While Dubai has long dominated Middle Eastern tourism, its sophisticated neighbour Abu Dhabi is rapidly emerging as a compelling alternative for discerning travellers. The UAE capital welcomed 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant 4% increase from the previous year as more visitors discover its unique blend of culture and relaxation.
Cultural Renaissance in the Desert
Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as an international cultural hub, recently earning recognition as one of the 20 best cultural cities globally. The emirate boasts the first Louvre museum outside France, with its stunning Jean Nouvel-designed gallery featuring art arranged chronologically rather than by region, allowing visitors to compare artistic developments across cultures simultaneously.
The cultural district on Saadiyat Island continues to expand with several major openings scheduled for this year. The long-awaited Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum will join the recently opened Natural History Museum, while the interactive teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi debuted in April with ever-evolving water and light installations that respond to visitor movements.
Luxury Accommodation with Breathtaking Views
For the ultimate Abu Dhabi stay, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers offers more than just luxury accommodation. The property features the city's highest viewpoint at The Observation Deck at 300, where hotel guests enjoy complimentary unlimited access to 360-degree vistas of the capital and Arabian Gulf.
Located along the Corniche seafront promenade, the hotel dazzles with Swarovski chandeliers, gemstone-encrusted walls, and gold-tiled mosaic bathrooms. Rooms provide uninterrupted sunset views over the presidential palace, while amenities include three pools, a spa, daily fitness classes, and a private beach. The culinary offerings attract locals and visitors alike, with standout restaurants including Jose by Pizarro for Spanish tapas and SushiSamba's fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavours.
Beyond the Expected: Natural Wonders and Urban Renewal
While Abu Dhabi features impressive man-made attractions like Warner Bros World and Ferrari World, its natural beauty often surprises visitors. The emirate comprises over 200 islands connected by bridges and mangroves, many easily accessible from the capital. Zaya Nurai Island, just a 15-minute boat ride away, offers Maldives-like white sand beaches and turquoise waters, while Reem Island provides kayaking and birdwatching against a stunning skyline backdrop.
The recently regenerated MiZa district has become the city's hippest neighbourhood, transforming industrial warehouses into art pop-ups, cultural venues, and trendy food spots. New additions like Mina Creamery ice cream parlour, The Alley for exhibitions and supper clubs, and design store Dukkan421 make this area Abu Dhabi's coolest hangout.
Looking ahead, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its global position with Abu Dhabi Finance Week next month highlighting its status as a financial hub. Over the past decade, the city has attracted more than 300 financial firms managing combined assets of $28.6 trillion, positioning itself as a global "capital of capital."
With Disney's recent announcement of a new theme park coming to the city and room rates at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers starting from approximately £173, there has never been a better time to explore this rising Middle Eastern destination.
