A.K.A. Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Auto World
One of Abu Dhabi’s quirky and lesser-known highlights sits just 45 km away from the city on the way to the Liwa Desert – the Emirates National Auto Museum!
An unusual pyramid-shaped building in the desert houses the personal auto collection of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. It is one of the world’s oldest and largest private car collections.
The collection is extensive and eclectic, from classic off-road vehicles to American streetcars, modern electric vehicles, and many weird and wonderful record-breaking custom builds.
There are over 200 vehicles to see, procured from across the world, including special editions, luxury cars and production vehicles.
Highlights and World Record-Breaking Vehicles at ENAM
Some of the more curious exhibits among the 200+ cars on display include:
- A giant caravan of “the World” – with no less than 10 bedrooms spread over 3 floors
- The world’s largest caravan – a 20m long, 122-tonne giant!
- A replica of a 1950s Dodge Power Wagon – at 8x the original size, it’s the World’s Largest Truck (it has an apartment inside!)
- A rainbow collection of S-Class Mercedes, with matching leather interiors – believed to be the origin behind his reputation as the Rainbow Sheikh!
- Giant WW2 Jeep Wrangler – 400% larger than a normal jeep! In 2010 it was certified as the largest motorised vehicle in the world.
Worth a trip on its own? We think it depends on how much you love cars! Most will make it a fun stop on their way from Abu Dhabi city into the Liwa desert.
It’s an easy half-day trip on its own, allow 45 minutes of self-driving each way from Downtown Abu Dhabi and maybe 60 – 90 minutes for an in-depth look around.
Need to Know Visiting Emirates National Museum
- Opening hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Tuesdays closed). Lunch break is from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm (but subject to change! Best to call ahead +971557492155).
- Entry fee: AED 50 (Approx US$13.60), children under 10 enter for free.
- A cafeteria used to be outside the museum (open sporadically!) but we understand now closed so do bring your own snacks for the journey.
- Abu Dhabi – Liwa Road (Hamim Road E65), Al Dhafra [GPS 24.083333 54.416665] it is well signposted coming off the E11.
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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Photos from our team and Depositphotos
