Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world with broad boulevards, highrises, apartment buildings and busy shops. This wealthy city has fascinating culture and provides fantastic opportunities to the tourists.

Furthermore, Abu Dhabi is surrounded by several major islands and some of them are in the process of developing multi-billion dollar resorts which are set to enrich the emirates’ profile even further.

Al Maqtaa Fort:

This is a 200-year old fort that can be watched whilest approaching the Al Maqtaa Bridge towards Abu Dhabi Island. It had been used as a watch house against invading bandits at the time. The fort has undergone several renovations with the time and it is a valuable attraction representing Abu Dhabi’s history.

Bateen Shipyard:

This is an interesting site, enabling you to watch how craftsmen build dhow vessels using traditional techniques. These wooden dhows are used for trading purposes and races. The craftsmen are usually very friendly and informative.

Dhow Cruising:

Dhow cruising in Abu Dhabi is the most enhanced way of sightseeing the lovely Gulf waters and numerous islands scattered around the city. These sailing vessels of ancient design are originally traditional wooden sailing boats used by merchants many centuries ago. But the modern Dhow with traditional design offers the latest facilities such as satellite navigation and quality rest rooms. Dhow cruising is popular among the tourists for its comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.

Heritage Village:

Located at the Breakwater in the middle of Abu Dhabi, Heritage village is designed as a living museum offering a glimpse into the country’s past. It exhibits Bedouin tradition and lifestyle detailing a variety of local traditions, as well as those of other cultures employed in agriculture, fishing and trading. The site features tents, courtyard houses, an ancient irrigation system and workshops where craftsmen ply their trades. Furthermore, there are souvenir shops where authentic pottery and exotic spices are available.

Khalifa Park:

This is the best place in Abu Dhabi for relaxation, fun and entertainment. Located in Al Matar, behind the old airport of Abu Dhabi, this landmark is popular among residents, as well as tourists. The park has a lot to offer for all types of visitors. It has a beautifully landscaped grand avenue, a central plaza for meeting, a maritime museum, a time tunnel ride, a monorail, an Amphitheatre, a party hall, a women & children’s garden, a theme park, a mosque and an Islamic garden also. Tours can be carried out via train or by foot, whichever is more convenient.

Khalifa Park Museum:

This museum provides information about the history and culture of Abu Dhabi. This history traces back to prehistoric times to the present time of Abu Dhabi. The Time Tunnel ride is the highlight of this museum, the monorail offers a journey of a living history with all the sights, sounds and smells of the past.

Old Airport Garden:

Located at the edge of Abu Dhabi Island, at the breakwater end, this serene spot is ideal for anyone who needs time out to relax by the sea and take in the wonderful views. It offers a play area for children and its landscape is particularly pleasing to the eye. In addition to this, it features the largest flagpole in the world.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque:

This is the third largest mosque in the world, also known as the Grand Mosque. This mosque is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was the founder and the first President of the United Arab Emirates. He is also buried there. The mosque acquires large area between Mussafah Bridge and Maqta Bridge. After its full renovation is should be able to hold up to around 10,000 worshippers. Once finished it will be a major landmark, although it is not yet certain whether visitors will be able to enter it.

Heritage Village:

Located at the Breakwater in the middle of Abu Dhabi, Heritage village is designed as a living museum. It exhibits Bedouin tradition and lifestyle detailing a variety of local traditions, as well as those of other cultures employed in agriculture, fishing and trading.

It features tents, courtyard houses, an ancient irrigation system, workshops where craftsmen ply their trades, a museum and much more.

The Corniche:

The picturesque area of the city is well known for its fountains, park-lined coastal boulevard that skirts the city and architecturally modern buildings that face the sea. Watch flower-filled gardens and modern high-rises on foot from east to west or enjoy a ride on a traditional wooden dhow and experience the changing views of the scenic skyline, parks and fountains. The Corniche Park located on the east side of Abu Dhabi Island is perfect for fishing and birdwatching .

Sheikh Zayed Mosque:

The third largest mosque in the world. This mosque is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was the founder and the first President of the United Arab Emirates. He is also buried there. The mosque acquires large area between Mussafah Bridge and Maqta Bridge. Non-Muslims cannot enter mosques in UAE but Sheikh Zayed Mosque will be an exception.

The Emirates Palace Hotel:

This wonderful seven star hotel is one of the Abu Dhabi's most popular landmarks and the venue for many of the city's cultural activities. The hotel is equipped with a huge conference centre and large landscaped gardens, palm trees and fountains. The hotel also welcomes any non-residents to come and enjoy the hotels surroundings.

Qasr al-Hosn:

Also known as the white or old fort, this palace is the oldest historic building of Abu Dhabi which dates back to 1793. It is located on Sheik Zayed First Street, in the centre of Abu Dhabi. This fort remained the royal palace and the seat of government until 1966. The fort itself is not open to the public but great pictures can be taken from the grounds surrounding it. The area also accommodates the popular Cultural Foundation centre which hosts a number of art, music and film events each year.

Attractions in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi's second major city

Al Ain National Museum:

The best place to explore the mixture of ancestry, heritage and culture of the people in Abu Dhabi. The museum is divided into two sections namely archaeology and ethnography. Also, there is third section in the museum where special gift artifacts are on sale.

The archaeological section exhibits artifacts such as blades, borers, burins, stone lids, shells and pottery items, ranging from the Stone Age to the Islamic period that dates back to thousands of years.

The ethnography section showcases relics from the past that establish the peculiarity of the local culture. The artifacts include a collection of female jewellery, agricultural techniques or tools, and craft items etc. Sultan Fort (Eastern Fort) situated opposite the Al Ain National Museum completes a visitor’s tour of the museum.

Al Ain University Natural History Museum:

Al Ain Natural History Museum showcases the abundant flora and fauna that inhabit the emirate’s wild and domesticated landscapes. This museum is run by the University of Al Ain.

Hili Archeological gardens

These are located 10km from Al Ain on the Dubai road. The area includes both an archeological site and a public garden. There are artifacts gathered from a Bronze Age settlement. A number of pieces excavated and restored are featured in the Al Ain Museum which is a good representation of the heritage and culture.

Camel Market

This is a unique souk which gives visitors a chance to meet the locals and experience their way of trading. Locals take the ownership of their valuable camels very seriously, discussing their qualities and importance to their way of life.

Al Ain Zoo & Aquarium:

This is one of the most popular zoos located in the UAE and is renowned for its great preservation of exotic wildlife. Here you are likely to spot species such as the Arabian Oryx and gazelles, the local wildlife. A good way of exploring the zoo is to take the train tour where you can witness amazing sights of the largest zoo in the Gulf region.

Exceptional Islands off the coast of Abu Dhabi City

Al Reem Island:

This is situated about 600 meters off the coast of the Island of Abu Dhabi. This multi-billion dollar business project has gained interest from foreign investors as it is one of the first free zones in Abu Dhabi where properties can be bought as leasehold. Furthermore, it plans to become one of the most impressive tourist attractions, with developments growing in the entertainment sector; such as amusement parks, museums and an aquarium.

Futaisi Island:

This island is located just three miles from Abu Dhabi and is privately owned by Sheik Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. It is famously known as being one of the most historical islands with evidence dating back hundreds of years. Archeological findings have associated the island with supplying sweet water, and materials for building forts, for the inhabitants of Abu Dhabi. It also features an authentic Arabian Fort which is built out of traditional mud bricks. However, the Futaisi Island is not only praised for its historical attractions but also because the majority of the island is untouched due to its shallow waters in some parts, making it difficult to access by boat and so wild life and marine life can remain in peace. This is a top tourist attraction.

Lulu Island:

Lulu Island is located just opposite the Corniche and easily accessible by boat. It officially opened in 2007 and ever since it has been a popular attraction for tourists and even residents who want to escape from the busy centre of Abu Dhabi. This large man-made island is an ideal spot for short weekend trips and soon it will be linked by a bridge or tunnel to Abu Dhabi, making it even easier to gain access to. Take a refreshing dip in a pool or by the beach and have a treat in restaurants, coffee shops and cafeterias on the island.

Saadiyat Island:

This means the ‘Island of Happiness’ which is what the developers hope to achieve when it is finally completed around 2018. It is located 500 meters off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The $27 billion dollar project is currently underway, in order to become Abu Dhabi’s prominent cultural centre. The Island is set to feature the largest Guggenheim Museum at 30,000 sq m’s, the famous French Louvre museum (expected to complete in 2012), as well as a chain of the New York University for those that want to study abroad.

Sir Bani Yas Island:

This is the largest island off the coast of Abu Dhabi at a distance of 150 miles. It has been an on-going development, featuring luxurious hotels, leisure facilities and shopping malls. It also plans to host the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 2009, from its Ferrari World theme park. Apart from the modern attractions the island is also well known for its area set aside for the reservation of nature. The island consists of thousands of exotic species which have managed to survive because of its advanced conservation scheme. Boasting also three Bedouin style palaces this is definitely a must see island for those visiting Abu Dhabi.