---
okf_version: "0.2"
type: "Article"
title: "10 unique things to do in Abu Dhabi | Travelmemo"
description: "Sandy beaches, golf courses, and the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque are only three reasons why a trip to Abu Dhabi is worthwhile. Here are my 10 tips."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi-what-to-do"
language: en
author: "Katja Birrer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 22
tags: ["City Trip", "United Arab Emirates"]
entities:
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/united-arab-emirates"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/zuerich"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/city-trip"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/golf"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/museum"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/resort"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/sea-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culture"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/architecture"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/excursion-tips"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/luxury-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/restaurant"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/experience-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/vehicle-rental"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/organizations/swiss-international-air-lines"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2026-07-04T14:05:32+00:00 }
verified:
  - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2020-02-14T19:51:18+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: abu-dhabi-what-to-do.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Katja Birrer"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
timestamp: 2026-07-04T14:05:32+00:00
---

# 10 unique things to do in Abu Dhabi | Travelmemo

> Abu Dhabi, the capital and largest of the seven UAE emirates, blends futuristic architecture, world-class art, and vast desert landscapes into a destination known for restrained luxury compared to Dubai.

## Destination
Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, spread across more than 200 natural islands with a desert hinterland at the Liwa oasis.

## Getting there
Non-stop flights available from Zurich on Swiss or Etihad. Dubai is a 90-minute drive away, making a combined itinerary easy. Best explored by rental car or taxi; a Hop-On/Hop-Off bus covers city highlights and Yas Island on two lines.

## When to go
Visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque in late afternoon for glowing white views, and stay for dusk and the blue hour for the most striking light.

## Why visit
Abu Dhabi offers a concentrated mix of iconic Islamic architecture, presidential palaces, a Louvre outpost, championship golf courses, and quick access to dramatic Liwa desert dunes.

## What to see
- **Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque** — The largest mosque in the UAE and symbol of Abu Dhabi; most beautiful at dusk and during the blue hour.
- **Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace** — One of the world's most beautiful palaces, recently opened to the public; tickets recommended in advance.
- **Qasr Al Hosn Fortress** — Built in 1761, now a high-quality restored fort with a permanent exhibition on Abu Dhabi's history; open daily 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- **Emirates Palace Hotel** — Ultra-luxury hotel; lobby and Le Café are accessible without a reservation for a glimpse of the interior.
- **Louvre Abu Dhabi** — Designed by Jean Nouvel on Saadiyat Island; 64,000 sq m of galleries under a 180-meter aluminum dome; closed Mondays.
- **Saadiyat Island** — Abu Dhabi's art and culture hub, home to the Louvre, a planned Guggenheim, the National Museum, and white sand beaches.
- **Yas Island** — Home to the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit, Ferrari World amusement park, and the Yas Links Golf Course.

## What to do
- **Golf at Yas Links** — First and only genuine links golf course in the Arab world, set along the coast.
- **Golf at Saadiyat Golf Club** — Gary Player-designed 18-hole course on Saadiyat Island with ocean views; resident gazelles on the fairways.
- **Liwa Desert excursion** — Drive south to towering sand dunes; the Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara resort offers an immersive overnight desert experience.

## Good to know
Abu Dhabi is an expensive destination with prices comparable to Switzerland for meals, hotels, and attractions; taxis are cheap due to low fuel costs. Alcohol is heavily restricted, expensive, and prohibited in public; the drink-drive limit is zero. Green fees at top courses run around USD 170 per person when booked online via discount platforms.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - caption: "200 km south of Abu Dhabi you can experience the Rub al-Khali Desert up close: The 5-star desert resort Qasr Al Sarab offers the perfect base for camel riding and much more."
```