Abu Dhabi Summer Temperatures – How Hot Does it Get?

While summer averages are reported at 45°C (113°F), it is quite typical to experience daytime maximums up to 50°C (122°F). The hottest month of the year in Abu Dhabi is August.

When is summer in Abu Dhabi? “Summer” weather in Abu Dhabi realistically runs from late May until mid-October.

Exactly how hot is Abu Dhabi?  Check out this chart for Abu Dhabi’s average reported monthly temperatures ⁽¹⁾ .

How hot you feel and the temperatures that are actually reported can be two different things. You need to take into account not only the temperature but also the humidity. It helps if you have a weather app that gives you the “feels like” temperature as well!

How to Deal With The Summer Heat in Abu Dhabi

Dealing with the summer heat in Abu Dhabi is not nearly as difficult for most tourists as it might seem. First, nearly everything is air-conditioned to the max—shopping malls can even feel too cold. You will arrive in an air-conditioned airport, transfer to an air-conditioned car or bus, and arrive at air-conditioned accommodation. Even bus stops are air-conditioned in many locations!

Whilst the outside air temperature is extreme, most hotels will chill their pools in the summer months to make them a refreshing retreat. Swimming is best tackled in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. Some hotels even have indoor pools so you can get your laps in during the day’s heat.

Pools can be a refreshing antidote to the Abu Dhabi heat, however, the same cannot be said for the ocean!  You must be mindful that the salty waters of the Gulf can be too hot for swimming in over the summer (reaching up to 32-35°C/90-95°F); it will feel more like spa water than a chance to cool down.

And if it isn’t obvious, the sand becomes excruciatingly hot in the summer. It only takes burning sand to become trapped in your sandals or flip-flops once for you to work this out, let alone if you dare walk on it barefoot!

Another thing to note is that temperature drops between outside and indoor air conditioning can be extreme. Make no mistake, you will still want to pack a wrap or cardigan for those indoor blasts of cold even during the hottest months!

Before you pack for Abu Dhabi, you’ll want to check out our comprehensive guide on what to wear, with the conservative Abu Dhabi Dress Code explained

• Discover Qasr Al Hosn, the city’s historic heart. Most of the site is indoors, although some rooms are accessed via shaded outdoor porticoes and an outdoor courtyard. It’s a great place to visit late afternoon. We recommend teaming up your visit with the adjacent House of the Artisans for a peek into traditional crafts and the Emirati way of life.

• Visit Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation – an interesting building containing a variety of exhibitions, theatre spaces and a beautiful children’s library.

• Check out what’s on at the Etihad Arena! Whether it’s a musical like The Lion King or Matilda or a band like Coldplay or Westlife, this is the Abu Dhabi venue for big-name entertainment in Yas Bay.

• Discover an underwater world at the National Aquarium – the biggest aquarium in the Middle East is home to 46,000 animals. Located in the Al Qana complex, the aquarium is close to other family attractions, including the Adrenark Adventure Park and Pixoul Gaming which are both fantastic if you’re visiting with children or teenagers.

• Have fun at Warner Brother’s World – A world-class indoor theme park with around 30 rides and attractions. Whether you want to talk about fighting crime with Batman or enjoy a log flume ride through Bedrock, Warner Brother’s World is the place to be.

• Boost your adrenaline levels at Ferrari World – Home to the fastest roller coaster in the world! Much of Ferrari World is indoors. You wont even notice the heat as you zoom through the outdoor air on Formula Russo or Flying Aces!

• The brand new SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is another fantastic indoor venue with rides and amusements as well as marine exhibits. For a truly chilly experience, step into the Antractica realm, kept at a chilly 1C! .

• If you really can’t stand the heat, head into temperatures of 2°C at Snow Abu Dhabi. This indoor, winter-themed park for all ages on Reem Island, is a great place to enjoy some family time.

• Sports enthusiast can keep up their fitness and join in with some friendly competition at Abu Dhabi Summer Sports. Daily from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM, between 14 June and 23 August 2024, the main exhibition halls at ADNEC will be taken over y table tennis to indoor football, basketball, tennis, volleyball and many more.

You should take note of how your body feels on particular days. Whilst a morning may start off ‘cool’ or, at least a ‘comfortable’ temperature, it is recommended that you take to the shade (preferably indoors) between at least 11am and 3pm throughout the summer months.

Here are some of our summer outdoor suggestions:

• Visit Umm Al Emarat Park after sunset. Yes, it’ll still be hot and sticky (especially in August), but the beautifully lit fountains and children’s splash park make this a great place to spend some outdoor time in summer. There are also several air-conditioned indoor restaurants onsite to give you some chilly respite.

• Take an early morning or late afternoon swim. Most hotels have pools that are open until late, but beaches usually close at sunset. We recommend sitting in the shade when you are not in the water.

• Visit Yas Water World, one of the region’s best water parks. We recommend water shoes to protect your feet on the hot footpaths, a UV suit or rash vest, a sun hat, and plenty of high-factor sunblock (see our complete guide on what to pack for an Abu Dhabi trip here). There are shaded areas for babies and toddlers, plenty of umbrellas, and some indoor air-conditioned areas for respite.

• Visit a public park early in the morning (before 7am, if possible). While larger gated parks may be closed until later in the day, many smaller playgrounds and public promenades are open 24 hours. An early morning stroll along the Corniche or Yas Bay Waterfront can help relieve any notions of cabin fever!

• Perhaps take an evening desert safari. Desert safaris do still operate in the summer. You are largely in an air-conditioned vehicle. Once you reach the camp area, it is usually cool enough to enjoy the various activities, albeit sweaty. Whilst we think that a safari is still an option in summer, it is important to know your limits and the limits of those you are travelling with; for that reason, we wouldn’t recommend this to people travelling with children, older people or those with health conditions. You can find out more about Abu Dhabi Desert Safaris here.

Best Places to Stay in Abu Dhabi in the Summer

When it comes to picking the best places to stay in summer, you will want to seek those with either easy pool facilities nearby the hotel rooms or attached to other attractions such as shopping malls so you can walk through airconditioned comfort.

Hotels Attached to Shopping Malls

If you don’t want to step out into the heat, some good choices where you are immediately adjacent to an air-conditioned shopping mall include:

• The St. Regis Abu Dhabi – Situated on the Corniche, this beautiful 5-star hotel is attached to a small mall known as the Nation Towers Mall. The mall includes a variety of cafes and restaurants, a cinema, a small selection of shops, several salons and a beauty clinic.

• Rosewood Hotel Abu Dhabi – Another stunning 5-star hotel with excellent spa facilities on Al Maryah Island, with direct access to the sprawling Galleria Mall, one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest and best shopping destinations. Alongside a range of international high-street stores (such as Next, American Eagle, and Zara) is a collection of luxury high-end boutiques (think Gucci, Chanel and Dior). There’s a whole host of eating establishments catering to every taste. So whether you fancy large portions at The Cheesecake Factory, local brewed beers at Craft or carefully curated haute cuisine at LPM, this is the place for you. The Galleria also offers a number of children’s play centres, a cinema, and several licensed bars along its waterside promenade.

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If you’d like to enjoy some of the softest white sand in Abu Dhabi with the sound of crashing waves, then you’ll want to head to Soul Beach on Saadiyat Island.

Please note that Soul Beach is currently undergoing renovations. It looks like it’s re-opening as ‘Mamsha Beach’ in November 2024 – and the prices have been substantially increased (pricing and information below reflects the original ‘Soul Beach’ and is no longer accurate)

Soul Beach is a new leisure destination adjacent to the Mamsha Al Saadiyat community in Abu Dhabi. The pristine and manicured 1km stretch of Saadiyat Beach includes a 400m swimming zone in the Arabian Gulf with 400 parasol-covered sunbeds offering a refreshment service.

The refreshment service is available for delivery directly to guests’ sunbeds, allowing them to order from QR code-driven menus via WhatsApp, then have their refreshments delivered by golf buggy.

Lifeguards patrol the beach and guests are provided with clean bathrooms and changing facilities. There’s also beach volleyball and some play equipment on the beach for younger guests.

Where is Soul Beach?

Adjacent to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Mamsha Al Saadiyat is an exclusive Aldar beachfront development, including luxury residential properties and retail outlets.

• You can get Bus 94 from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Mamsha Al Saadiyat
• Tourists staying on Saadiyat Island can avail the free Visit Abu Dhabi shuttle bus route A1
• By private car, there is plentiful public parking at Mamsha Al Saadiyat. You will pay 10 AED per hour for stays longer than 1 hour
• Use a taxi or rideshare service such as Careem to be dropped off right near the entrance to the beach

• You can learn more about Saadiyat Beach and its surrounds here.

Soul Beach Opening Hours and Cost

• Soul Beach is open from 7:00 AM to sunset (variable throughout the year), 7 days per week.

• Entry is AED 50 per person on weekdays (Children AED 25) and AED 75 (Children AED 40) on weekends and public holidays, which includes only a sunbed.

• Fazaa Card holders can get up to 20% discount

• Entry is free for ADV+ members

Important things to note when planning a visit to Soul Beach Abu Dhabi:

• You need to bring your own towels
• Kids are classed as 6 to 12 years old; 5 years old and under is free
• You cannot bring your own outside food and beverages
• Pets are not welcome
• You cannot advance book, they work on a first-come basis
• All members of your party need to pay for a sunbed; no extra guests can come in using towels on the beach
• Your booking, it seems, only guarantees you a sunbed and not an umbrella/parasol – if they are all being used, you miss out (crucial to check this before paying on a hot sunny day)
• You are not allowed in this area of the beach without paying – so there is no simply pulling up a towel anywhere opposite Mamsha Al Saadiyat

Want to see how this comapres to Abu Dhabi’s best beach clubs – check this guide out!

Mamsha Al Saadiyat

The area beside Soul Beach, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, is a hugely popular dining and lifestyle venue in the city. Emulating the beachside vibes, in winter, you will find over a dozen cafes and restaurants spilling out onto the palm tree-lined footpath.

Some popular dining spots along the beach include Beirut Sur Mer, Alkalime Wellness Restaurant & Lifestyle Space, and Raclette Brasserie & Cafe – our full review on our favourite spots in Mamsha Al Saadiyat coming soon!

Does Saadiyat have a public beach? There used to be a great spot, further east along the beach, you could enjoy Saadiyat Beach for free if you did not want a deck chair. This was replaced by “Kai Beach” which also charged guests for basic facilities.

Our Verdict on Soul Beach: As a family with 3 kids, we simply cannot get value for money from the facilities here when kids are charged despite spending most of their time in the water and not on the deck chair! When we add the cost of parking, it becomes a particularly pricey day when there are other Abu Dhabi beaches you can access for free – e.g. Mamsha on Hudayriyat Island.

If you are visiting Abu Dhabi as a single or couple and not staying at a resort with access to the beach, we can see the appeal of a fun day in the sun in a glamorous setting (although some of their sunbeds a few years in could definitely do with replacing).

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Abu Dhabi’s undisputed beach resort champion is Saadiyat Island, sitting just to the north of the city centre and easily connected by freeway to Abu Dhabi’s International Airport and Dubai.

Not nearly as over the top as The Palm Jumeirah in neighbouring Dubai, Saadiyat Island has a growing reputation as one of the country’s most beautiful and exclusive beach resort zones; it’s hard to believe you are still in the heart of a major city.

What sets the resorts on Saadiyat Island aside from many of their competing resorts in Dubai and the Northern Emirates is their unbridled access to the Persian (Arabian) Gulf waters – with real sand and real waves! But let’s look at each and see what additional facilities are available beyond the beach.

Our review looks at each of the resorts as you head West to East along the coast – you can use our easy reference map to see where they all sit along the coast:

This page contains affiliate links to our preferred suppliers which earn us a commision if a qualifying booking is made

The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Nearest to Saadiyat’s Culture district but bordered by an empty strip of beach, you get an incredible feeling of exclusion here, yet you are still only a stone’s throw from the action.

The main hotel has a distinct Mediterranean style with Arabian touches and a huge airy lobby with beautiful Gulf views. Rooms are generously sized, starting from 55sqm (and don’t forget your very own personal butler).

Families love it for the exceptional Sandcastles Kids Club, offering an extensive range of activities and dedicated play spaces.  There are five swimming pools spread over the resort, including a dedicated lap pool and kids splash zone.

There are six bars and restaurants covering south-east Asian to Mediterranean cuisine, all of which serve up mouth-watering cuisine and include a variety of kids’ options. The breakfast served in the Olea restaurant is of an exceptionally high standard and the service is truly second to none.

The St. Regis offers both a luxurious escape for families and for couples. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, or treat yourself! We’d argue it’s the best all-rounder on Saadiyat Island and gets our top billing in 2023.

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

One of the newest openings, Saadiyat Rotana, is proving a popular family choice with a great range of family-sized rooms as well as access to Aladdin’s Cave, the kids club, which has a lazy river, splash pool, cinema zone, water slide and entertainment for your younger kids.

Housing 327 rooms as well as 13 beach villas, the resort is huge but well spread out over Saadiyat Beach.  There are seven different options for dining, from Italian to Gastropub, as well as a rooftop bar for catching those sunset views.

For parents and couples, there’s the outstanding Zen Spa to enjoy, with 10 treatment rooms and a Hamman, as well as Bodylines gym, tennis courts and a mini-golf course.

This is our favourite Saadiyat hotel for a fun family getaway. The large family pool and variety of child-friendly dining options make the Saadiyat Rotana a real winner. It’s not overcrowded and has a chilled-out and relaxed atmosphere.

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

This palatial hotel is draped in opulence with a grand foyer, and many touches true to the brand’s Turkish roots, making it one of the UAE’s ultimate luxury resorts.

What sets Rixos Premium apart from others is that they offer all-inclusive and ultra-all-inclusive packages.  This suits some to a tee, whilst others might find this a little overwhelming, especially at weekends when staycationers also join the crowds.

The crowds are well spread out though among the dozen bars and restaurants on-site. There are also tennis courts, a gym, Anjana Spa and wellness club and an extensive program of sports and activities to keep you busy too. Live performances and DJ’s supplement the entertainment offering.

Kids can access the Rixy Kids Club – supervised for 4 to 12-year-olds (babysitting can be additionally requested). One of the highlights of the resort is the mini aqua park and wave pool, making it one of Abu Dhabi’s best for families.

Room rates per night might appear a little more pricey than others but this is more than made up for in the meals and drinks. You’ll find Rixos is the best value offering on Saadiyat Island.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas

The Park Hyatt was one of Saadiyat’s first openings and has become known for its ultra-relaxing getaway from the city. You are nestled between the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and the Saadiyat Public Beach.

One of the smaller hotels, it has a more intimate feel, perhaps than the others, but nonetheless it’s on a grand scale like only Abu Dhabi does, with the most spectacular landscaped gardens and a multitude of beautiful pools!

There are two bars and three restaurants, including The Beach House restaurant, which has one of Abu Dhabi’s best ocean views as well as delicious Mediterranean-inspired food.

It doesn’t have as many family-friendly offerings as those around it (it does have a kids club and playground), making it our top choice if you are looking for a quiet couples retreat! We particularly love Atarmia Spa.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

The most recent opening on Saadiyat and also the most isolated, it occupies its own stretch of silky white sand adjacent to Saadiyat Beach Club at the eastern end of the island.

The hotel has a contemporary, quite futuristic interior filled with dangling glass installations yet still distinctly Arabic styling.  There are 293 rooms available (including interconnecting and villas with private pools). Facilities include three swimming pools, a 400m stretch of beach and tennis courts.

There is no shortage of food options, with seven on-site restaurants, a poolside bar and room service.

It has one of Saadiyat’s most extensive spas with 15 treatment rooms, and kids are not forgotten either with complimentary kids and teens clubs (for over 4’s).

*For all the Saadiyat Island Hotels listed, make sure you look out for breakfast inclusion and tourist taxes when comparing prices.

Is There A budget Hotel Offering On Saadiyat Island?

Not really.  The cheapest offers apply only to single rooms, off-peak, and start at around 750 AED per night, excluding meals and taxes. Saadiyat is all about luxury and relaxation, but these come with a price tag.

It is well worth keeping your eyes out for specials, though; residents may be able to scoop up a bargain in off-peak seasons (ie, when it is incredibly hot outside in July/August or the middle of winter when the Gulf is too cold for swimming!)

If it’s budget and value offering you are looking for, you are better looking to neighbouring Yas Island, including the likes of Centro Yas Island by Rotana and Park Inn by Radisson put up some great budget deals with access to Yas Beach.

Alternatively, if you still want a little bit of beach but closer to the city Le Meridien Abu Dhabi can be a good option under 500 AED or Traders Hotel Qaryat al Beri on the Grand Canal with views of the Grand Mosque and a little bit of beach frontage – you can find all the best beach hotels in Abu Dhabi here.

If you just want a daycation, Saadiyat Beach Club is a popular day pass option. Giving you all the same views, service and meals as the luxury hotels just without the cost of the overnight stay thrown in.

What Else is There to Do on Saadiyat Island?

Culture & Museums

Saadiyat’s greatest claim to fame is being home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.  It is part of a mammoth cultural district project planned for Saadiyat Island.  The project has stalled in recent years due to the economic climate, but there are still grand plans to add additional world-class museums (which we expect to come in 2024/25).

In the meantime, the Louvre has proved a huge success and is well worthy of inclusion in your Abu Dhabi itinerary, the building alone is a stunning masterpiece.

Our complete guide to how to visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi here.

Don’t miss Manarat Al Saadiyat too.  As well as permanent and rotating exhibitions, this multi-purpose art space is used for live performances, photography workshops and an art studio for adults and children.  Many of these events are offered free of charge.

You will also find nearby New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) on Saadiyat Island, which runs extensive exhibits and community programs throughout the year.

Recreation & Amusement Parks

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club must be one of the most stunning courses in the world (part of the Troon Golf network).  The 18-hole course overlooking the Arabian Gulf was designed by Gary Player, taking into account the island’s natural beauty and a focus on eco-consciousness.

The course includes three saltwater lakes and over 60 bunkers, making it one of the country’s most challenging.  The clubhouse includes a popular terrace event venue taking in some of Saadiyat’s best views, with dining available at Hawksbill restaurant.

Saadiyat Island is only a stone’s throw away from Yas Island. Home to the famous Yas Island Marina Circuit (hosting the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix each November), it’s also where you will find Abu Dhabi’s BIG THREE popular theme parks – Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World. 

Anyone visiting with kids will want to check out this award-winning collection and the nearby Yas Marina, home to many superyachts and a vibrant strip of bars and restaurants.

Wildlife on Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is home to the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle. During the breeding season, many of the hotels listed above have additional programs, and each engages in their own way between nature and the community. Hatching sites are protected by strict environmental measures and are patrolled by trained personnel who continually monitor the reproduction of the turtles.

You can also capture more of Abu Dhabi’s marine life at adjacent Jubail Island and the Jubail Mangrove Park.

Saadiyat Beach

There is a section of Saadiyat Island reserved as public beach frontage. Saadiyat Beach is accessed by a road adjacent to the Park Hyatt.  Here you can look to rent beach chairs and umbrellas, or simply pull up your towel on the pristine white sands.  Do note that the dunes are a protected area due to the wildlife that calls them home. You will find a protective boardwalk along the edge of the beach.

This section of the beach is now managed by Kai Beach (owned by Saadiyat Beach Club) – so there’s now quite a hefty price tag attached to daily beach chair hire. If you don’t want to pay and don’t need the facilities, simply bring your towels and gear and head further along.

Alternatively, there’s Soul Beach also located on Saadiyat Island, part of the newly opened Mamsha Al Saadiyat complex. It is open to the public, although a daily charge is also applied for use of their deck chairs and umbrellas.

If you’re interested in a luxury beachfront apartment during your stay in Abu Dhabi, you will find plenty of Al Mamsha properties listed through platforms such as Booking.com, which are well worth considering as an alternative to the luxury resorts if you like a little extra space on your beach vacation.

This post has been adapted with permission from an original article published on familytravel-middleeast.com.

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Looking to plan your trip to Abu Dhabi around UAE public holidays?  Here’s a guide to what to expect in 2023:

Jump ahead here if your trip to Abu Dhabi will fall in 2024

• New Year’s Day: 1 January 2023 (1 day)
• Eid Al Fitr: From the last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to 3 Shawwal* (approx. 20 April to 23 April 2023 –  4 days)
• Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice):  From 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah* (approx. 27 June to 30 June 2023 –  4 days)
• Hijri New Year: 1 Muharram*  (Approx. 19 July 2023, date of observation TBC – 1 day)
• The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday: Approx. 27 September 2023, observation TBC – not always a public holiday
• Commemoration Day: 1 December 2023 (1 day)
• National Day (52nd Anniversary): 2 and 3 December 2023 (2 days)

Jump back to Previous Year: Abu Dhabi 2022 Pubic Holidays

*Islamic holidays are determined according to moon sightings. The date a religious holiday is observed and the public holiday declared may be two different dates, particularly if it falls on a weekend, Friday- Sunday.

Note that the weekend in the UAE changed from 1 January 2022; Government working hours are now Monday to Friday lunchtime, and the weekend is Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday.

Hijri Calendar to Gregorian Calendar

The Hijri Calendar moves forward by approximately ten days more than the Gregorian Calendar every year. There is a good translation tool here from IslamicFinder.org to understand when important days on the Hijri Calendar will translate to:

Prayer Times in Abu Dhabi

You can also check out our guide here to the daily prayer times in Abu Dhabi. There isn’t much you need to do as a non-Muslim tourist at prayer times, but it has some great tips on understanding exactly WHAT is happening and WHY.

You can use this tool to see when daily prayer times are due to occur in Abu Dhabi:

Abu Dhabi School Holidays 2023

Abu Dhabi has a public (MoE) and private (international) school sector. The dates they have stipulated as holidays in a three-term school year for September starting curriculums are:

Winter Break 10 December to 1 January 2023 (schools return 2 January 2023)

Spring Break 27 March to 7/14 April 2022 (International Schools/MoE Schools)

Summer Break Not before 7 July 2023 until approximately 28 August 2023*

*The end of summer break is only anticipated until formally announced by the Government.

You can learn more and see further academic year calendars here

Other Major Events in Abu Dhabi & the UAE 2023

Here’s what’s already lined up for the 2023 Abu Dhabi Events Calendar:

• Sheikh Zayed Festival – 2022-23 Dates TBC
• Ramadan – the Holy Month from approx. 23 March to 21 April 2023 – not a public holiday but month-long religious observance
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – 23 to 26 November 2023
• Diwali – 12 November 2023 – with a large Indian expat community, the event is widely celebrated in the UAE
• Mubadala World Tennis Championships – dates for 2023 TBC usually mid-December
• Mother of the Nation Festival – dates for 2023 TBC – previously early December
• Christmas – 25 December 2023 – not a public holiday but widely observed within the retail and hospitality sector
• New Year’s Eve – 31 December 2023 always a spectacular night of fireworks and festivities not to be missed

We still await finalized dates for a number of the popular Emirates Heritage Festivals, these are a great immersive way to learn more about Emirati culture.

You can see our complete guide to the best times to visit Abu Dhabi here, or click on your planned month below to get a detailed guide to events and the best activities to try that month.

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Where to find Abu Dhabi’s most incredible buildings

Whilst there’s no doubt Dubai has the reputation as the glitzy city of the Middle East, swathed in exceptional skyscrapers, Abu Dhabi is certainly not to be outdone in the architectual stakes. Arguably, the more beautiful buildings can, in fact, be found in Abu Dhabi!

It’s hard to choose our favourites so we’ll let you decide in this inspiring collection of the 15 most impressive and interesting buildings you won’t want to miss on a trip to Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

It would be impossible not to start our journey through Abu Dhabi without starting at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Completed in 2007 after more than a decade of construction, the mosque covers over 30 acres and can house a staggering 41,000 worshipers both within the inner courtyard and the mosque itself. It is the third-largest mosque in the world.

The mosque is a stunning masterpiece of contemporary design, reflecting Persian, Mughal and Moorish styles. More than 3000 workers and 38 construction companies took part in the design and construction. Only the finest of natural materials have been used including marble, stone, gold, crystals and ceramics.

The Grand Mosque, sitting at the gateway to Abu Dhabi island is the city’s most popular attraction and is free for tourists of all religions to visit.

Top Tip: Free tours run daily in English beginning at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 17:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday. Wear loose-fitting, long ankle-length trousers or skirts, and women must wear headscarves, or borrow these items for free at entry.

(NB recently reopened post COVID but with capacity restrictions and currently unable to lend visitors appropriate attire for visiting, nor guided tours)

Qasr al Watan

Not nearly as famous as the Grand Mosque, yet, with construction only being completed in 2018 but set to become one of the grandest must-see buildings in the world, Qasr al Watan is the UAE’s Presidental Palace.

It is a working government office, home to the Federal Supreme Council as well as open to tourists for most of the year for tours of the Grand Hall, library and gardens. The building is briefly lit each evening (now only Thu-Sat) for the Palace in Motion light and sounds show.

You can find latest re-opening information for Qasr Al Watan here.

Aldar HQ

The cookie building, the smartie, the circle building, the coin building, even the Dirham building (local currency). It’s earned itself many nicknames since it’s completion in 2010 – but what is it!

This almost space-like looking object standing 110m high is actually a humble office building for Aldar Headquarters, the head office of major city developer Aldar. The world’s first circular skyscraper, it was voted the “Best Futuristic Design” by the Building Exchange Conference in 2014. There are 23 floors of working office space inside.

You will find Aldar HQ on the side of the E10 – the main highway from Dubai to Abu Dhabi at Al Raha Beach, shortly before crossing the Sheikh Zayed Bridge on to the island of Abu Dhabi. It is not open to the public.

The Capital Gate

Also colloquially known as “the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi”, this towering structure currently holds the Guinness World Record for the “world’s furthest-leaning man-made tower”. The Capital Gate is a 160m-tall tower which inclines at an angle of 18° westward – 14° more than Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa.

With 35 floors, it houses the ANDAZ Capital Gate hotel – complete with pool suspended from the 19th floor and sits above the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The building also houses commercial offices. You will find it on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (30th Street) – guests can stay in the hotel or visit the restaurant on the 18th floor.

Al Bahr Towers

Another building with many names – from the Pineapple Towers to the Honeycombs, the correct name for this twin pair of towers on Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10 – corner with 19th Street) is Al Bahr Towers.

These shiny cylindrical structures are covered in geometric window coverings that react automatically to the sun to provide shade, reducing the need for airconditioning (so yes they serve a purpose, not just decorative!) The beautiful design is inspired by mashrabiya, the latticework window coverings often seen in Arabic Architecture. These panels are not wood, but made of Teflon-coated mesh.

Completed in 2013, the towers are now home to the Abu Dhabi Investment Council and Al Hilal Bank. They can only be admired from outside, they are not open to the public. On special occasions they will frequently be lit up with dazzling light presentations.

Gate Towers

Sitting in Al Reem Island’s Gates District, Gate Towers house over 3000 luxury residences over 64 impressive floors. Reminiscent of the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, the three towers are connected by a sky bridge contain the building’s penthouses.

They are almost lost these days amongst the growing collection of skyscrapers on Reem Island. Internal access is for residents only.

Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid

The tallest building in Abu Dhabi at 92 stories high and the 25th tallest in the world, the Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid features an undulating façade designed to catch the sunlight at any angle.

The mixed-use business and residential building sits atop the Abu Dhabi World Trade Centre Mall and traditional Souk (3 floors of modern souk-style shops, built on the site of the city’s original commercial district), adjacent to the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Entry is only to residents and their guests.

Ferrari World

Located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, this popular landmark attraction houses – as you might guess – an indoor Ferrari theme park. Open since November 2010, it’s home to some of the fastest and most thrilling theme park rides in the world, including Formula Rossa which bursts out of the building at an astonishing speed of 240 Kilometres per hour.

The iconic red roof is more than 200,000 square metres in size and 48 metres tall at it’s highest point. Entry is by paid ticket to the theme park.

Emirates Palace

The ultra-luxurious Emirates Palace is one of Abu Dhabi’s most well-known landmarks. Although called a palace is it, in fact, a hotel operated by the Mandarin Orient group (previously Kempinski).

The hotel is the height of UAE extravagance, sitting at the western end of the Corniche. It neighbours Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace as mentioned above.

Admission to Emirates Palace as a day visitor is free, and yes you can nip inside the gardens for a quick photo, though theoretically, the guards won’t let you through without a hotel or meal booking at one of the restaurants. Visitors are asked to observe strict dress standards including covered knees for gents.

Ethiad Towers

Sitting in amongst the skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi, certainly the most eye-catching, sleek and impressive would have to be Etihad Towers, which sit immediately adjacent to Emirates Palace – each offers a spectacular view of the other.

There are five glistening glass towers that make up the Etihad Towers structure – just over 300m at its highest point. Three are residential, one is an office tower and one a hotel (previously called Jumeirah Etihad Towers, now Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers). From the 74th floor, visitors can enjoy the city’s highest observation deck at Observation 300 which gives some of the city’s best panoramic views.

Hollywood buffs may recognise the hotel from the 2015 film Fast and Furious 7, where two main characters steal a Lykan Hyperport and drive it spectacularly through three of the towers.

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority HQ

The ADIA HQ building on the Corniche is another architectual gem of the city skyline. It’s been overshadowed since completion my neighbouring Landmark – but it’s fairly commonly agreed the ADIA tower is the far more beautiful and elegant of the two. Inspiration for the undulating feature folds of the building came from traditional billowing boat sails and swooping sand dunes.

Like sister organization ADIC and Al Bahr Towers though not as obvious from outside, the building incorporates an active facade with a double glazed outer, single glazed internal skin and solar-controlled blinds to lower the cooling costs of the building. The commercial offices can only be admired from the outside.

Landmark

Sitting in slight contrast to its beautiful ADIA neighbour on the Corniche is the Landmark Building. Another glimmering example of modern Arabian architecture, this mixed-use tower sits at an impressive72 floors and 324m tall.

Briefly the tallest building in the city, it’s now the third tallest building in Abu Dhabi being surpassed by Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid and the new ADNOC headquarters skyscraper. It’s another you’ll have to make do with photographing from the outside as there is no public access.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Inspired by both Islamic and Arabic design features, the stunning 24,000 square metres Louvre Abu Dhabi is found on Saadiyat Island. With the appearance of floating on the aqua waters of the Arabian Gulf this modern architectural marvel has been open to the public as a museum since 2017.

A global showcase of art and civilization, the inside is equally as beautiful as the distinctive outer dome which appears to hang weightlessly over the building – although it weighs 7,500 tonnes! The Louvre should be on every tourist’s must-see list in Abu Dhabi.

See our complete visitors guide for touring Lourve Abu Dhabi

W Hotel Yas Island

Another low-rise superstar on Abu Dhabi’s most important landmark buildings list, the W Hotel Abu Dhabi is the only hotel to straddle an F1 race circuit.  Sitting on Yas Island, the main feature of the hotel is its unique Grid Shell that transmits video feeds over 5,389 diamond-shaped, colour-changing glass panels. Every night a different message is emitted from the coloured dome.

Visitors are welcome to book a night’s stay at the 499-room 5-star property or enjoy a drink or meal at one of the many dining establishments.

Sheikh Zayed Bridge

Don’t let towering skyscrapers have all the fun, the major gateway onto Abu Dhabi island is a sight in itself not to be missed. A welcoming symbol of grandeur, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge which carries traffic from the E10 into the heart of the city over the Maqtah Channel (Khor ala Maqta’a) is one of Abu Dhabi’s prettiest structures.

Stretching 842m, the undulating curved structure is brilliantly lit at night with an ever-changing lightening program (yes, it changes every night!); subtle and beautiful, it is one of Abu Dhabi’s most graceful mega-structures.

There is no charge to cross the bridge (unless planned tolls ever do come in to play) and strictly no stopping – it also has one of the best birds-eye views of the Grand Mosque which often tempts tourists to stop.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our tour through some of Abu Dhabi’s most spectacular landmark buildings. You can check out more of Abu Dhabi’s top sightseeing and attractions 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, as well as 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, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:

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.

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