 geometric mosaic walls and floor patterns.

In The Great Hall, you'll find one of the largest domes in the world and a reflective installation by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej. The Spirit of Collaboration room features a circular layout, symbolising the UAE's commitment to equality, with a 350,000 crystal-studded chandelier.

When to visit: 11 am - 6:45 pm

Tickets: AED 65

9. Al Bahr Towers

Adults and kids alike will marvel at the intriguing design of the Al Bahr Towers. When designing these eco-friendly towers, architect Abdulmajid Karanouh and Aedas Architects leaned heavily on nature and culture for their inspiration. The result is this 29-storey, circular twin tower structure, boasting mashrabiya-style facades. The honeycomb-like panels contract and expand in response to the sun's trajectory and are controlled by an advanced programming system.

Fun fact: The building’s natural sunscreen filters out more than 50% of the sunlight, thereby reducing the need for energy-draining air conditioning.

10. Aldar HQ

Arabia's first circular building is awe-inspiring and unique. MZ Architects' founder Marwan Zgheib used the clamshell as his overarching inspiration, an homage to Abu Dhabi's seafaring heritage.

Towering 100m high, two giant circular convex-shaped glass walls are joined by a narrow strip of glazing. Its circular shape symbolises unity, stability and rationality. The building’s unique structure was named One of the World's Most Dazzling Corporate Offices by the international building organisation Emporis.

11. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Just 200km outside the city is the Empty Quarter (or Rub al Khali), the world's largest uninterrupted sand mass, framed by towering dunes. As you can imagine, building anything in this sandy landscape is a feat, which is why the luxurious Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is worth the stay.

Its name means 'palace of mirage' as the structure appears as a mirage from the surrounding desert dunes.

The resort features 140 rooms, 14 suites and 51 pool villas, seven food and beverage outlets, a spa with Moroccan Hammam, and a pool overlooking the desert. A true oasis in the desert.

12. Berklee College of Music

The former Norman Foster-designed UAE pavilion, with its instantly recognisable, undulating dune shape, has been recently renovated to house the Berklee Abu Dhabi campus. This gorgeous landmark offers 3,900 square metres of performance space, recording studios, rehearsal studios, practice rooms, ensemble rooms and more.

Abu Dhabi’s famous buildings will leave travellers in awe. Combining traditional heritage with contemporary flair, each of these structures are designed to portray the very best that the emirate has to offer.