Discover the famous landmarks in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a metropolitan city featuring futuristic skyscrapers and some of the world’s best shopping destinations. Geographically, given the emirate’s location on the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi also offers a variety of beaches, wildlife reserves and oases. The UAE’s capital presents a balanced outlook of the traditional and the contemporary. Where at one end you’d find theme parks and modern architectural marvels in the city, there are several historical landmarks of interest, including memorials and impressive museums on the other end.
This city founded by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late founder of the UAE, was designed by architect Dr. Takahashi. Let’s look at some of the famous landmarks in Abu Dhabi that make it stand apart from other emirates.
FAMOUS ABU DHABI LANDMARKS
Al Ain Museum
The Al-Ain Museum is the oldest museum in the UAE. This museum traces the history of the Al Ain from the ancient time to the founding of the UAE in the early 1970s. The museum’s exhibits display artefacts from archeological sites in the region, including primitive flint tools dating back to 6,000 BCE. Al Ain Museum is home to pots found in ancient tombs on the nearby Jebel Hafeet mountain.
However, not every artefact displayed in the museum is ancient. The NASA gifted moon rock from the Apollo 17 trip is also on display at the museum
Al Jahili Fort
Al Jahili Fort was built in the 1890s to serve as the home of the then ruling family. The fort is situated in a luxuriant garden and is said to be one of the biggest forts in the UAE. In 2007, the Department of Culture and Tourism began restoring the fort to serve as a cultural center.
Today, among other displays, the Al Jahili Fort holds a permanent exhibition narrating the story of British explorer and photographer Sir Wilfred Thesinger.
Emirates Palace
Abu Dhabi is home to one of the most luxurious hotels on Earth – the Emirates Palace. Built in an Arabesque style, it offers guests coffee made in part, from 24-carat gold leaf and a vending machine made of pure gold.
The hotel is bordered by a beach and surrounded by lush gardens. Given its grandeur and beautiful facade and architecture, the Emirates Palace Hotel has been featured in a variety of Bollywood and Hollywood films.
The Founder’s Memorial
Built to honour H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, the Memorial features a three-dimensional art piece by Ralph Hemrick built from 1,327 geometric objects suspended along 1,110 cables.
When viewed together, the geometric shapes form various interpretations of the founder’s likeness, allowing each visitor to have their own unique encounter when visiting the memorial. Various vantage points on the property of the memorial also offer different viewpoints of the portrait.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, the building that houses the museum is almost as much a draw for tourists as the collections inside. Nouvel designed the museum as an ode to the Emirati villages. Visitors walk under a thatched roof built from palm fronds underneath the impressive floating dome. The Arabian Gulf surrounds the courtyard, and the sparkling blue waters form an impressive backdrop for photographers.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi was opened in 2017 with more than 600 works in its collection, including iconic pieces by European artists such as Rodin, Monet and Da Vinci. The museum also displays ancient objects like sarcophagi from Egypt and weapons from the Neolithic era. It operates under an agreement between the French and UAE governments and was the first major museum that opened in Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Watan
One of the prominent landmarks in Abu Dhabi is the Presidential Palace, recently opened for public. The building features soaring ceilings, golden arches and opulent architectural and design elements throughout.
It is also home to a massive library and many historic documents about the UAE and Abu Dhabi. For example, the UAE Constitution is housed here. Additionally, the palace puts on a spectacular light show each night for visitors to enjoy.
Qasr Al Muwaiji
Built at the beginning of the 20th century by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Khalifa, the building is a square enclosure with corner towers and a large, ornate entrance gate. During the reign of H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the building and the mosque were renovated and expanded.
An exhibition hall has since been added to the structure that allows visitors to learn about the history of the fort and the people who lived there. Qasr Al Muwaiji is also the birthplace of the current president of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Qasr al-Hosn
The Qasr al-Hosn predates the UAE. Even though some sources refer to it as a watchtower, it was built in 1790 as a fort and is considered to be Abu Dhabi’s first permanent building. During the 1930s, it became home to the royal family. In the 1980s the National Archives were moved to this location.
Later, the Cultural Foundation building was constructed adjacent to the Qasr al-Hosn. Both buildings underwent renovations in 2018, allowing them to serve as a museum offering a look into the region’s past. The Cultural Foundation also hosts the Children’s Library and the House of Artisans.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is often the image that pops up in people’s minds when they think of Abu Dhabi. The distinctive white domes and columns are known around the world. Opened in 2007, the structure features 1,192 columns and 82 domes.
The architectural design of the structure represents Mameluke, Fatimid, Moorish, Ottoman and Mughal influences. The main prayer hall is home to the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan is buried in the grounds of the mosque. An average of 55,000 people visit the mosque daily.
Wahat Al Karama
Within sight of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, this memorial is a tribute to the martyrs of the UAE. The name Wahat Al Karama translates to “the oasis of dignity”. The memorial consists of 31 aluminum tablets that all lean against each other and symbolise the values of mutual support, solidarity and unity between the leaders, civilians and armed service members of the UAE.
The UAE Armed Forces Pledge of Allegiance is engraved on part of the memorial. Poems by H.H. Sheikh Zayed are engraved on the tablets. The names, ranks and service branches of all fallen UAE service members are inscribed on the walls of the Pavillion of Honour.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Depending on the landmarks that interest you most, you may want to plan your accommodation in their proximity. Perhaps a hotel-apartment in the Al Nahyan area for visiting all the landmarks right in Abu Dhabi from a fairly central area.
Alternatively, for the landmarks in Al Ain, perhaps a property for rent in Abu Dhabi, in the eastern peripheries could facilitate a trip via plane or car eastward without much city traffic in the way. It could prove more comfortable also if you’re visiting internationally and prefer to stay close to the airport.
OTHER RESOURCES ON FAMOUS LANDMARKS OF ABU DHABI
Learn more about the popular landmarks in Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Secrets of One of the World’s Grand Places of Worship
- UAE Then and Now: Centuries go by but Qasr Al Hosn Remains the Heart of Abu Dhabi
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Qasr Al Watan
- The Founder’s Memorial
- Emirates Palace-Abu Dhabi
- Wahat Al Karama
- The Al Ain Museum
- Living in Abu Dhabi
- Qasr Al Muwaiji
- Al Jahili Fort
