Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and serves as a political, cultural, and economic hub of the region. Not only it is the capital but also the largest Emirate of the UAE in terms of landmass. Apart from this, the city contains huge oil reserves which have contributed to the growth of the country’s economy.
Furthermore, the capital city is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, and people from diverse backgrounds reside and work there. The Emirate’s tourism is also booming and according to the latest report, more than 18 million individuals visited the city to explore its cultural heritage, modern architecture, and deserted landscapes.
In this guide, we have highlighted some of the Best Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi for you to visit during your stay in the UAE.
Top Attractions and Beautiful Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi
The residents and travelers of this Emirate think about visiting some famous places with their families or loved ones. Furthermore, they want to know if these destination spots are free entry or require tickets. Here we have compiled a list of some of the best Abu Dhabi Tourist Places for you to visit during your holiday or vacation.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest mosque in the UAE and has a capacity of about 40,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque is named after Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and President of the UAE. It contains about 82 white marble domes and four minarets that stand over 350 feet in height. The mosque comprises materials imported from various countries such as Germany, India, Greece, Italy, and others. Architects meticulously choose these imported materials to construct the intricate and magnificent architecture of the mosque. Visitors can enter the mosque for free; no entry fees are required.
Khalifa Park
This is one of the most recommended Abu Dhabi Places to Visit. The Khalifa Park spreads to more than 120 acres and offers a wide variety of attractions and amenities to people of all age groups. The park contains all the facilities to enjoy and spend your time such as dining, train rides, gardens, lake boating, amusement parks, and much more. Apart from this, the park also consists of a collection of flowers that showcase the region’s rich biodiversity. The park also features an amphitheater that hosts concerts, events, and cultural events. The entry fee for this park is 45 AED and you have to spend more to enjoy the other amenities.
Emirates Palace Hotel
The renowned Emirates Palace Hotel, known for its elegance and luxury, sits on a pristine beachfront property and provides breathtaking views of the sea and the skyline. It covers an area of around 210 acres and provides all the facilities a top-notch hotel has to offer. There is also a private beach at the motel where tourists can relax and enjoy the sunset. It consists of suites and more than 390 rooms lavishly decorated and equipped with modern facilities. Moreover, people come to this hotel’s restaurants because of its delicious cuisine. Its renowned cuisine section includes the award-winning French restaurant “Mezzaluna” and the seafood restaurant Sayyad. Entry into this hotel is free but visitors are likely to spend money on the hotel’sservices.
Qasr al-Hosn
Known as the White Fort or Al Hosn Palace, Qasr al-Hosn is the largest fort in the region. It was once the home of the Al Nahyan family and a seat of political power. The fort is now restored and has become a cultural and historical site for tourists in the UAE. Apart from cultural symbols, architectural evolution, and national pride, this fort is now a tourist attraction for millions of visitors around the globe. This historical landmark welcomes visitors and residents to its historical chambers, exhibits, and the surrounding heritage area. It is a symbol of resilience and heritage in this Emirate. Entry to this tourist destination is free for children under the age of 18. However, there’s an AED 30 entrance fee for adults.
Saadiyat and Yas Islands
Tourists frequently visit it as one of the most popular Abu Dhabi tourist places, and it offers every imaginable facility on earth. Saadiyat and Yas Islands are the two artificial islands that lie in the capital city of the UAE. These are the top tourist attractions and contribute to the country’s tourism and development. Apart from having a waterpark, luxury resorts, a golf course, and a theme park, these park contains all the facilities that you can benefit from while having a luxurious time in the United Arab Emirates. The islands charge AED 50 for adults and AED 25 for children between the ages of 8-16 as entrance fees. However, this amount doubles during the weekend.
Falcon City
The Falcon City is a unique mega-project that combines elements from different industries such as tourism, real estate, and culture. The project specifically designed green gardens and wards for majestic falcons. It is set to replicate the famous wonders of the world, becoming an iconic landmark. These include the Taj Mahal in India, the Eiffel Tower in France, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and others. Moreover, Falcon City is also an excellent option for real estate investors and developers for shopping malls, residential villas, hotels, apartments, and more. It is located in the heart of this Emirate and connects all major airports, highways, and roads. The entrance is free here, but visitors must pay to use its services.
The Corniche
The corniche is a picturesque landscape well-known for its stunning view. The terrain contains clear blue waters on one side and a lush green garden on the other. Apart from this mesmerizing view, the area contains other facilities such as beaches, the Abu Dhabi skyline, recreational facilities, and other outdoor activities. It is one of the safest places to visit in this Emirate as it has lifeguards and other precautionary measures at every entertainment venue. Moreover, it also contains a variety of dining options such as cafes, restaurants, food courts, etc. There is no charge for accessing the public section of the Corniche beach. This destination, however, charges visitors for its amenities.
Zayed Centre
The Zayed Centre is a historical museum and contains the photo gallery of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his other memorables. He is also known as the “Father of the nation” and this museum honors his memory. It is also one of the recommended places to visit in this Emirate. Visitors can get to know about the history of the country and its founder during their visit to this place. The museum is under construction, and the authorities expect it to be free for visitors.
Al Maqtaa Fort
Also known as Qasr Al Maqraa, this fort holds cultural and historical significance as it portrays the image of the United Arab Emirates from a traditional society to a modern nation. This fort is a huge attraction for tourists worldwide and provides them with the opportunity to connect with the UAE’s cultural heritage. The fort is constructed in the traditional Arabian architectural style. It features thick walls, narrow openings, and watchtowers throughout. It also provides visitors with scenic views including the waters of the Arabian Gulf, the Abu Dhabi skyline, and others. We recommend visiting this place with family and friends since entering is free.
Oasis City
Also termed “Al Ain”, the Oasis city is well-known for its historical significance, green gardens, and natural springs. The site also contains various facilities for tourists such as zoos, parks, gardens, forts, museums, arts centers, etc. It holds historical importance in the Emirate as it has been crucial for trade and transportation routes. It attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and traditional sites. It is often seen as a symbol of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. The entrance here is free, whereas visitors will have to pay for refreshments.
Conclusion:
The above-mentioned were some of the best UAE tourist places to visit in Abu Dhabi. The tourism industry is booming in the capital city of the country which is a major reason for its economic growth. Apart from this, people are extremely friendly and helpful and will go to any extent to assist someone in need.
All of the above places are in the UAE and you can have a luxury vacation and spend some quality time in its capital city i.e. Abu Dhabi.
Also check out: Best Places to Visit in Dubai with Family for Free 2024