The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi has cemented a reputation as an outstanding tourist destination. As you might expect, this city offers a myriad of captivating attractions for visitors including diverse cultural features, sightseeing highlights, shopping options, natural wonders, adventure opportunities and more. To make your trip more rewarding, described below are some of the exciting experiences you could enjoy during your visit to this city.

Image via Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort

Undoubtedly, one of Abu Dhabi’s most magnificent edifices is the splendid Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which will be a striking attraction for visitors to take in. This mosque is renowned for its impressive architecture and eye-catching design elements. Everything about this place of worship is majestic and extravagant including its remarkable Persian carpet, marble mosaic artworks, Swarovski chandeliers plated in gold, columns embedded with semiprecious stones and shimmering pools. Teams of skilled specialists from across the globe contributed to the construction of this amazing religious attraction which should definitely be added to your itinerary.

Your visit to Abu Dhabi wouldn’t be complete without taking an exciting desert safari in the Empty Quarter which is the largest continuous sand desert on the planet! One of these safaris would take you to the expanses of the desert where you could enjoy many distinctive experiences. Undoubtedly, a highlight will be a session of dune bashing, on which a skilled driver would take you across the massive sand dunes at speed in a high-powered four-wheel-drive vehicle. Other enjoyable aspects of your desert safari could include a camel ride, riding all-terrain vehicles and sand boarding; adding to the appeal of such an escapade is the chance to savour a delicious Arabian meal and view belly dancing and other traditional performances.

Art and culture lovers should undoubtedly take the opportunity to visit the remarkable Louvre Abu Dhabi which may be regarded as one of the outstanding museums to be found in the Arab world. At this institution, you will have the chance to view an array of works that have sociological, historical and cultural significance. Within this site, you can admire its excellent Permanent Gallery as well as the Temporary Gallery which displays works borrowed from noteworthy museums in France. Even the building which houses this museum, designed by Jean Nouvel, may be regarded as something of an artwork in itself.

On the other hand, wildlife enthusiasts looking to enjoy some unique sightseeing in Abu Dhabi can visit the appealing Arabian Wildlife Park which you will find on Sir Bani Yas Island, which is a great place for a getaway as well. Here, you can encounter an array of exotic creatures of the wild with over 17,000 free-roaming animals to be seen. Some of the attractive wildlife to be spotted include the Arabian Oryx, giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, sand gazelles, antelopes, and more. A choice of accommodation on the island to consider from which you could easily explore this wildlife park is Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort.

Anyone with an interest in sports cars and motor racing will be enthralled at the amazing Ferrari World Abu Dhabi which boasts a mesmerizing collection of rollercoasters, other exciting rides and Ferrari-related attractions. Interestingly, this theme park boasts the world’s fastest rollercoaster, namely the Formula Rossa, in addition to many other alluring features of interest. A special experience here is the absorbing Bell’Italia ride which would take you around miniature versions of the iconic attractions of Italy on a replica of a Ferrari sports car.

Another popular leisure attraction in Abu Dhabi is the idyllic Corniche Beach where you could soak up the sunshine. Here, visitors could enjoy the inviting white sands and admire the lovely turquoise waters. You could also stroll along the pleasant seafront boardwalk and experience the beautifully maintained gardens. There will additionally be many features that would appeal to active travellers, like football pitches, volleyball courts, playing fields and pathways for cyclists and pedestrians.