Uncrowded, unexpected, unbelievable. Abu Dhabi may be the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but so much of its story is yet to be discovered by visitors. Not only is its culture a rich one but an ever-growing one, with exciting events constantly being added to its calendar, new museum openings and the kind of architecture that defies physics and leaves you open-mouthed.
Expect state-of-the-art venues, the hottest festivals, and a dazzling line-up of music, comedy, art and theatre talents: it’s all here, in every season
Abu Dhabi is bolstering its cultural credentials with a wave of new museums, adding to an already strong line-up. Each with its own bold architectural vision, these institutions invite visitors to explore the UAE's rich heritage, discover the origins of our universe, and encounter modern and contemporary art from around the world.
Abu Dhabi is full of energy at night. From moonlit sightseeing to Emirati suppers, these are the best cultural things to do in Abu Dhabi after dark.
From welcoming the world’s biggest stars to hosting captivating cultural shows of Emirati music and heritage, here’s how Abu Dhabi became the UAE’s entertainment capital.
Think Abu Dhabi is all skyscrapers and urban excitement? Think again. With 5,000 hectares of mangrove forests, marine life wonders such as hawksbill turtles and dugongs, vast wetlands and the largest coral reef in the UAE, outdoor adventures abound here.
Sir Bani Yas Island is a wildlife reserve that plays home to some 11,000 species, including the largest herd of Arabian oryx in the world
Offering far more than just sun and sand, the UAE capital has a fascinating wild side that is just waiting to be discovered.
Get outdoors while leaving the lightest of footprints. From Kayaking at Jubail Mangrove Park to enjoying a walking trail through Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, these nature escapes are good for you and for the planet.
Abu Dhabi is rightly proud of its past and offers immersion into its cultural heritage. From the 5,000 year-old Jebel Hafit tombs and 19th-century forts to insightful heritage villages and carefully preserved crafts, this is a place in which time travel is possible.
For a taste of tradition, visit Al Ain Oasis—home to 147,000 date palms and 3,000-year-old falaj channels, offering a lush escape from Abu Dhabi’s desert bustle.
One of Abu Dhabi’s most historic quarters, Mina Zayed has long been the city’s trading hub, a place where produce, treasures and ideas are exchanged. And now, it’s building on this legacy to become a lively creative hub filled with independent businesses and fresh concepts, perfectly encapsulating the UAE’s respect for the past and ambition for the future
From the 5,000 year-old Jebel Hafit tombs to the most recent architectural wonders, join us on a journey through Abu Dhabi’s fascinating evolution of civilisation and architecture
From a captivating coffee culture and delicious dates to a diversity of eateries, one thing is for sure: you will be welcomed in with open arms. Hospitality is taken very seriously in Abu Dhabi, and there are many opportunities to meet the locals and immerse yourself in the most authentic side of the Emirate.
At Al Hosn cultural site, visit Erth—Abu Dhabi’s first Michelin-starred Emirati restaurant—where a sunken majlis setting meets modern takes on traditional dishes.
Abu Dhabi’s authentic heart goes far beyond its skyscrapers and sleek museums. From innovative sustainability initiatives and getting hands-on with nature to a diverse dining scene and drinking coffee with the locals, here are 8 authentic experiences in Abu Dhabi.
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