1. Abu Dhabi Corniche
Dotted with skyscrapers and parks, the stretch of road running parallel to the Arabian Gulf from Mina port till Qasr Al Watan Palace is popularly known as the corniche.
The street which also carries the same name was reclaimed from the sea in the early 2000s and has along it some of the city’s most well know landmarks, like the city’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment Authority buildings (at 185m tall, it is one of the most striking buildings in the Middle East), the Landmark tower, Bayunah Tower, Adnoc Onshore and HQ buildings (ADNOC is the main oil producing company of the UAE), the Emirates Towers and the Founder’s Memorial.
One can comfortably bike or run the 8km stretch of the Corniche thanks to immaculately kept bike and jogging tracks, while taking breaks at one of the numerous cafes that dot the stretch to catch a glimpse of the turquoise waters as the lap against the beautiful sea wall. The Corniche is also home to two of the city’s best beaches and some of the most iconic hotels, like the Emirates Palace Hotel or the Sheraton Hotel and Resort. So, in short, no matter what you are in the mood for as you head out to explore the city, the Corniche is bound to impress and satisfy.
2. Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Wahat Al Karama
Located at one end of Abu Dhabi Island and a stone’s throw away from the UAE mainland, is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It is the largest mosque in the UAE and one of the largest in the world and was built not just as a place of worship but also as a place where visitors can learn more about the religion itself. It’s design has been inspired by a multitude of cultures – Arab, South Asia, North African and Persian – we for example couldn’t but help draw parallels between the Taj Mahal because of the extensive use of white marble. Similarly, the sourcing of the materials for the different elements was done from across the world, be it the marble from India, Italy, or North Macedonia, or the carpet from Iran (in-turn made of wool from New Zealand), or the chandeliers from Germany, and the lighting design by a UK based agency. This wonder which took almost 13 years to complete, is easily accessible by road and can even be viewed from the highway to Dubai/ Al Ain.
Opposite the Grand Mosque is the Wahat Al Karama complex, which was built in memory of all the lives lost by the UAE Armed Forces in the conflict in Yemen. Its not just a beautiful memorial, but is also an excellent spot for taking breathtaking photos of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Both these spots have ample parking space and are worth a visit at any time of the day – we would recommend though, visiting it at sunset.
3. The Breakwater Area
Driving off the corniche near the Radisson Blu Hotel (formerly the Hilton), one arrives at a narrow stretch of land that juts out into the sea, acting as a great spot for berthing boats and yachts.
This area, known as the Breakwater, was one of the earliest leisure areas in Abu Dhabi, and continues to be a major draw for people who want to relax while listening to the waves lap against the rocks, or those who want to grab a glimpse of the Abu Dhabi skyline reflected against the sea. At the same time, its also a major haunt for those who want a glimpse of the UAE’s history at the Heritage Village while also being able to shop at some of the leading luxury brands at the nearby Marina Mall. Finally, there are those who just enjoy feeding the innumerable sea gulls that dwell in the area near one of the tallest flagpoles in the world, especially during the cooler months between November and April.
4. Qasr Al Hosn
Looking at the skyscrapers that dot the city, it’s easy to forget that Abu Dhabi was not always a vertical city with residents living in buildings with glass facades.
A visit to the Qasr Al Hosn Palace which is in the heart of the city reminds visitors the desert origins of the city, dating back more than two hundred years. While the palace is not representative of the humble lives led by the average residents of the time, it is a throwback to simpler times, when even the lives of those who governed and presided over this magnificent city was all about defending it against both man-made and natural elements.
5. Qasr Al Watan
In contrast to the Qasr al Hosn Palace, the Qasr Al Watan showcases the rise of Abu Dhabi and the UAE from its humble origins to the wealthy status that it enjoys today. The palace which till recently used to play host to world leaders and dignitaries, has been opened to the public since 2019. The grand and opulent interiors are truly amazing and something that leaves one spellbound in their magnificence.
