Art, Architecture & Awe

<p>Step inside the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab World, translating and fostering the spirit of openness between cultures. As one of the premier cultural institutions in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District on <a href="https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/where-to-go/islands/saadiyat-island" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Saadiyat Island</a>, this art lovers’ dream displays works of historical, cultural and sociological significance from ancient times to the contemporary era.</p>
<p>From the moment this iconic museum opened its doors in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi art scene elevated to a global scale, implanting a strong sense of pride in locals and residents alike.</p>

When you enter Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you will understand why it is such a special place. Here, people from all walks of life come together to take in the architecture's beauty and gain a deeper understanding of religion and culture in the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is one of the world's largest and was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the Founding Father of the UAE. He envisaged the creation of a welcoming and cultural haven that inspires people from all backgrounds.

Even the construction was a cultural collaboration. The grand structure was designed and built by skilled teams from all over the world, including 1,300 Iranian artisans who hand-knotted the main prayer hall's carpet - the world's largest.

On your journey through the marbled halls, you'll see one-of-a-kind treasures, including gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the courtyard's vast marble mosaic artwork and reflective pools that mirror some of the many amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns. When you're outside, look up to see the mosque's four stunning minarets that proudly stand at 106 metres.

Spanning 46,000 square metres and located directly opposite Abu Dhabi's world-famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Wahat Al Karama is a timeless tribute that honours the Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service of their country. Wahat Al Karama is home to a permanent memorial commemorating the United Arab Emirates' heroes, including soldiers, police, diplomats and civilians, since 1971.

Following an intensive construction programme, Wahat Al Karama was officially inaugurated on Commemoration Day in 2016. The Memorial, designed by British artist Idris Khan, is the centerpiece. An imposing public art structure made up of 31 massive leaning tablets clad in aluminium, the symbolism behind the Memorial is clear: each tablet leans against the other, portraying the unity, solidarity and mutual support that bind the leadership of the UAE with its citizens, residents and the servicemen and women who protect them. If you look closely, you'll notice poems and quotations engraved into the tablets' surfaces in simple script, with the long spine at the base of the Memorial bearing the Armed Forces' pledge of allegiance. Visitors can witness a daily Honour Guard march at the Memorial before sunset.

Zayed International Airport (formerly Abu Dhabi International Airport) serves as a global gateway with over 30 airlines flying to and from approximately 120 destinations across 56 countries. Twice awarded the 'Best Airport in the Middle East' by the World Airport Awards, it's a testament to its exceptional service and facilities.

The airport is conveniently located within a short distance from major Abu Dhabi destinations and Dubai, boasting the spectacular Terminal A, the new hub for Etihad Airways, alongside Terminal 1 which handles many more regional and international flights.