Information for Travelers
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is located on an offshore island in the Persian Gulf.
The focus on oil exports and trade is reflected in modern skyscrapers and sprawling shopping malls such as Abu Dhabi and Marina Mall.
With a coastline surrounded by beaches, Abu Dhabi is one of the best places to visit in the UAE to combine sun and sand with a city break.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi are the main tourist attractions.
Saadiyat Island is one of the top destinations for sun seekers in Abu Dhabi.
Saadiyat Beach is a long stretch of white sand on the west coast of the island, with a small entrance fee for beachgoers.
It has excellent facilities including lifeguards on duty, a cafe for refreshments and plenty of sun loungers and shade.
For active sun lovers, you can rent kayaks and windsurfing equipment on the beach.
You can also kayak through the eastern mangroves and desert dune landscapes of Liwa Oasis just a short distance away, there are plenty of adventures and things to do in town.
For the best views of Abu Dhabi's glittering skyscrapers, you need to head out on the water.
The views of the skyscrapers are quite spectacular once you leave the marina.
Several different operators run tours for all types of budgets.
During the day, island tours are very popular and offer a relaxing tour option.
They include some beach time and snorkeling at various islands within the bay.
Culture
First inhabited by the nomadic Bani Yas tribe in 1760, the settlement remained a small fishing village until oil was discovered.
Revenues have transformed Abu Dhabi into today's modern city, a bustling center of government and business.
Under white marble domes, the grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque seats 41,000 worshipers with a massive Persian rug and crystal chandeliers.
The most spectacular museum in the Middle East, Louvre Abu Dhabi traces the entire history of humanity's artistic achievements, from the Neolithic to the present day.
The wealth and diversity of art on display, from ancient Egyptian statues to famous paintings by Picasso.
While the museum's contemporary architecture, with its galleries gathered under a vast silver dome, is a reason to visit in its own right.
The Louvre is the first of three major museums planned to open on Saadiyat Island, which is set to become the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi for years to come.
Ferrari World is one of the main attractions in the city for adrenaline seekers and families.
This branded theme park brings the excitement of Formula 1 racing to Abu Dhabi.
Read about Abu Dhabi in Wikipedia
Current time in Abu Dhabi UAE with seconds according to the official atomic clock.
