Abu Dhabi is quickly emerging as one of the Middle East’s most exciting cultural destinations. The capital blends striking modern architecture with deep-rooted Emirati heritage, offering everything from world-class museums such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi to beautifully restored landmarks such as Qasr Al Hosn.
Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the region, the city offers a diverse collection of cultural experiences worth exploring.
If you’d like to discover more cultural highlights across the UAE, you can also browse our full guide to top heritage and art attractions here.
We’ll start with the museums and galleries in Abu Dhabi, then expand to other parts of the emirate and the wider UAE for those who want to extend their visit across the UAE.
Saadiyat Cultural District
Saadiyat Cultural District is located on Saadiyat Island, a short drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. Designed as a global hub for arts and culture, the district brings together some of the world’s most anticipated museums and institutions.
While the entire district is still under construction, several major attractions—most notably Louvre Abu Dhabi—have been open for years, and many new museums are scheduled to open in late 2025. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each.
Navigating your way around Saadiyat
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The first internationally recognised museum to open in Abu Dhabi, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, takes visitors on a journey through humanity, with carefully curated collections providing an overview of global civilisation across the ages.
In addition to the permanent galleries that link cultures through specific aspects of development, temporary exhibitions often have a regional focus. There is also a thoughtfully designed children’s museum, with hands-on activities perfect for younger visitors.
The building itself is also an architectural phenomenon. It has an enormous aesthetic appeal, which drives photographers and influencers to visit.
Note that a dress code is observed in respect of local decency rules and that photos should not be taken of individuals without their permission.
Entrance Fee: AED 70 for adults (under 18s free, various other discounts apply)
You can find our complete guide to visiting Louvre Abu Dhabi here
Abrahamic House
Although not actually a museum, the collection of religious buildings here is well worth a stop on the itinerary of culture-seekers traveling through Abu Dhabi.
Abrahamic House brings together the Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, and St Francis Church. Each is a cubic building of the same size but exhibits the architectural characteristics characteristic of its building type.
Entrance Fee: It’s free to take a group tour (though this should be pre-booked; walk-ins may not be accommodated)
Guggenheim (coming soon)
The country’s first modern and contemporary art museum will feature artists from across the globe with an emphasis on West Asia, Northern Africa, and southern Asia.
Surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Gulf, the building will also serve as a man-made breakwater and stand out as a work of art in its own right.
Originally intended to open alongside the Louvre nearly a decade ago, the project was delayed by substantial cutbacks in 2010, and it’s now scheduled to open in 2026.
Entrance Fee: TBC upon opening
Learn more about the new Guggenheim and opening news at abudhabiculture.ae
Zayed National Museum
The National Museum of the UAE honors the legacy of the country’s founding father, Sheik Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It will have six permanent galleries, temporary exhibits, and the Al Masar garden.
This section will cover the country’s archaeological heritage, its coastal connections to pearling, fishing, and trade, its role in national identity, the spread of Islam, and the impact of new technology.
Entrance Fee: AED 70.00 for adults, free for children under 18, people of determination, and citizens/residents over 60. Students attending university in the UAE and teachers working in UAE schools pay 35 AED.
Learn more about the Zayed National Museum at zayednationalmuseum.ae
Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum
Open in November 2025, this museum features Stan, the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. The brand-new Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi is a great place for budding naturalists and adult explorers alike to explore the 13.8-billion-year story of our universe.
Entrance Fee: AED 70 for adults, free for children under 18, people of determination, and citizens/residents over 60. Students attending university in the UAE and teachers working in UAE schools pay 32.5 AED.
Our complete review of the Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum is coming soon!
Manarat Al Saadiyat
The first building in the Saadiyat Culture District has long served as a showroom for the island’s development, but it now stands for so much more.
Entrance Fee: Can vary by event, but most are free public events
Learn more and see current exhibitions at Manarat al Saadiyat here
TeamLab Phenomena
Home to 25 immersive digital works, this modern museum offers the chance to walk through art in a sensory experience like no other.
Entrance Fee: Adult tickets cost 150 AED; children ages 4-12 pay 50 AED; children under four enter for free. Weekday evenings are open to adults only from 6:00 PM.
Learn more and see our full review of teamLab here
Museums in other areas of the city of Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Hosn
Often referred to as the birthplace of Abu Dhabi, this historic fort and museum is located in downtown Abu Dhabi, on the same block as the Cultural Foundation and the House of Artisans (both included in your entrance fee).
Entrance Fee: AED 32, which includes the fort and House of Artisans
Falcon Hospital
As well as getting the chance to see behind the scenes at this internationally renowned avian hospital, there is also a small museum of artefacts showcasing the history of falconry that you can see as part of a guided tour of this fascinating cultural attraction.
Entrance Fee: 170 AED per adult plus VAT for a 2-hour tour. Tours must be booked in advance via the website.
You can find our complete guide to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital here
Qasr al Watan
The presidential palace is not really a museum, but it does contain collections of gifts presented to the rulers of the UAE by foreign dignitaries. It provides a unique record of the recent history of the UAE, and is a beautiful building to visit in its own right. It is also the venue for many international diplomatic receptions and as such, a place where history is literally being made.
Entrance Fee: From AED 65 for adults and from AED 30 for children.
You can find our complete guide to visiting Qasr Al Watan here
Heritage Village
Situated on the marina breakwater, this small village is run by Abu Dhabi Culture. Built in the traditional style, the village includes houses and workshops featuring a wide variety of exhibits from Abu Dhabi’s past. There’s also a small-holding area with livestock, a few market stalls and a great view back over the water to Abu Dhabi Corniche.
It’s now a little dated and often overlooked in favour of the larger, newer developments around the city, but it is still worth a visit for those who want to experience aspects of the local culture firsthand without the gloss.
There are honestly better spots these days to get your cultural fix, but since many tours still stop here, we think it’s important to still include this little slice of UAE history.
Entrance Fee: It’s free to enter the Heritage Village
Al Maqta’a Museum
Freshly renovated and reopened in May 2025, this former Customs House was built in the 1950s to monitor entry to Abu Dhabi when the first causeway was constructed to Abu Dhabi island (Now dwarfed by the much larger Sheikh Zayed Bridge).
Although there were no further customs checks upon unification, the building has been preserved for its socio-cultural importance as a shared effort between the Department of Culture and Tourism and the Abu Dhabi Police.
The exhibits focus on policing across decades and will, in due course, feature seasonal activations.
Entrance Fee: It is free to visit Al Maqta’a Museum.
Learn more about Al Maqta’a museum here or email enquiries to info@almaqtaamuseum.ae
Other Historical Places of Interest in Abu Dhabi
Not all museums per se, but other buildings and monuments of interest include:
- Look for the modern heritage plaques at about 60 sites across the city.
- Wahat Al Karama is opposite the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. This small memorial contains not only a monument to the UAE’s martyred soldiers but also a small information centre well worth a stop on an Abu Dhabi city tour.
Museums in the Abu Dhabi Emirate
Beyond the city, there are several other places of interest that history buffs will want to look out for. Many are located in Al Ain, which we cover in more detail here. The highlights include:
- Al Ain Museum recently reopened after a closure spanning many years. This museum houses many of the artefacts found in the Hili Archaeological site (part of the UNESCO sites of Al Ain), dating back to the Neolithic period.
- Al Ain Palace Museum (temporarily closed) – the former residential home of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed. This museum offers a fascinating look at the Al Nayhan family tree and insight into what it would have been like to grow up as part of the royal family.
- Qasr al Muwaiji – a closer look at the childhood home of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, 2nd President of the UAE, and the previous administration office for the Ruler’s Representative of Al Ain. Walk through both the historic fort and visit the modern exhibition centre telling the story of the fort and its inhabitants,
- Al Jahili Fort – one of the largest forts in the UAE. Built in 1891, the fort was built by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan to protect local date farmers. The building now houses a photographic collection by British Explorer Wilfred Thesiger, which is well worth a look.
- Zayed Desert Learning Center –This multi-floor learning centre is found within Al Ain Zoo. It covers a fascinating journey from the country’s geology to present-day sustainability.
Emirates Auto Museum
A genuinely unique experience housed in a pyramid-style structure, around 45 minutes from the city as you head into the Liwa Desert. Explore Sheikh Hamdan’s quirky collectibles, including the world’s largest SUV (housing a 4-bedroom apartment!) and the World’s largest caravan!
You can combine a trip here with a drive to Al Dhafra/Western Region or make it a simple half-day trip from the city, though you’ll need access to a car.
Entrance Fee: AED 50 for Adults, Free for children under 10.
Delma Museum
Tucked away on the remote Delma Island in the country’s Western Region, approximately 2 hours west of the city, is the small but historically significant former pearl merchants’ home. Also known as Bait Al Muraikhi, it has been transformed into a treasure trove of finds from the 19th and 20th centuries.
It is open daily, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm (Sun-Thu) and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays.
Entrance Fee: Free
Learn more about Delma Museum at abudhabiculture.ae or email infoDM@dtcabudhabi.ae
Al Dhafra Fort Museum
The Al Dhafra Fort museum honours the 20 or so nomadic and settled tribes that once defended the region. The local area is dotted with the remains of forts and guard towers built by these tribes, some of which can be visited after a trip to the museum; note that most offer no facilities.
Open daily from 9.00 am until 2.30 pm (12.00noon on Friday)
Entrance Fee: Free
Museums in Dubai & The Northern Emirates
Many visitors likely pair a trip to Dubai with one to Abu Dhabi. If you’re looking for some of the more cultural aspects, pop over to our Dubai Travel Planner site, where we discuss in much greater detail all the museums in Dubai, including:
- Al Shindagha Museum – Located by Dubai Creek, this museum offers insight into the city’s development and the lives of local people over the years.
- Etihad Museum – a look at the Unification of the seven Emirates of the UAE, also home to Union House, where the constitution was signed in 1971
- Naif Museum – a museum showcasing the history of Dubai’s police force and security services.
- Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili – discover the home of the Saudi-born poet Al Oqaili.
- Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort Temporarily Closed – offers an immersive journey through Dubai’s culture and traditions within the walls of Dubai’s oldest existing building.
- Coin Museum – this little gem of a museum holds more than 470 rare coins from across the Middle East.
- Coffee Museum – a lovely little museum within the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where you can learn about different types of coffee and coffee-making apparatus.
- Museum of the Future – An iconic building that houses a unique living museum dedicated to the future.
You may also be interested in art galleries in Dubai & our guide to Mosques you can visit in Dubai
Other Dubai’s Heritage Sites
In addition, if you’d like to dig below the glossy surface of Dubai, you could also work in stops in your itinerary to:
- Al Ahmadiya School – Dubai’s oldest formal educational institution.
- Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif – The former home of Sheikh Rashid bin Saaed Al Maktoum
- Heritage House– Traditional house in an old neighbourhood that gives an insight into life in times gone by.
- Jumeirah Fishing Harbour – a unique and tranquil coastal setting in a suburban area of the city with some of the city’s best underrated seafood dining.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood – Stunning historical district full of traditional houses and winding alleyways. Many of the houses have been converted into art galleries, museums (as mentioned above), and cafes.
Note that you are highly unlikely to find a commerical tour that will encompass these sites of interests; you’ll need to self-plan your own guided tour with a private driver or hire a car in the UAE and create your own itinerary.
Sharjah
Sharjah is often referred to as the cultural capital of the UAE. If you are interested in learning more about Islamic culture, consider dedicating a day or two of your trip to the UAE. The most notable stops in Sharjah include:
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization – A comprehensive collection showcasing Islamic art, science, culture, and history from across the Muslim world.
- Sharjah Natural History & Botanical Museum – An educational centre where families can explore the UAE’s wildlife, geology, and desert ecosystems through interactive exhibits.
- Sharjah Classic Car Museum – A nostalgic gallery featuring vintage and rare automobiles dating from the early 20th century to modern classics.
- Sharjah Archaeology Museum – A fascinating look at Sharjah’s ancient past, with artefacts spanning thousands of years of human settlement in the region.
- Sharjah Art Museum – One of the UAE’s leading art institutions, home to modern and contemporary works by regional and international artists.
- Sharjah Maritime Museum – A tribute to the emirate’s seafaring heritage, highlighting traditional boats, pearl diving, and life along the Gulf coast.
Other Northern Emirates
Not to be forgotten, each of the Emirates (there are 7 Emirates in total) has a museum of varying quality. If your UAE travels take you further north, you may also be interested in checking out:
- Ras Al Khaimah – also worth a visit are Al Jazeera Al Hamra traditional neighbourhood, the Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque, and the Al Dhayah Fort
- Fujairah – home to a fort, heritage village, and the oldest mosque in the UAE.
- Ajman – the smallest of all the emirates, still has the notable restored Ajman Museum
- Umm Al Quwain – Falaj Al Mualla Fort is another interesting place to visit on your northern road trip.
More Frequently Asked Questions about Abu Dhabi Museums
Almost! The most significant missing piece of the puzzle is Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which we anticipate will open in 2026. The whole project has been delayed nearly a decade; however, with the opening of teamLab, the Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in 2025, the project is nearing completion
Yes, most museums in Abu Dhabi have a cover charge. This varies by venue.
Rules on children’s tickets vary: several offer free entry to under-18s, while some charge under-12s half price. Some venues also offer a teacher’s discount. Entry is free for People of Determination and infants. Senior card discounts are rarely provided in the UAE.
Not that we’re aware of, yet. It is possible to purchase combined tickets through popular ticketing agents such as Platiumlist or Get Your Guide, but there’s no all-encompassing ticket available for all venues.
Each venue will have its own specific dress code. Abrahamic House, as a religious venue, will be stricter than the other venues, as women will be required to wear a head covering and cover their skin. Given the nature of these buildings, we’d urge you to be more conservative; do NOT wear beachwear. You can see our comprehensive guide to the Abu Dhabi dress code here.
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.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog
Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.
Abu Dhabi Travel Planner