SADEQ ALKHOORI (ABU DHABI)
On any cool night in the desert outside Abu Dhabi, rows of tents or open huddles can stretch out while engines roar in the distance as off-road vehicles climb towering dunes. Friends and families gather around portable stoves or barbecue pits, conversations drift between camps, and strangers across groups quickly become friends under the starry sky.
Experiencing community moments like these are just as meaningful as visiting a landmark or taking photographs. Increasingly, tourism in Abu Dhabi is being shaped by experiences that invite people to participate in the city’s cultural and social life rather than being confined to postcards and fridge magnets.
Under Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the capital aims to attract 39.3 million visitors annually and contribute Dh90 billion to the economy, positioning tourism as a central pillar of long-term growth. Across the emirate, experiences are on the rise to expand the emirate’s tourism ecosystem.
Institutions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi are either on the rise or innovating with each passing year. The famous French brand is not restricted to a museum with a unique design, but also has boat rides and events adding value to the visits.
On Saadiyat Island, Team Lab Phenomena offers multi-sensory experiences while Zayed National Museum offers glimpses into rare history. More are on the way.
Entertainment districts are also redefining how visitors spend time in the capital. Yas Island has developed into one of the region’s most active leisure hubs, bringing together theme parks, sporting events and waterfront attractions within a single destination. The island recorded more than 38 million visits in 2024.
Then there are annual festivals such as Mother of the Nation, Al Wathba and Liwa International spreading into the wider regions while initiatives like Abu Dhabi Biennial, Manar Abu Dhabi and Public Art Abu Dhabi for the creative enthusiasts.
In Liwa, those passionate about dates and motorsport have always had a good time just as people enjoy fireworks and melting cultures in Al Wathba, but there is something for everyone. Music performances, art installations, cultural activities and food experiences — from Abu Dhabi Corniche to the outskirts — attract residents and visitors as they spend entire evenings.
The appeal of motorsport experiences at Liwa for Abu Dhabi resident Saif Al Mansoori lies in the sense of community they create. “We went there thinking we’d just stay a few hours and watch the races,” Al Mansoori told Aletihad.
“But we ended up camping the whole night. People had tents everywhere, some were making coffee, others just sitting and talking. You could hear the cars climbing the dunes and everyone cheering when they made it to the top. It didn’t feel like tourism honestly, it felt more like a big gathering.”
International visitors also share a similar sense of spontaneity. Maria Alvarez, a visitor from Spain, said her experience at a desert event revealed a side of Abu Dhabi she had not expected.
“I remember walking past the camps and someone invited us to sit with them,” Alvarez told Aletihad.
“They gave us Arabic coffee and dates and we just started talking even though we had never met before. It felt very open and social. It’s different from just going to a tourist place and leaving.”
Tourism planners say experiences like these reflect broader shifts in global travel behaviour. Rather than simply visiting landmarks, travellers increasingly look for immersive activities that combine culture, entertainment and social interaction.
From museum exhibitions and concerts to waterfront festivals and desert gatherings, the capital now offers a wide range of experiences designed to encourage visitors to stay longer and explore the city more deeply.
Tourism in Abu Dhabi, in that sense, is gradually moving beyond destinations on a map. It is becoming a collection of shared experiences that connect visitors to the rhythm of the city itself.