With more than 4,000 years of history and tradition to draw from, Abu Dhabi has always had a fascinating cultural scene, with mosques, forts and oases to tempt travellers. Discover Abu Dhabi's rich collection of culture and diverse, surprising experiences.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Arab World, translating and fostering the spirit of openness between cultures. As one of the premier cultural institutions located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, this art-lovers’ dream displays works of historical, cultural and sociological significance, from ancient times to the contemporary era.

The Abrahamic Family House

Offers a range of experiences, from guided tours to immersive journeys of understanding and coexistence. Visitors are invited to experience each of the three houses of worship: a mosque, a church & a synagogue, as well as shared spaces for gathering and dialogue, the Abrahamic Family house is open for worshippers & visitors.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The impressive and inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world’s largest mosques and the only one that captures the unique interactions between Islam and other world cultures. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the UAE, had a very specific vision for this mosque: to incorporate architectural styles from different Muslim civilisations and celebrate cultural diversity by creating a haven that is truly welcoming and inspirational in its foundation. 

The mosque’s architects were British, Italian and Emirati, with design ideas borrowed from parts of Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan and Egypt, among other Islamic countries. The end result is a breathtaking, gleaming architectural marvel. 

Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan is a working Presidential palace and a majestic cultural landmark that invites the world to discover the rich legacy of knowledge and tradition that has shaped the UAE's journey. Boosting cultural understanding of the nation and emphasising its incredible history, this is more than just a traditional palace. Qasr Al Watan is an exquisitely crafted tribute to Arabian heritage and artistry, with its architecture and design echoing the significance and function of the impressive exhibits and iconic rooms housed within its halls.

The church and monastery of Sir Bani Yas Island

Buried for centuries, a church and monastery discovered in the early 1990s on Sir Bani Yas Island illuminate the evidence of early Christianity in the region. Open to the public, this is the UAE's only known ancient Christian site. A church, a monastery and a series of courtyard houses, dating to the 7th and 8th centuries CE, were discovered at the site. The church was identified by the presence of plaster crosses and its plan, which resembles ancient churches known from elsewhere in the Arabian Gulf.

Once a vital green oasis on the caravan route from UAE to Oman, Al Ain, which means The Spring, is the emirate’s lush heritage garden city, one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited settlements, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

UNESCO World Heritage sites

Classified by UNESCO under cultural sites, the Al Ain world-heritage locations include the six Al Ain Oasis and the archaeological sites of Bida bint Saud, Jebel Hafit, and Hili. These incredible, ancient sites echo the stories of prehistoric culture and human occupation in this desert area since the Neolithic period, inviting you to literally step into the past.