Why the world visits Abu Dhabi
Stay
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Gold-and-marble palace on the Corniche: 1.3km of private beach, 1,002 chandeliers, and the famous gold-dusted cappuccino.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
A fortress-style resort deep in the Liwa Desert, surrounded by the Empty Quarter dunes. Dune bashing, camel treks, stargazing, and a hammam spa.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Mediterranean-style beachfront resort on protected Saadiyat shoreline, with a Gary Player golf course next door and butler service throughout.
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort
Savanna villas on a wildlife island off the coast: mangroves, Arabian oryx, cheetahs, and desert-island safaris.
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
The five-tower landmark on the Corniche, with the Observation Deck at 300.
Four Seasons Al Maryah Island
Sleek waterfront tower, home of Butcher & Still, Abu Dhabi's power-dining address.
Eat
The tables worth flying for.
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi
Modern Cantonese inside Emirates Palace. Why famous: the global Hakkasan brand's palace outpost: Peking duck with caviar, gold-leaf dim sum.
Butcher & Still
1920s Chicago-style steakhouse at Four Seasons Al Maryah. Why famous: Abu Dhabi's top steakhouse, Michelin Guide selected, 21-day aged tomahawk, speakeasy Hideaway room.
Li Beirut
Modern Lebanese at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. Why famous: one Michelin star, the capital's premier Lebanese fine dining.
Zuma Abu Dhabi
The global Japanese izakaya brand on Al Maryah Island. Why famous: the business-dinner and special-occasion default across the UAE.
Culture
The landmarks worth landing for.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world's largest mosques: white marble, 82 domes, the largest hand-knotted carpet on earth. Why visit: the single most photographed building in the UAE, and it earns it.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Jean Nouvel's floating dome on Saadiyat Island, the first universal museum in the Arab world. Why visit: a Pritzker-designed icon housing everything from ancient artifacts to modern masters.
Qasr Al Watan
The UAE's presidential palace, opened to the public, vast halls, the Spirit of Collaboration room, evening light shows. Why visit: a working seat of government turned architectural showpiece.