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The picture shows the skyline of Abu Dhabi at sunset. The illuminated skyscrapers are reflected in the water, while the sky is coloured in shades of orange.
The picture shows the skyline of Abu Dhabi at sunset. The illuminated skyscrapers are reflected in the water, while the sky is coloured in shades of orange.

Abu Dhabi

Published: 06 March 2025, 09:30

A glittering metropolis in the desert

Abu Dhabi is booming. A city of the future is emerging between the coast and the desert. Spectacular skyscrapers, ultra-modern shopping malls, and futuristic architecture characterise the face of the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Here, a business mentality is combined with Arabian tradition and imposing mosques. Magnificent buildings such as the white Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the lively Corniche waterfront promenade are among the highlights. Art and culture are written large with the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the planned opening of a Guggenheim Museum. In short, Abu Dhabi is a fascinating travel destination that combines tradition and modernity. Abu Dhabi is the largest city in the emirate of the same name, which is located on the Persian Gulf. In addition to the city of Abu Dhabi, the emirate also includes other places of interest such as Al Ain and the oasis city of Liwa. It is also the largest of the seven emirates of the UAE.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: + three hours 
  • Population: 1.8 million 
  • Official language: Arabic
  • Currency: UAE dirham (AED)

Five highlights of Abu Dhabi

The picture shows a modern skyline with glass skyscrapers. In the foreground, there are palm trees, water features, and benches. A flag of the United Arab Emirates is flying in the wind.
Abu Dhabi is known for its impressive skyline: the most famous skyscrapers include the Etihad Towers – a complex of five high-rise buildings. © Oleg Zhukov/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a promenade with palm trees and green areas along the turquoise water and several skyscrapers in the background.
Parks, beaches, skyscrapers: the Corniche is Abu Dhabi's famous seafront promenade with fantastic views of the skyline and the Persian Gulf. © creativefamily/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a modern complex with a striking grey dome and white buildings surrounded by turquoise water.
Art in the water: what looks like a giant turtle is actually the Louvre Abu Dhabi – an architectural masterpiece designed by star architect Jean Nouvel. © Ed Nurg/stock.adobe.com
The image shows an impressive mosque with white marble domes, ornate minarets, and detailed Islamic architecture, surrounded by a green garden landscape.
The imposing Sheikh Zayed Mosque, with its white marble domes, is a religious symbol of the UAE and honours the country's founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. © Sergii Figurnyi/stock.adobe.com
In the foreground of the picture, there is a historic fort with sand-coloured walls and palm trees on a cobbled square. In the background, modern skyscrapers with glass facades are visible. The sky is overcast.
The oldest historic building in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn was originally built as a fortress in 1761 and is now a museum that provides an insight into the city's history. © fons/stock.adobe.com

Where urbanity meets nature – the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Between the desert and the coast, the emirate of Abu Dhabi has many fascinating places to discover. Saadiyat Island is home to the Louvre and the planned Guggenheim Museum, as well as beautiful beaches for swimming and snorkelling. In the Eastern Mangrove National Park, you can explore the dense mangrove forest by kayak or on foot along the long wooden walkway. Yas Island, home to the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit and several theme parks, is a leisure paradise. A trip to the 'garden city' of Al Ain, on the border with Oman, reveals important archaeological sites that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Near Abu Dhabi, desert safaris from Liwa Oasis take you to the impressive sand dunes and Bedouin camps.

The area around Abu Dhabi

The picture shows a white sandy beach by a turquoise sea. There are palm trees and a narrow promenade in the foreground.
On Saadiyat Island, you can marvel at art treasures in the Louvre and, in the future, also in the Guggenheim Museum. There are also beautiful beaches here. © Myroslava/stock.adobe.com
Aerial view of a turquoise water landscape with mangrove forests and a pinkish jetty stretching out over the water.
Just like on a catwalk, you can explore the unique mangrove forests in the Jubail Mangrove Park on nature trails and watch birds and wildlife. © Freelancer/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a modern circuit with a futuristic building on the right. The track has turquoise stripes. The glass building has a curved facade.
Yas Island is home to the legendary Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix. It also boasts shopping malls, theme parks, golf courses, and a huge water park. © Sergey Kelin/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows traditional Arabic sand-coloured houses with walls, embedded in an oasis with palms. In the background, wide sand dunes stretch out under the bright sun.
Nestled among the giant sand dunes of the Rub' al Khali desert, the Liwa Oasis is an ideal starting point for desert safaris and encounters with the Bedouins. © Hamdan Yoshida/stock.adobe.com
The image shows a historic fortress with sand-coloured walls, a tower and decorations. In the foreground, there are palm trees and a spacious courtyard.
Garden city in the desert: Al Ain is an oasis city on the border to Oman. Here, the old fort, gardens, and museum are particularly worth seeing. © Kirk Fisher/stock.adobe.com

Abu Dhabi from BER

Aircraft about to land on the runway

Eurowings

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

Five tips for ...

1. Louvre Abu Dhabi: masterpieces by da Vinci, van Gogh, and Picasso

2. Manarat Al Saadiyat: Contemporary art and creative workshops

3. Qasr Al Hosn: the history and tradition of Abu Dhabi and the UAE

4. Etihad Modern Art Gallery: for lovers of modern art

5. Sheikh Zayed Mosque: White facade of Makran marble

1. WTC Souk: traditional market in a modern, air-conditioned building

2. Marina Mall: international brands from A to Z, skating rink, and food courts

3. Madinat Zayed Gold Souk: a paradise for gold and jewellery lovers

4. Al Mina Souk: fresh dates, hand-woven carpets, Arabic spices

5. Galleria Al Maryah Island: luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci

1. More than 4,000 animals: a day out at Al Ain Zoo in an oasis

2. Pure adventure: the world's fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World

3. A paradise for water lovers: Yas Waterworld with over 40 water slides

4. Corniche Beach: family-friendly beach with playgrounds and cafes

5. Ice skating at Zayed Sports City or Galleria Al Maryah Island

Picture Source title:
© Frédéric Prochasson/stock.adobe.com

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