Abu Dhabi is a city where contemporary architecture, Arabian traditions and a distinctly glamorous way of life exist side by side. In this personal guide, I share the places and experiences I enjoyed most โ from the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the beaches of Saadiyat Island to Emirates Palace and some of my favourite places for lunch.
1. Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Opened in 2017 as the result of an unprecedented partnership between France and the UAE, the Louvre Abu Dhabi was created as the first universal museum in the Arab world, bringing together works from the Louvre and other major French institutions.
The museum is also a wonderful place to escape the heat, wander slowly through the galleries and, of course, take photographs. There is even a walkway over the water that feels almost like a fashion-show catwalk โ an especially photogenic spot with the sea stretching out behind you.
2. Have lunch at Fouquetโs
Once you have had your cultural fix, stay for lunch at Fouquetโs, the legendary Parisian brasserie located within the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Its elegant French interiors and beautiful terrace make it an effortless continuation of the Paris-meets-Abu-Dhabi experience.
I would recommend booking a table in advance.
3. Spend a few hours on the beach
Sometimes the best thing to do in Abu Dhabi is absolutely nothing.
There is something particularly appealing about the contrast: a city known for its monumental architecture and grand hotels, and then, just a short distance away, this wonderfully quiet stretch of coastline.
Saadiyat Island is home to some of Abu Dhabiโs most beautiful beaches, with powdery white sand, clear waters and an uninterrupted horizon. Pick up a book, leave your phone in your bag and simply enjoy a few slow hours by the sea.
4. Go shopping and make a mall your midday escape
Abu Dhabi takes shopping seriously. For a more luxurious experience, head to The Galleria Al Maryah Island, where you will find an impressive mix of international luxury houses, fine jewellery and high-street favourites โ from Chanel, Dior and Hermรจs to Zara and H&M.
The malls also make an excellent escape during the hottest part of the day. When the sun is too strong for the beach and you are not quite ready to retreat to your hotel room, spend a couple of hours wandering through the boutiques, stop for coffee and a croissant, browse the latest collections โ and let the air conditioning do the rest.
5. Have Arabic coffee at Emirates Palace
Even if you are not staying at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, make time to visit.
Step inside for an Arabic coffee and take a moment to admire the extraordinary interiors. And if you want to embrace the spirit of Abu Dhabi luxury completely, order the famous cappuccino finished with 24-carat gold flakes.
Yes, it is every bit as extravagant as it sounds โ but then again, this is the Emirates Palace.
6. Visit Qasr Al Watan
The Presidential Palace combines traditional Arabian craftsmanship with monumental contemporary architecture.
Everything here feels almost impossibly pristine: white marble, intricate details, enormous domes and touches of gold. Walking through the palace feels less like visiting a working government building and more like stepping into the set of an elaborate modern Arabian fairytale.
There is also a cafรฉ with a picture-postcard view of Abu Dhabiโs skyline โ the perfect place to pause for a coffee after exploring the palace.
7. Have lunch at Catch at St. Regis
For a long, leisurely lunch by the sea, head to Catch at St. Regis, set within The St. Regis Abu Dhabi on the Corniche.
The restaurant specialises in seafood, with a menu that brings together oysters, caviar, sushi, sashimi, crab and beautifully prepared fish and meat dishes. The MICHELIN Guide has included Catch in its Abu Dhabi selection, recognising it as a recommended restaurant.
What I particularly love is the setting: a beautiful waterfront location where lunch can easily turn into a long afternoon. It is the kind of place where you want to linger over one more glass, one more dish and just a little more of the view.