Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Most Elegant and Art-Loving Emirate

In this article we take you to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, a city where tradition meets modernity.

From a Small Village to a Global Capital 

Today, Abu Dhabi is the home of elegance, art, and culture in the United Arab Emirates, as well as its capital. The city's name, which in Arabic means "Land of the Gazelle," has transformed from a small island settlement, reliant on fishing and pearl diving in the 18th century, into the modern capital of the Emirates, a dynamic city where modern luxury blends with deep-rooted heritage.

Recently selected as one of National Geographic’s "Best of the World" destinations for 2025, Abu Dhabi offers an iconic skyline, world-class beaches and attractions, making it an increasingly popular destination, also thanks to its international airport, Zayed International Airport - named the "most beautiful airport in the world" by the Prix Versailles -, to its top-tier accommodations and cultural landmarks.

In 2023 , the city welcomed nearly 24 million travelers, a number that the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to increase to 39.3 million by 2030.

Abu Dhabi has received other awards such as the World’s Safest City for 2025 according to Numbeo online database, a title it holds since 2017. It has also been designated as a "City of Music" by UNESCO.

The Charm of a Rich City of Culture

Walking through the neighborhoods of Abu Dhabi, do not miss visiting the Great Mosque of Sheikh Zayed, one of the largest mosques in the world, capable of accommodating up to 40,000 worshippers. A masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture, it features 82 white marble domes, over a thousand columns inlaid with semi-precious stones, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet.

Commissioned by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, the mosque was designed and built by artisans from all around the world. The visit along the marble halls offers unique treasures, including seven 24-karat gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers over 15 meters high and 10 meters in diameter, vast marble mosaics in the courtyard and water mirrors that reflect some of the many columns set with amethysts and jasper. Outside the mosque one can admire its four minarets that rise 106 meters into the sky. The mosque’s four minarets rise 106 meters into the sky.

A key cultural landmark, the mosque attracts millions of visitors each year who come to appreciate its elaborated craftsmanship and spiritual atmosphere. Guided tours offer insights into Islamic culture and Emirati traditions.

Another important cultural site is Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, designed as a tribute to the UAE's heritage and Arabic art. One of its highlights is the "Palace in Motion" show, a spectacular light and sound show that hat pays homage to the history of the UAE in three acts. Held in front of the main palace, the show repeats every 30 minutes after sunset. The palace also houses the Qasr Al Watan Library and the House of Knowledge, which holds a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and historical resources tracing the emirate’s history from its origins to the present day.

 Qasr Al Hosn is Abu Dhabi’s oldest and most significant building, home to the city’s first permanent structure, the watchtower. Built in 1790, the structure once monitored coastal trade routes and protected the settlement. It consists of two key buildings: the Inner Fort (originally built in 1795) and the Outer Palace (1939-45). Qasr Al Hosn has served as the ruling family's residence, the seat of government, a consultative council, and a national archive. Since 2018, it has been a national memorial.

 The Abrahamic Family House, located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, is a multi-faith complex that includes a mosque, a church, and a synagogue. It offers guided tours and immersive journeys of understanding and coexistence: visitors are invited to experience each of the three houses of worship and discover the fundamental principles of each faith

Designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi merges Eastern and Western cultures through art and heritage; it is also the  largest art and civilization museum in the Arabian Peninsula. The use of the name Louvre reflects a thirty-year agreement with France, which also includes active participation in art loans and special exhibitions. A distinctive feature of the museum is its dome, which creates a "rain of light" effect. The exhibitions showcase artifacts from ancient cultures and masterpieces ranging from the Renaissance to the contemporary era. 

Visitors can get to know and experience Emirati heritage at Ezba , a journey into the heart of the emirate’s traditional world, away from the skyscrapers and hectic city life. Here, they can enjoy a private space, connect nature and the desert, discover the home of the Bedouin people, as well as Arabian camels and horses, while also enjoying the experience of tasting traditional Arabic coffee.

 For a modern city view, the Etihad Towers are a must-visit. Located just 25 minutes from the mosque, this complex of five skyscrapers offers a panoramic view of the Persian Gulf. The towers feature stores, luxury residences, hotels, restaurants, and the Observation Deck at 300, situated on the 74th floor of Tower 2 at 300 meters above sea level.

Family-Friendly Entertainment

 A visit to Yas Island is not to be missed. This artificial island, near Abu Dhabi’s airport, has been recognized with prestigious awards, including World’s Leading Theme Park Destination (World Travel Awards) and Best Entertainment Destination in the UAE. The island is also home to three major theme parks: one dedicated to the world of motorsports and Ferrari, another celebrating cartoon and comic book heroes, and one of the most significant water parks in the world.

 The Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, the brand’s first-ever theme park, features beloved characters like Batman, Superman, and Bugs Bunny across six uniquely themed zones. Just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld is the world’s largest water park, centered around the story of a young local girl on a quest to find a legendary pearl. The park features 40 rides and slides, making it an ideal destination for family and friends.

 Opened in 2010, Ferrari World has been named the “World’s Leading Theme Park” for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards.

The park, inspired by the iconic single-seater race car, is home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, as well as Flying Aces and the mega-coaster Mission Ferrari. Covered by a massive 86,000-square-meter red roof adorned with the Prancing Horse logo, it is the largest indoor theme park in the world. In 2024, Ferrari World Yas Island introduced the world’s first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena, an advanced racing simulation center for visitors of all ages who can experience the thrill of racing with a real Ferrari race car.

 Another very characteristic  place to visit is  The National Aquarium at Al Qana, the largest in the Middle East: immersed in the aquatic wildlife, it houses over 46,000 marine animals from more than 300 unique species and offers  60 attractions spread across 10 themed zones. Beyond its rich biodiversity, the aquarium offers interactive tours, including encounters with sharks, puffins, and freshwater stingrays.

 SeaWorld Abu Dhabi combines rides and exhibitions to foster a deep connection with the ocean. The park features immersive zones dedicated to marine education and sea life conservation, allowing visitors to explore different ecosystems and interact with over 100 marine species. It houses the world’s largest indoor aquarium, featuring innovative facilities for animal care.

 For adventure seekers, kayaking offers the perfect combination of physical activity and the chance to admire the emirate’s natural wonders up close. The most popular spot is the mangrove forest, a must-visit for wildlife lovers and photography enthusiasts, thanks to its breathtaking scenery.And it's not just the mangrove spectacle: for a more adrenaline-pumping experience, one can try the fast-flowing water channels of Jebel Hafit, a paradise for those who want to kayak at high speeds.

 Yas Links Abu Dhabi offers more relaxing sport experiences. This 18-hole course, designed by Kyle Phillips, has been ranked among the world’s top 20 by Golf Digest, offering stunning views of the Persian Gulf. The Club House, located along the water’s edge, offers spectacular views of the Persian Gulf and is the perfect spot for dining and events. And to have fun under the sun, Yas Beach, with its pristine white sand, provides activities like beach volleyball, outdoor gyms, sailing, and kayaking.

 The Saadiyat Cultural District, recognized for 12 consecutive years as the "Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination," is set to expand in 2025 with the openings of the Zayed National Museum, the teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. This project reflects the willingness to interact with different cultures and foster dialogue, new ideas and innovation.

 The Sphere Abu Dhabi, echoing the size of the 20,000-seat Sphere in Las Vegas, will offer residents and visitors a new form of entertainment with events, concerts, and shows.

The Heritage Village, just ten minutes from the city center, offers a glimpse into pre-oil boom Emirati life, with a traditional Bedouin camp, a souk, and a mosque. Here one can discover and understand the life of the Emiratis of the past.

One should not  What Al Karama, the best spot for watching the golden hour sunset. It is a striking monument honoring Emirati martyrs sacrificed their lives to serve their country. Nature and animals enthusiasts  should go to the Al Ain Zoo, where rare species can be found in a conservation-focused environment, and amidst the golden dunes of the Nujum Desert Camp, they can enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, off-road safaris, and a dinner under the stars with traditional local performances.