The Complete Abu Dhabi Experience

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.

Step inside the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab World, translating and fostering the spirit of openness between cultures. As one of the premier cultural institutions 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.

From the moment this iconic museum opened its doors in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi art scene elevated to a global scale, implanting a strong sense of pride in locals and residents alike.

Since opening its gates in 2008, Al Jahili Fort – set about an hour and a half away from Abu Dhabi in the lush garden city of Al Ain – 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.

Built of sun-dried mud brick, early restoration work was done on the fort in 1985, followed by a major rehabilitation project by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi between 2007 and 2008. Surrounded by a lush park, the enchanting fort has received the prestigious Terra Award for Internal Design and Layout in 2016.

Transformed into a cultural centre and tourist attraction, it now houses a temporary exhibition gallery as well as a permanent exhibition devoted to Sir Wilfred Thesiger. He was an 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.

Nearby must-visit attractions include the historical Jahili Mosque, built around the same time as the fort.

There is an old saying that 'walls have ears'. Imagine what stories the walls of Qasr Al Muwaiji would tell, if they could, from more than 100 years ago. Add this historical stop to your itinerary for a deeper insight into the UAE's intriguing past. Situated in Al Ain, a lush garden city just an hour and a half away from Abu Dhabi, you will be amazed as you enter this simple yet striking structure at how the country has evolved from its humble beginnings.

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.

Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi's rides. Feel the exhilaration as you speed through roller coasters and soar high in the air. The whole family will find an adrenaline-fueled ride just for them, everyone can join in the thrilling fun. The Ferrari-branded theme park on Yas Island is home to more than 40 record-breaking attractions, including the highest loop ride, and it all happens underneath the tallest space-frame structure on the planet.