Alongside the city’s soaring skyscrapers, you’ll find astonishing natural and cultural wonders to explore, from islands teeming with wildlife, to the ancient treasures of the desert
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A warm, vibrant hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa: Abu Dhabi is a city that bridges cultures and continents
On the map
Located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Thanks to its position at the nexus of three continents, Abu Dhabi benefits from unrivalled global connectivity – with 80 per cent of the world’s population reachable within an eight-hour flight.
City of islands
Once a humble pearl-diving settlement, modern Abu Dhabi offers a unique proposition: it’s a futuristic city of gleaming towers, overlooking a natural landscape of islands, coastline and waterways. Hop between its different centres to wildlife reserves, dance parties, historic sites and luxury hotels. Here, there’s an island for everyone.
Emirati culture
The soul of Abu Dhabi lies in its rich heritage and customs. Emirati people are renowned for their hospitality and welcoming attitude to visitors, and for a culture that straddles old and new, combining camel racing with Formula 1, soaring contemporary architecture with centuries-old forts and traditional dress with high fashion.
Abu Dhabi is an outward-facing city that celebrates both its past and a global future
Celebrating culture
Abu Dhabi takes great pride in its inclusive, multicultural society, where people of all nationalities and creeds happily coexist. The majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a monument to this goal. Welcoming visitors from all over the world, it is a labour of devotion that includes 82 domes, kilometres of inlaid marble and pools that reflect its hundreds of pristine white arches.
Honouring heritage
The Founder’s Memorial is an emblem of how the city mixes modern dynamism with a deep cultural sensibility. Here, it pays homage to the UAE's beloved late leader and founder, Sheikh Zayed, with a three-dimensional portrait that is both a technical and aesthetic wonder.
Connecting minds
The Louvre Abu Dhabi lies at the epicentre of the city’s burgeoning arts, culture and design scene. The Jean Nouvel-designed museum houses 12 linked galleries and stunning outdoor spaces partly submerged in the sea, beneath a spectacular perforated dome that allows a “rain of light” to penetrate during the day. Inside, interlocking galleries trace the history of humanity’s artistic achievements from the Neolithic period to the current day.
Did you know?
Abu Dhabi’s population is made up of more than 200 nationalities
The capital recently welcomed Pope Francis in a landmark visit. In April, construction on Abu Dhabi’s first traditional Hindu temple began. Designs for The Abrahamic Family House – a multi-faith worship centre celebrating Islam, Christianity and Judaism – have also been unveiled
A desert turned green
Abu Dhabi is making concerted efforts to sustain the abundant flora and fauna that flourishes in its mountains, deserts, wadis (ravines) and sabkhas (salt flats). Among them are the Environment Agency’s efforts to reintroduce the Arabian and Scimitar-horned Oryx – and its preservation work with several species of falcon.
City in the sun
Year-round sunshine makes Abu Dhabi the perfect home for lovers of the great outdoors. Whether it’s white-sand beaches and thrilling waterparks, or cycling tracks and palm-fringed promenades, the city is brimming with opportunities to make the most of the great weather.
On the stage
Enjoy the city’s busy calendar of live shows, from big-name stadium acts and headlining comedians at Yas Island’s large-scale entertainment venues, to more intimate spoken-word poetry recitals at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Rooftop Rhythm nights.
Ready to take it further?
Relocating to a new country can be an exciting prospect. From exploring the desert and experiencing the best of local culture, to uncovering the best kitesurfing spots, you’ll find the answers here
- How can I find out about the emirate’s must-see cultural attractions?
- How do I find out what's going on in Abu Dhabi?
- Where can I travel to for a weekend away?
- What is the UAE doing to preserve its local wildlife?
- How can I experience local Emirati culture?
- How can I get a tourist visa?
- How can I find a place to stay?
Cultural attractions
Aside from the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Founder's Memorial, there are plenty of other unmissable cultural monuments in the city, including Qasr al Hosn – the city's oldest building – and Wahat al Karama, a memorial to the soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Explore cultural attractions
Visit Abu Dhabi has an excellent run-down of the emirate's unmissable cultural attractions
Visit Abu DhabiWhat's on in Abu Dhabi
Whether you're into music, food or exploring local heritage, Abu Dhabi offers year-round events to keep you and your family entertained.
Explore cultural events
Abu Dhabi Calendar lists all events for the year ahead - or you can download the app
Abu Dhabi CalendarWeekend destinations
Living in Abu Dhabi means having easy access to a long list of destinations within the emirate that are perfect for a weekend trip away, including Sir Bani Yas island, Al Ain, and the vast expanses of the Empty Quarter and Liwa deserts.
If it’s a longer road trip you're after, the northern tip of Oman – known as the Musandam Peninsula – is a four-hour drive north, where you can dive, snorkel and see pods of dolphins. A six-hour drive east will take you to Oman's spectacular mountains and wadis.
Abu Dhabi’s fantastic location also offers easy access to the Maldives, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka and India – all of which are just a four-hour flight away.
Explore flights
Etihad is an award-winning airline that offers flights to destinations all over the world
Etihad flightsConservation work
Abu Dhabi is working hard to preserve its indigenous flora and fauna. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a five sq km marshy wetland area that is home to more than 250 species of birds, from Black Winged Stilts to Greater Spotted Eagles, as well as around 4,000 Greater Flamingos.
Bu Tinah island, 150km off the west coast of Abu Dhabi, has been recognised by the UN as one of the most important sanctuaries in the Indian Ocean for Green and Hawksbill turtles.
On land, great progress has been made to reintroduce the Arabian and Scimitar-horned Oryx, as well as preserving some species of falcon.
Local wildlife conservation
Find out more about the work of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Environment AgencyDiscover local culture
From camel races to dhow races, modern Abu Dhabi is built upon its rich traditions - many of which are still practised today.
Experience local culture
Visit Abu Dhabi offers a wide selection of 'Emirati Experiences', which offer a window into local customs
Visit Abu DhabiApply for a tourist visa
GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter the UAE, and visitors from the following countries are given a free-of-charge entry visa on entering Abu Dhabi International Airport: Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America and the Vatican State.
All other nationalities must arrange a tourist, transit or visit visa prior to their trip.
Apply for a visa
How can I find a place to stay?
Abu Dhabi has accommodation ranging from downtown boutique hotels to luxury beachside resorts.
Find hotels
Visit Abu Dhabi has a comprehensive guide to hotels in the emirate
Visit Abu Dhabi