10 Iconic Buildings and Places in Abu Dhabi

The Emirates Heritage Village offers visitors a glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s past. It features an old-world market, mosque, and camp based on pre-modern life in the area. Visitors can shop and watch local artisans make pottery, blow glass, weave fabric, and work with metals. You’ll even be able to purchase handmade souvenirs.

Kids will enjoy seeing the camels of which there are many in the area, and guided tours are available. Plan to spend a full day at Heritage Village as there is plenty to see and do.

The Aldar Headquarters is an important landmark in the city of Abu Dhabi as its upright circular structure is visually striking and an architectural achievement. The building has 23 stories and rises to a height of 361 ft (110 meters). Also known as the coin building, it has won awards for its futuristic design.

The headquarters primarily consists of offices and commercial spaces, although there are some cafes and retail stores. Visitors should be aware that there is no public parking at the headquarters, so consider taking a taxi for convenience. The view of the exterior, especially at nighttime, is not to be missed.

Al Jahili Fort was established in 1891 and completed in 1898, and it is located outside the metropolitan area of Abu Dhabi in the garden city of Al Ain. It has been restored over the years, most recently in 2007–08. It now houses a visitors’ office, gift shops, a cafe, and a public square for exhibitions and other cultural activities.

The fort is made of sun-dried mud brick and is one of the largest forts in the United Arab Emirates. Its features include a round watchtower and defensive towers at its corners. Check out the north wing of the courtyard, which is devoted to the black and white photographs of Wilfred Thesiger, a renowned traveler of the region.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the third-largest mosque in the world. The huge complex, carved from spectacular white marble and accented with gold and jewels, covers more than 5 acres and accommodates more than 40,000 worshippers. Construction of the mosque began in 1996 and the prayer halls first opened to worshippers in 2007.

Entrance to the mosque is free, but proper attire is required for visitors. Make sure you wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your arms and legs, including ankles. Additional layers, such as Abaya and headscarves for women and Kandura for men, can be borrowed when you arrive and form an immersive part of the cultural experience.

The 5 towers that make up the Etihad Towers have become an important part of the Abu Dhabi skyline. The towers offer visitors panoramic views of the city and the Arabian Sea. Shoppers will find the finest in fashion, whether you’re seeking clothing, shoes, jewelry, or watches. Movie fans may recognize the towers from the 2015 feature “Furious 7” starring Vin Diesel, so make sure you get a selfie in this famous spot.

If you’re looking for an expansive view of Abu Dhabi you can’t beat the Observation Deck at 300, named for its 980-ft (300-meter) height which makes it the highest vantage point in the city. It also offers a cafe that serves a popular afternoon tea.

If you’re looking for a little luxury in Abu Dhabi, then the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is the place for you. Located on a pristine beach, the resort promises some of the finest accommodations in the United Arab Emirates. Guests can expect rooms with world-class amenities and 24-hour butler service. 

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental has 8 restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines. For leisure time, there is a spa and 2 temperature-controlled swimming pools. Take a walk around the premises and marvel at the palace's central dome, which was crafted with real gold, mother of pearl and crystals. Outside the grand entrance, enjoy the private marina with soft sand and then visit the lush gardens.

The Al Ain Oasis is located in the city of Al Ain, about 100 miles (160 km) from Abu Dhabi, and it can be accessed by bus, taxi, or car. The oasis covers more than 3,000 acres, and it boasts more than 147,000 date palms.

Visitors can access the oasis from any of 8 different entrances and there is no charge to explore the area. Pathways will allow you to enjoy a shady, cool walk as you learn how the underground wells support an irrigation system that allows the area to stay green. If you want to cover more ground during your visit you can rent a bike or take an electric buggy tour with a driver.

You don’t have to be a racing aficionado to appreciate Yas Marina Circuit; the circuit’s design will impress virtually anyone who encounters it. Construction of the circuit was completed in 2009, and since then it has hosted Formula 1 races and other marquee events.

The circuit was built on a man-made island at a cost of more than $1.3 billion. It has a seating capacity of 60,000 with 5 grandstand areas and features 16 corners and multiple straights. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, Yas Marina Circuit offers several driving and passenger experiences. The kids will enjoy hitting the KartZone, and public and VIP tours of the venue are available.

The Abrahamic Family House is composed of separate structures: the St. Francis Church, Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue that are linked by a secular pavilion. The complex’s goal is to encourage interfaith coexistence.

The structure, designed by Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye, is comprised of 3 equal-sized cubes, each with a different orientation and distinct design. The site also includes a cultural center that promotes mutual respect. Entrance to the Abrahamic Family House is free, and tours are available from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Book your spot in advance in either English or Arabic.

The Rub' al Khali, or the Empty Quarter, is the largest area of continuous sand in the world and is truly a sight to behold. The vast desert is one of the driest regions in the world, virtually uninhabited, and much of it remains largely unexplored. It reaches elevations of 2,000 feet in the west, where the sand is fine and soft. In the east, the elevation falls to 600 feet with sand dunes and salt flats.

There are several ways to visit the desert from Abu Dhabi. Enjoy stunning views from a hot air balloon or get up close and personal with an overnight camping trip. Alternately, take a guided tour by 4x4 or camel and experience desert culture.