7 unforgettable experiences in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is a captivating blend of heritage and ambition. As the captial of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the largest emirate, it boasts sprawling deserts, rugged mountains, serene mangroves, and endless coastlines. With more than 200 islands, it’s home to futuristic museums, traditional souks, opulent mosques, and thriving wildlife reserves. From deep-rooted Bedouin culture to cutting-edge architecture, here are seven experiences that showcase Abu Dhabi’s authentic and awe-inspiring charm.

Museum hop at Saadiyat Cultural District

Saadiyat Island, renowned for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, has evolved into a premier destination featuring world-class museums and architectural marvels. Leading the way in the Saadiyat Cultural District is Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2017.

“It’s more than a museum, it’s a beacon of cultural exchange,” says Director Manuel Rabaté. “It invites global audiences to explore universal stories, bridging civilizations through art and ideas in a space where architecture, culture, and humanity converge.”

That vision is now unfolding across the district. Nowhere else in the world does the Louvre have a (soon-to-open) Guggenheim as a neighbor. Additionally, the Japanese import teamLab Phenomena opened its doors in April 2025, offering immersive digital art experiences and interactive installations. Meanwhile, Manarat Al Saadiyat remains a vibrant hub for exhibitions, workshops, and community events.

Meanwhile, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum—both slated to open later this year—promise to deepen the island’s cultural offerings, with the former showcasing Earth’s 4.5-billion-year history, and the latter dedicated to the legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

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Explore Abu Dhabi’s forgotten port

At Region, coffee comes with conversation, not cake. Guests share their hopes and dreams on handwritten cards pinned to the walls like a modern-day lonely-hearts column. The café is situated in one of the nearly 100 warehouses across Mina Zayed (MiZa), the former epicenter of Abu Dhabi’s trade. It is undergoing a quiet and artistic revival following the cessation of the port’s operations in 2012. 

Today, MiZa is emerging as “a growing entrepreneurial neighborhood,” according to Khulood Al Atiyat, the deputy general manager for MiZa. “More than a physical regeneration, MiZa is a platform for developing businesses and future-focused economies that will define Abu Dhabi’s next chapter,” she adds.

The refurbished Al Mina Fish Market remains a bustling landmark where visitors can select fresh seafood and have it cooked on-site. Nearby, the traditional souks hum with activity, selling a variety of goods, including carpets, spices, pottery, and more. Revamped in 2020, Souq Al Mina, a centerpiece of the area, features boutique stores, artisanal pop-ups, and homegrown restaurants along the breezy walkways.  

Climb a majestic mountain

Elevate your Abu Dhabi experience by climbing Jebel Hafit, one of the UAE’s tallest peaks, located just outside the historic city of Al Ain—often called the “Garden City” for its oases and greenery. Roughly a two-hour drive from downtown Abu Dhabi, the mountain (or jebel in Arabic) has several trails starting at the bottom. Alternatively, the winding drive to the 1,249-meter (4,097-foot) summit offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert and the Omani border. It’s a popular spot for capturing the light dancing across ancient limestone formations at sunrise and sunset.

At the base, the Jebel Hafit Desert Park highlights the mountain’s archaeological significance, featuring 5,000-year-old beehive tombs and camel trails. Whether hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the scenery, Jebel Hafit offers an unforgettable escape from the city. 

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Escape into the Rub Al Khali desert

Abu Dhabi serves as a gateway to the Rub Al Khali, or Empty Quarter, one of the world’s largest deserts. With dunes towering more than 300 meters (984 feet) across an area bigger than France, this vast expanse offers a glimpse into the nomadic Bedouin past. 

Liwa Adventure Tours and Desert Rose Tourism offer desert safaris that include dune bashing, camel rides, falconry displays, and traditional Bedouin hospitality under the stars.

For a luxurious desert retreat, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort seamlessly combines heritage with modern comforts, offering 207 rooms, suites, and villas, along with a spa. The surrounding dramatic landscapes have served as the backdrop for films such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Dune.

Meet the local wildlife 

Once a remote retreat for Christian monks and now a sanctuary for cheetahs and flamingos, Sir Bani Yas Island blends rich history with its untamed natural beauty. The island’s Arabian Wildlife Park, the UAE’s largest wildlife reserve, is home to 17,000 free-roaming animals, including giraffes, hyenas, and Arabian oryx, which were once extinct in the wild. 

Back on the mainland, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital honors the emirate’s falconry tradition, where visitors can meet, feed, and interact with the UAE’s national bird.

Try Michelin-starred manakish

Emirati favorites such as manakish (cheesy Arabic bread) and shawarma (marinated meat in wraps) are a must for first-time visitors. Still, there’s more to local cuisine than just street food. 

In 2024, Erth in Qasr Al Hosn became the first Emirati restaurant in the world to receive a Michelin star, while Ryba in Mina Zayed was awarded a Bib Gourmand in 2025. And, when he isn’t feasting from his own kitchen, Ryba’s founder and head chef, Faisal Mohamed, Alharmoodi enjoys eating at fellow Bib Gourmand Al Mrzab on Airport Road.

“I love the machboos and other Emirati rice dishes with fish and lamb. It’s very good quality,” says Alharmoodi. “I also enjoy desserts from the Golden Dallah Restaurant, which was started by local Emirati ladies as a catering service for traditional weddings. Their son later opened the restaurant in Al Dhafra, which makes greatluqaimat (fried dough balls), aseeda (dumplings), and very nice local drinks.”

Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

A visit to Abu Dhabi would be incomplete without experiencing the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This masterpiece of Islamic architecture, featuring 82 domes and more than 1,000 columns, accommodates more than 40,000 worshippers. Its interiors shine with Swarovski crystal chandeliers and intricate floral mosaics, while its white marble exterior gleams in the desert sun.

Open to visitors of all faiths, the mosque offers free guided tours daily, providing insights into its construction and cultural significance. For the best experience, visit at sunset when the golden light reflects off the water pools, casting an unforgettable glow.