The quieter area near the city's crown jewel — around the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with grand hotels (some with dazzling mosque views), the historic Maqta fort and easy access to the bridges linking the islands. Calm, spacious and close to the greatest sight, a short drive from downtown; the base for travellers who want to wake to views of the mosque and a serene, grand setting. A tranquil, monumental base. Peaceful and impressive.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
€280–600
typical per night in United Arab Emirates
You pay for the postcode
One of the pricier addresses in Abu Dhabi.
Where it sits
The circle is Al Maqtaa & the mosque district and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- Kayaking the mangroves19 min taxi6.4 km
- Emirati & Middle Eastern food41 min taxi13.6 km
- Qasr Al Hosn43 min taxi14.4 km
- Saadiyat Island (beach)45 min taxi14.9 km
- Ferrari World47 min taxi15.6 km
- Louvre Abu Dhabi47 min taxi15.6 km
- Heritage Village48 min taxi16.0 km
- The Corniche & city beach49 min taxi16.3 km
- Saadiyat Island beaches49 min taxi16.4 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 1.Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — One of the most beautiful buildings on earth — the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a breathtaking vision in gleaming white marble, with 82 domes, reflecting pools, thousands of inlaid floral columns, the world's largest hand-knotted carpet and colossal crystal chandeliers. Vast, serene and dazzling (especially at sunset and when floodlit at night), it's the UAE's most magnificent sight and a moving place. Dress modestly (robes provided), and allow time to wander the courtyards and prayer hall. Free to enter and utterly unmissable — the highlight of Abu Dhabi. Simply spectacular.
- 3.A desert safari — Beyond the city lies the vast, golden Arabian desert, and a safari into it is a highlight — thrilling dune-bashing over towering sand dunes in a 4x4, sandboarding, camel rides, and a magical evening at a desert camp with a barbecue, shisha, henna and starlit skies. Abu Dhabi's dunes (near the majestic Empty Quarter and the Liwa oasis) are especially spectacular. Go for the sunset dune drive and the desert camp under the stars; it's an unforgettable, quintessentially Arabian experience. A must-do adventure. Thrilling and magical.
- 6.Qasr Al Watan — A dazzling working presidential palace open to the public — Qasr Al Watan, a breathtaking vision of white-and-gold Arabian palatial architecture, with a colossal domed Great Hall, halls of intricate geometric design, a spectacular library and gardens, all celebrating Arab knowledge, art and governance. Wander the opulent halls and exhibits, and stay for the evening light show projected onto the palace facade. A stunning, cultured highlight that offers a window into Emirati heritage and craftsmanship. A magnificent, worthwhile visit. Opulent and impressive.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Al Maqtaa & the mosque district; flights via Google Flights.