Things to do
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Abu Dhabi Corniche
A landscaped seafront runs for several kilometres along the northwestern shore, with a separated cycle path, shaded play areas and a blue flag swimming beach at its western end. Cycles are hired from stands along the route. Walking it is pleasant from late autumn to early spring, and through the summer the humidity defeats the whole exercise.
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Louvre Abu Dhabi
Jean Nouvel's perforated dome filters sunlight into a museum village on Saadiyat, where galleries run chronologically across civilisations and loans from French collections sit beside finds from the region. Allow half a day for the circuit. The water terraces under the dome are open to ticket holders and are worth the walk before leaving.
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Qasr Al Watan
Part working palace and part exhibition, this presidential complex opened to visitors in 2019, with a domed great hall, a library of Arab scholarship and rooms staged for state receptions. Afternoon slots run on into an evening projection show across the facade. Security screening is thorough and bag sizes are limited, so travelling light speeds up the entry.
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
White marble, inlaid floral stonework and a prayer hall carpet woven in one piece define the country's principal mosque, completed in 2007 on a rise above the highway. Entry is free but timed through an online slot, and dress is covered to wrist and ankle, with a headscarf required for women. Evening light on the domes is the reason to come late.
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Yas Island
Reclaimed land east of the city carries a Formula One circuit, several theme parks, a waterpark, a mall and a run of hotels, all linked by a free shuttle loop. Race week books out the whole island months ahead. Combined park tickets work out well for a family filling a full day, and the indoor attractions cover the summer.
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Ferrari World
Under a vast red roof on Yas, this indoor park is built around Formula Rossa, a hydraulic launch coaster that reaches full speed in seconds and requires protective glasses. Milder rides, a driving simulator and a go kart circuit fill the rest. The roof makes it one of the few summer options that works.
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Qasr Al Hosn
The oldest stone building in the city began as a watchtower over the freshwater well and grew into the ruling family's fort, restored now with a museum dug in beneath the courtyard. Exhibits trace pearling, desert trade and the last years before oil. A crafts house alongside keeps weavers and palm frond workers at their benches through the day.
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Saadiyat Beach
Protected sand on the island's southern shore shelves gently into clear water and hosts nesting hawksbill turtles from spring into early summer, when marked sections are closed off. Access splits between a public club, hotel frontage and an open stretch. Dolphins pass offshore in the mornings. Currents strengthen when the wind turns onshore, and the flags are posted daily.
