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Abu Dhabi is filled with inspiring architecture. From palaces to mosques to sprawling skyscrapers, there is so much to see and so many stories to be heard. After a day of taking in incredible sights, you'll have worked up an appetite so be sure to tuck into a dinner at one of Abu Dhabi's great restaurants.

Highlights

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7 hours

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Car

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Walking

Highlights

Clock icon for time in grey

7 hours

Bus icon in grey

Car

Line between two location pins grey icon

Walking

What to expect

Day 1 highlights

Start your day at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, then head to the presidential palace of Qasr Al Watan to get to know more about the culture and inspiring journey of the UAE. Within walking distance is Emirate Palace, a luxury five star hotel which embodies the grandeur of the UAE. It's recommended to head outside, take a seat and marvel at the fascinating skyline of Abu Dhabi which includes the iconic Conrad Towers.

End your day with a dinner at one of the Abu Dhabi's best restaurants such as Finz, Mezlai or Catch at St Regis.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Stop 1

Recommended Time: 2 hours

When you enter Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you will understand why it is such a special place. Here, people from all walks of life come together to take in the architecture's beauty and gain a deeper understanding of religion and culture in the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is one of the world's largest and was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the Founding Father of the UAE. He envisaged the creation of a welcoming and cultural haven that inspires people from all backgrounds.

Even the construction was a cultural collaboration. The grand structure was designed and built by skilled teams from all over the world, including 1,300 Iranian artisans who hand-knotted the main prayer hall's carpet - the world's largest.

On your journey through the marbled halls, you'll see one-of-a-kind treasures, including gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the courtyard's vast marble mosaic artwork and reflective pools that mirror some of the many amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns. When you're outside, look up to see the mosque's four stunning minarets that proudly stand at 106 metres.

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Stop 2

Recommended Time: 2 hours

Qasr Al Watan is a working Presidential palace in Abu Dhabi and a majestic cultural landmark that invites you to discover the rich legacy of knowledge and tradition that has shaped the UAE's journey. More than just a traditional palace, Qasr Al Watan boosts cultural understanding of the nation and emphasises its incredible history. The palace stands as an icon of Abu Dhabi's skyline with a design exquisitely crafted to tribute to its Arabian heritage and artistry. You will feel the grandeur as you enter the grounds. The structure and open halls echo its significance in Emirati culture.

The palace in Abu Dhabi has one of the city's most impressive and unmissable attractions, the family-friendly Palace In Motion event. Be astounded by the spectacular light and sound show that celebrates the UAE's journey in three breathtaking acts that unfold in front of the main palace every 30 minutes after sundown, with the final entry taken 30 minutes before showtime. Timings are subject to change.

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Stop 3

Recommended Time: 2 hours

Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi is where luxurious comfort, impeccable service and unique dining experiences come together in an enchanting setting. From a distance, the hotel looks like something out of an Arabian fairytale, with the main building alone stretching over one kilometre from one wing to the other and the gardens spreading across 100 hectares. Walking in, you will find a sense of deep relaxation washing over you. With a pristine 1.3km private beach, stunning pools, a private marina and natural bay, a beautiful spa and highly-rated dining venues - you can't go wrong with a holiday here.

Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Abu DHabi is one of the most remarkable buildings in Abu Dhabi when it comes to architecture. Picture this: During the day, the palace's golden exterior contrasts with the lush greenery, silvery water fountains, and crisp blue sky. And at night, the hotel's lighting changes subtly, with an ethereal rainbow effect displayed on the main dome. Featuring 114 domes, the palace's central dome is a striking 72.6 metres above the ground, meticulously crafted with gold, mother of pearl and crystals. The building also boasts 1,002 chandeliers - the largest weighing 2.5 tons - with other photo-worthy features, including two handmade wall displays portraying the palace.



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Stop 4

Recommended Time: 2 hours

Catch at St. Regis is the newest addition amongst the many award winning restaurants of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi.

Introducing an ambiance of elegance and sophistication, Catch at St. Regis invites all discerning seafood taste makers and connoisseurs to embark on contemporary and occidental cuisine full of flavours and innovative presentations with a highlight on Caviar sturgeons, Oysters, Sushi and Crabs.

Chef Remon Nabil Hanna brings an expertise of 17 years within the culinary world. He has started his career back in Le Meridien Hotels overlooking the Italian and Seafood cuisine and continued within different positions in Hyatt Hotels. He has been part of the pre-opening team of Catch Restaurant and Lounge and is now re-joining the team of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi for the opening of Catch at St. Regis.

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Stop 1

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Recommended Time: 2 hours

When you enter Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you will understand why it is such a special place. Here, people from all walks of life come together to take in the architecture's beauty and gain a deeper understanding of religion and culture in the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is one of the world's largest and was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the Founding Father of the UAE. He envisaged the creation of a welcoming and cultural haven that inspires people from all backgrounds.

Even the construction was a cultural collaboration. The grand structure was designed and built by skilled teams from all over the world, including 1,300 Iranian artisans who hand-knotted the main prayer hall's carpet - the world's largest.

On your journey through the marbled halls, you'll see one-of-a-kind treasures, including gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the courtyard's vast marble mosaic artwork and reflective pools that mirror some of the many amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns. When you're outside, look up to see the mosque's four stunning minarets that proudly stand at 106 metres.

Read More
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Frequently asked questions about the architectural landscape.

Abu Dhabi features all kinds of developments. From well constructed residential buildings and skyscrapers to award-winning landmarks and venues, the city is home to a diverse range of architectural works.

Abu Dhabi is home to a myriad of impressive architectural works. From the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and bridge, to Etihad Towers and Louvre Abu Dhabi, the city boasts some of the 21st century's best architectural designs.

Abu Dhabi city was planned by Dr Abdulrahman Makhlouf under the guidance of Sheikh Zayed, the late founding father of the UAE.