Grand Mosque District

The Grand Mosque District is the south-east of Abu Dhabi, by the channels that separate the island from the mainland. It is home to the emirate's main landmark, with modern architecture and mangroves close by.

Why go

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, opened in 2007, is one of the largest mosques in the world; non-Muslims are welcome free of charge in modest dress. The channel is spanned by Zaha Hadid's Sheikh Zayed Bridge, most striking when lit up at night. The Capital Gate tower leans 18 degrees — more than any other building in the world, according to Guinness World Records. In the Mangrove National Park people kayak and paddleboard through the tidal channels.

Where to stay and who it suits

The hotels here are mostly around the ADNEC exhibition centre and along the channels, convenient for business trips. For a beach stay, the Corniche or Saadiyat are better, 20 minutes away by taxi.

How to get there

From Zayed International Airport to the mosque is about 15–20 minutes by taxi, from central Abu Dhabi about 20 minutes and from Dubai about an hour.