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Abu Dhabi, the national capital of the United Arab Emirates, is often overshadowed by its more vibrant sister Dubai, but the capital boasts incredible attractions and destinations that will leave any other city in the world green with envy.
Since the establishment of the Union, Abu Dhabi was the political capital of the country. Aided by its tremendous oil wealth and the leadership of the country’s legendary founder Sheikh Zayed, Abu Dhabi underwent a massive makeover and changed from a small city to become an engineering marvel and the richest city on earth with wide boulevards, lofty skyscrapers, and glitzy malls. We will try to shed light on some of the must-visit attractions in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
An architectural masterpiece combining Moroccan, Mogul, Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid architectural styles creating a unique aesthetically appealing look. The white mosque is covered in marbles and is, in fact, the biggest mosque in the UAE.
Ordered to build by sheikh Zayed the first president of the UAE and opened in 2007, the mosque has ever since became a tourist attraction and a symbol of religious tolerance. The mosque has 82 domes, four 106 meters minarets, and a unique system of lunar illumination mimicking the phases of the moon facilitated by light projectors hoisted on 22 light towers. Inside the mosque, you will find the world's largest hand-knotted carpet with a total area of 5700 sq. meters that took 1200 artisans to handcraft over two years.
The mosque is surrounded by rectangular pools tiled in different shades of blue, which extend over 7874 m2. They reflect the mosque’s magnificent arcades and columns and become even more spectacular by the lighting at night. Make sure to check out this mosque next time you visit Abu Dhabi.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
This museum is a collaboration between Abu Dhabi and the world’s most famous museum, the museum is considered the largest in the Arabian Peninsula covering over 24,000 sq. meters occupied by 23 galleries displaying artworks from around the globe from different historical periods with a special emphasis on bridging the gap between east and west.
The museum is located in the Cultural District in Saadiyat Island, a five-minute drive from Abu Dhabi’s downtown and one hour from Dubai. The lavish museum is designed as a floating dome covered by complex web-like engravings that give it a distinct look.
Yas Marina Circuit
If you happen to be in Abu Dhabi in November, you should definitely come to Yas Marina Circuit cause in this time every year it hosts the Formula One season finale, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It is one of the best sports events you can watch in UAE, with excellent accompanying acts such as Guns ‘n’ Roses, The Weeknd, and Post Malone performing live in 2018 after-party.
The circuit is known to have the longest straight strip in Formula One and the race is also known as F1 first ever night-day race. It is a fantastic event to attend if you are of motorsport or a casual spectator.
Mangrove National Park
Found within the city of Abu Dhabi, Mangrove National Park is a dense, luxuriant concentration of mangrove trees, protected by government order. This is a real haven for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and bird lovers, or simply people who want to spend some time away from the daily grind in harmony with nature.
You can visit this national park and enjoy Kayaking through this eco-friendly environment. It is good if you would like to incorporate some physical activity to your sightseeing, genuinely unique Abu Dhabi activity.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
is the first Ferrari-branded theme park in the world, it was opened in 2010 and instantly became a success and was named as the “middle east leading theme park” by World Travel, and by all means one of the top Abu Dhabi attractions.
The theme park hosts the world's fastest roller coaster “Formula Rossa” reaching a 240 km/h. truly worthy of Ferrari’s name; the roller coaster requires you to wear protective glasses due to high speed and the risk of an impact with flying particles or insects.
