When Abu Dhabi made the decision a decade ago to set itself up as a Middle Eastern museum hub, it could have adopted the mantra: Go big or go home. Saadiyat Island was set aside as the home of the major headline grabber, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and it is now open and a destination in its own right.
For those that prefer quirky museums, Abu Dhabi has a number of lower-profile institutions that will whet the appetite of even the most discerning history buff. From classic cars to historic forts, Abu Dhabi is home to a number of museums that are cultural hubs, including a growing number dedicated to families and children.
1. Louvre Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s best known museum, the Louvre’s structure is a marvel of its own, housed in an iconic building designed by Jean Nouvel and topped with a dome that casts a rain of light over the waterfront galleries. It has an enormous permanent collection that weaves together human history with art spanning every era and continent, from Ancient Egypt through to the work of Picasso and Ai Wei Wei. It is a very reasonable AED 63 per adult and free for kids.
2. Zayed National Museum (Coming soon)
Set to open in December this year, the Zayed National Museum will be the centrepiece of Saadiyat Island's cultural district. Designed by UK architects Foster + Partners, the building’s falcon-wing towers pay tribute to the legendary founder of the UAE and falcon enthusiast, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Exhibits will explore the history, culture and biodiversity of the Emirates through interactive storytelling and rare artefacts.
3. Qasr Al Hosn
Part fort, part museum, Qasr al Hosn is Abu Dhabi’s oldest standing structure and its location downtown makes it a powerful symbol of the city’s transformation. Once a royal residence and seat of government, it’s now a beautifully restored cultural landmark where visitors can explore artefacts from the ruling family’s archives, as well as learn about pearl diving, traditional life and urban development. The complex also contains the House of Artisans, with live demos of crafts like sadu weaving and khoos basketry. Entry is AED 32.
4. The Art Gallery at NYU Abu Dhabi
Located on NYUAD’s Saadiyat campus, this free-entry gallery hosts rotating contemporary exhibitions by global and regional artists, often with an experimental or academic edge. It is small, but thoughtfully curated and perfect for an hour or so, particularly for those interested in art with a socio-political edge.
5. Emirates National Auto Museum
Located outside Abu Dhabi on the road to Liwa, this somewhat bizarre museum houses over 200 vehicles from the personal collection of Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, including the world’s largest SUV and a rainbow-coloured Mercedes. It’s quirky and full of surprises. Entry is AED 55. Best visited with a car as there are no public transport options nearby.
6. Children’s Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Part of the main Louvre complex, the Children’s Museum is designed for visitors aged 4 to 10 with multi-sensory exhibitions themed around big questions like emotions, identity and how artists use colour. There are interactive games, storytelling corners, and spaces to create your own art. It’s free with Louvre entry, and timed sessions help avoid crowds.
7. Emirates Heritage Village
Ensconced within Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village markets itself as an immersive time capsule for those that want to experience the traditional way of life in the desert. As well as looking at artefacts and buying locally inspired trinkets, you can also watch artisans blow glass, make pottery and weave fabric on a loom. Entry is free but some of the workshops have to be paid for.
8. Light and Peace Museum (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque)
This lesser-known museum contained within the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre is a quiet spiritual and educational space focused on themes of peace, coexistence and global tolerance, drawing from Islamic and interfaith texts. It contains interesting exhibits on the three holy mosques, Al-Masjid Al-Haram, Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa. Entry is free.
9. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (Coming soon)
Expected to open on Saadiyat Island in early 2026, four years later than scheduled, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is being spoken about as one of the most ambitious contemporary art museums in the world. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the building itself will be an attraction, with a cluster of asymmetrical towers and domes.
The museum will focus on global modern and contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on works from the West Asia, North Africa and South Asia (WANASA) region. While not yet open to the public, its future exhibitions will challenge conventional narratives and celebrate cross-cultural creativity. Keep an eye out for preview events and updates on opening dates.
