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Top Holidays

The most Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi

  • Inspiration
  • By Guy Humphrey
  • Published 20 February 2020
  • Revised 30 April 2024
  • Published 20 February 2020
  • Revised 30 April 2024

Abu Dhabi takes the crown as one of the most picturesque destinations in the UAE… and for good reason.  Home to cities, deserts, mangroves and more, the ecosystem is diverse and offers marvellous experiences and photo opportunities no matter what type of traveller you are. From lavish mosques and art galleries to stunning beaches and mouthwatering restaurants, this Middle Eastern jewel will have you focusing your camera and checking your lighting every day. We’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful Abu Dhabi destinations that will have the likes rolling in, just make sure you have enough memory on your smartphone and your lens isn’t scratched on your DSLR.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

When you think of Abu Dhabi, one of the first places your mind is sure to conjure up is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The striking white architectural delight is the largest mosque in the country, covering 30-acres and visited by more than 41,000 people a year. Open to tourists from Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 10pm, make sure to wear appropriate clothes when visiting this monument. For men, this means not to wear shorts and for women, you should wear long trousers or a loose-fitting skirt and ensure that your shoulders are covered. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron, United Arab Emirates Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nathyan in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is an artistic landmark. Showcasing cultural history from every corner of the world, the Louvre has built an incredible reputation for hosting some fascinating masterpieces that make every visit exciting. Make sure to fully charge your camera to document your visit, and definitely pose in front of the stunning building before you leave.

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If you’re a fan of luxury cars, then we won’t need to introduce Ferrari World to you. Here you can relish sights of a mock 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO which was the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction, going for $38 million. Not only that, but you can also reach speeds of 240km/h on Formula Rossa otherwise known as the world’s fastest rollercoaster. So fast in fact, that you must wear googles before buckling up. There are a total of 37 rides and attractions which includes a simulated sports car race, pit lane challenges and a karting academy. Plus, there is an area dedicated to founder and race car driver Enzo Ferrari, where a cinema will showcase more about his illustrious life and career.

Ferrari World

If you’re a fan of luxury cars, then we won’t need to introduce Ferrari World to you. Here you can relish sights of a mock 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO which was the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction, going for $38 million. Not only that, but you can also reach speeds of 240km/h on Formula Rossa otherwise known as the world’s fastest rollercoaster. So fast in fact, that you must wear googles before buckling up. There are a total of 37 rides and attractions which includes a simulated sports car race, pit lane challenges and a karting academy. Plus, there is an area dedicated to founder and race car driver Enzo Ferrari, where a cinema will showcase more about his illustrious life and career.

Warner Bros World

Make friends with Wonder Woman, Batman and Bugs Bunny at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. Just a five-minute drive from Ferrari World on Yas Island, this indoor amusement park is comprised of six lands including Bedrock, Gotham City and Dynamite Gulch. It’s ideal for families with 29-state-of-the-art rides at your disposal along with interactive attractions and unique live entertainment, and your camera roll is sure to be full of snaps with the various characters that freely wander around the park. Your followers are also guaranteed to get food envy. 


Every corner of Emirates Palace is a picture-perfect moment waiting to happen. Found on the shores of the Arabian Gulf by the Corniche, you’ll want to take plenty of snaps even before you enter the iconic building thanks to 85-hectares of finely manicured gardens. Inside, traditional luxury is apparent courtesy of the stunning lobby with ornate furnishings, crystal chandeliers – there are 1,002 in total - and so much gold leaf that the hotel employs a permanent member of staff to do touch ups. The elegance only continues when it comes to the accommodation, easily letting you live like royalty with whichever option you choose.

Emirates Palace

Every corner of Emirates Palace is a picture-perfect moment waiting to happen. Found on the shores of the Arabian Gulf by the Corniche, you’ll want to take plenty of snaps even before you enter the iconic building thanks to 85-hectares of finely manicured gardens. Inside, traditional luxury is apparent courtesy of the stunning lobby with ornate furnishings, crystal chandeliers – there are 1,002 in total - and so much gold leaf that the hotel employs a permanent member of staff to do touch ups. The elegance only continues when it comes to the accommodation, easily letting you live like royalty with whichever option you choose.

Liwa Oasis

Trade the extravagance of Emirates Palace for adventure with Liwa Oasis. Found in the west of the emirate, an untouched sea of sand dunes is all the eye can see. However, while you venture further through via 4x4, various villages and settlements dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries give you a real authentic taste of the Middle East. Various camping trips are available to book where you can stay overnight in a Bedouin tent, however for five-star luxury look no further than Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of Liwa Oasis. 


For some of the best views of Abu Dhabi, the Observation Deck at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is our top recommendation. Found on the 74th floor, the venue provides 360-degree vistas of the skyline, where towering skyscrapers, the Corniche and the desert take their moment in the spotlight. Outward seating guarantees a fantastic spot, with high tea also served here. Once finished, make sure to take the lift down to Ray's Bar on the 62nd floor for more dramatic vistas, extravagant cocktails and an Asian inspired Tapas Menu. 
 

Observation Deck at 300 at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

For some of the best views of Abu Dhabi, the Observation Deck at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is our top recommendation. Found on the 74th floor, the venue provides 360-degree vistas of the skyline, where towering skyscrapers, the Corniche and the desert take their moment in the spotlight. Outward seating guarantees a fantastic spot, with high tea also served here. Once finished, make sure to take the lift down to Ray's Bar on the 62nd floor for more dramatic vistas, extravagant cocktails and an Asian inspired Tapas Menu. 
 

Yas Marina Circuit

Swing by where top F1 race car drivers meet for your next Instagram post at Yas Marina Circuit. Holding the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix annually in November, come during this time you can expect the area to be awash with car enthusiasts, race car drivers and A-listers wanting to catch a glimpse of the action for themselves. Throughout the rest of the year, various other experiences ensure that Yas Marina Circuit is a must-visit with go-karting, test-drives, and cycling and fitness classes available. For some of the best scenes to take a picture or two, make sure to stay at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island


For your next picture, we’re taking you just outside of Abu Dhabi’s city centre to Mangrove National Park where 75% of its surface area is mangrove trees. Here there are also salt marshes and mud flats to trek through which are home to a wealth of wildlife such as flamingos, turtles, dugongs and dolphins. Enjoy a 4x4 tour if you want to immerse yourself in the sometimes rugged and varied terrain, take to the waters for an intrepid voyage or catch a birds-eye view from the luxury of a seaplane and discover some of the best vistas of this natural beauty. 

Mangrove National Park

For your next picture, we’re taking you just outside of Abu Dhabi’s city centre to Mangrove National Park where 75% of its surface area is mangrove trees. Here there are also salt marshes and mud flats to trek through which are home to a wealth of wildlife such as flamingos, turtles, dugongs and dolphins. Enjoy a 4x4 tour if you want to immerse yourself in the sometimes rugged and varied terrain, take to the waters for an intrepid voyage or catch a birds-eye view from the luxury of a seaplane and discover some of the best vistas of this natural beauty. 

Nurai Island

Feel like you’re in the Maldives when staying at Nurai Island. Located a 15-minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island, this boutique resort offers guests the chance to unwind, surrounded by gorgeous beaches, luxurious furnishings and luscious gardens. While all the accommodation is sure to go down well on your Instagram feed, the Estate Villa is truly magical. The property is tucked under sweeping grass canopies and boasts a private beach and unparalleled ocean views. Add into the mix two swimming pools, sunbathing patios and al fresco dining areas and you have everything you need for a five-star getaway.


Animal lovers, make sure your phone or camera is fully charged as the sheer amount of wildlife at Emirates Park Zoo is enough to fill your SD card with ease. Located in Al Bahia, a 30-minute drive away from Abu Dhabi city centre, you’ll find 1,500 animals and 225 different species. Birds, reptiles, snakes, giraffes, flamingos, hippos… the list is almost endless. Currently, the zoo is installing zip lines and various tree top activities as well as an indoor marine zone with 26 salt water and 4 fresh water tanks which only enhances the photography potential here.

Emirates Park Zoo

Animal lovers, make sure your phone or camera is fully charged as the sheer amount of wildlife at Emirates Park Zoo is enough to fill your SD card with ease. Located in Al Bahia, a 30-minute drive away from Abu Dhabi city centre, you’ll find 1,500 animals and 225 different species. Birds, reptiles, snakes, giraffes, flamingos, hippos… the list is almost endless. Currently, the zoo is installing zip lines and various tree top activities as well as an indoor marine zone with 26 salt water and 4 fresh water tanks which only enhances the photography potential here.

Saadiyat Island Beach

If a good photograph to you means pristine white sands against cerulean waters, Saadiyat Island Beach ticks every box. With a reputation as one of the most desirable beach locations in the UAE, aside from grabbing the best spot for a sunbathe, yoga classes and eco-friendly watersports such as windsurfing and sailing are available too. You’re also able to catch sightings of hawksbill turtles which use the sands as their nesting grounds. Annual nesting season gets underway from late March through to June if you fancy an unforgettable experience.


Every corner of Emirates Palace is a picture-perfect moment waiting to happen. Found on the shores of the Arabian Gulf by the Corniche, you’ll want to take plenty of snaps even before you enter the iconic building thanks to 85-hectares of finely manicured gardens. Inside, traditional luxury is apparent courtesy of the stunning lobby with ornate furnishings, crystal chandeliers – there are 1,002 in total - and so much gold leaf that the hotel employs a permanent member of staff to do touch ups. The elegance only continues when it comes to the accommodation, easily letting you live like royalty with whichever option you choose.

Every corner of Emirates Palace is a picture-perfect moment waiting to happen. Found on the shores of the Arabian Gulf by the Corniche, you’ll want to take plenty of snaps even before you enter the iconic building thanks to 85-hectares of finely manicured gardens. Inside, traditional luxury is apparent courtesy of the stunning lobby with ornate furnishings, crystal chandeliers – there are 1,002 in total - and so much gold leaf that the hotel employs a permanent member of staff to do touch ups. The elegance only continues when it comes to the accommodation, easily letting you live like royalty with whichever option you choose.

As you embark on your journey to discover the most Instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi, let Winged Boots be your guide through our high-class travel arrangements. We hope this guide has provided you with inspiration and insight into the stunning landscapes and architectural wonders awaiting your lens. From the shimmering waters of the Corniche to the opulent grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, each location offers a unique opportunity to capture unforgettable moments. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or planning your first visit to this captivating city, let the beauty of Abu Dhabi ignite your sense of wonder and wanderlust. Happy exploring and happy snapping!

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