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St. Regis Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Abu Dhabi

Updated 1 October 2026 · 18 things to do

Pictured: St. Regis Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the Emirates' capital, and it plays the long game. Where Dubai shouts, Abu Dhabi tends to murmur: a gleaming white mosque that rivals any building on earth, a Jean Nouvel museum under a dome that rains light, calm beaches, mangrove kayaking, and then, a short drive inland, dunes as tall as buildings.

It's also brilliant for families. Yas Island packs in theme parks, a water park and a Formula 1 circuit, while Saadiyat Island has the culture and the best beaches. Pair a few days of sightseeing with pool time, and be ready for heat: from about June to September it's hot enough that most sightseeing happens early and late.

Don't miss

  1. 1Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
  2. 2Louvre Abu Dhabi
  3. 3Qasr Al Watan
  4. 4Ferrari World
  5. 5The desert at Liwa

Culture and landmarks

  1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

    Landmark

    The white domes of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
    Photo: Jaseem Hamza, CC BY 3.0

    A vast white-marble mosque with dozens of domes, reflecting pools and glittering inlaid flowers in its courtyard. It's one of the largest mosques in the world and one of the most beautiful. Visit towards sunset, when the marble turns gold and the lights come on.

    Tip: Dress modestly, with arms and legs covered. Women should cover their hair. Visits are not possible during prayer times, so check before you go.

  2. Louvre Abu Dhabi

    Museum

    Louvre Abu Dhabi and its lattice dome
    Photo: Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Designed by Jean Nouvel on Saadiyat Island, this museum sits beneath an enormous lattice dome that scatters shifting patterns of light over a cluster of white galleries. Inside, art and artefacts from different civilisations are shown side by side. The building is as much of a draw as the collection.

  3. Qasr Al Watan

    Landmark

    The white presidential palace of Qasr Al Watan
    Photo: Renek78, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The UAE's presidential palace, open to visitors, is a dazzling white-granite complex with a huge domed Great Hall, ornate gold detail and gardens. It's a window into the country's traditions and its sense of hospitality.

  4. Qasr Al Hosn

    Landmark

    The old watchtower of Qasr Al Hosn in front of the city skyline
    Photo: Aeroid, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The city's oldest stone building, a white fort that dates back to the 18th century and was once the seat of the ruling family. Now restored as a museum, it's a quick way to understand Abu Dhabi before the skyscrapers.

  5. The Emirates Palace

    Landmark

    A grand beachfront hotel of domes and marble, worth seeing even if you aren't staying. Wander the lobby, take afternoon tea or coffee and enjoy a little Gulf-style opulence.

Yas Island thrills

Yas Island is Abu Dhabi’s entertainment hub, and one stay can cover several parks.

  1. Ferrari World

    Activity

    The red roof of Ferrari World on Yas Island
    Photo: Alberto-g-rovi, CC BY-SA 3.0

    An indoor theme park under a vast red roof, with rides themed on the Italian carmaker, from gentle family attractions to white-knuckle coasters. It's a big hit with older children, teenagers and anyone who loves speed.

  2. Yas Waterworld

    Water park

    Slides, rapids, wave pools and a lazy river, with an Emirati-pearl-diving theme throughout. It's the obvious answer when the afternoon heat sets in.

  3. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

    Activity

    Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
    Photo: Dasomm, CC0

    An air-conditioned indoor park themed on Warner Bros. films and DC characters, with rides and shows for kids and adults alike. It's useful for the hottest days.

  4. Yas Marina Circuit

    Activity

    Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
    Photo: Abdul Awaes, CC BY 2.0

    Home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of the Formula 1 season. Outside race weekends you can take tours of the circuit and, on some days, drive or ride on it.

Beaches and the waterfront

  1. Saadiyat Beach

    Beach

    Saadiyat public beach in the evening
    Photo: Adman Payne, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A long stretch of soft white sand and calm turquoise water on Saadiyat Island, backed by a mix of beach clubs and public stretches. It's the most relaxed place in the city for a swim.

  2. The Corniche

    Neighbourhood

    The Corniche waterfront in Abu Dhabi
    Photo: Halamoudi, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A waterfront promenade running for kilometres along the city's western seafront, with cycle paths, a beach, cafés and views of the skyline. It's lovely in the early evening.

  3. Mangrove National Park

    Nature

    Mangroves in Abu Dhabi's Mangrove National Park
    Photo: Tashmetova808, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A tranquil area of mangroves right beside the city, where you can kayak or paddleboard among the roots, spotting herons and other birdlife. It's a surprising contrast to the skyscrapers across the water.

    Tip: Go in the cooler morning hours, and book a guided paddle if you are new to it.

Desert and day trips

  1. The desert at Liwa

    Nature

    A tall sand dune in the Liwa desert
    Photo: JSPhotography2016, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Roughly two hours south-west of the capital, the Liwa oasis sits at the edge of the Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts on earth. The dunes here are huge, orange and utterly silent at dusk.

  2. A desert safari

    Activity

    Most desert trips combine dune driving, sunset views and a camp with a barbecue dinner and Arabic coffee under the stars. Choose a reputable operator and wear light, loose clothing.

  3. Al Ain

    Day trip

    Palm trees in the Al Ain Oasis
    Photo: Radosław Botev, CC BY 3.0 pl

    The inland 'Garden City' is home to UNESCO-listed oases, mud-brick forts and Jebel Hafeet, a mountain with a spectacular winding road to the top. It makes an easy day trip by road.

  4. Sir Bani Yas Island

    Nature

    A nature reserve island off the coast, reached by boat or a short flight, with wildlife, beaches and hiking and cycling trails. It's a good break from the city.

Eat and drink

  1. Emirati food

    Food

    Try machboos, spiced rice with meat or fish, harees, a slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge, and luqaimat, sweet fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup. Several restaurants specialise in traditional Emirati cooking.

  2. Arabic coffee and dates

    Food

    Hospitality starts with a small cup of cardamom-scented coffee and a sweet date. Accept it, drink it, then shake the cup gently when you've had enough.

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Abu Dhabi →

Getting around

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap and plentiful, and are the easiest way to get around the city and islands. Public buses run, but most visitors don't use them. Car hire is worthwhile if you plan to visit Al Ain, Liwa or Dubai.

When to go

The best months are roughly November to March, when it's warm and sunny but comfortable. Summer is extremely hot and humid, so plan indoor activities, early starts and pools. Check dates for Ramadan, which changes the rhythm of the city.

Questions about visiting Abu Dhabi

What is Abu Dhabi best known for?
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island theme parks, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and its calm beaches.
How many days do you need in Abu Dhabi?
Three or four days covers the mosque, the Louvre, a theme park and a beach. Add a day or two for a desert trip or Al Ain.
What should I wear to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Cover your arms and legs and avoid tight or see-through clothing. Women are asked to cover their hair, and robes can be borrowed at the entrance if needed.
What is there to do in Abu Dhabi with kids?
Yas Island has Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World, and beaches like Saadiyat are shallow and calm for younger children.

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