One of the wealthiest cities in the world and the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a remarkable, peaceful metropolis. It is the largest of the seven independent Emirates, known for its beautiful beaches, staggering skyscrapers, and magnificent mosques. Keep on reading to discover the top nine things you must see on your next business trip to Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
When visiting Abu Dhabi be sure to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques. It was constructed between 1994 and 2007, taking over a decade to build. It operates an open-door policy, welcoming anyone who wishes to visit, and each day around 55,000 people come to see the mosque. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only a religious site, but it is also an architecturally extraordinary structure. This building houses: 82 white marble domes, 1,096 amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns, and one of the largest marble mosaic artworks in the world. The Mosque even holds a Guinness World Record for the largest hand-woven carpet. Offering free guided tours in Arabic and English, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is ideal for visitors who want to spend a day or an hour.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Arguably the best golf course in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Golf Club is one of six golf courses in the city. Offering two courses, an 18-hole championship and a nine-hole course, both are challenging yet rewarding courses. Since 2006, this club has been hosting the famous Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and it is a great place to visit during downtime from your business trip to Abu Dhabi. The Golf Club also has many other amenities besides the golf course itself such as a health club, swimming pool, squash course, and spa. There are also three on-site restaurants: The Falcon Terrace, an all-day dining restaurant, the Championship Lounge, a popular lounge bar to watch all the sporting action, and the Pool Bar, where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks and light snacks in the pool.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Take some time out of your business trip to Abu Dhabi and visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Located on Yas Island, close to Abu Dhabi International Airport, it is the world's first Ferrari-branded theme park. Opened in 2010, Ferrari World is a wonderful experience, whether visitors are car enthusiasts or not, the Park is popular amongst all types of people. Home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the tallest space-frame structure ever built, and over 40 record-breaking attractions, it is no wonder the park won a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award in 2021. Visitors can even take part in a driving experience where they can drive a super-car with a Ferrari-trained instructor.
Qasr AlHosn
The oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi, the Qasr AlHosn is made up of two major buildings - the Inner Fort (originally constructed in 1795) and the Outer Palace (1939-45). Home to the city’s first permanent structure, the watchtower, the building became a museum in 2018 where visitors can learn about Abu Dhabi’s story. The Qasr AlHosn aims to be a living memorial for visitors to explore the ancient grounds and immerse themselves in Abu Dhabi’s fascinating history. Enjoy finding out more about the city's history whilst on your business trip to Abu Dhabi.
Yas Mall
Yas Mall is Abu Dhabi's biggest, and the UAE's second-largest, shopping mall. This three-level shopping centre is home to over 370 international brands, a 20-screen cinema and around 60 indoor and outdoor restaurants/cafes. Opened in 2014, the Yas Mall is situated in the heart of Yas Island and is 235,000 square metres. Its convenient location, just 30 minutes from the city centre, allows guests to easily visit after work during their business trip to Abu Dhabi.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi came into life through a partnership for cultural exchange between France and UAE in 2007. The two countries aimed to combine UAE’s “bold vision of cultural progression and openness” and France’s “expertise in the world of art and museums” and thus the Louvre Abu Dhabi was created. It is made up of four wings and 12 different galleries, each one hosting art from a different period as well as a range of multicultural pieces. The exhibitions are in chronological order so guests can begin looking at art from as far back as 10,000 BCE all the way to the present day. This spacious galley has around 600 masterpieces located inside, and the gallery is constantly receiving new pieces for their permanent collection as well as landmark loans from famous artists. On the rooftop of the museum is the Art Lounge which is ideal for light bites and drinks with business colleagues, providing guests with unobstructed views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. This fusion of France and UAE’s great minds is a must-visit during your business trip to Abu Dhabi.
Saadiyat Beach
Saadiyat Beach is one of the most beloved areas of the capital, located on Saadiyat Island. Housing over three hundred sun loungers, the beach is open from 8:00 am to sunset. Offering beach yoga lessons, water sports including windsurfing and sailing, as well as snorkeling and scuba diving, Saadiyat beach is the ideal spot to visit when visiting Abu Dhabi. Saadiyat Beach is also home to plenty of native wildlife, so visitors are likely to spot Dolphins in the bay and Hawksbill Turtles whilst exploring the beach.
Qasr Al Watan
The Qasr Al Watan is the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates; it is a magnificent building which opened to the public in 2019. Inside the Palace are around nine zones for guests to explore from The Great Hall, where visitors can discover the region’s architectural legacy, to Qasr Al Watan Library which houses a collection of over 50,000 books from various ages of Arabian scholarship – there is also an optional self-guided audio tour available. Finish the magnificent tour with a bite to eat at the Legma and see the stunning light and sound show projected onto the front of the Qasr Al Watan, an incredible sight to see when visiting Abu Dhabi.
Observation Deck at 300
Located in Etihad Towers' second tower, on level 74, the Observation Deck at 300 is the highest viewpoint of Abu Dhabi's cityscape. Not only can you enjoy spectacular 360° views of the Emirates Palace and the Persian/Arabian Gulf, but an impressive high tea is offered. The café is known for its famous afternoon high tea, featuring a selection of tea blends, freshly ground coffee, as well as savoury and sweet treats. The views from the Observation Deck make it a must see when visiting Abu Dhabi.
Now that you’ve got plenty of places to explore whilst on your business trip to Abu Dhabi, find out everything you need to know before you arrive in the city as well as checking out the top five serviced apartments in the area. Book your stay in the capital of UAE with SilverDoor today!
