From the rolling dunes of the Empty Quarter to the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi’s natural landscapes are ripe for exploring. But the city has its own attractions too, with extraordinary architecture and spectacular museums.
Abu Dhabi is not only the largest and most populated of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, but it is the federal capital and centre of government. The emirate is divided into three main regions, including Al Ain in the east, Al Dhafrah in the west and the mainland in the centre.
Whether it’s the adventure of discovering iconic landmarks or the thrill of a world-class theme park, Shangri-La’s curated experiences of attractions get you out of your comfort zone and into the realm of unforgettable travel memories.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an impressive welcome to Abu Dhabi, and guests of Shangri-La are lucky enough to see glimpses of it from the hotel.
This masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture and design features 1,096 amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns, 82 white marble domes, reflective pools, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers and a courtyard featuring one of the largest marble mosaic artworks in the world. As one of the few mosques in the region open to non-Muslims, this is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Emirates.
Yas Island
Approximately 30 minutes drive off Abu Dhabi is the enthralling Yas Island which is famous for being the sports and leisure centre in the Emirates. It is home to world class theme parks, a water park, a number of golf courses, a Formula One circuit and polo fields.
Al Qana
Located directly opposite the Qaryat Al Beri complex is the newly opened Al Qana, a unique waterfront destination that spans across over 146,000 sqm.
Here you’ll find a collection of attractions including waterside eateries, cinema experiences, the Middle East’s largest aquarium - home to 46,000 creatures and 300 species, a yacht marina, retail boutiques and a virtual reality & e-sports arena.
Whether it’s wandering some of the world’s greatest museums, exploring cutting-edge galleries and traditional artisan houses, or watching the latest blockbuster at a film festival, we have our finger on the pulse of all the hottest cultural happenings.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Now you don’t have to visit Paris to go to the Louve! Just a short drive from the hotel, the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Arab World.
Designed by Pritzker-prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the museum encompasses 9,200 sqm of galleries, including a Permanent Gallery and a Temporary Gallery enriched by loans from notable French museums including Musee du Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou.
Qasr Al Watan
A majestic cultural landmark that is also a working Presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan invites you to discover the rich legacy and tradition that has shaped the UAE.
The palace's architecture and design is an exquisitely crafted tribute to Arabian heritage and artistry, with impressive exhibits and iconic rooms housed within its halls.
Heritage Village
At the Heritage Village, visitors will get the chance to explore life among the Bedouins who played an important role in the rich heritage of Abu Dhabi.
Another fascinating feature at the Heritage Village is the creating of traditional pottery, metal work and weaving. Traditional craftsmen even offer visitors the opportunity to try their hand at these special skills while the mini museum is ideal for discovering local artefacts.
From a simple walk in the park to exploring dramatic natural scenery, we’ve got nature-lovers covered. Escape to a private island, ride a horse at golden hour, kayak beneath towering cliffs, or simply soak it all up on one of our sandy beaches. Nature never felt so good.
Desert Safaris
Leave the skyscrapers behind and enjoy a thrilling desert safari during your stay. We’ll help you book an adrenaline-filled adventure where you’ll do some dune-bashing, visit a camel farm, watch the sunset over the sand dunes and visit a traditional Bedouin campsite where you’ll try your hand at camel riding along with henna painting, belly dancing and shisha while feasting on a BBQ dinner under the starlit sky.
Sir Bani Yas
Sir Bani Yas is a natural wonder and one of the first of the eight desert Islands to be opened to the public. Sir Bani Yas Island offers visitors the chance to explore Arabian wildlife from Arabian oryx and gazelles to giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs.
Mangrove National Park
This biodiversity hotspot lies just outside of the city centre and constitutes roughly 75% of the UAE's total mangrove forest area. This serene escape, filled with colourful birds, turtles and dolphins, is free to visit.
Samaliya Island
The Samaliya Island is positioned about 12 kilometres off the Abu Dhabi coast. Rich in bio-diversity, Samaliya boasts an impressive marine environment and is the ideal place to discover rare marine plants, mangroves, fish, snakes, sea birds and even turtles.
There are few better ways to immerse yourself in a destination than through sport. Spend the day working on your swing at the golf course, step into the feverish atmosphere of a stadium or head into the pit of an F1 circuit and feel the thrill of a crowd with Shangri-La.
Yas Links
Snaking the west shores of Yas Island, Yas Links is an award-winning golf course, featuring a 7,450-yard par 72 course, utilising five teeing grounds per hole, with all 18 boasting breathtaking ocean views.
Yas Marina Circut
Yas Marina Circuit is home to the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. When the big race isn't happening, you can enjoy walking around the track or race go-karts at the Yas Kartzone.
Zayed Sports City
Home to everything from basketball and beach volleyball facilities to tennis courts, a football stadium and a fitness centre., Zayed Sports City is an expansive destination for all-things sports.
In addition to hosting the annual Mubadala World Tennis Championship, it also features a bowling alley and ice skating rink along with eSports and paintball activities.
