Abu Dhabi, the vibrant capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest of the seven emirates, often overshadowed by its sister cities, is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating destinations in the UAE. This Emirate exhibits incredible versatility and variety, boasting modern luxury, deep-rooted culture, beautiful landscapes and architectural gems. With so much to see, do and experience, it’s simply impossible to sum up Abu Dhabi in a paragraph, so we’ve curated a guide with our top picks on why Abu Dhabi should be at the very top of your 2025 bucket list. Whether you plan to visit Abu Dhabi on a quick stopover or as a final destination, the city offers something for everyone.

Abu Dhabi is renowned for its world-class hospitality making it the perfect destination for those who like to indulge in a more extravagant experience. The capital is also home to some of the world’s most sumptuous hotels and resorts, such as the famous Emirates Palace, a premium luxury hotel showcasing Arabian hospitality and Emirati grandeur at its finest. Rumoured to have cost approximately 2 billion, Emirates Palace remains the world’s most expensive hotel establishment and one of the Middle East’s top places of interest. Not an in-house guest? No problem. The hotel is open to visitors who want to tour the spectacular grounds and architecture and attend the events hosted. Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, another popular hotel, has also gained global attention and has become a main attraction through its distinctive grand architecture, which can be spotted in many parts of the city.

Abu Dhabi is rich in culture and heritage and an absolute gem for those wanting to deep-dive into arts and history. One of many admirable elements of the UAE is how inviting and welcoming it is as a country, encouraging visitors of all faiths and backgrounds to part-take in and explore the Emirati culture and learn about its history as well as the faith of Islam through the numerous open-mosques, museums and historical places of interest open to the general public.

One of the most sought-out places in the Middle East is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a symbol of Islamic culture and one of the most magnificent mosques in the world; this architectural wonder is open to visitors FREE of charge and is an absolute must-visit when in the UAE. Other places of culture and heritage include Heritage Village, an immersive historic market exhibiting Islamic traditions and Abu Dhabi’s history and Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest and most significant landmark in the city, which takes you on a historical journey through Arab heritage and politics, which shaped the economic structure of the UAE.

The makeup of Abu Dhabi’s landscape provides a breathtaking skyline, where the city’s impressive architecture and soaring skyscrapers can be admired. The Observation Deck, located on the 74th floor of one of the Conrad Etihad Towers—one of the capital’s architectural gems—provides one of the city’s most stunning views, with panoramic views of the best parts of the city.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is undoubtedly one of the Middle East’s biggest modern marvels and one of the most visited attractions in the country. Running under an agreement between the UAE and French governments, this architectural masterpiece remains the only other Museum granted permission to use the famous French-owned name. The Louvre acts as a cultural hub, and its Art and civilisation museum exhibits world-famous art and rare artefacts from numerous civilisations, religions, and cultures worldwide, showcasing a combination of Eastern and Western world history.

Abrahamic family house, completed in 2023, is one of the newer additions to Abu Dhabi’s array of modern marvels. It is a unique interfaith complex that houses a mosque, church, and synagogue. This fantastic project came about after religious leaders Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar, His Eminence Dr and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, agreed to a document on human fraternity with the idea of creating a location promoting humanity, diversity and peaceful coexistence between the three major religions on shared grounds, commissioning Ghanian-British architect David Adjaye who drew from important elements of each religion to design three equally intricate religious monuments. Abrahamic House is open to the public for FREE tours and worship.

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s central entertainment hub, is a thrill seekers’ dream, perfect for those seeking an action-packed day. Whether you’re travelling with kids or are simply a kid at heart, there are endless options for fun and entertainment, one of the most popular being Ferrari World, the very first of its kind and home to the world’s fastest roller coaster; it makes for the perfect family day out. If that’s not enough, the island is also home to Warner Bros studio, Yas Waterworld and Sea World or head over to Rub’ al Khali, the world’s largest continuous desert, to ride the dunes or quadbikes.

Despite its modernity, Abu Dhabi cherishes and preserves its environment and natural habitats. It is a unique landscape that caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike some sister cities, it’s walkable, making it an excellent place for nature lovers who enjoy being outside and connecting with nature. Tranquil and beautiful beaches can be found on Saadiyat Island, with white sands and turquoise waters, whilst destinations such as the Mangrove National Park is where you can spot wildlife amongst acres of forest; kayaking is also available.

Abu Dhabi is a food lover’s paradise. It boasts an impressive culinary scene ranging from delicious local Emirati cuisine to international fine dining at Michelin-star restaurants, not to mention the array of coffee shops. For the Foodies looking for familiar food spots, you’ll find international fast-food chains and gourmet restaurants such as Hakkasan. For the Foodies with a more complex pallet wanting to try Emirati cuisine, Erth, a Michelin-star restaurant, is one of many gems you’ll find around the city serving delicious traditional dishes with an innovative twist.

The Middles East is renowned for luxury fashion, extravagant shopping districts and some of the world’s most opulent mega malls. Yas Mall, the largest Mall in Abu Dhabi, is a shopaholic’s paradise; expect to find your favourite fashion brands ranging from high street to premium luxury, tech and home, as well as endless dining and entertainment options to enjoy post spree. And not to forget one of the most sought-after items in the UAE, Oud! For a more cultural shopping experience, you’ll find classic ouds, stylish traditional wear, 18-carat Gold jewellery and delicacies in Abu Dhabi’s old souks.

Accommodation & Hospitality: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑    Attractions & Activities: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Affordability & Value for Money: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑        Safety & Security: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Cultural Attractions: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

“Abu Dhabi has been on my list of places to visit, so I was ecstatic to finally visit. Wow, what an amazing experience it was; now that I’ve been, I’m kicking myself at how long it had taken to get around to going, as it was more than I could ever imagined. From the sense of peace the city brings to the delicious food, friendly locals and endless things to do, I had no idea that Abu Dhabi had so much to offer. In past visits to the UAE, I searched for knowledge and history of Emirati culture but found it quite hard to find; in Abu Dhabi, I couldn’t get enough, which was one of the many things I admired about the city. Undoubtedly one of my most memorable and enjoyable trips; if you too are considering Abu Dhabi as your next getaway, I encourage you to go; you won’t regret it.”

– Taija-Leorelle (Head Of Travel & Hospitality)

A special Thank you to Visit Abu Dhabi for the incredible experience!