Abu Dhabi for Culture Vultures
Discovering the Emirate’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Abu Dhabi’s culture is rooted in the region’s Islamic traditions and its foremost message of peace. A mix of international influences paired with loyalty to local heritage has resulted in a welcoming capital city that boasts a charming mix of new and old. In just a short drive, you can experience the rich history and heritage of the region.
Perhaps you want to bring the family on an educational tour of the country, without the long flights. Maybe you just want to plan a staycation exploring the cultural sites in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Explore the best of United Arab Emirates architecture, arts, music, and beyond in this week long itinerary of Abu Dhabi for Culture Vultures.
Day 1
Start your morning exploring one of Abu Dhabi’s must-see cultural attractions, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi showcases an impressive example of Arabic architecture. Syrian architect, Yousef Abdelky, designed the mosque using inspirations from Persian, Mughal, and Indo-Islamic architecture. It represents the Emirate’s largest mosque and holds up to 40,000 people.
Sheikh Zayed looks like an Arabian Taj Mahal with its white marble domes and archways. Inside, imported chandeliers from Germany drip in Swarovski crystals. The main prayer room features the world’s largest rug and shines with marble inland with mother of pearl.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomes visitors to explore the 30 acres. The mosque operates as a religious, cultural, and educational center in Abu Dhabi. Take advantage of the many cultural events hosted throughout the year. End your visit by stopping to see Wahat Al Karama just across the way. This imposing memorial pays tribute to the fallen Emirati heroes who have sacrificed their lives for their country.
Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street، – 5th St – Abu Dhabi
Day 2
Spend the morning experiencing art over time, from the past into the future. The Louvre Abu Dhabi tells the chronological history of the arts with over 600 pieces from around the world.
Begin in the early galleries (1-3), exploring art from the first villages to the great civilizations of Egypt, Persia, and beyond. Continue to the Wing 2 galleries (4-6) to observe how the international trade routes and religions impact art. The next galleries (3-9) show globalization and art progression into the 18th century. Finally, Wing 4 reveals the art of the modern world. New exhibitions appear on rotation, including foresight into the future of art.
Enjoy a delicious meal at nearby Fouquet’s restaurant before completing your museum experience with a leisurely kayak trip around the building to examine its architecture up close.
Location: Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi
Day 3
Dedicate the day touring of one of the country’s most significant landmarks. Plan to have lunch at the Marsa Al Bateen Marina.
Culture vultures looking for a chance to learn about local history shouldn’t miss out on the House of Knowledge in the Presidential Palace – Qasr Al Watan. Located in the East Wing, the collection of artefacts and antiquities documents the Islamic Golden Age, which inspired the European Renaissance.
Manuscripts stand out as some of the earliest Arab contributions to science, literature, and art. The lending library of over 50,000 books illuminates the political, social, and cultural history of the region. Notice each color of the mosaic hallways, which represent blue for the Arabian Gulf waters, yellow for the Arabian sands, and white for purity and peace.
End with a visit to The Founder’s Memorial, a beautifully-sculpted park area of 3.3 hectares celebrating the stories, history and culture of the country. The memorial area features a 3D sculpture in lights of the UAE’s founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Location: Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi
Day 4
Venture outside the city to the east and visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites. A two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi will bring you through the enchanting desert terrain to an ancient oasis and burial sites.
Meaning “The Spring”, Al Ain is an impressive oasis of working farms and pathways shaded by date palms spanning 3,000 acres. For over 4,000 years, caravans would stop here along their way from the coast to Oman. Today, it represents one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Al Ain, visitors can stroll historic structures and lush greenery at the Al Hili Oasis, Al Jimi Oasis, Al Qattara, or Al Ain Oasis. Also on site: The Al Ain Cultural Palace, a Bedoiun-style castle built in 1937 and previously inhabited by former UAE president Sheikh Zayed, and Qasr Al Muwaiji, an impressive fortress also dating from the early 20th century for Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First. The Al Ain Museum walks visitors through the history of the UAE.
Hili Archaeological Park
The Hili Archaeological Park contains the earliest evidence of an agricultural village in the United Arab Emirates. In addition, archaeologists uncovered Bronze Age (3000 BCE-1300 BCE) and Iron Age (1300 BCE-300 BCE) villages, burial grounds, and agricultural infrastructures. They even found fingerprints dating back 3,000 years!
Location: Al Hili – Abu Dhabi
Jebel Hafeet Tombs
The Jebel Hafeet Beehive Tombs date back to around 3000 BC. The cemetery site sits at the foot of the country’s tallest mountain peak, Jabal Hafeet, making this UNESCO World Heritage sites UAE well-worth the trip. The tombs look like small stone igloos, and some still contain skeletal remains!
Location: Jebel Hafeet – Al Ain
Day 5
Explore the local history of Abu Dhabi through music, dance, and culture, with frequent festivals and rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Follow that by getting up close and personal with the country’s iconic national bird, the falcon.
Qasr Al Hosn and the House of Artisans
Discover the story of the Emirates in one of the country’s most significant landmarks. Built in the 1790s, Qasr Al Hosn first served as a fortress during the early settlement of Abu Dhabi. It then provided the seat of government until the 1960s.
After a series of renovations, Qasr Al Hosn converted into the House of Artisans, a museum dedicated to the local history and culture. Today you can tour the art installations, hear musical performances, and participate in workshops. Schedule a visit during December to attend the Al Hosn Festival, presenting art, design, and performances alongside traditional crafts.
Location: Next to Al Hosn Palace – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
What better way for culture vultures to experience the UAE than at a facility dedicated to the country’s symbolic bird of prey? For thousands of years, Bedouins have relied on falcons for their wits and fast flying abilities, ideal for hunting live prey like rabbits, game birds, and even small gazelles. The falcon represents the country’s national bird, a symbol of pride and courage in the region.
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital receives over 11,000 falcons annually for examinations and treatment. See the beautiful bird up close. The public facility welcomes tourist visits and interns interested in learning more about this iconic symbol of the UAE.
Location: Near the Abu Dhabi International Airport – Sweihan Rd St
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