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Abu Dhabi is not just growing, it is planning a big future. By 2035, the UAE’s capital wants to be a global tourism hub with millions of visitors every year. The city is building more cultural landmarks, adding fun attractions, improving transport, and making travel easier for everyone.
This plan is part of the Tourism Strategy 2030, led by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The goal is to welcome 39.3 million visitors every year by 2030 and raise tourism’s contribution to AED 90 billion annually. This means more jobs, more hotels, more activities, and a better experience for tourists from around the world.
Let’s explore what’s already here, what’s coming soon, and how Abu Dhabi is shaping its future.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
A universal museum under a floating dome of light, showing art from around the world and across time. If you only have an hour, stroll the waterfront beneath the dome, then dip into the permanent galleries. Check opening times before you go.
Manarat Al Saadiyat
A creative space for exhibitions, film, talks, and community workshops in the Saadiyat Cultural District. It is a good place to meet local artists and see contemporary ideas in action.
Abrahamic Family House
A mosque, a church, and a synagogue on one site, designed to welcome everyone and promote understanding. It opened in 2023 and sits near the cultural heart of the city.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
A new, permanent digital-art experience on Saadiyat, where light, sound, and motion create living artworks. It is immersive and very photogenic.
Coming soon on Saadiyat Cultural District
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without seeing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Known for its breathtaking white marble architecture, 82 domes, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, it is a center of worship and a top tourist attraction. The mosque welcomes millions of visitors annually, offering guided tours to explore its intricate designs and learn about Emirati culture. It’s a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to culture, hospitality, and global tourism appeal.
Disney Theme Park on Yas Island
Abu Dhabi is about to make history by bringing Disney magic to the Middle East for the very first time. The upcoming Disney theme park on Yas Island is a massive collaboration between The Walt Disney Company and Miral, the UAE’s leading creator of immersive destinations.
The Sphere: Next-Level Entertainment
Abu Dhabi is bringing the global phenomenon known as The Sphere—a giant, immersive entertainment venue with high-definition LED screens and cutting-edge design. The emirate has already entered the preconstruction phase for a 20,000-seat venue modeled after the Las Vegas original, truly bringing immersive, futuristic shows to the UAE.
Al Qana – Abu Dhabi’s Waterfront Destination
Al Qana is a vibrant waterfront hub with The National Aquarium, restaurants, cafes, and leisure spots along Khor Al Maqta. Its modern design and family-friendly vibe make it a popular destination, adding great value to nearby properties.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World is the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park, famous for Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world. It offers thrilling rides, car-themed attractions, and experiences that celebrate speed and Italian design.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
This indoor theme park brings beloved characters like Batman, Superman, and Bugs Bunny to life. With six immersive lands, it combines exciting rides, live entertainment, and family fun in a climate-controlled environment.
Yas Waterworld
Yas Waterworld is a massive water park with over 40 rides, slides, and attractions, including the world’s first hydro-magnetic tornado waterslide. It’s inspired by Emirati culture and is perfect for adventure seekers and families.
CLYMB Abu Dhabi
CLYMB is home to the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall and the world’s widest indoor skydiving chamber. It’s a must-visit for thrill seekers looking for a unique adventure experience.
SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Opened in 2023, SeaWorld is the region’s first marine life theme park. It combines family-friendly rides with cutting-edge research and animal rescue facilities, offering education and entertainment in one destination.
Snow Abu Dhabi, Reem Mall
A large indoor snow park with toboggans, play zones, and winter-themed fun, perfect for hot days. It opened in June 2023.
Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island
A next-generation wave pool hosting world-class events and public sessions. It adds a new action-sports layer to the city’s offer.
Nature and heritage
Don’t miss Mangrove National Park by kayak, beach time on Saadiyat, and day trips to Al Ain for the oasis, forts, and museums. These balance the modern city with calm, green spaces and deep history.
If you want an easy checklist, the official tourism site has a living list called “101 Abu Dhabi Do’s.” It groups experiences across culture, adventure, relaxation, shopping, dining, and nightlife, from drawing under the Louvre dome to driving the F1 track at Yas Marina Circuit. Use it to plan your days by theme.
Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Terminal A has boosted capacity and comfort, and passenger numbers are rising fast. In 2024, Abu Dhabi Airports handled 29.4 million passengers, up 28% year on year. In the first half of 2025, traffic was 15.8 million, up 13% from H1 2024. This matters because frequent flights and smooth connections are the backbone of a tourism hub.
Etihad Rail
The national rail network is being built to connect major cities and logistics hubs across the UAE and, in time, the wider GCC. As passenger services roll out in the future, travelers will be able to move between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other emirates quickly and comfortably, which spreads visits beyond one city and makes multi-stop holidays simple.
Abu Dhabi is not only focusing on tourism; it is also aiming to become the world’s first fully AI-native government by 2027. This means all government digital services will be powered by artificial intelligence, making processes faster, smoother, and more personalized. Travelers and residents will benefit from smart systems that make booking, licensing, and navigating government services simple and efficient. This step aligns perfectly with the city’s tourism goals, creating a seamless and tech-driven experience for millions of future visitors.
Tourism does more than fill hotels. It supports airlines, airports, restaurants, ride-hailing, retail, events, and creative industries. It also protects culture by funding museums and heritage sites. Abu Dhabi’s plan expects tourism’s GDP contribution to rise from about AED 49 billion in 2023 to AED 90 billion annually by 2030, with large job creation. This money circulates through the economy, encourages private investment, and supports startups in travel tech, culture, sports, and food. Strong air links and future rail make short breaks easier, which increases repeat visits and spreads spend across neighborhoods and islands. In simple terms, better access plus better things to do equals more visitors for longer stays, and that builds long-term growth.
Abu Dhabi is embracing technology to enhance the visitor experience. With artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other digital tools, the emirate aims to create personalized travel experiences and attract visitors worldwide. The Department of Culture and Tourism is expanding its marketing reach from 11 to 26 global markets, forming partnerships with major brands to share Abu Dhabi’s story more effectively.
Digital transformation is also improving business processes, making it easier for tourism-related companies to operate and invest in the UAE. This approach ensures Abu Dhabi remains competitive in a rapidly changing travel industry.
Planning a trip to Abu Dhabi has never been easier. Travelers can choose from cultural days exploring museums, adventure-filled days on Yas Island, or relaxing beach days on Saadiyat. Popular events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Al Hosn Festival, and international concerts mean there’s always something happening. The official “101 Abu Dhabi Do’s” list is a great tool for organizing activities, making sure visitors experience everything from art exhibitions to desert adventures.
Abu Dhabi’s vision for 2035 is clear. By building top-tier attractions, strengthening its cultural presence, investing in infrastructure, and embracing digital innovation, the emirate is on track to become a global tourism hub. This transformation is not just about numbers; it’s about creating a city where culture, heritage, and innovation come together to welcome the world.
Source: Content referenced and adapted from www.dct.gov.ae
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