Top 20 Attractions in Abu Dhabi

The luxurious capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, has grown up amid a barren desert in just a few decades. In the late 1960s of the last century, in its place was an unremarkable settlement of fishermen and pearl divers. After the discovery of generous oil reserves, the “golden rain” poured on the city, in just 40-50 years it turned into one of the most expensive, technological and pretentious megacities in the world.

During the construction of skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi, the latest technologies were used and the most daring architectural solutions of the future were realized. That is why the city looks like a figment of the imagination of a science fiction writer. In an effort to surpass each other in brilliance and wealth, Arab sheikhs are constantly investing in the construction of grandiose mosques, luxurious hotels and shopping centers of incredible size.

What to see and where to go in Abu Dhabi?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

sheikh zayed mosque

The mosque was built in 2007 and named after the founder of the United Arab Emirates - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan. In architectural terms, the building is a mixture of Moorish, Arabic and Persian styles. The floor of the mosque is covered with the largest carpet in the world with an area of ​​more than 5.6 thousand m². The hall is decorated with seven huge chandeliers decorated with Swarovski crystals. The building can accommodate up to 40 thousand believers.

Etihad towers

A modern architectural ensemble consisting of five skyscrapers. It is located in the western part of Abu Dhabi on the waterfront of the Persian Gulf. The tallest building reaches 300 meters. The complex includes residential apartments, shops, offices, conference rooms, restaurants and a luxury hotel. In one of the towers on the 74th floor there is an observation deck with a panoramic view.

Al Bahar Towers

Twin skyscrapers built in 2012 in the eastern part of Abu Dhabi. The façade project was developed in partnership with the British company Arup Engineers. The architects brought to life the idea of ​​a harmonious combination of traditional features of Arabic architecture and ultra-modern design, which gave the towers an unusual futuristic look. The outer walls of the buildings consist of sliding panels that move under the influence of sunlight.

Skyscraper «Capital Gate»

The skyscraper is built in the form of a "leaning tower". Its outer façade consists of a reinforcing mesh on which diamond-shaped glass panels are fixed. The building was built between 2007 and 2011. During the implementation of the project, the latest developments in the field of ecological construction and energy-saving technologies were used. The building houses commercial offices and a five-star hotel.

Skyscraper "Aldar HQ"

A unique skyscraper that repeats the shape of a seashell. The walls of the building are symmetrically curved surfaces of concrete, steel and glass. The structure reaches a height of 110 meters and is equipped with innovative automatic life support systems. The Aldar office is located inside. The building is a recognized masterpiece of modern high-tech architecture.

Promenade Corniche

A well-maintained coastal strip stretching along the coast of the Persian Gulf for 10 km. On the embankment there are numerous parks, gardens, fountains, hotels, clubs and restaurants. The place is perfect for walking, jogging and cycling. The best time to visit the Corniche is considered to be the evening hours, when the magnificent backlight turns on.

SEC "Marina Mall"

One of the largest and most visited shopping centers in Abu Dhabi, which is located near the Emirates Palace Hotel. For visitors there is a real skating rink, a cinema, a bowling alley, children's playgrounds, numerous restaurants and shops located on several shopping levels. The Marina Mall even has its own observation deck located at the top of the tower.

Ferrari World Theme Park

Amusement park opened in 2012. The theme of the place is connected with the history of the famous car brand "Ferrari". Inside, there are very unusual attractions, such as a carousel of car prototypes, a 3D show about the work of Ferrari engineers, and an ultra-fast rollercoaster. Also in the park there is an exhibition gallery of cars, an interactive theater, a children's racing school and much more.

Race track "Yas Marina"

A Formula 1 track located on artificial Yas Island next to the marina, Yas Mall and Ferrari World. It has hosted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. The length of the track is 5.5 km. The maximum speed that the car can develop while driving is 317 km / h. The stands are designed for 50,000 people.

Yas Waterworld Waterpark

The water park is located on Yas Island, which is a popular tourist destination in Abu Dhabi. YasWaterworld covers an area of ​​15 hectares. There are more than 40 attractions on its territory, some of them are unique. In the design of the water park, the “pearl” theme plays the main role, since in the past the inhabitants of the emirate hunted, mainly, pearl mining on the shores of the bay.

Historical and ethnographic village

An ethnographic complex consisting of traditional Bedouin dwellings. The Open Air Museum was established in 1997 to preserve the historical heritage of Abu Dhabi. In the village you can learn a lot about the traditional crafts of the inhabitants of the emirate, look at the life that was typical for this area before the onset of the oil era. There are several five-star hotels around the historic complex.

Falcon Hospital Abu Dhabi

The clinic specializes in providing veterinary care to falcons. This bird is one of the national symbols of Abu Dhabi due to the sheikhs' special love for falconry. Since 2006, the clinic has been treating other types of birds, since 2008 - pets. Tourists can enter the territory of the medical institution on specially designated days, visit the local museum and watch birds in special enclosures.

National Automobile Museum

The private collection of cars of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, which everyone can visit. Among the interesting specimens of the exposition are the rare Rolls-Royce, which once belonged to the British royal family, a five-meter-high Dodge, a huge “mobile home” created in accordance with the preferences of the owner, and many other exotic models.

Al-Husn Fort

The creation of the fortress dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, which makes it one of the oldest buildings in Abu Dhabi. The structure was erected on the site of a fresh spring and gradually turned into the center of a growing settlement - the future city of Abu Dhabi. Until 1966, the residence of the sheikh was located on the territory of the fort. Since 2007, tourists have been given full access to the fortress. It quickly became a popular attraction.

Corniche beach

Abu Dhabi public beach, divided into family, women's and free public areas. The place is marked with the international "blue flag", which confirms its cleanliness, safety and well-developed infrastructure. The beach stretches for 4 km along the Persian Gulf. In high season and during weekends, it is quite crowded. Near the beach there is a cozy park and a large parking lot.

Saadiyat beach

A strip of dazzling white sand stretching for several kilometers along the bay, which is located on Saadiyat Island - one of the tourist centers of Abu Dhabi. For visitors, there is everything necessary for a comfortable stay: locker rooms, showers, sun loungers with umbrellas, storage boxes for valuables and other infrastructure elements. There are several 5* hotels near the beach.

Abu Dhabi Zoo

The zoo was founded in 1968. Major reconstruction was carried out in 2006. It has since grown into one of the largest menageries in the Middle East. Lions, tigers, gazelles, monkeys, kangaroos, snakes and other species of animals imported from Africa, India, Australia and neighboring regions of the UAE live here. In a separate zone live the inhabitants of the Arabian desert, who are predominantly nocturnal.

Abu Dhabi Mangrove Reserve

A green oasis in the middle of the endless desert, where you can enjoy the freshness and coolness. The ecosystem of the reserve is under strict state protection, so all vehicles with an internal combustion engine are prohibited here. Tourists are offered mini-trips on boats with electric motors and kayaks. Flamingos, turtles, crabs, black herons and other fauna live on the territory of the reserve.

Emirates Palace Hotel

The most luxurious hotel complex in Abu Dhabi, reminiscent of a fabulous sheikh's palace. For tourists who are not its guests, entry inside is possible only with a guide. You can walk freely in the vast park area that surrounds the building. The lobby of the Emirates Palace features a detailed layout of the city that shows the development of Abu Dhabi from the 1960s to the 1960s. XX century.

Observation Deck at 300

The site is located on the 74th floor of a skyscraper (300 meters above sea level), which is part of the Etihad Towers complex. This is the highest point from which you can admire the magnificent panorama of the city. It offers views of the Persian Gulf, skyscrapers, islands and the Emirates Palace Hotel. On the territory of "Observation Deck at 300" there is a small restaurant with a variety of drinks, desserts and light snacks.