Dubai has been popular with tourists for years, and the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi is quickly catching up. Abu Dhabi has some of the most incredible attractions in the World and we couldn’t possibly cover them all in one blog post. However, we’d like to give you a general idea of the best attractions in Abu Dhabi, many of which are available from our extensive range of Abu Dhabi tours and events.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
If you’ve come to the United Arab Emirates in search of grandeur and opulence, then the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque should be at the top of your to-do list. This enormous mosque was built in just 11 years and was completed in 2007. The Grand Mosque is the biggest mosque in the UAE and one of the largest mosques in the world, holding around 30,000 people on any given day and up to 41,000 during Eid. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is such an unforgettable experience that it was voted the second-best landmark in the World on Trip Advisor for two years in a row!
The Grand Mosque was designed by the famous Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky and it was launched by and named after the late president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan wanted to build a mosque that would unite the people of the Islamic world and celebrate their rich cultural and artistic heritage. No expenses were spared in the design of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: it has some of the most elaborate white marble structures found in any building in the world and there are many gold, ceramics, and semi-precious stone fixtures. Simply put, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most impressive buildings in the World.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the brand-new art and history museum based in Abu Dhabi’s vibrant Saadiyat Island. The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s identity is connected to the Louvre in Paris as the UAE and French governments made a 30-year agreement to share the Louvre name and occasionally share important art and exhibitions with each other. The goal for the Louvre Abu Dhabi connects with the UAE’s general multicultural feel: to celebrate and connect people in the East and the West. This modus operandi can be observed in the museum’s 35,000+ artworks, which celebrate the Arab world but also draw from further afield too. In many ways, the Louvre Museum is the UAE’s way of establishing itself to the art world, becoming a meaningful part of the wider historic and artistic community. If you’re interested in visiting both the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Grand Mosque, you may like to take our combined Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi tour!
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World is found on Yas Island and it’s the world’s first Ferrari-themed theme park. Ferrari World is the largest space frame structure in the world and it is the largest in-door theme park, with countless rides and amusements to entertain single travellers, couples, and families. The theme park is so much fun that it was given the award for the top tourist attraction in the Middle East at the 2015 and 2016 World Travel Awards.
For veteran theme park connoisseurs, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will not disappoint. There are countless thrilling rides, including the world’s fastest roller coaster, called Formula Rossa! If anywhere was going to have the fastest rollercoaster, it makes sense that it’s the theme park branded by Ferrari! As well as Formula Rossa, you’ll also find three more roller coasters, including Fiorano GT Challenge, Turbo Track, and Flying Aces – which has the World’s tallest non-inverting loop of any roller coaster!
Yas Waterworld
Also on Yas Island, the suitably named Yas Waterworld is a must for anyone who loves water parks. Yas Waterworld is one of the biggest water parks in the world, with 40 water rides and slides, including the famous Bandit Bomber — a 550-metre suspended roller coaster! With countless awards, prizes, and accolades, Yas Waterworld is sometimes the main reason tourists travel to the United Arab Emirates. As Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World are so close together, you can opt for one of Grayline’s combination Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld multi-day tickets.
There is so much to see and do in Abu Dhabi, and in the wider United Arab Emirates, but we hope this blog post has highlighted a few of the best attractions! Make sure to browse our range of Dubai tours and our Abu Dhabi tours, and please get in touch if you have any questions. Start planning your Abu Dhabi adventure today!