Made up of over 200 islands, the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, is a vibrant city boasting a whole variety of neighborhoods, each with its own personality.
At the heart of the city is Downtown Abu Dhabi, which marks the emirate’s rise after the discovery of oil in the 1980s. As the city evolved, newer neighborhoods were added, many of which were purpose-built for leisure travel. Yas Island is one such spot, making it an excellent choice for families due to its multitude of theme parks. Beach lovers will find solace in Saadiyat Island, a picturesque locale that also offers a healthy mix of culture.
Yas Island
Best Neighborhood for Families
Located on the eastern edge of the emirate, Yas Island is best known for hosting the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—a spectacle that attracts F1 cars, super yachts, and motorsports fans. However, the island is action-packed year-round, home to several theme parks, including the thrilling Ferrari World, which features the fastest roller coaster on the planet. The world’s first Warner Bros-branded theme park is also located here, along with the inaugural Warner Bros hotel where guests can enjoy room service delivered by Bugs Bunny.
On hot days, Yas Waterworld is perfect for cooling off, being a mega-sized Emirati-themed water park. Evenings are best spent at Yas Bay, the island’s vibrant waterfront promenade filled with unique dining and drinking spots—places like The Lighthouse and Art Market come highly recommended.
Saadiyat Island
Best Beachside Neighborhood
Saadiyat Island is famed for its golden beaches and impossibly azure waters, making it a paradise for beachgoers. The pristine conditions often see dolphins frolicking just offshore. While luxury resorts dot this beautiful island, visitors can still enjoy its scenic views. Public access is available at Soul Beach, which is open to all, while the Mamsha waterfront promenade is lined with inviting cafes, bars, and restaurants—don’t miss out on the beachside Jamaican vibes at Ting Irie.
Moreover, Saadiyat Island is a cultural hub, home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a world-class art museum boasting 12 curated galleries. Additionally, the newly opened Abrahamic Family House is designed to foster understanding between faiths, and the beautifully Islamic-art-latticed Manarat Al Saadiyat hosts a busy calendar of arts events, film screenings, and workshops.
Corniche
Best Locale for Waterfront Vistas
The Abu Dhabi Corniche stretches along the northwest shore, providing a bustling area where people can walk, cycle, swim, and run, even in the heat of summer. On the opposite side, several parks and green spaces become lively in the early morning or late afternoon as families take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
Here, hotels range from budget-friendly accommodations to the luxurious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, renowned for its gold-dusted cappuccinos. Furthermore, the presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan, welcomes visitors to explore the nation’s rich history.
Downtown Abu Dhabi
Best Neighborhood for a Glimpse of the Past
Downtown Abu Dhabi represents the city center, blending old and new architecture, resort hotels, and budget accommodations with shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. For first-time travelers, this area provides insight into the city’s history before the rise of its gleaming skyscrapers. Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi’s oldest building, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
This neighborhood offers diverse culinary options, reflecting the city’s multicultural population. Many hotels here are on the older side, making it an economical choice for visitors seeking a resort stay on a budget.
Al Maryah Island
Best Neighborhood for Retail Therapy
For luxury shopping, Al Maryah Island is the destination of choice, featuring The Galleria, the city’s most upscale mall. This shopping hub is home to high-end boutiques from prestigious brands, as well as several fine dining options. Even so, Al Maryah offers high-street stores and outdoor weekend markets when the weather permits. As the financial district, it bustles during the weekdays but tends to quiet down on weekends.
Connected to Al Reem Island via a bridge, Al Maryah provides a gateway to the spacious indoor snow park, Snow Abu Dhabi, where temperatures remain a cool -2°C (28°F).
Khor Al Maqta
Best as a Base for Sightseeing
Khor Al Maqta is an area situated between bridges connecting Abu Dhabi with its outlying islands. The most notable landmark here is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural marvel that dominates the skyline and serves as an essential site for understanding the region’s Islamic culture.
A variety of hotels along the mainland bank offer stunning views of the mosque, complemented by private beaches and turquoise swimming pools. Furthermore, not far from this area is Al Qana, an urban redevelopment site featuring the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, which comes alive in the evenings as locals enjoy strolls or dining experiences. Khor Al Maqta’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring multiple neighborhoods, allowing visitors to easily experience the diverse attractions of Abu Dhabi.
