The best cultural outings to do in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the city in the United Arab Emirates where there is a wide choice of cultural outings adapted to children and adults. You will enjoy visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Zayed Heritage Center Museum to learn more about the culture of the Emirates, strolling through the souks and many other places. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, couples or on your own, you’ll enjoy these top cultural outings in Abu Dhabi.
1. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
One of the largest mosques in the world is located in the UAE in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi under the name of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It is unique in its architecture with large domes, huge columns, 24-carat gold chandeliers and a hand-woven carpet in the prayer hall.
This mosque was created by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan before his death. The aim was to have a historical impact and to embody the message of peace, tolerance and diversity of Islam. It is a spiritual place open to non-Muslims to visit. It is the ideal place to learn more about the religion of this country. You can enjoy a free guided tour offered by the cultural pole of the mosque.
You will enjoy walking around, sitting and listening to the call to prayer. It is a place that speaks to believers and non-believers alike. With its large spaces, its architecture, its atmosphere, its pool, you can’t help but feel at peace. We advise you to go there at the end of the day to enjoy the beautiful lights and the transition between day and evening on the mosque.
For those who love photography, you will be in your own little paradise. There are several spots that you will enjoy taking pictures of.
Important information:
– It is mandatory to respect the religious and cultural codes before visiting the mosque. It is necessary to wear an appropriate dress: no shorts, no short skirt and the shoulders must be covered. Also, the head covered with a veil. You will get all the information at the entrance of the mosque. Dresses for women and men are available free of charge. Abayas (long dresses), veils for women and traditional dresses for men.
– Make sure your behavior is appropriate and in keeping with the place. It is important to respect the culture and religion of the people.
– Admission is open to all and completely free.
– He is allowed to take pictures of himself.
– It is not possible to visit the mosque during the Friday prayer. It is necessary to inquire about the schedules. They vary depending on the time of year.
Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street – 5th St – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: Daily from 9am to 10pm (for visits).
Telephone: +971 2 419 1919
Website : https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/Home
2. The Louvre Abu Dhabi: the first universal museum in the Arab world
It is one of the most visited places in the city. The Louvre Abu Dhabi was born out of a partnership with a dozen French museums, including the Louvre. Contrary to what one might think, it is not a copycat version of the Parisian museum. This museum has the particularity of being universal by welcoming works from all over the world. It was created with the motivation of embodying the energy and creativity of the contemporary Arab world by combining it with the multicultural heritage of the region.
There are several art galleries. The visit can be done alone or with a guide who will accompany you throughout the visit. It is also possible to download the free application of the museum. It will help you find your way around the museum.
After the visit, you can do some shopping in the museum store. Afterwards, you can have a coffee or a meal in the restaurant area. Don’t forget to take pictures outside the museum at the futuristic dome of the structure, composed of 7,850 stars filtering the sunlight creating a spectacular visual called “the rain of light”.
Additional information:
– There is an entrance fee. We advise you to buy your tickets online and to opt for the cut line option.
– Admission is free for children under 18 years old.
– Some galleries are closed due to new art installations. Please inquire before picking up your tickets.
– The museum is accessible to all. There is access at every place for people with reduced mobility. There are also strollers for children.
Address: Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Opening hours : closed on Mondays. Tuesday to Thursday open from 10am to 6:30pm and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 8:30pm.
The dome, cafes and restaurants are open until midnight. Telephone: +971 600 565566
Website : https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae
3. The Café at the iconic Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi
A majestic 7 star palace, the Emirates Palace is more than just a place to visit. Push the doors of this palace and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this place. It is like a palace from the Arabian Nights, the interior is in an oriental style with gilding, balustrades, chandeliers, large carpets, etc. Outside, there are several gardens, fountains and a large staircase to reach the Palace. It is a place that represents luxury and royalty in a warm atmosphere.
After visiting the Palace, you can enjoy the place by having a tea time, breakfast, lunch or dinner in one of the Palace’s restaurants. In each area of the Palace, indoors or outdoors, it is possible to book a table in these renowned restaurants: Vendome, Talea by Antonio Guida, Hakkasan, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Café under the dome, BBQ Al Qasr, Cascades, Las Brisas and Café Fountain.
The restaurants reflect Emirates Palace in the aspect of luxury with impeccable service, quality cuisine and a majestic location. Each restaurant has its own atmosphere and menu. On the menu, there is as much choice for vegetarians as for those who wish to have meat dishes for example.
For a coffee break, let yourself be tempted by a golden powdered cappuccino or a Camelccino with camel milk.
This is an experience you cannot miss if you are visiting Abu Dhabi.
Important information:
– There is a charge for visiting the Emirates Palace. But, if you just want to see the lobby, the entrance is free.
– Proper attire is required for the visit and for the restaurant as well.
– It is possible to stay at the Emirates Palace. All the information is on the website.
Address: West Corniche Road – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Schedule: we invite you to inquire directly on the website (link below) or to call them.
Telephone: +971 2 690 9000
Website : https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/abu-dhabi/
4. Discover the old Abu Dhabi: stroll through the city’s souks
In the United Arab Emirates, the place where you are immediately immersed in the local atmosphere is the souk. Whether you want to buy or not, a visit is a must. The walk will immerse you in the local Emirati look. There are several souks that give their names to the products sold.
There is the gold souk, Madinat Zayed, you will find many jewelry shops selling gold and jewelry. The Iranian souk known for selling carpets. At Al Mina souk, you can buy fruits and vegetables. Don’t miss a visit to Al Ain Souk. Stroll through the souk and immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere.
5. Qasr al Watan, the old fort of Abu Dhabi
The old Abu Dhabi fort was built in the 18ᵉ century. This palace was the seat of government and the residence of the ruling family. This oldest building in Abu Dhabi is now a cultural foundation that houses a whole collection of materials on the historical and cultural heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. In short, it is now a place that invites every visitor to take an interest and learn more about the culture and history of the UAE.
Within the palace, you will find a library and the Qasr Al Wan House of Knowledge. To book your tickets, simply visit the official Qasr Al Watan ticketing office.
Address: West Corniche Road – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Schedule: we invite you to inquire directly on the website (link below) or to call them.
Telephone: +971 2 690 9000
Website : https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/abu-dhabi/
6. Visit the Zayed Heritage Center
The Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi also known as Zayed Heritage Center is the place that through scenographies represents the traditional Emirati life before the big constructions and its development boom. Exhibitions and presentations are organized to convey to the visitors the heritage of these cultures as a glimpse of a typical Bedouin camp. There are exhibits featuring traditional everyday objects, as well as the presentation of local agriculture and the pearl hunting trade, the main economies of the past.
It is a museum worth visiting that will immerse you in the authenticity of the UAE. It is a way to learn about and understand some of the customs that are ingrained and important to the locals even today.
Address: Baynounah Street – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Schedules:
open from Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm and on Fridays from 8 am to 12 pm. The museum is closed on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
Telephone: +971 2 665 9555
Website : https://torath.gov.ae
7. Manarat al Saadiyat, the cultural summit in Abu Dhabi
Manarat al Saadiyat is a place of connection for those who love art. The program includes exhibitions, cultural activities and also events around art. It is a meeting place for creative people, artists and art lovers in all its forms. There are indeed exhibitions, but also concerts, shows, film screenings and many other programs.
The place leads to discovery and curiosity with its different spaces. There is a space for expression and innovation that serves as a space for art workshops for young and old, a space for theatrical performances, an auditorium and other spaces. After or in between exhibitions, you can take a break in the café brasserie of Manarat al Saadiyat.
If you’re visiting Abu Dhabi and love art, don’t miss out on this premier venue for Abu Dhabi art and culture summit.
Address: Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Hwy – Al Saadiyat Island – Cultural District – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Opening hours : open from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
Telephone: +971 2 657 5800
Website : https://abudhabiculture.ae
8. Meet Emirati women artisans at the Women Handicraft Center
Located in Al Mushrif, the Women Handicraft Center is a showcase for local handicrafts. It is run by the Abu Dhabi Women’s Association. It is organized in several spaces. A small museum area where you can see the creations of local artists, a store where you can buy souvenirs and also some kind of huts that serve as workshops for women artists. In these workshops, the women exhibit their products such as local clothes, incense, perfumes and many other handmade objects. You will surely have the opportunity to see them working like weaving. It is interesting to see how the finished product was made. If you have gifts to give, this is a good place to buy a handmade item and support these women artists.
Important information:
– It is important to respect the culture of the country. Good behavior is essential.
– When you enter the shop, please remove your shoes. In the KAU, you take off your shoes when you enter someone’s home.
– Please always ask permission before photographing women.
Situation : General Women’s Union
Address: C9RQ+6XC – Al Mushrif – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Women Handicraft Center is closed on weekends (Saturday and Sunday)
Telephone: +971 2 447 6645
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