The best Abu Dhabi attractions to see right now

Al Ain Oasis

Wander through pathways shaded by hundreds of thousands of date palms at this serene and shady escape an hour-and-a-half’s drive away. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has a visitor’s centre housing cultural exhibits about the oasis, a collection of gardens perfect for picnicking, and the sun-dappled palms are infinitely Instagrammable, if that’s your thing.

Open daily 8am-5pm. Al Mutawaa, Al Ain (02 599 5438).

Fossil Dunes

Pack the car and head out on the road for a trip to see some amazing sights. Out in the desert at Al Wathba’s fossil dunes you can explore a collection of twisting, wind-swept towers of rock. It’s an unique place, and budding photographers will love the shadows and shapes created at sunrise and sunset. The dunes are very fragile so please don’t climb all over them or damage them when taking pictures and try to leave the site as you found it when you head back to the city.

Open 24 hours. Off the E30, behind Al Dhafrah Air Base, co-ordinates: 24.192078, 54.584732.

Jubail Mangrove Walk

Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove Walk at Jubail Mangrove Park opened in January 2020 and quickly became one of the most popular attractions in the city. Thousands of visitors have explored the attraction since it opened its doors and it’s easy to see why with beautiful scenery offering an escape from busy city life. Now, after a short closure, Jubail Mangrove Walk is set to reopen to the public. Tickets must be bought in advance so if you want to visit you’ll have to plan ahead.

Dhs15 (Adults), Dhs10 (kids). Daily 8am-6.30pm. Jubail Island www.park.jubailisland.ae.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi has become one of the most popular tourism destinations in the region and we’re sure you’ve already added to your list of things to do with visitors when they come to town. If you’ve still never been, we’d be surprised, as there is so much to see and do from amazing exhibits and changing exhibitions, to activities, events and even film screenings, too.

Museum entry Dhs63 (adults), Dhs31.5 (ages 13-22), free (under 13). Tue-Sun 10am to 6.30pm. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, www.louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).

Qasr Al Hosn

If you haven’t yet visited the city’s oldest building, you won’t regret making the time to. Years of huge renovations finally wrapped up in 2018 this place is flourishing and aside from exhibitions about Abu Dhabi’s fishing-settlement roots (some of the artefacts on display date back to the 6000 BCE), the beautiful 18th-Century building shares the same site as the Cultural Foundation and the Children’s Library.

Dhs30. Open Sat-Thu 10am-7pm, Fri 2pm-7pm. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, www.qasralhosn.ae (02 697 6400).

Qasr Al Watan

The stunning Qasr Al Watan, part of the Presidential Palace, has opened its doors to the public for daily tours. A total of 149,000 unique pieces of silver, crystal and china were used in the construction of the palace that was completed in 2017. Visitors are able to explore a host of facilities and attractions during their visit including the extensive gardens, great hall, library, visitors centre, courtyard and more. Plus, in the evening, a light and sound show projected onto the building’s façade reveals the palace’s significance to the country’s culture and history.

Dhs60 (adults), Dhs30 (children aged four to 17), free for kids under four. Sun, Tue, Wed 10am-6pm, Thu-Sat noon-7.30pm. Corniche West www.qasralwatan.ae.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

What can you say about it that hasn’t been said before? 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.

Opening times vary. Booking essential. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 419 1919).

The Founder’s Memorial

There are many great places to watch the sun set in the city but The Founder’s Memorial is truly special. As night descends on the city, The Constellation, an artwork and memorial to the late Sheikh Zayed, lights up. Standing 30m tall and using 1,327 geometric shapes, the installation projects a portrait of Sheikh Zayed out into the night and it’s brilliant to watch.

Open daily 9am-10pm. Corniche West, www.thefoundersmemorial.ae.