The Louvre recently opening and the Guggenheim building an outpost here, the art scene in Abu Dhabi promises to be stunning. With all the excitement, plenty of new commercial galleries are cropping up too, making for some breath-taking architecture.
Read on to discover our top picks of Abu Dhabi’s cultural highlights and be one of the first to explore it all aboard our Big Bus tour…
ETIHAD MODERN ART GALLERY
If you’d like to find out what’s going on in the arts scene across the United Arab Emirates, one of the best places to come is the Etihad Modern Art Gallery. Here they promote local and regional artists and showcase the latest creations from aspiring big names. If you’re feeling creative yourself, you can sign up to workshops and art classes at this Abu Dhabi tourist attraction too.
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Red Route, Stop: Etihad Museum
MANARAT AL SAADIYAT
Abu Dhabi has got big plans for the future, and this is where you can come to see them. International architects such as Frank Gehry have created some stunning architecture to house all the new galleries that will form Abu Dhabi’s cultural district. You can see a scale model of what it will all look like at the Manarat. There are also exhibits on the history of the region, we recommend going here if you’re looking for cultural things to do in Abu Dhabi.
ABU DHABI ART HUB
The Hub aims to get a dialogue going between artists of the UAE and across the world. As such it’s run by and for the artists themselves, and offers a residency to up-and-coming artists. A firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, there are regular exhibitions here showcasing everything from country-specific collections to individual exhibitions.
Red Route, Stop: WTC Souk
FOLKLORE GALLERY
If you're interested in traditional cultural treasures, you might want to see some of the arts and crafts that are still being made in Abu Dhabi and the Emirates today. The Folklore Gallery is one of the more popular attractions in Abu Dhabi, housing a collection of art inspired by the desert landscape, as well as Bedouin jewellery and pottery.
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Red Route, Stop: Public Beach
THE TAVERN
One of the best places in town to come and hear live music, you’ll find the Tavern at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel. Thursday night is covers night, and after the band’s last song the DJ uncovers the decks. He takes requests, so feel free to ask for your favourite toe-tapping tune. Get a round of drinks at this entertaining top pick of Abu Dhabi’s nightlife.
Red Route, Stop: Abu Dhabi Corniche
CLOUD NINE
If your idea of nightlife is a bit more sedate than dancing till the early hours, Cloud Nine at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi could be the place to come. A resident pianist will tickle the ivories while you relax and enjoy the evening. Cloud Nine is a cigar bar, but don’t worry, cigar smoking isn’t compulsory…
Red Route, Stop: Abu Dhabi Corniche
THE LOUVRE
Witness an extremely impressive and fast-growing collection of art at the Louvre. The gallery building is a work of art in itself. It’s designed by award-winning architect Jean Nouvel and based on key elements of Islamic and Arabic architecture. A geometric lace dome creates a rain of light, while small, shaded passages make you feel like you’re walking through a souk.
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Red Route, Stop: Louvre Museum
THE GUGGENHEIM
The Guggenheim is currently under development, but it’s still worth coming to Saadiyat to visit it. Designed by Frank Gehry, the building is an innovative structure, inspired by industrial studio spaces and surrounded on three sides by the Persian Gulf. Clusters of galleries centre around a covered courtyard, and there is natural cooling and ventilation thanks to covered courtyards and tunnels.
GALLERY ONE
Located at Souk Qaryat Al Beri Umm Al Nar, Gallery One has built up a reputation for hosting some big names on the international arts scene. Although the gallery is becoming a global brand in itself, the focus is still very much on home-grown art, although the gallery regularly hosts visiting exhibitions.
Green Route, Stop: Wahat Al Karama
Abu Dhabi is set to become one of the cultural capitals of the world, and the developments taking place on Saadiyat are sure to catapult the city into the arts A-list. Visit any of these Abu Dhabi attractions and you’ll be soaking up the best of the city’s culture. And once you’re done exploring the various galleries and museums, why not spend the evening enjoying the very best of Abu Dhabi’s Nightlife?
