I've always loved the sound of Abu Dhabi. Just the name of the city makes it seem more exotic, more far away and otherworldly, more like a mythical land from a fairy tale. We landed here as part of our film campaign with Andaz as our very first trip to the Middle East - an area of the world I hoped to explore much more after that trip. The city felt vibrant - a mix of old worlds and glittering new buildings. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque embodied that dichotomy perfectly - traditional architecture in a modern mosque.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The complex is glittering, ornate, decadent, and so beautiful - and so incredibly hot. The marble and tile floors burned our bare feet in the sun. I have very conflicting feelings about some religious sites that I continually wrestle with and have over the years. Where do your personal beliefs end and respecting a religion and a culture begin? I very strongly believe that any rules that differ on the basis of sex are wrong - but I also want to experience a culture to its fullest. But I couldn't help but be jealous of Brandon in his rolled up jeans and light T-shirt in the 108-degree Arabian sun, while I sweltered in this (very beautiful) abaya.
For a visit now, reserve an online access pass through the mosque’s official booking page and check its current visiting hours and dress requirements before you go; Friday access follows a different schedule.
Heritage Village and Markets
Abu Dhabi and Dubai appear to be the melting pots of the Middle East - we met people here from seemingly every country in the region. We stopped in to this rug shop with our guide, and these men invited us to stay for tea - one came from Afghanistan and the other from Pakistan. Growing up American, so much of what you hear about these places are the negatives, but the reality is that most individuals don’t care for their country’s wars - similar to how I disagree with so much of what is happening in my country at the moment. Most people just want to live a good life with their families, no matter where in the world they happen to be born.
We also visited the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village for a look at life before the city’s rapid development.
2026 update: Experience Abu Dhabi currently lists Heritage Village as temporarily closed. For a heritage stop now, visit Qasr Al Hosn and the neighboring House of Artisans instead, and check the official listings before setting out.
And a stop at the fruit market - the mangoes here were some of the best I have ever tasted.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
And to end, an afternoon at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. This museum is one of the most beautiful and unique buildings I have ever seen. The roof is designed to create the same dappled lighting that comes through the traditional dried palm leaf roofs of the original marketplaces - and reminded us of walking through the Medinas in Marrakech, in a way that perfectly embodies the heritage of this ancient region, and the shiny, modern facades of its new developments.
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Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi
- Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi: A design-focused stay inside the leaning Capital Gate tower, with an elevated outdoor pool and easy access to the ADNEC area.
- Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers: A waterfront luxury hotel with pools and sweeping city views, well placed for the Corniche and Qasr Al Watan.
- Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: A lavish beach resort near the Corniche, ideal if you want gardens, a private beach, and a destination hotel between sightseeing stops.
Three Abu Dhabi Tours and Activities
Choose the option that fits your day: the city tour overlaps with several stops above, while the desert safari is best saved for an extra day or used in place of the afternoon museum visit.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi admission: Explore the galleries and waterfront architecture at your own pace with a museum entry ticket.
- Grand Mosque, Royal Palace, and Etihad Towers tour: Visit three major landmarks on a guided tour departing from Abu Dhabi, with a photo stop at the Louvre rather than museum entry.
- Evening desert safari and dinner: Head out from Abu Dhabi for a dune drive and dinner in the desert, with pickup details confirmed when you book.
Staying longer? My guide to road trips from Abu Dhabi has ideas for exploring more of the UAE by car.
