Abu Dhabi: culture & coastline

What you can do

• Visit the Grand Mosque early morning or after dark when the marble is lit
• Give Louvre Abu Dhabi two unhurried hours, then sit under the dome for the rain of light
• Choose one Yas Island park: Ferrari World for thrills, Warner Bros for younger children
• Drive out to Qasr Al Watan or take the evening corniche walk for a calmer day

Food to try

Emirati food is easy to find now: try machboos, harees and luqaimat at Al Mrzab or Mezlai. The corniche and Al Maryah Island cover everything from Lebanese grills to fine dining, and everything is halal by default.

Culture & customs

Abu Dhabi is more traditional than Dubai and dresses that way. Modest clothing is expected at heritage sites and mosques, abayas are lent at the Grand Mosque, and Friday afternoons are quieter across the city.