Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Set over the water on Saadiyat Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the defining landmarks of the city’s art and architecture scene. Designed by Jean Nouvel, the museum offers an architectural experience in its own right, with a vast dome formed from 7,850 geometric stars creating its signature ‘rain of light’ effect, while the gallery layout evokes the atmosphere of a medina. Bringing works from different periods and regions into a shared narrative, Louvre Abu Dhabi is an essential destination for understanding the city’s cultural transformation.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental – Corniche

Set along the Corniche, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is one of Abu Dhabi’s enduring symbols of luxury. With a private beach, monumental domes, expansive gardens and Michelin-starred restaurants, the hotel embodies the grandeur traditionally associated with the Gulf. In 2026, it retained its position among the city’s leading addresses after receiving a five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide.

Jumeirah Saadiyat Island – Saadiyat Island

Set on Saadiyat’s white-sand beach, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island combines a resort experience with close proximity to the cultural district, bringing together art, architecture and coastal living. Rooms overlooking the Gulf, three outdoor swimming pools, an extensive wellness programme and a 2,700-square-metre spa create a more tranquil, nature-led interpretation of luxury.

Mondrian Abu Dhabi – Downtown

Scheduled to open towards the end of 2026 on the banks of Abu Dhabi Canal, Mondrian Abu Dhabi is set to be one of the year’s most notable new hotel projects. Bold interiors by Tristan du Plessis, 210 rooms and suites, six dining venues, a Crystal Lagoon and a rooftop pool will bring a more design-led interpretation of the city’s new-generation luxury.

Hakkasan – Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Housed within Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Hakkasan is an established classic of Abu Dhabi’s fine-dining scene. The restaurant combines contemporary Cantonese cuisine with refined techniques and an elegant setting, retaining its Michelin star in the 2026 Michelin Guide. Its dim sum selection and contemporary interpretations of Chinese cuisine have made it one of the city’s longstanding gastronomic addresses.

Erth – Qasr Al Hosn

Located in Abu Dhabi’s historic Qasr Al Hosn district, Erth interprets Emirati cuisine through a contemporary fine-dining approach. Working with produce from local farms, the restaurant brings traditional flavours ranging from tanoor bread to spiced meat and seafood into modern presentations. As the first Emirati restaurant in the world to receive a Michelin star, Erth retained its star in the 2026 guide.

3Fils Abu Dhabi – The Abu Dhabi EDITION Marina

The Abu Dhabi outpost of 3Fils, which originated in Dubai, brings contemporary Asian cuisine to the city through a relaxed, sharing-focused approach. Japanese influences, seafood and inventive small plates have quickly established the restaurant as a notable new address. In the 2026 Michelin Guide, it received a Bib Gourmand and was also named Opening of the Year, further highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rapidly developing gastronomic scene.

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

One of Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious shopping destinations, The Galleria Al Maryah Island offers one of the capital’s broadest selections of luxury brands. Alongside fashion houses including Chanel, Dior, Hermès and Gucci, the centre brings together watch and jewellery names such as Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Boucheron and Breitling. Its location also combines luxury retail with a strong dining scene and waterfront setting.

Mina Zayed

Mina Zayed offers a more traditional perspective on Abu Dhabi’s shopping culture. The shops around Souq Al Mina offer handwoven carpets, textiles and traditional home accessories, while the nearby fish, vegetable and date markets add to the area’s lively local character. The Carpet Souk in particular remains one of the city’s established destinations for discovering handcrafted carpets from the Middle East and Central Asia.

Frieze Abu Dhabi

Set to take place each autumn at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Frieze Abu Dhabi is preparing to become one of the region’s major contemporary art gatherings. Replacing Abu Dhabi Art, which has been held since 2009, the fair will bring international galleries, artists and collectors together in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The inaugural edition of Frieze Abu Dhabi will take place in 2026.

Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi

With a history spanning more than three decades, Jewellery & Watch Show is one of Abu Dhabi’s leading events for the world of watches and jewellery. Held each November at ADNEC, the fair brings together international watch and high-jewellery brands, regional designers and collectors. Alongside new collections, dedicated sections highlighting Emirati design and craftsmanship are among the event’s notable features.

Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Held at Yas Marina Circuit towards the end of each season, the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of the city’s most internationally prominent events. Beginning at sunset and continuing under floodlights, the race combines motorsport with concerts, private events and the luxury lifestyle scene of Yas Island. As the traditional finale of the Formula 1 season, the Abu Dhabi race weekend has become one of the calendar’s most high-profile destinations.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

One of Abu Dhabi’s most recognisable landmarks, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a striking example of contemporary Islamic architecture, distinguished by its white marble façades, 82 domes and expansive courtyard. Bringing together architectural and craft traditions from across the Islamic world, the building creates a monumental yet refined visual experience through its mosaics, columns and surfaces that change with the light.

Qasr Al Watan

Part of the Presidential Palace complex, Qasr Al Watan interprets Emirati architecture through the setting of a contemporary state building. Its grand dome, geometric patterns, stonework and symmetrical halls are among its defining features, while the palace also houses exhibitions exploring the United Arab Emirates’ heritage of governance, culture and knowledge.

Saikindō – Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi

Located within Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island, Saikindō is one of the city’s most talked-about new bars of 2026. Inspired by Japanese listening-bar culture, the venue combines an analogue sound system and carefully curated vinyl collection with cocktails influenced by music. Its AvroKO-designed interiors and hidden Robata Room offer a distinctive alternative within Abu Dhabi’s new-generation luxury nightlife scene.

Ray’s Bar – Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

Set on the 62nd floor of Etihad Towers, Ray’s Bar is one of Abu Dhabi’s established nightlife addresses. Panoramic views across the Gulf and city skyline, signature cocktails and DJ performances make it particularly atmospheric after sunset. One of the capital’s highest bars, Ray’s represents a classic Abu Dhabi experience through its glamorous yet refined setting.

Library Bar – The Abu Dhabi EDITION

Located within The Abu Dhabi EDITION at Al Bateen Marina, Library Bar is one of the city’s more intimate and sophisticated cocktail destinations. Its dimly lit lounge, surrounded by artworks, combines a literary-inspired cocktail programme with a contemporary speakeasy atmosphere, offering a modern interpretation of the classic hotel bar.