20 Must-Visit Attractions in Abu Dhabi

The first indoor entertainment venue of its kind in the world, Warner Bros World is one of the newest attractions. The Yas Island park boasts six immersive lands: Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Gotham City, Metropolis and Warner Bros Plaza. Among the plethora of activities available, it gives visitors the opportunity to meet and get photographs with well-known characters such as Batman, Superman, Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Tom & Jerry. This is one of the area’s most popular attractions, so get your tickets in advance.

Hidden behind the main road that links Abu Dhabi and Dubai, you’ll find a treasure trove of walking paths, cafés, restaurants and water-based activities. Catch some of the best sunsets as you wander the promenade, or hire a solar-powered eco-donut boat and take a spin around the mangroves. Rent a kayak, join a stand-up paddleboard tour, or book yourself a seat on the Abu Dhabi Pearl Tour. If this seems like too much activity for one day however, just pull up a seat at one of the nearby cafés and restaurants and soak up the serenity.

For a unique look at the city get out on the water. Yellow Boats offer a choice of two tours in the capital – the Grand Mosque tour and Corniche tour. Not only will you get to share the Gulf waters with the resident dolphins, you’ll also get a front-row seat to spectacular views of the city skyline and some of its most notable landmarks including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, and the Corniche promenade. Join either a 60-minute or 90-minute set tour, or work with the organisers to put together a customised visit.

Fishing has long been a part of the culture in Abu Dhabi and a visit to the Al Mina Fish Market, one of the country’s oldest fish markets, is a must. In days gone by, Emiratis relied heavily on fishing, and while that is not so much the case today, the local market continues to offer the community a bounty of seafood. The best part is you can buy your preferred seafood and have it scaled, gutted and cooked in one location.

Heritage and design are the biggest calling cards at this Presidential complex. At home on the western end of the Corniche, Qasr Al Watan allows tourists to explore exhibitions that celebrate Arab customs and marvel at the elaborate design that reflects the region’s landscape. Featuring grandiose white domes, landscaped gardens and decked out in brilliant chandeliers, there is plenty to admire. Make sure to visit the Grand Hall, the House of Knowledge, the Presidential Banquet room and the 50,000-book library.

The ultimate history-lesson destination, Qasr Al Hosn was first built in 1761 to protect the city’s only freshwater well. It was later expanded into a small fort, becoming the permanent residence of the ruling family. In recent years the historic site has been transformed into a museum and boasts two striking buildings: the Inner Fort and the Outer Palace. Visitors are invited to delve into the city’s archive to pore over the various heritage materials housed here, to gain a better understanding of the UAE capital and the broader region.