Architectural Landmarks
Al Maqta Tower
Near al-Maqta Bridge Al-Maqta
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
This ashen, semi-ruined turret rises up out of the water in startling contrast with the very new al-Maqta Bridge before it. Take care with photographing this site, as it is near a military zone that has reason to be suspicious of spies. This attraction began life as a fort that guarded against pirates and bandits back in the 19th century, when visitors to the city had to wade across the strait at low tide. Today it contains a handy Abu Dhabi Tourism Association advisory service where you can gather information, arrange tours, and book hotels.
Al-Hosn Fort and Palace
Sheikh Zayed the First Street
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Built in 1761 as a single turret to defend Abu Dhabi's water supply, this building is the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi. In 1793, it was converted into a small fort and palace for the ruling sheikh (Arab ruler) of Abu Dhabi and named Qasr al-Hosn, meaning "the palace fort." It evolved over centuries into a white fortress complex that housed both the seat of the United Arab Emirates' government and the main residence of the Sheikh until 1966. Further expansions funded by the oil boom have made it the home of various administrative offices and the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. During the palace's renovation between 1976 and 1983, the stone construction, noted for its fine tilework over the main gate, was painted white.
Al-Hosn Palace
Sheikh Zayed the First Street
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Al-Hosn Palace stands on the site of a round watchtower that was built in 1761 as a defense for Abu Dhabi's only freshwater well. In 1793, it was converted into a small fort and palace for the ruling sheikh (Arab ruler) of Abu Dhabi and named Qasr al-Hosn, meaning "The Palace Fort." During its renovation between 1976 and 1983, the stone construction, noted for the fine tilework over the main gate, was painted white. Now popularly known as the White Fort, it is Abu Dhabi's oldest building. In 1966, it was given to the Cultural Foundation to house its research center.
Etisalat Towers
Intersection of Zayed the First St and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Website: www.etisalat.ae
These dynamic twin towers follow a stepped cladding blueprint and are both capped by giant, golf ball-like domes that uniquely define the Abu Dhabi skyline. Architect Arthur Erickson completed Tower 1 in 1992 at a height of 100 meters (328 feet), and Shankland Cox completed Tower 2 in 2007 at a height of 185 m (607 ft). These days, both rank among the top five tallest structures in the city and are terrific examples of postmodern style. Etisalat, the United Arab Emirates' national telecom company, has its headquarters in Tower 2's pinnacle. The company has also constructed similar-looking skyscrapers in Sharjah and al-Ain.
Hilton Baynunah Towers
Corniche Road
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Website: www1.hilton.com
Visible from any point in the city, this high-end hotel was built by Hilton in 1995 to compete with the world's tallest edifices. Its 42 stories rise 165 meters (541 ft) into the sky. The sleek, electric-blue façade is perhaps the most stylish in all Abu Dhabi and has "futuristic" written all over it. Be sure to snap a few photos for your collection. Stop into Level 2 Restaurant to enjoy its highly regarded meze platters and the city skyline. Guests here can enjoy the largest indoor swimming pool in Abu Dhabi and wonderful spa treatments.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Off al-Khaleej al-Arabi Street
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Website: www.szgmc.ae
This, the United Arab Emirates' largest mosque, opened during Ramadan 2007. Its grandiose Turkish, Moorish, and Moghul-inspired architecture and 57 domes have stunned and inspired visitors ever since. Gold, crystals, and semi-precious stones feature elsewhere in the construction. Forty thousand of the faithful can be accommodated at any one time in the marble-paved prayer rooms within. You'll find the world's largest carpet (designed by the Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi) and the world's largest chandelier here as well. Eight-thousand square meters of tiled pools and mosaic-decorated courtyards surround the structure. To gain entry to Sheikh Zayed Mosque you must wear respectful and modest clothing such as long sleeves, trousers, and ankle-length skirts.
Emirates Palace
West Cornice Road
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Website: www.emiratespalace.com
With its ornate 42-meter-tall (138-ft) dome and Islamic doorways, this hotel has become a landmark of Abu Dhabi. You don't need to stay here to admire its gorgeous sculpted gardens, lounge around on its private beach, or go inside to one of its fifteen restaurants and bars-amongst which you'll find a Michelin-starred Chinese bistro-for a cool drink and to enjoy the thousand-odd chandeliers. The gold-leaf decor and silk curtains of the finest suites will remind you of romantic palaces from The Arabian Nights. Organized tours of the premises are available and should be booked in advance.
Attractions for Children
Corniche Beach
Corniche Road West Al-Khubeirah
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
This safe, gated beach features buoyant fences that stop swimmers from going too far out of their depth. Lifeguards roam the coast too, adding to your peace of mind. Almost two hundred umbrellas shade perfect spots for sunbathing and picnicking, and the more energetic visitor can play tennis or beach football and use the playground. A car park offers a complimentary bus that will deliver you to the beach. Those youngsters interested in wakeboarding can receive lessons or just good sound advice for making the most of the surf at the Beginners' Park. The beach is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until noon.
Emirates Heritage Village
Al-Kasser Breakwater Marina Village
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Before its 20th-century explosion of development, Abu Dhabi was not much more than a modest Bedouin village. This attraction will give you an excellent idea of how that place must have looked and sounded. Here, traditional craftspeople work in the streets outside atmospheric huts and tents selling everything from cardamom perfume to local confectioneries to ceramics and leather goods. Tour the museum, peruse a mock-up of a souq, and marvel at the tallest flagpole in the world, if you're looking for oddities. Lovely parkland stretches all the way down to the sea. Admission is free, which is a nice feature in such an expensive city. Opening hours are Saturday to Thursday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5–9 p.m., and Friday, 5–9 p.m.
Khalifa Park
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Website: www.adm.gov.ae
Islamic horticultural traditions shine in Khalifa, a rolling, verdant expanse that is surely Abu Dhabi's standout park. Take a half day or even longer to explore the lakes, waterfalls, canals, and fountains scattered throughout the park. Kids can enjoy the adventure playground and the miniature railway that winds its way around the extremities of the park. Various entertainments occur at the open-air auditorium during the evenings. Picnic areas are provided in the shade of banyan and willow trees. Come here in the cooler months or in the less-scorching evenings.
Yas Island
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Just off the north coast from al-Hamra, Yas hosts amusement centers and high-adrenaline entertainment focusing on automotive excitement. Its full-sized Formula 1 circuit now hosts a professional event every year and the mind-blowing Ferrari World featuring the fastest rollercoaster in the world along with over 20 other world-class rides. Ferrari World is currently the largest indoor theme park on the globe and stretches over the core of the island in the shape of a scaled-up Ferrari logo. Those who like to take things a bit more slowly may prefer a round of golf on the PGA-standard links or a quiet drink on the veranda of one of the island's many high-end hotels.
Corniche
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
This romantic beachside walkway stretches 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) around the city and was the brainchild of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan, a lover of walking and big open spaces. Beautiful gardens and ornate water fountains surround the central Abu Dhabi section of the Corniche, making this a great spot for a picnic. The cooling sea breeze offers welcome respite from the harsh temperatures that characterize the inner city. Along the west coast, the Corniche boasts volleyball pitches, kids' playgrounds, vending machines, and designated swimming areas with lifeguard watchtowers and beach parasols. Cyclists will enjoy the biking route that runs parallel to the walkway.
Historic Sites
Al-Hosn Fort and Palace
Sheikh Zayed the First Street
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Built in 1761 as a single turret to defend Abu Dhabi's water supply, this building is the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi. In 1793, it was converted into a small fort and palace for the ruling sheikh (Arab ruler) of Abu Dhabi and named Qasr al-Hosn, meaning "the palace fort." It evolved over centuries into a white fortress complex that housed both the seat of the United Arab Emirates' government and the main residence of the Sheikh until 1966. Further expansions funded by the oil boom have made it the home of various administrative offices and the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. During the palace's renovation between 1976 and 1983, the stone construction, noted for its fine tilework over the main gate, was painted white.
Al-Hosn Palace
Sheikh Zayed the First Street
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Al-Hosn Palace stands on the site of a round watchtower that was built in 1761 as a defense for Abu Dhabi's only freshwater well. In 1793, it was converted into a small fort and palace for the ruling sheikh (Arab ruler) of Abu Dhabi and named Qasr al-Hosn, meaning "The Palace Fort." During its renovation between 1976 and 1983, the stone construction, noted for the fine tilework over the main gate, was painted white. Now popularly known as the White Fort, it is Abu Dhabi's oldest building. In 1966, it was given to the Cultural Foundation to house its research center.
Emirates Heritage Village
Al-Kasser Breakwater Marina Village
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Before its 20th-century explosion of development, Abu Dhabi was not much more than a modest Bedouin village. This attraction will give you an excellent idea of how that place must have looked and sounded. Here, traditional craftspeople work in the streets outside atmospheric huts and tents selling everything from cardamom perfume to local confectioneries to ceramics and leather goods. Tour the museum, peruse a mock-up of a souq, and marvel at the tallest flagpole in the world, if you're looking for oddities. Lovely parkland stretches all the way down to the sea. Admission is free, which is a nice feature in such an expensive city. Opening hours are Saturday to Thursday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5–9 p.m., and Friday, 5–9 p.m.
Umm an-Nar
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The island of Umm an-Nar made a dramatic transformation from dull, functional oil refinery into first-class heritage attraction when archaeologists discovered a tomb dating back to the fourth century BCE in 1975. Currently, the al-Ain Museum exhibits such objects as urns, goblets, hairpins, and knives, as well as oddities like the tusk of a dugong that lived some 5,000 years ago. The island was a significant trading port of call for a number of great civilizations of the period, such as the Mesopotamians, who brought with them the distinctive designs of Uttar pottery.
Museums and Cultural Centers
Manarat al-Saadiyat Visitor Center
Saadiyat Island
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Website: www.artsabudhabi.ae
The brains behind Abu Dhabi developed the small offshore island of Saadiyat into a cultural axis. Its visitor center incorporates five galleries, a world-class theatre, art shops and dealers, and restaurant. An intriguing permanent exhibition tells the story of Saadiyat Island, which eerily mimics Abu Dhabi's, running from backwater obscurity to global preeminence through commerce, tourism, and technology. This is the perfect neighbor for the forthcoming Guggenheim Museum and a branch of the Louvre. The center is open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Women's Handicraft Centre
Karamah Street, al-Mushrif
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
This museum/workshop/gallery offers a truly fascinating insight into traditional arts and crafts and the role of women in Arabian industry. You can watch wizened elderly women weaving, embroidering, sewing, and applying henna in the various workshops, and the exhibition hall boasts fine displays of traditional clothing, camel satchels, and textiles. You can, of course, purchase samples. You can also enjoy a scale model of the city dating back to the 1950s. The cafe's tasty Emirati food makes it a good lunch option. Feel free to photograph the crafts on display, but keep the lens well away from the women at work. Guided tours are available if booked in advance. The center is open 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Natural Sites
Corniche Beach
Corniche Road West Al-Khubeirah
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
This safe, gated beach features buoyant fences that stop swimmers from going too far out of their depth. Lifeguards roam the coast too, adding to your peace of mind. Almost two hundred umbrellas shade perfect spots for sunbathing and picnicking, and the more energetic visitor can play tennis or beach football and use the playground. A car park offers a complimentary bus that will deliver you to the beach. Those youngsters interested in wakeboarding can receive lessons or just good sound advice for making the most of the surf at the Beginners' Park. The beach is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until noon.
Umm an-Nar
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The island of Umm an-Nar made a dramatic transformation from dull, functional oil refinery into first-class heritage attraction when archaeologists discovered a tomb dating back to the fourth century BCE in 1975. Currently, the al-Ain Museum exhibits such objects as urns, goblets, hairpins, and knives, as well as oddities like the tusk of a dugong that lived some 5,000 years ago. The island was a significant trading port of call for a number of great civilizations of the period, such as the Mesopotamians, who brought with them the distinctive designs of Uttar pottery.
Yas Island
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Just off the north coast from al-Hamra, Yas hosts amusement centers and high-adrenaline entertainment focusing on automotive excitement. Its full-sized Formula 1 circuit now hosts a professional event every year and the mind-blowing Ferrari World featuring the fastest rollercoaster in the world along with over 20 other world-class rides. Ferrari World is currently the largest indoor theme park on the globe and stretches over the core of the island in the shape of a scaled-up Ferrari logo. Those who like to take things a bit more slowly may prefer a round of golf on the PGA-standard links or a quiet drink on the veranda of one of the island's many high-end hotels.
Dhow Harbor
Madenat Zayed
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
These traditional sailing vessels are one of the United Arab Emirates' truly distinguishing features. This ancient port, once the heart of the pearl- and fish-trading economy, makes for the best place to see these boats race with one another or load up with intriguing cargoes for delivery to other Gulf nations. You'll see vintage oil tankers and tug boats. You can even go for a cruise on the al-Dhafra restaurant boat and eat a delicious Arabian meal while you sail the seas. Down the coast at al-Bateen Shipyard, you can watch the dhow construction process in all its edifying detail.
Oddities
Iranian and Fish Souks
Near the Dhow Harbor and Zayed Port
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Two of the city's most character-filled souqs stand adjacent to the Dhow Harbor. These canopied markets have been doing business for thousands of years. The Iranian Souq overflows with potted plants, rugs, tiles, and domestic goods imported from Iran on a regular basis. Sharpen your bargaining skills if you want to take home a first-rate souvenir. The lively but sometimes odiferous Fish Souq puts the very best of Abu Dhabi's seafood up for sale-cooked or uncooked-including prawns, oysters, lobsters, and tuna. Please don't be tempted to take any photos in this sensitive, government-overseen area.
Other
Hilton Baynunah Towers
Corniche Road
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Website: www1.hilton.com
Visible from any point in the city, this high-end hotel was built by Hilton in 1995 to compete with the world's tallest edifices. Its 42 stories rise 165 meters (541 ft) into the sky. The sleek, electric-blue façade is perhaps the most stylish in all Abu Dhabi and has "futuristic" written all over it. Be sure to snap a few photos for your collection. Stop into Level 2 Restaurant to enjoy its highly regarded meze platters and the city skyline. Guests here can enjoy the largest indoor swimming pool in Abu Dhabi and wonderful spa treatments.
Emirates Palace
West Cornice Road
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Website: www.emiratespalace.com
With its ornate 42-meter-tall (138-ft) dome and Islamic doorways, this hotel has become a landmark of Abu Dhabi. You don't need to stay here to admire its gorgeous sculpted gardens, lounge around on its private beach, or go inside to one of its fifteen restaurants and bars-amongst which you'll find a Michelin-starred Chinese bistro-for a cool drink and to enjoy the thousand-odd chandeliers. The gold-leaf decor and silk curtains of the finest suites will remind you of romantic palaces from The Arabian Nights. Organized tours of the premises are available and should be booked in advance.
Iranian and Fish Souks
Near the Dhow Harbor and Zayed Port
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Two of the city's most character-filled souqs stand adjacent to the Dhow Harbor. These canopied markets have been doing business for thousands of years. The Iranian Souq overflows with potted plants, rugs, tiles, and domestic goods imported from Iran on a regular basis. Sharpen your bargaining skills if you want to take home a first-rate souvenir. The lively but sometimes odiferous Fish Souq puts the very best of Abu Dhabi's seafood up for sale-cooked or uncooked-including prawns, oysters, lobsters, and tuna. Please don't be tempted to take any photos in this sensitive, government-overseen area.
Corniche
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
This romantic beachside walkway stretches 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) around the city and was the brainchild of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan, a lover of walking and big open spaces. Beautiful gardens and ornate water fountains surround the central Abu Dhabi section of the Corniche, making this a great spot for a picnic. The cooling sea breeze offers welcome respite from the harsh temperatures that characterize the inner city. Along the west coast, the Corniche boasts volleyball pitches, kids' playgrounds, vending machines, and designated swimming areas with lifeguard watchtowers and beach parasols. Cyclists will enjoy the biking route that runs parallel to the walkway.
Women's Handicraft Centre
Karamah Street, al-Mushrif
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
This museum/workshop/gallery offers a truly fascinating insight into traditional arts and crafts and the role of women in Arabian industry. You can watch wizened elderly women weaving, embroidering, sewing, and applying henna in the various workshops, and the exhibition hall boasts fine displays of traditional clothing, camel satchels, and textiles. You can, of course, purchase samples. You can also enjoy a scale model of the city dating back to the 1950s. The cafe's tasty Emirati food makes it a good lunch option. Feel free to photograph the crafts on display, but keep the lens well away from the women at work. Guided tours are available if booked in advance. The center is open 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Parks, Gardens, and Zoos
Khalifa Park
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Website: www.adm.gov.ae
Islamic horticultural traditions shine in Khalifa, a rolling, verdant expanse that is surely Abu Dhabi's standout park. Take a half day or even longer to explore the lakes, waterfalls, canals, and fountains scattered throughout the park. Kids can enjoy the adventure playground and the miniature railway that winds its way around the extremities of the park. Various entertainments occur at the open-air auditorium during the evenings. Picnic areas are provided in the shade of banyan and willow trees. Come here in the cooler months or in the less-scorching evenings.
Corniche
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
This romantic beachside walkway stretches 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) around the city and was the brainchild of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan, a lover of walking and big open spaces. Beautiful gardens and ornate water fountains surround the central Abu Dhabi section of the Corniche, making this a great spot for a picnic. The cooling sea breeze offers welcome respite from the harsh temperatures that characterize the inner city. Along the west coast, the Corniche boasts volleyball pitches, kids' playgrounds, vending machines, and designated swimming areas with lifeguard watchtowers and beach parasols. Cyclists will enjoy the biking route that runs parallel to the walkway.
Religious Sites
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Off al-Khaleej al-Arabi Street
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Website: www.szgmc.ae
This, the United Arab Emirates' largest mosque, opened during Ramadan 2007. Its grandiose Turkish, Moorish, and Moghul-inspired architecture and 57 domes have stunned and inspired visitors ever since. Gold, crystals, and semi-precious stones feature elsewhere in the construction. Forty thousand of the faithful can be accommodated at any one time in the marble-paved prayer rooms within. You'll find the world's largest carpet (designed by the Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi) and the world's largest chandelier here as well. Eight-thousand square meters of tiled pools and mosaic-decorated courtyards surround the structure. To gain entry to Sheikh Zayed Mosque you must wear respectful and modest clothing such as long sleeves, trousers, and ankle-length skirts.
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