Best places in Abu Dhabi to light up your Instagram feed

Al Ain Oasis
It’s hard to describe the feeling of walking among thousands of palm trees but if you take our advice and head to Al Ain Oasis we won’t have to. The 3,000-acre oasis is jam-packed with 147,000 palm trees and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. It’s a beautiful space where you can enjoy the laid-back feeling of the Garden City and admire the power of the palm that provided shade, food and materials used to make a variety of traditional handicrafts for Bedouins.
Free entry. Sat-Thu 9am-4pm; Fri 2pm-4.30pm, Hessa Bint Mohammed Street, Al Ain, visitalain.ae.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

City life can get a bit much and if you’re like us, taking a short drive away from the skyscrapers can be good for the body and mind. Head to this stunning nature reserve and you can go for a stroll while also indulging in a bit of flamingo spotting, which is a hobby we never knew we’d have, but are delighted to take part in. Thousands of the pink birds call the area home, and with a new observation tower and visitors centre on the way there will be even more to do very soon.
www.ead.ae.

Fossil Dunes

You’d think you were on another planet when you see these incredible natural sculptures but in fact they’re right here in Abu Dhabi. It’s incredible to see what sand and wind can create over time and these delicate, gnarly structure are well worth searching out. We would advise against climbing on top of them like we’ve seen so many times on Instagram as they are delicate and it would be nice to preserve these cool natural wonders for generations to come.
Open 24 hours. Off the E30, behind Al Dhafrah Air Base, co-ordinates: 24.192078, 54.584732.

Jebel Hafeet

Abu Dhabi’s highest peak is quite the sight and the winding drive up is great fun, too. It’s hard to believe some people cycle up the mountain, better them than us, we say. Also in the area, the new Jebel Hafeet Desert Park is home to 5,000-year-old tombs and other cool architectural goodies that transport you back in time (not literally, of course) and are quite the sight (and photo opportunity).
Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, www.jebelhafitdesertpark.ae.

Liwa Desert
It’s easy to forget you live in the middle of a desert but take a drive out of the city towards the Liwa Desert and you’ll soon remember. With dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, and sand creating shapes and sights you’ve never seen before, you’ve simply got to check it out for yourself. Plus the desert has featured in movies including Star Wars and Dune. When visiting, always take the required safety precautions however as the desert can get, erm, hot or cold even if you get stuck overnight. Be safe and be smart, and remember your camera.
Set your GPS for 22.974905, 53.785472 and explore.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

We’re not sure there’s a more impressive roof in the world (well, maybe the Sistene Chapel), but Louvre Abu Dhabi is simply breathtaking. The museum’s collection, exhibitions and attractions are impressive, too, but standing under the roof and wandering around the buildings is one of the most enjoyable things to do in the city. Plus, if you ever check out Instagram, you’ll know it’s something of a selfie hotspot, too. You know what to do. Say cheese and remember your selfie stick.
Museum entry Dhs63 (adults), Dhs31.5 (ages 13-22), free (under 13). Oct 30-Feb 18. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, www.louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).

Jubail Mangrove Park

Abu Dhabi went crazy when this place opened and we get it. It’s utterly stunning and getting to take a stroll through the natural mangroves, watch the sun rise or set and spot some wildlife along the way is time well spent in our book. There are three pathways to walk, the longest covers a distance of 2km, the shortest is 1km and the picture opportunities are vast. We love this place and now it’s reopening we’re sure the crowds will follow. It’s lovely to get out after all, isn’t it?
Dhs15. Open daily 8am-7.30pm (last entry 6pm). Jubail Island, www.park.jubailisland.ae.

Qasr al Hosn

Abu Dhabi’s oldest standing building is a cool place to explore and when you contrast it to the ultra-modern World Trade Center towers in the background, it’s hard to fathom the huge transformation the UAE has undertaken into a modern country. The site is also home a number of other attractions worthy of your attention, including the Cultural Foundation and The Children’s Library, as well as serene open spaces to enjoy some peace at the heart of the city. It’s a must-visit site.
www.alhosn.ae.

Qasr al Watan and Emirates Palace

If Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (more on that later) didn’t exist, Qasr Al Waran would be easily the most stunning site in Abu Dhabi. A total of 149,000 unique pieces of silver, crystal and china were used in the construction of the palace and it is quite a stunning sight. There is also a cool light and sound show projected onto the building’s façade in the evenings. While the incredible building is not open for tours right now, you can still snap away from outside. You’re also right next to Emirates Palace, which has got to be one of the most photographed spots in the city.
www.qasralwatan.ae.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Have you even been to Abu Dhabi if you didn’t visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque? It’s stunning, it’s one of the most iconic structures in the region and with 82 domes, 1,000 columns, 24-karat gold chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet it’s a masterclass in craftsmanship and architecture. Just remember to be respectful, dress conservatively and to get those brilliant snaps for social media. It might not be back open just yet but it’s only a matter of time, and you can still get plenty of pictures of the building by parking up outside.

www.szgmc.gov.ae
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The Founders’ Memorial

There are many great places to watch the sun set but The Founder’s Memorial is truly special. As night descends, The Constellation, an artwork and memorial to the late Sheikh Zayed, lights up. Using 1,327 geometric shapes, the installation projects a portrait out into the night and it’s brilliant to watch.
Open daily 9am-10pm. Corniche West, www.thefoundersmemorial.ae.