Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is known for its rich multicultural heritage rooted in the Bedouin nomadic lifestyle and Islamic traditions. It is an excellent place to visit to witness how an evolving cosmopolitan city continually embeds its culture and values in artistic expression such as architecture, performing arts, weaving, cuisine, sports and poetry. Here, we recommend five of the most famous landmarks in Abu Dhabi that visitors must experience firsthand to learn about the Emirate's traditional and modern spirit.
Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
Among the top Abu Dhabi landmark highlights is Qasr Al Watan, one of the only working presidential palaces of its kind in the world. Here, at the Palace of the Nation, visitors can explore the history and traditions of the UAE through a variety of curated exhibits showcasing arts, manuscripts and rare cultural artifacts that provide insight into the past, present, and future of the UAE.
There's no better place to behold the stunning beauty of traditional Arabian architecture, artistry and craftsmanship for the first time than The Great Hall. Its central dome is an awe-inspiring structure at a diameter of 37 meters and a soaring height of 60 meters. Visitors will enjoy a visual feast with the splendid geometric display of curved glass panels, symmetric marble panels and Arabesque patterns. There are also mirrored cubes which visitors can step into for a unique and stunning perspective of the Hall's timeless space.
This iconic room is a vast, circular space where important entities such as the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council gather to set agendas and decide how the region moves forward. Spirit of Collaboration commands attention with its imposing doors of pure gold and a lofty dome finished in blue, white and gold colors. One of the most loved attractions can also be found here: a beautiful chandelier crafted from 350,000 dazzling pieces of crystal.
A venue for celebrating everything from significant occasions with foreign officials to traditional iftars, The Presidential Banquet can seat up to 300 dignitaries and is beautifully fitted with circular tables and chairs sumptuously upholstered in the Palace of the Nation's signature blue color. On each occasion, the menu is carefully prepared to pay tribute to the culture and cuisine of the Guest of Honor, who sits to the right of the host at the official table.
The House of Knowledge is an exhibit showing how Arabian scholarship has had a massive influence on the development of human civilization. Here, visitors can view an extensive collection of religious texts, ancient maps, historical documents and manuscripts exploring law, natural history, astronomy and more.
Within the House of Knowledge is a marvelous sculpture by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej. It is a calligraphic presentation of a quote by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, which states: “True wealth lies in people, not in money or oil. Money itself has no value if it is not dedicated to serving the people”.
Qasr Al Watan timings indicate the best times for visitors to come, or for organized groups to register for the tour and school program.
It’s also rewarding to see the Palace come to life during the Palace in Motion light and sound show.
Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Formed from the partnership between the UAE and France in March 2007, Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the top tourist landmarks in Abu Dhabi that celebrates the region's vibrant multicultural heritage and highlights shared stories of humanity and creativity. Visitors will find exhibitions of all kinds of material artistic expression: paintings, sculptures, archaeological finds, and contemporary installations from all over the world. There are also workshops, master classes, film screenings, and more.
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Cultural District is a dynamic and inspiring destination that highlights creativity, innovation, knowledge and research while celebrating the achievements of the UAE, the region and the world. It is home to museums and cultural institutions, in addition to teamLab Phenomena, Louvre Abu Dhabi, such as Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and the soon-to-be-opened Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum, all of which are sure to be landmarks too.
Jebel Hafit, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
For a change of pace – moving from modern to ancient worlds – head over to the foothills of the awe-inspiring Jebel Hafit mountain in the garden city of Al Ain (1.5 hours away from the capital) to witness the Jebel Hafit Tombs. The site offers guided tours to see 500 ancient tombs that are 5,000 years old – evidence of the beginning of the Bronze Age in the UAE. In 1959, Danish archaeologists excavated copper artifacts and ceramic vessels that indicated strong maritime trading across the Arabian Gulf.
Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
For a refreshing day in Abu Dhabi, visitors can bask in the lush space of UNESCO World heritage site Al Ain Oasis in the Garden City of Al Ain and explore the Oasis Garden, one of the most famous sights in Abu Dhabi. It consists of three distinct sub-gardens representing the venue's three ecosystems. These include the Pre-Oasis Garden featuring the agriculture of an oasis, the Orchard Garden where everyone can walk under date, pomegranate, fig, lemon and olives trees, and the Symbolic Garden which highlights the importance of the palm tree in the desert.
Abu Dhabi welcomes visitors from all over the world for an immersive experience in discovering the city’s history, journey, and beauty. These 5 iconic Abu Dhabi attractions (and more) take you a step closer to understanding the wonder that is the UAE.
See art and performances at Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Cultural District, marvel at the history of the Jebel Hafit Tombs and natural abundance of Al Ain Oasis, and take in the knowledge, craftsmanship and governance of Abu Dhabi on a Qasr Al Watan tour.
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