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Al Hosn Palace (White Fort)
The oldest building in young Abu Dhabi is the Al Hosn Palace, known colloquially as the White Fort. It was constructed in 1793 as the official residence of the former ruling family, and was extensively renovated in 1983. Today it houses the Cultural Foundation, featuring a museum of traditional artifacts and historical photographs. The Palace is renowned for the magnificent tile work over its main gate.
Address: Khalid bin Walid St
Hours: Open daily 7.30am to 1.30pm, Thursdays from 7.30am to 12.00pm. Closed on Fridays
Admission: Free

Heritage Village
Designed as a living museum depicting traditional Bedouin life, the Heritage Village over the Abu Dhabi Corniche features tents, courtyard houses, an ancient irrigation system, workshops where craftsmen ply their trades, a museum and much more.
Address: The Breakwater
Hours: 8.30am to 5pm
Admission: Free

Petroleum Exhibition
The basis of Abu Dhabi's wealth, the oil industry, is showcased in this permanent exhibition of photographs and interactive displays depicting the discovery of the 'black gold' and subsequent development of the region.
Address: The Corniche, near the fire station
Phone Number: 626 9715
Hours: Daily 7am to 2pm. Closed Thursdays and Fridays
Admission: Free

Al Ayn
The merge of ancient and modern Arabic culture is no more evident than in the fascinating city of Al Ayn, about 100 miles (160km) east of Abu Dhabi. This historic, scenic oasis is surrounded by red sand dunes and dominated by a vast mountain range on the eastern border of the UAE. Al Ayn has existed since around 3,000 BC and visitors can explore archaeological remains and a large museum. The city is also modern, filled with luxury resort hotels and shiny shopping malls. Experiences such as the Middle East's last remaining traditional camel market vie for attention with an exciting theme park, the renowned Al Ayn Zoo, and an Olympic-sized ice rink. Al Ayn is known as the 'Garden city of the Gulf' because of its tree-lined boulevards and green public spaces.

Liwa Oasis
Numerous local tour operators in Abu Dhabi offer trips from the city to the famed Liwa Oasis, about three hours drive away along a modern highway. This green, agricultural strip at the edge of the Rub Al Khali ('Empty Quarter') is surrounded by desolate desert with farms abutting towering sand dunes. Visitors enjoy overnight camel trips to camp in the desert. The oasis, made up of a string of small towns and villages, is resplendent with pools of fresh water and date plantations, and is the ancestral home of the Bani Yas tribe from whence sprang Abu Dhabi's ruling family.

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