Very beautiful museum and one of the highlights of Abu Dhabi. Opened in November 2017, it is the first museum of its kind in the Arab world, created through a cultural partnership between France and the UAE. Its mission is to showcase the shared story of human creativity across civilizations, highlighting how cultures have always interacted, connected, and influenced one another. Designed by the renowned architect Jean Nouvel, the museum is famous for its spectacular silver dome, inspired by the traditional Arabian mashrabiyya. The dome weighs around 7,500 tons and Its intricate geometric pattern creates a stunning “rain of light” effect as sunlight filters through the lattice. The building appears to float on water, blending modern engineering with cultural symbolism. Louvre Abu Dhabi departs from the traditional separation of cultures. Instead, it presents world history through themes, displaying pieces from different civilizations side-by-side to highlight shared human experiences. Examples: - Ancient Egyptian statues next to early Greek artworks. - Chinese ceramics displayed with Middle Eastern pottery. - Religious manuscripts from Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism shown together. The museum features: - Permanent galleries with artworks spanning thousands of years, from prehistoric tools to modern masterpieces. - Rotating international exhibitions in collaboration with French museums, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and others. - Over 600 permanent artworks, supplemented by hundreds of loans from French institutions. It was overall a very nice, entertaining and educational time spent here.

Beautiful historical gem in the city. Surrounded by tall CBD business centers this old castle is gorgeous. We visited early October, it was 35C hot day. Rooms in the castle do not have aircons. Come prepared, grab a fan or smth to keep you cool. Ticket should be purchased in the building next door House of Artisans. Note - they DON’t take cash! House of Artisans is also a great spot to visit.

Despite the July heat, I loved walking around this place. The indoor exhibitions are excellent, offering great insight into Emirati history, traditions, and culture. We were warmly welcomed by two Emirati women in traditional dresses who offered us delicious tea, coffee, and dates grown in the heritage village's garden. An African woman, who was also working there, was incredibly patient and educated, answering all our questions about Emirati traditions in English. This place is a must-visit, especially since entry is free.

Step into a world of awe at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where pristine white marble, colossal columns, and shimmering chandeliers evoke pure tranquility. Begin at the underground mall, which offers both shopping and a quiet moment before your visit. For a unique approach, follow the pedestrian tunnel under the main road to the mosque entrance (a surprisingly modern intro to such a classical monument!). Once inside, marvel at the intricate floral mosaics and gold-tipped domes; even on a sunny day, the cool interiors and soft natural light are serene. Did you know the main prayer hall hosts one of the world’s largest hand-knotted carpets? Also, its chandelier—crafted in Germany—features Swarovski crystals; both are exquisite yet little known outside guidebooks! Must-do: Wander through the reflective pools at the mosque’s perimeter—catch the sunlight glimmering across the arches for an insta-worthy shot with nature and architecture in perfect harmony. Indoors, the “forest” of columns laced with amethyst and jasper makes for an iconic photo, while the main hall offers endless patterns for architectural close-ups. Tips: Dress respectfully—borrowed abayas and kanduras are available on site. Visit early to avoid crowds, especially before the afternoon prayer on Fridays when access may be limited. Watch for sudden weather: The transition between sunny and rainy can be striking against the mosque’s bright silhouette.

Absolutely worth the extra effort to get there. We were the only guests on this tour of a working falcon hospital. The doctors clearly want to share their love of these birds. This is not a tourist trap we spent about 1 1/2 hours on the tour and were able to hold them, and feed the falcons. We came home with a real experience and as many photos as you want to take. There is a small museum of falcon culture, accoutrements, and history. The facility also cares for a limited number of other birds of prey such as owls. Do allow extra time as the taxi driver missed the exit, but the facility has to be far away from power lines to protect the birds in flight.

Hakkasan, located within the prestigious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, is a true benchmark for refined Chinese gastronomy. Awarded a Michelin star, this restaurant offers an exceptional culinary experience where every detail is meticulously crafted to elevate the meal. From the moment you step in, the welcome is worthy of the finest establishments. The staff is attentive and professional, creating a warm and exclusive atmosphere. Before sitting at the table, it is highly recommended to start the evening with an aperitif at the restaurant’s bar, renowned as the longest in the city. The cocktails prepared by the bartender are true works of art, blending subtle flavors with elegant presentation. The cuisine exceeds all expectations. Every dish strikes a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, with flawless execution and top-quality ingredients. The flavors are delicate, the seasonings precise, and the aesthetics of each plate reflect the meticulous care in preparation. This Michelin star is truly deserved. The restaurant’s ambiance is enhanced by a modern and sophisticated design, combining soft lighting with noble materials. The terrace offers an even more exceptional experience, featuring a magnificent view that completes this unique moment. Despite the luxurious setting and outstanding service quality, the prices remain reasonable for an establishment of this caliber. Hakkasan is unquestionably a must-visit destination for lovers of fine Chinese cuisine, where elegance and excellence merge in perfect harmony.

I had a wonderful experience at Zuma Abu Dhabi. The food was tasty and delicious — we ordered two fresh, flavorful salads, a perfectly cooked sesame steak, rich rice with mushrooms, and sushi. We also had crackers served with raw tuna and salmon on the side, which were excellent. Everything was great except the sushi; we weren’t lucky with our choice. The service was outstanding, and the atmosphere was vibrant and elegant

We had the most incredible experience at the Sunday Yum Cha Brunch at Dai Pai Dong. We opted for the Champagne package and didn’t regret it. From start to finish, everything was perfect — the food, the ambience, and most of all, the exceptional service. We opted for the champagne package, and it was worth every dirham. The pours were generous, the selection beautifully curated, and the dishes kept coming — each one better than the last. It’s rare to find a brunch that strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and relaxed, but Dai Pai Dong nails it. A special shout-out to the amazing team who looked after us: lead server, Imran & restaurant manager, Jojo & wine captain, Chen. They absolutely spoilt us with their warmth, attentiveness, and seamless service. It felt personal, not just polished — and that made all the difference. We left full, happy, and already planning our return. If you’re in Abu Dhabi and looking for a brunch that delivers on all fronts, this is it. Book in advance and get ready to be pampered.

Abu Dhabi’s Li Beirut was truly the best restaurant I’ve ever experienced. With a Michelin One Star, I expected the taste to be guaranteed, but the layers of deep flavors and the excellent textures really elevated the dishes. What impressed me even more was their kindness and service. My dedicated manager, Angel, was truly an angel in every sense. She provided exceptional service and kindly guided us on how to enjoy the meal, all while showing a genuine affection for Korea and making us feel welcome. Additionally, when I mentioned we were on our honeymoon, they organized a very touching event for us. I was truly moved. Once again, I can say it was the best meal to celebrate our last night of the honeymoon. I will definitely come back to see you, Angel (and this time, I promise to leave a tip… I felt so bad for not having cash!).

We had a wonderful dinner at Butcher & Still. The food was excellent — we ordered steak and the Caesar salad, both cooked to perfection and full of flavor. The cookie skillet dessert was absolutely delicious, the perfect way to end the meal. Service was exceptional from start to finish. A big thank you to Houssam, the manager, who made us feel so welcome, and to our attentive and friendly servers. We’ll definitely be coming back!