Today, Abu Dhabi ranks high on many travellers’ lists of must-visit destinations – and for good reason. The city has strategically positioned itself as a hub of culture, heritage, and affluence. Complementing this refined image, the ruling family has ensured that Abu Dhabi stands out among its regional peers, offering an impressive array of world-class attractions across the capital. From acclaimed museums and cutting-edge theme parks to unforgettable cultural experiences, these are some of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
No visit to the UAE’s capital city would be complete without a visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Situated outside the downtown area but still centrally located in terms of the wider city, this culturally and historically significant landmark provides visitors with an all-encompassing look into Islamic heritage.
The complex boasts the Light & Peace museum – where guests can take advantage of light and sensory experiences – in addition to a range of activities, events and workshops, all designed to enrich cultural and educational experiences.
Considering its importance to the local community and the cultural heritage of the city – as well as the country in general – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is arguably the most important cultural attraction on offer in Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari World
While Ferrari World represents one of the city’s finest theme parks – including some exhilarating white-knuckle rollercoasters – it isn’t just thrill-a-minute rides on offer in this adrenaline-inducing complex. In addition to the Formula Rossa, Flying Aces and Mission Ferrari rollercoasters, the park also offers a significant range of other entertainment options, such as the Driving or Passenger experiences – which of course take place in a Ferrari.
The VIP experience offers a private tour for up to three guests, with luxury benefits and personalised access to a range of perks. In addition, the park also provides F1 karting, F1 simulators and a roof walking experience for the more adventurous visitor.
Of course, the facility also presents a fine range of dining options – ideal for a pit stop when hungry – as well as a well-stocked branded merch store.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Situated on the edge of Saadiyat Island, this iconic museum is surrounded by the waters of the Arabian Gulf and as such, offers a uniquely picturesque setting.
The museum runs under an agreement between France and the UAE, and functions as the largest art museum on the Arabian Peninsula. Housing some of the finest art pieces in the world – from luminaries of the industry such as Picasso, Rodin and Rembrandt – Louvre Abu Dhabi also boasts a permanent collection of statues, sculptures and artefacts encompassing various cultures and civilisations throughout human history.
Furthermore, the complex includes a dedicated children’s museum, where kids can learn about the cosmos, as well as a kids’ summer camp. Visitors can also indulge in a catamaran trip around the museum, while kayaking is also a popular option.
Mangrove National Park
A magnificent marine mangrove world awaits just a short distance from downtown Abu Dhabi, providing the perfect juxtaposition to the built-up city.
Mangrove National Park offers a serene oasis while simultaneously representing one of the city’s most important ecological sites. Each year, this vast expanse of lush mangrove forest becomes home to a sizable flamboyance of Greater Flamingoes, who stop off here in search of the abundant food and agreeable habitat the area provides. The park is also home to countless other species of bird, as well as various marine species like the mottled crab.
Federally protected, the national park is best seen by kayak, which can be rented in two-hour blocks from various nearby hotels.
Qasr Al Hosn
Located in the centre of the city, a short distance from Corniche Beach, Qasr Al Hosn represents an important piece of Emirati culture. The fortress is the former seat of government and was also previously used as the home of the ruling family, but these days the site is used more for educational purposes, telling the story of the UAE’s founding fathers and how they shaped the nation.
The complex showcases an exhibition known as ‘House of the Artisans’, which takes visitors through the history of the symbiotic relationship between the people of the area and the local materials found throughout the region. It also hosts a range of talks, performances, demonstrations, tours and courses, positioning itself as one of the most versatile sites in the city.
Built in the late 18th century, the site retains its influence as the oldest and arguably the most significant building in Abu Dhabi; the nation’s living memorial and narrator of the capital’s history.
The Galleria
Situated on Al Maryah Island, The Galleria is a multi-use complex which boasts a range of exceptional amenities.
Galleria Mall exhibits a fine blend of high-end retail outlets, such as Gucci, Hermes, Cartier and Chanel. The mall is extremely well-stocked with the biggest brand names and as such, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Yas Mall as one of the best in the city. The Galleria also delivers some outstanding dining options, with Michelin-starred restaurants such as Zuma and 99 Sushi Bar keeping patrons well fuelled. Furthermore, visitors can take advantage of some of the city’s best hotels as both the Rosewood and Four Seasons are located within the complex itself.
Of course, this versatile destination also offers a range of entertainment options, from Abu Dhabi’s only IMAX cinema, to the virtual reality experience at Zero Latency. In addition, The Galleria also provides an escape room, bowling alleys, sports facilities and the Xtreme Zone, which affords a range of interactive activities.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
One of the best attractions for children in the city, Yas Waterworld is an outdoor aquatic playground of the highest order.
The park markets itself as ‘Water’s Greatest Playground’ and it’s easy to see why after only a few minutes at this all-encompassing facility. What’s more, the waterpark has recently undertaken an expansive renovation and now offers 12 all-new rides, with an additional 3.3 kilometres of rides.
With more than 60 rides and experiences in total, there is something for every visitor across all ages, including Bahamut’s Rage, the world’s biggest splash wave. The park also showcases other spectacular rides such as the Marjan and Zomorod Falls, while the Al Daloob functions as the region’s first barrel twist raft ride. The excitement doesn’t stop there, as other outstanding experiences like the Al Falaj Race offer a side-by-side duelling tube race across steep drops and sharp twists.
Bigger and bolder than its original guise, the new Yas Waterworld is a high-octane experience, which will keep the kids entertained for the entire day.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Completing the trifecta of Yas Island theme parks is the iconic Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, which exhibits no fewer than 60 independent rides, ensuring hours of fun for the whole family. The Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure takes you through the sites familiar to our favourite prehistoric family, while the high-speed Batman: Knight Flight will have you spinning through the Gotham skies at the side of the world’s most famous caped crime-fighter.
Once you have finished with the plethora of adrenaline-pumping rides, why not take a walk through the Scooby Doo Museum of Mysteries and see if you can figure out the trail of clues. More family fun awaits in The Joker Funhouse, while fans of England’s most famous wizard will be thrilled to learn of the upcoming Harry Potter Themed Land coming to the park in the near future.
This outstanding theme park also boasts a range of events to celebrate special seasons, including a Yas Island Summer Camp, “Spooktober” – a Halloween-themed event, Chinese New Year and a Winter Spectacular event.
Over the past two decades, Abu Dhabi has made substantial investments in world-class attractions to position itself as a leading regional destination – and the results speak for themselves. Today, the city boasts some of the most renowned attractions in the GCC, drawing millions of visitors annually. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the UAE’s capital welcomed 1.4 million overnight guests. With iconic landmarks such as Ferrari World and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, this upward trend in tourism is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
