7 reasons why Abu Dhabi stands apart from its neighbours

From Emirati cuisine to immersive desert adventures, the capital of the UAE has much to offer

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is the cultural and political heart of the nation. Yet this expansive emirate often lives in the shadow of its bolder, brasher neighbours, with glitzier Dubai to the north and the mystique of Saudi Arabia to the south capturing the attention of international travellers.

For those who do touch down in Abu Dhabi, a wealth of experiences await, from world-class dining and cultural highlights to breathtaking moments amid nature. As Abu Dhabi prepares to host the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants annual awards in January, discover a range of reasons why this enigmatic destination should be on your bucket list.

Art – and architecture – taking you to a higher plane

While Dubai may grab the headlines for its bigger-is-better architecture and record-breaking sights, Abu Dhabi is the country’s undisputed epicentre for art and culture, home to an array of galleries and iconic landmarks. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an essential stop on any visit to the capital. Wander through the soaring marble and mosaic arches as the call to prayer echoes through the air, creating an other-worldly ambience.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is home to an impressive art collection – and great restaurants

Nearby, on Saadiyat Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi boasts an impressive collection of antiquities and modern art, an inspiring Children’s Museum, and temporary exhibitions showcasing works from the Old Masters. Go for the striking architecture as much as the coveted artworks inside. Also within the Saadiyat Cultural District, the Abrahamic Family House is home to a contemporary mosque, synagogue and church, which is designed to foster a sense of connection and understanding between the three Abrahamic faiths: Islam, Judaism and Christianity. From here, it’s a 20-minute taxi ride to Qasr Al Watan, the working Presidential Palace – time your visit for the evening when a light show illuminates the façade, telling the story of the UAE’s past, present and future.

Speeding up proceedings

To counter the over-riding tranquility of the capital, indulge in some of Abu Dhabi’s more adrenaline-pumping pursuits. Take a spin on the Yas Marina Circuit in an Aston Martin or  Alfa Romeo, clocking speeds of up to 186mph. If you’d rather leave the driving to the professionals, buckle up for a ride on the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, topping out at 149mph, or speed down the region’s tallest waterslide at Yas Waterworld. 

Discovering diverse nature, from sand to sea

For nature lovers, Abu Dhabi is home to surprisingly diverse landscapes, including 200 islands and a 700km coastline of pure white sands and turquoise sea. Enjoy a leisurely kayak through the Jubail Mangrove Park, a protected sanctuary between Yas and Saadiyat islands that’s a natural habitat for sea turtles, flamingos and myriad fish species.

Further afield, spot gazelles, giraffes, Arabian oryx and cheetahs at the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island, where more than 17,000 animals roam free. Take a guided 4x4 safari through the park, or spend the night at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas, where 30 thatched villas are set on the edge of the savannah. 

Sea turtles, flamingos and a variety of fish can be seen in the Jubail Mangrove Park

For a true taste of Arabia, immerse yourself in the myths and legends of Rub’ al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert. If you’d like to team luxury with adventure, stay at Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa, a desert oasis where bespoke experiences include camel, horse and 4x4 safaris across the endless dunes.

Savouring Emirati cuisine with heart and soul

Taste authentic Emirati cuisine at Al Mrzab, a homey eatery that offers delicate majbous (aromatic rice pilaf with chicken or lamb) and mutaban (potato wedges filled with spiced meat). At Al Fanar, sample flavourful Emirati fare, from breakfasts of shakshuka or chebab (saffron and cardamom pancakes) to dinner platters brimming with grilled seabass, prawns and calamari. For homespun hospitality, visit Yadoos House, near the National Exhibition Centre. Meaning ‘Grandmother’s House’, this welcoming restaurant offers classic Emirati cookery, such as salona (slow-cooked spiced chicken, lamb or fish stew), Arabic biryani and sugar-soaked kunafa (crunchy pastry filled with cheese or cream) for dessert.

For a modern, more elevated take on Emirati flavours, dine at Erth Restaurant in the Qasr Al Hosn cultural site, where contemporary plates combine locally grown ingredients, regional spices and cutting-edge cooking techniques.

Embracing Riviera-style dining on the water’s edge

Beyond the vibrant Middle Eastern menus, Abu Dhabi is also home to an array of chic European restaurants. Enjoy bright French-Mediterranean flavours on the terrace at LPM Abu Dhabi, backdropped by glittering Al Maryah Island views. Or try Italian Talea by Antonio Guida which features an upscale dining room and breezy patio overlooking the lawn and waterways of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. 

LPM Abu Dhabi has found a sweet spot between tradition and innovation

On Yas Island, share classic Italian dishes at Cipriani as you gaze across Yas Marina’s glamorous flotilla of yachts. Or dine at Paradiso on the pier at Yas Bay Waterfront, where the Cannes transplant serves sun-kissed pizza and pasta favourites on a vibey al fresco terrace.

Artisanal sips to savour

Coffee is the lifeblood of Arabian culture and hospitality, with its history in the region dating back to the 11th century. Today, a band of local coffee roasters celebrates that heritage, launching boutique roasteries and artisanal coffee shops across the country. Buy freshly roasted beans from Cartel Coffee Roasters, founded by three Emirati brothers in 2018. Sip a syphon, nitro or V60 made from sustainably and ethically sourced beans at Joud Coffee, which boasts a roasting facility and a string of sleek cafés across the emirate. And order freshly roasted beans and speciality brews at pastel-pretty The Echo Cafe in Khalifa Park.

Wellness rituals that cleanse body and mind

Take some time for yourself  at the Qasr Al Sarab spa

Just as coffee holds a vital role in Arabian history, so too do the region’s bathing rituals. Indulge in traditional hammam at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Emirates Palace, where lavish marble interiors, flickering lanterns and soothing water features transport you to a Moroccan oasis. Relax on a warm marble slab as a therapist expertly cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises your body from head to toe. Or, book a rejuvenating wellness retreat at Qasr Al Sarab, where local healing therapies include the Rub’ Al Khali Healing Sand Bath. Immerse yourself in a bath of heated, mineral-rich sands while a cooling mask soothes and refreshes your face.

The full list of the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 will be revealed live from Abu Dhabi on Tuesday 28 January. Follow 50 Best on Facebook, Instagram and X to stay in the loop.