Abu Dhabi · Dubai · UAE
Things to Do in Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Darrell Seale’s Picks
Darrell Seale has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2014. These are his recommendations for visitors, with a link to each official site. For planning, start with Visit Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi: culture and landmarks
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: one of the world’s largest mosques, with free guided tours
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: the museum under the floating dome on Saadiyat Island
- Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Frank Gehry’s museum on Saadiyat Island, opening 11 December 2026
- teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi: immersive digital art on Saadiyat Island
- Abrahamic Family House: a mosque, a church and a synagogue on one site
- Qasr Al Hosn: the city’s oldest stone building
- Qasr Al Watan: the presidential palace, open to visitors
- Emirates Palace: afternoon tea in one of the city’s grand hotels
- Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: guided tours of a working falcon hospital
- Warehouse421: contemporary art in Mina Zayed
Abu Dhabi: Yas Island
- Ferrari World: roller coasters and a roof walk
- Warner Bros. World
- SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
- Yas Waterworld
- Yas Marina Circuit: home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, open for cycling and driving experiences
Abu Dhabi: nature, islands and the desert
- The National Aquarium
- Hudayriyat Island: beaches, cycling and a ropes park
- Sir Bani Yas Island: a wildlife reserve off the western coast
- Qasr Al Sarab: a desert resort in the Empty Quarter dunes
- Al Ain Zoo: in the inland garden city of Al Ain
Dubai
- Burj Khalifa: the world’s tallest building, with dining at At.mosphere
- Museum of the Future
- Dubai Frame
- The Dubai Mall: the Dubai Aquarium and the Dubai Fountain show
- La Perle: an aqua theater show
- Burj Al Arab: afternoon tea
- Global Village: seasonal pavilions from around the world
- Dubai Miracle Garden
- Atlantis, The Palm: Aquaventure waterpark and aquarium dives
- Deep Dive Dubai: one of the world’s deepest pools for diving
- Skydive Dubai: tandem jumps over the Palm
- Ski Dubai: indoor skiing
- Hot-air balloon flights: sunrise over the desert
- Dubai Autodrome: single-seater driving experiences
- Dinner in the Sky
Beyond Abu Dhabi and Dubai
- UAE Grand Tour: a route across all seven emirates
- Jebel Jais: the UAE’s highest peak and one of the world’s longest ziplines, in Ras Al Khaimah
- Hatta: mountain lakes and kayaking in the Hajar Mountains