Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, is greener and more relaxed than Dubai, spread across islands along the Gulf. It rewards a couple of days of its own — here are the highlights.

The must-sees

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — one of the world’s largest, in white marble and gold; dress modestly and go near sunset for the light.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi — Jean Nouvel’s domed museum on Saadiyat Island, with a “rain of light” under its latticed roof.
• Qasr Al Watan — the working presidential palace, open to visitors, showcasing Arabian craftsmanship and statecraft.
• The Corniche — a long waterfront promenade with public beaches, cycle paths and skyline views.

For families

• Yas Island packs Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld close together.
• Mangrove kayaking and the desert dunes inland are easy half-day escapes.

Beyond the islands

• The Liwa Oasis and the towering dunes of the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali) lie south of the capital — the classic Arabian desert.
• Al Ain, the green “Garden City”, is about 90 minutes inland, with palm oases, a hilltop fort and the mountain road up Jebel Hafeet.
• Sir Bani Yas Island, a wildlife reserve with free-roaming oryx and giraffe, sits off the western coast.

A suggested two days

Give one day to the Grand Mosque, the Corniche and the Louvre; the other to Qasr Al Watan and either Yas Island’s parks or a desert or Al Ain excursion. Both mosque and museum reward a late-afternoon visit for the light and the cooler air.

When to go & getting around

November to March is the comfortable season; summer is very hot. A rental car or ride-hailing is the easiest way to cover the islands. Base yourself in Abu Dhabi, or day-trip from Dubai about 90 minutes away — see places to stay in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain.