Fernweh: Home
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAll highlightsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    • Neighborhoods & highlights
    • Recommendations
    • Walking tours
    • Videos
    • Eat & drink
    • Food culture
    • Culture
    • Nightlife
    • Getting around
    • Accommodation
    • Plan trip
    • Nearby
    Abu Dhabi

    United Arab Emirates

    Abu Dhabi

    City

    Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and lies on an island in the Persian Gulf, connected to the mainland by several bridges.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. United Arab Emirates
    7. Abu Dhabi Emirate
    9. Abu Dhabi
    Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and lies on an island in the Persian Gulf, connected to the mainland by several bridges. Besides the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Qasr Al Hosn Fort, the Corniche, the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, and the mangroves to the east define the visit. Off the coast lie Saadiyat Island with its museums and Yas Island with Ferrari World and the Formula 1 track.

    Sights in Abu Dhabi

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Sheikh Zayed Mosque
    Mosque

    1Sheikh Zayed Mosque

    Built between 1996 and 2007, the mosque is the capital's most famous landmark, open daily to visitors, with a break for Friday midday prayers. Since 2026, tourists pay an entrance fee of 10 Dirham. Access to the main prayer hall costs an extra 30 Dirham; cultural tours are free. A strict dress code applies: women cover hair, arms, and legs; men wear long trousers. Abayas are no longer loaned.
    Open in Google Maps
    Qasr Al Watan
    Museum

    2Qasr Al Watan

    The Presidential Palace has been open to visitors since March 2019 and continues to serve as a working palace for the government, hosting state visits and cabinet meetings. The exhibition showcases the governmental history of the Emirates, the library, and the opulent halls. A modest dress code applies.
    Open in Google Maps
    Emirates Palace
    Point of Interest

    3Emirates Palace

    The Palace Hotel at the western end of the Corniche is one of the city's most distinctive buildings, with 114 domes, its central dome soaring 72.6 meters high. Even without an overnight stay, a visit to one of its restaurants is worthwhile, such as the Emirati Mezlai.
    Open in Google Maps
    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
    Theme Park

    4Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

    Opened in 2010, the mostly covered theme park on Yas Island is dedicated to the Ferrari brand. The Formula Rossa rollercoaster accelerates to 240 km/h in under five seconds. Right next door is the Yas Marina Circuit, where the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place.
    Open in Google Maps
    Qasr Al Hosn
    Historic Landmark

    5Qasr Al Hosn

    The 18th-century watchtower is Abu Dhabi's oldest surviving building. Around it grew a fort, which until 1966 served as the seat of the ruling family and government. Today, a museum tells the city's history, and the complex also includes the Erth restaurant.
    Open in Google Maps
    Corniche and Corniche Beach
    Attraction

    6Corniche and Corniche Beach

    The approximately eight-kilometer waterfront promenade borders the city's northwest coast with cycle and footpaths. The beach has Blue Flag status; the Gate 4 section is freely accessible, with fenced family sections costing 10 Dirham.
    Open in Google Maps

    City walks in Abu Dhabi

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    From Qasr Al Hosn to Corniche

    A walk through the city center from the city's oldest building to the waterfront promenade. At Qasr Al Hosn, the outdoor areas and House of Artisans are freely accessible, while the fort museum costs from 30 Dirham. Head out in the late afternoon so you'll be at the Corniche for sunset.

    Open in Google Maps
    Stops (3)

    Videos & Travel Reports

    Building the Louvre Abu Dhabi

    Short film by The B1M on the construction of Jean Nouvel's Louvre Abu Dhabi and its dome, the centrepiece of the cultural district on Saadiyat Island.

    Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

    1

    Al Mrzab

    Restaurant serving Emirati and Kuwaiti cuisine. The Michelin Guide will feature it in 2026 with a Bib Gourmand for good value for money.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Villa Mamas

    Bahraini chef Roaya Saleh's restaurant serves dishes from the Gulf region like Machboos in a cozy, plant-filled space. It has been part of the Guide Michelin selection since 2026.
    Show on Google Maps
    3

    3Fils

    The branch of the famous 3Fils from Dubai is located at Al Bateen Marina. The Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 awards it a Bib Gourmand and the Opening of the Year award.
    Show on Google Maps

    Food and Beverages

    Emirati cuisine in Abu Dhabi ranges from casual family spots to Michelin-starred restaurants. Erth in Qasr Al Hosn holds a Michelin star, Al Mrzab a Bib Gourmand.

    Machboos

    Spiced rice with lamb, chicken, or fish, the best-known dish of Emirati cuisine. Erth serves a lamb version as its signature dish.

    Luqaimat

    Small fried dough balls, enjoyed as a sweet treat and often sold at stalls near the Souks.

    Harees

    Wheat and meat porridge, slow-cooked. Traditionally, it is served during Ramadan and on special occasions.

    Jasheed and Umm Ali

    Two classics of Gulf cuisine, for which the Al Asala Restaurant in Heritage Village by the Breakwater is known. At lunchtime, there is a buffet there.

    Emirati breakfast

    Platters of several small Emirati dishes shared at the table. Meylas at Al Raha Beach, which started as a food truck, is known above all for its breakfast.

    History and Culture

    From the Watering Hole to the CapitalThe city was founded in 1761 after a hunting party from the Bani Yas tribe discovered freshwater on the coast. An 18th-century watchtower forms the core of Qasr Al Hosn, the city's oldest surviving building. In 1793, the ruling Al Nahyan family moved its seat from the Liwa oasis here, and the fort remained the seat of the ruler and government until 1966.Pearls and OilBefore oil, the city subsisted on pearl diving. In 1958, oil was found offshore in the Umm Shaif field. This wealth swiftly turned the small settlement into a major city.Religion and Visitor RulesThe Sheikh Zayed Mosque, built 1996-2007, is the city's religious hub, open to all. Here, and at the Presidential Palace, a modest dress code is required: covered shoulders and knees; for women in the mosque, also the hair. On Fridays, visitor operations at the mosque cease during midday prayers.

    Nightlife

    1

    Ray's Bar

    The bar is on the 62nd floor of the Conrad in the Etihad Towers, with sweeping views of the skyline and the Gulf. Evenings feature cocktails and music.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar

    Rooftop terrace on the 12th floor of the Aloft Hotel near ADNEC. The kitchen uses wood ovens and serves cocktails.
    Show on Google Maps

    Getting There and Around

    AirportFrom Zayed International Airport (AUH), bus line A1 runs 24/7 to the city center in Al Zahiyah, and A2 to the Central Bus Station in Al Wahda.Buses and Taxis in the CityCity buses are paid for with the rechargeable Hafilat card; drivers do not accept cash. The fare depends on the distance, so you tap your card on the reader when boarding and alighting. For destinations like the Mosque, Saadiyat, or Yas Island, a taxi is often the easier choice.To Dubai and the EmiratesBus: Line E101 connects the Central Bus Station in Al Wahda with Ibn Battuta in western Dubai.Train: Etihad Rail runs from the Passenger Station in Mohammed Bin Zayed City to Fujairah and, as of September 30, 2026, also to Dubai (Al Yalayis Station); the journey to Dubai takes about 64 minutes. Tickets are available via the Etihad Rail app and website.Al Ain: Buses depart from the Central Bus Station; the journey takes approximately two to two and a half hours.

    Accommodations in Abu Dhabi

    Find perfect stay in Abu Dhabi

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Plan your trip to Abu Dhabi

    Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.

    1. 1
      Sunrise over alpine peaks and a sea of clouds
      1234

      Round trip

      12 days · 4 stops

      Saved

      Pick a route

      Pick a ready-made one or save places and plan your own.

      Open bookmarks
    2. 2

      Trip to Abu Dhabi

      Live
      • 1Sheikh Zayed Mosque3 days
      • 2Qasr Al Watan4 days
      • 3Emirates Palace5 days
      Budget

      Plan your trip

      The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.

      Start trip planning
    3. 3
      9:41 No signal
      Abu Dhabi
      Available offline

      Use it on the road

      Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.

    Nearby

    Abu Dhabi Emirate

    Abu Dhabi Emirate

    The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is by far the largest of the seven emirates, covering most of the country's land area. It stretches from the capital on the Gulf coast, via the oasis city Al Ain on the Omani border, to the Liwa Oases on the edge of the Rub al-Chali.
    Saadiyat Island

    Saadiyat Island

    Saadiyat Island is an island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, a short taxi ride from the city center. At the island's western end, the Cultural District features the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, the Natural History Museum, teamLab Phenomena, and the Abrahamic Family House. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi by Frank Gehry is set to open on December 11, 2026, and a long sandy beach stretches along the north coast.
    Dubai Emirate

    Dubai Emirate

    The Dubai Emirate is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf and comprises, in addition to the eponymous city, the exclave of Hatta in the Hajar Mountains. Approximately 4.8 million people live here (as of September 2026). Between the Old Town on Dubai Creek, the skyscrapers of Downtown, and the reservoirs of Hatta, there is approximately a ninety-minute drive.
    Dubai

    Dubai

    Dubai, the emirate's namesake city, lies on the Persian Gulf, straddling the Dubai Creek. The Creek's banks host old quarters Deira and Bur Dubai, with souks, wind-tower houses, and museums. Along Sheikh Zayed Road are Downtown (with the Burj Khalifa), followed southwest by Dubai Marina and JBR. Metro, Tram, and Abras link the districts.

    Al Ain is the second largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is located approximately 160 kilometers east of the capital, on the border with Oman. Due to its oases, parks, and avenues, it is also known as the Garden City. The cultural sites of Al Ain were the first in the Emirates to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011, including the Oasis, the Hili Tombs, and the slopes of Jebel Hafeet.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Pexels, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • Video reportages: Building the Louvre Abu Dhabi
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI