Abu Dhabi's gems

Abu Dhabi has truly become a cultural gem, we love it!  

Culture lovers can indulge themselves in Abu Dhabi; this emirate has changed a lot in recent years, in a positive way. Of course, Abu Dhabi offers plenty of entertainment for families with children on Yas Island, but a cultural cluster has emerged on Saadiyat Island in particular, with which the emirate positively distinguishes itself from the other emirates. You can easily spend a week in this Emirate and probably still run out of time. Read in this blog our highlights and the good part, most of them are free to visit or aren't really expensive at all. 

1. Abrahamic Family House 

This unique, interfaith center includes three separate places of worship: a mosque, a church and a synagogue, along with spaces for gatherings and dialogue. The complex was officially opened to visitors on February 16, 2023. The mosque faces the Kaaba in Mecca, the church's altar points east toward the sun, and the synagogue's podium and Torah face Jerusalem. Each house of worship has its own entrance, but is connected by a garden. The starting signal for construction was given by the UAE government in the year 2019, the 'Year of Tolerance' in the UAE. Find out more about Abrahamic House

2. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The largest mosque in the country, The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is located in Abu Dhabi and is also a major tourist attraction; it can count on more than 7 million visitors and worshipers  from different religions and cultures every year. Find out more about Grand Mosque. 

3. Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace

Qasr al Watan is a unique place in the spirit of the people of the United Arab Emirates and its leaders. The Palace invites the world to share the Arab culture, knowledge and inspiring journey. Read here more about Qasr al Watan. 

4. Louvre Abu Dhabi

The breathtaking Louvre Abu Dhabi, “the most visited museum in the Arab world” should not be missing from this list. This museum, opened in 2018, has become a real landmark with its special architecture. In just 5 years, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has put the Emirate of the same name on the tourist map and has had a catalytic effect on the tourism development of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. Louvre Abu Dhabi, located on the open sea (Persian Gulf), was recently added to a maritime route, making it now also accessible by boat (water taxi). Find out more about Louvre Abu Dhabi.

5. Emirates Palace

This opulent five-star hotel opened in 2005 at a cost of $3 billion. The property is owned by the Abu Dhabi government and was built to house heads of state, royalty and celebrities. It is now free to visit and its famous '24 karat golden capuccino' has now become a real TikTok trend. Lunchtip in Emirates Palace: Hakkasan. 

6. BAPS Hindu Mandir Temple

The BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi in the UAE is a traditional Hindu mandir built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj and inaugurated by Mahant Swami Maharaj on February 14, 2024, this is the first traditional Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi. It is free to visit and everyone is welcome to visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. 

7. Water transport service Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Maritime has launched a network of public water taxi and ferry services in 2022 to promote tourism and strengthen its reputation as a leading maritime destination. The network provides water taxi services around popular tourist destinations on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, as well as major inter-island ferry services such as Sir Bani Yas to the mainland. Prices vary by line, but a one-way trip between Al Bandar and Yas Bay is Dhs10, and unlimited trips on the route is Dhs50 a day, while a one-way trip between Marsa Mina and Louvre Abu Dhabi is Dhs15, and a return trip is Dhs20. Return trips to Dalma Island will set you back Dhs20. Bookings here.

8. Zayed National Museum

The Zayed National Museum is a planned museum on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The museum will focus on the history, culture and economic transformation of the United Arab Emirates into what it has become today. The museum is truly an architectural masterpiece and resembles the Opera House in Sydney. It is not open yet, but just going there and getting a glimpse of this building in the making, is worth it!

9. Guggenheim Museum

Guggenheim museum is located on Saadiyat Island and borders the Arabian Gulf on three sides. It will be the largest of the four Guggenheim museums (New York, Venice, and Bilbao) and will strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global center for arts and culture.