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Abu Dhabi is filled with inspiring architecture. From palaces to mosques to sprawling skyscrapers, there is so much to see and so many stories to be heard. After a day of taking in incredible sights, you'll have worked up an appetite so be sure to tuck into a dinner at one of Abu Dhabi's great restaurants.

Highlights

Time

7 hours

Transport

Car

Distance

Walking

Highlights

Time

7 hours

Transport

Car

Distance

Walking

What to expect

Day 1 highlights

Start your day at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, then head to the presidential palace of Qasr Al Watan to get to know more about the culture and inspiring journey of the UAE. Within walking distance is Emirate Palace, a luxury five star hotel which embodies the grandeur of the UAE. It's recommended to head outside, take a seat and marvel at the fascinating skyline of Abu Dhabi which includes the iconic Conrad Towers.

End your day with a dinner at one of the Abu Dhabi's best restaurants such as Finz, Mezlai or Catch at St Regis.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Stop 1

Stop 1

Recommended Time: 1 hours

When you enter Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you will understand why it is such a special place. Here, people from all walks of life come together to take in the architecture's beauty and gain a deeper understanding of religion and culture in the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is one of the world's largest and was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the Founding Father of the UAE. He envisaged the creation of a welcoming and cultural haven that inspires people from all backgrounds.

Even the construction was a cultural collaboration. The grand structure was designed and built by skilled teams from all over the world, including 1,300 Iranian artisans who hand-knotted the main prayer hall's carpet - the world's largest.

On your journey through the marbled halls, you'll see one-of-a-kind treasures, including gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the courtyard's vast marble mosaic artwork and reflective pools that mirror some of the many amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns. When you're outside, look up to see the mosque's four stunning minarets that proudly stand at 106 metres.

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Stop 2

Stop 2

Recommended Time: 2 hours

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.

One of the palace's most impressive and unmissable attractions is the family-friendly Palace In Motion event, a spectacular light and sound show that celebrates the UAE's journey in three breathtaking acts that unfold in front of the main palace every 30 minutes after sundown, with the final entry taken 30 minutes before showtime. Timings are subject to change.

Aside from this magnificent show, the palace places a strong emphasis on learning and knowledge sharing. Here, visitors can expect to learn about the formation of the UAE, as well as the country's governing traditions and values, with this unique palace highlighting Arab contributions to various fields of knowledge and giving guests access to halls typically reserved for official summits.

The palace houses the Qasr Al Watan Library and House of Knowledge where history and culture buffs, as well as scholars, can explore a vast collection of books, manuscripts and other resources about the UAE, and learn about the nation's progressive journey. Other zones within the palace include A Memory of the Palace, where you can capture a commemorative photo in the palace's media room, as well as The Great Hall, an exquisitely crafted photo-worthy space boasting a central dome, archways, mosaic patterns and mirrored cubes. The Spirit of Collaboration area, meanwhile, sees entities such as the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council coming together to express ambitions, set agendas, and map the way forward. Visitors can learn about diplomacy and protocol as they admire the room's iconic chandelier and circular layout, which symbolises the UAE's commitment to illumination and equality.

The Presidential Banquet, meanwhile, reveals how UAE hosts the world, with this immaculately set banqueting hall welcoming VIP officials from around the globe and treating them to warm Emirati hospitality. Visitors to The Presidential Banquet enjoy an in-depth introduction to the customs, protocols and cuisine served here, as well as insights into the unique collections of silver, crystal and chinaware.

The palace also celebrates Abu Dhabi's achievements. On December 15th 2018, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance. A Celebration of Acceptance, a theme touched upon throughout the palace, highlights the UAE as a bridge of communication between cultures and a nation that expands opportunities for dialogue, while also showing the positive impact of tolerance on society.

If you are coming to the palace by car, go to the Visitor Centre to find the Visitor Centre car park. There is ample parking space available and there is no charge to park there. Valet parking is available at the Visitor Centre car park at a charge ofAED 80. Parking is openfrom 9:30am to 9:30pm, seven days a week.

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Stop 3

Stop 3

Recommended Time: 2 hours

Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi is where luxurious comfort, impeccable service and unique dining experiences come together in an enchanting setting. From a distance, the hotel looks like something out of an Arabian fairytale, with the main building alone stretching over one kilometre from one wing to the other and the gardens spreading across 100 hectares. Walking in, you will find a sense of deep relaxation washing over you. With a pristine 1.3km private beach, stunning pools, a private marina and natural bay, a beautiful spa and highly-rated dining venues - you can't go wrong with a holiday here.

Emirates Palace is one of the most remarkable buildings in Abu Dhabi when it comes to architecture. Picture this: During the day, the palace's golden exterior contrasts with the lush greenery, silvery water fountains, and crisp blue sky. And at night, the hotel's lighting changes subtly, with an ethereal rainbow effect displayed on the main dome. Featuring 114 domes, the palace's central dome is a striking 72.6 metres above the ground, meticulously crafted with gold, mother of pearl and crystals. The building also boasts 1,002 chandeliers - the largest weighing 2.5 tons - with other photo-worthy features, including two handmade wall displays portraying the palace.



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Stop 4

Stop 4

Recommended Time: 2 hours

Catch at St. Regis is the newest addition amongst the many award winning restaurants of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi.

Introducing an ambiance of elegance and sophistication, Catch at St. Regis invites all discerning seafood taste makers and connoisseurs to embark on contemporary and occidental cuisine full of flavours and innovative presentations with a highlight on Caviar sturgeons, Oysters, Sushi and Crabs.

Chef Remon Nabil Hanna brings an expertise of 17 years within the culinary world. He has started his career back in Le Meridien Hotels overlooking the Italian and Seafood cuisine and continued within different positions in Hyatt Hotels. He has been part of the pre-opening team of Catch Restaurant and Lounge and is now re-joining the team of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi for the opening of Catch at St. Regis.

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Stop 1

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Recommended Time: 1 hours

When you enter Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you will understand why it is such a special place. Here, people from all walks of life come together to take in the architecture's beauty and gain a deeper understanding of religion and culture in the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is one of the world's largest and was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the Founding Father of the UAE. He envisaged the creation of a welcoming and cultural haven that inspires people from all backgrounds.

Even the construction was a cultural collaboration. The grand structure was designed and built by skilled teams from all over the world, including 1,300 Iranian artisans who hand-knotted the main prayer hall's carpet - the world's largest.

On your journey through the marbled halls, you'll see one-of-a-kind treasures, including gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the courtyard's vast marble mosaic artwork and reflective pools that mirror some of the many amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns. When you're outside, look up to see the mosque's four stunning minarets that proudly stand at 106 metres.

Read More
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
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Frequently asked questions about the architectural landscape.

Abu Dhabi features all kinds of developments. From well constructed residential buildings and skyscrapers to award-winning landmarks and venues, the city is home to a diverse range of architectural works.

Abu Dhabi is home to a myriad of impressive architectural works. From the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and bridge, to Etihad Towers and Louvre Abu Dhabi, the city boasts some of the 21st century's best architectural designs.

Abu Dhabi city was planned by Dr Abdulrahman Makhlouf under the guidance of Sheikh Zayed, the late founding father of the UAE.