Abu Dhabi is a goldmine of fascinating culture and heritage, with a plethora of magnificent sights and attractions which will make a big impression on every visitor.

This spellbinding emirate on the shores of the sun-kissed Arabian Gulf is home to beautiful mosques and palaces, imposing forts, ancient tombs and bustling traditional souks where you can get a flavour of local life. You’ll also discover world-class galleries and museums, including the spectacular Louvre Abu Dhabi, with many more art and culture building projects in progress and due to open soon. Let's take a closer look at some of the spectacular attractions that help make this dream destination a great choice for culture vultures craving an unforgettable holiday experience.

Search our Abu Dhabi holidays.

Enchanting Jebel Hafeet

The towering Jebel Hafeet mountain, the highest peak in Abu Dhabi, is home to the emirate’s oldest archaeological site in Abu Dhabi where you'll discover captivating Neolithic burial sites dating back 5,000 years. The unique hexagonal shape of the 500-plus ancient tombs on the foothills of the mountain has led to them being known as ‘beehive tombs’, with experts arriving from around the globe to observe them. Jebel Hafeet also offers breathtaking views of Al Ain, the emirate’s lush garden city. Abu Dhabi’s enthralling old forts are also certainly worth visiting, including the iconic Qasr Al Hosn, the emirate’s oldest standing structure which was built in the 1790s, and Al Jahili Fort, which was established in the 1890s by Zayed The First. Other delights include Qasr Al Muwaiji fort which features a grand entrance gate and Sultan Bin Sayet Fort which lies within the grounds of Al Ain Museum.

Awe-inspiring art

This magical emirate is a dream come true for museum lovers and art enthusiasts, with Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island being a sensational attraction where you’ll marvel at more than 600 pieces, including works by Claude Monet, Leonardo Da Vinci and Auguste Rodin. The treasure trove of artistic delights at the Louvre also include many ancient artefacts such as Neolithic weapons and Egyptian sarcophagi. Another big attraction is the highly-regarded Al Ain Museum, which features artefacts from many of the region's archaeological sites and documents the rise of Bronze Age society dating back 4,500 years. The Cultural Foundation near Qasr Al Hosn is the heart of the emirate’s fine art community, while Al Jahili Fort is home to a charming museum and art gallery. Zayed Heritage Center is a quaint museum where history buffs can learn all about the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates.

Majestic mosques

The striking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the biggest in the world, will take your breath away with its wonder and beauty. Set in pristine manicured gardens, the mosque is home to a myriad of attractions including seven incredible chandeliers and the world's largest hand-made carpet. Other beautiful religious structures in the emirate include Al Kareem Mosque, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan Mosque, Fatima Belhoul Al Suwaidi Mosque and Aziz Mosque, where the walls are lit up at night with calligraphic Arabic writings. Abu Dhabi also boasts exquisite palaces including Qa?r Al Wa?an, a distinctive presidential palace where you’ll discover high-end restaurants, a massive library and an amazing evening sound and light show. Other distinguished palaces include Al Bateen Palace, Emirates Palace and Al Mushrif Palace.

Museum missions

Abu Dhabi is pulling out all the stops to make the emirate an even more phenomenal destination to immerse yourself in rich culture and heritage. The Saadiyat Cultural District project is pressing ahead with ambitious museum, gallery and heritage development projects to honour the past and celebrate the future. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is on course for completion in 2025 and the ambitious project will create 28 galleries across a gigantic 11,600 square metres expanse, plus a further 23,000 square metres of exhibition space. Another impressive venture is teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi which will see a 17,000 square metre gallery area open in 2024, with the exhibits being shaped by the changing environment. The Zayed National Museum is still moving towards completion and this architectural marvel will feature many structural delights. Abu Dhabi is also to get a Natural History Museum, which is scheduled to open on Saadiyat Island in 2025.

Spectacular souks

No visit to Abu Dhabi would be complete without a trip to one of the colourful city souks where you can experience traditional local life and barter for a bargain. The sights and sounds of these bustling markets are guaranteed to excite everyone and you’ll discover a huge choice of merchandise including clothing, local crafts, food and spices, handmade rugs and carpets, souvenirs, perfumes and jewellery. The Souk Al Zafarana reflects traditional Emirati culture, the Iranian Souk harks back to the days when the dhow boats returned from the sea and the rich tapestries and wood lattice furnishings of Souk Central Market give it a truly elegant look. Other vibrant souks include Al Mina souk, which is famous for fresh fruit and vegetables from around the world and the Carpet Souk, where Persian rugs, Afghani carpets and silk rugs are among the delights for sale in more than 100 lively outlets.

A subtropical climate means Abu Dhabi enjoys hot summers and mild winters, with wonderful sunshine almost every day. This makes the emirate a great choice for anyone wanting a feast of fun in the sun and the chance to take a break from the dark and chilly winter gloom in the UK. The peak season is from October to April, when temperatures are pleasant and comfortable, usually in the mid to high 20s. This is a good time for getting out and about to discover the cultural and historical attractions in Abu Dhabi. A better time for lazing by the pool or taking to the beach is during the height of summer when the mercury can soar into the low 40s. Occasional short-lived downpours of rain and sporadic thunderstorms can occur in the winter months when temperatures rarely fall below 20°C.

"A must-see sight in Abu Dhabi is definitely Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque."

“One of the biggest mosques in the world, it is an absolutely spectacular structure that will captivate any visitor.”

“From the outside you’ll be able to take in its majestic domes, towering minarets and glistening pools that create a breathtaking mirror effect.”

“In the courtyard you’ll find thousands of dazzling marble columns covered with intricate floral artwork dotted with gems. This splendour continues inside with gleaming chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-made carpet.”

“The best way to experience Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is on a free guided tour. It’s also worth bearing in mind the etiquette for visiting a religious building of this type and to dress appropriately.”

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Abu Dhabi

Beachfront bliss, complete luxury and impeccable hospitality awaits at this magnificent getaway in the radiant sunshine. Catch some rays on a private sandy beach, enjoy a refreshing dip in an Olympic-sized pool or keep in shape in the hotel’s cutting-edge fitness centre. You’ll also discover fine dining restaurants, exquisite accommodation and water sports galore.

Check out Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi

A splashing time is assured at this opulent all-inclusive escape where a thrilling aqua park and glistening swimming pools are among the attractions. Soak up the sun on the powdery white sands at the private beach overlooking the Arabian Gulf, dine in style in top-class restaurants, spend heavenly nights in lavish accommodation and pamper yourself in the sumptuous spa. Other fabulous amenities include a kids club, a fitness centre and daily entertainment programmes.

Check out Rixos Premium Saadiyat island

W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island

Abu Dhabi

Jet off for the holiday of a lifetime at this luxurious family-friendly 5-star retreat which directly overlooks Abu Dhabi’s fabulous Formula 1 racetrack. Sip cocktails at a charming rooftop pool, dine in an array of gourmet restaurants and succumb to the ultimate pampering experience in a plush spa. There’s also a state-of-the-art gym, a kids zone for the little ones and a shuttle bus which will take you to nearby Yas Beach.

Check out W Abu Dhabi