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Corniche Night Tour
Abu Dhabi is known for beautiful weather and year-round sunshine but the city can be just as beautiful when the sun goes down. City lights glisten and icons across the skyline glow and present a whole new perspective. Once place to take in incredible nighttime sights is Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Highlights
Walking
3 hours
Highlights
Walking
3 hours
Day 1 highlights
Start your evening journey along the Corniche at Qasr Al Watan. Here you'll witness the Palace come to life in a spectacular light and sound show which illuminates the whole facade with mesmerising patterns, something to be seen to be believed!
A short walk away is the Founder's Memorial which is popular with tourists throughout the day but becomes something special at night. The depiction of the UAE's founder, Sheikh Zayed, is suspended in a starry display. You'll have worked up an appetite during your short walk along the Corniche so why not head into one of the area's most-loved restaurants such as The Terrace.
Stop 1
Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
Recommended Time: 2 hours
Qasr Al Watan is a working Presidential palace and a majestic cultural landmark that invites the world to discover the rich legacy of knowledge and tradition that has shaped the UAE's journey. Boosting cultural understanding of the nation and emphasising its incredible history, this is more than just a traditional palace. Qasr Al Watan is an exquisitely crafted tribute to Arabian heritage and artistry, with its architecture and design echoing the significance and function of the impressive exhibits and iconic rooms housed within its halls.
One of the palace's most impressive and unmissable attractions is the family-friendly Palace In Motion event, a spectacular light and sound show that celebrates the UAE's journey in three breathtaking acts that unfold in front of the main palace every 30 minutes after sundown, with the final entry taken 30 minutes before showtime. Timings are subject to change.
Aside from this magnificent show, the palace places a strong emphasis on learning and knowledge sharing. Here, visitors can expect to learn about the formation of the UAE, as well as the country's governing traditions and values, with this unique palace highlighting Arab contributions to various fields of knowledge and giving guests access to halls typically reserved for official summits.
The palace houses the Qasr Al Watan Library and House of Knowledge where history and culture buffs, as well as scholars, can explore a vast collection of books, manuscripts and other resources about the UAE, and learn about the nation's progressive journey. Other zones within the palace include A Memory of the Palace, where you can capture a commemorative photo in the palace's media room, as well as The Great Hall, an exquisitely crafted photo-worthy space boasting a central dome, archways, mosaic patterns and mirrored cubes. The Spirit of Collaboration area, meanwhile, sees entities such as the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council coming together to express ambitions, set agendas, and map the way forward. Visitors can learn about diplomacy and protocol as they admire the room's iconic chandelier and circular layout, which symbolises the UAE's commitment to illumination and equality.
The Presidential Banquet, meanwhile, reveals how UAE hosts the world, with this immaculately set banqueting hall welcoming VIP officials from around the globe and treating them to warm Emirati hospitality. Visitors to The Presidential Banquet enjoy an in-depth introduction to the customs, protocols and cuisine served here, as well as insights into the unique collections of silver, crystal and chinaware.
The palace also celebrates Abu Dhabi's achievements. On December 15th 2018, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance. A Celebration of Acceptance, a theme touched upon throughout the palace, highlights the UAE as a bridge of communication between cultures and a nation that expands opportunities for dialogue, while also showing the positive impact of tolerance on society.
If you are coming to the palace by car, go to the Visitor Centre to find the Visitor Centre car park. There is ample parking space available and there is no charge to park there. Valet parking is available at the Visitor Centre car park at a charge ofAED 80. Parking is openfrom 9:30am to 9:30pm, seven days a week.
The Founder's Memorial
Stop 2
Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Recommended Time: 1 hour
This unique cultural attraction celebrates the life, legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, known as the Father of the Nation. This memorial offers locals and international travellers a unique way to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the UAE, with experiences designed to reveal aspects of the country’s broader social, cultural and environmental heritage, from art to stories, exhibitions and more.
Spread over 3.3 hectares of beautifully landscaped public space boasting indigenous flora, the memorial features a Sanctuary Garden including seating areas and a traditional falaj (ancient irrigation system), a Heritage Garden rich with medicinal desert plants, and an elevated walkway offering captivating views of the Arabian Gulf, the city’s dazzling skyline, and the centrepiece of The Founder’s Memorial, The Constellation.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Stop 3
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Recommended Time: 1 hour
Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Road stretches across an impressive eight kilometres of manicured waterfront that includes children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés and restaurants, and the stunning, lifeguarded Corniche Beach. If you’re looking to soak up Abu Dhabi’s famous year-round sunshine, this immaculate beach is one of the best places to do it.
Stop 1
Qasr Al Watan
Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
Recommended Time: 2 hours
Qasr Al Watan is a working Presidential palace and a majestic cultural landmark that invites the world to discover the rich legacy of knowledge and tradition that has shaped the UAE's journey. Boosting cultural understanding of the nation and emphasising its incredible history, this is more than just a traditional palace. Qasr Al Watan is an exquisitely crafted tribute to Arabian heritage and artistry, with its architecture and design echoing the significance and function of the impressive exhibits and iconic rooms housed within its halls.
One of the palace's most impressive and unmissable attractions is the family-friendly Palace In Motion event, a spectacular light and sound show that celebrates the UAE's journey in three breathtaking acts that unfold in front of the main palace every 30 minutes after sundown, with the final entry taken 30 minutes before showtime. Timings are subject to change.
Aside from this magnificent show, the palace places a strong emphasis on learning and knowledge sharing. Here, visitors can expect to learn about the formation of the UAE, as well as the country's governing traditions and values, with this unique palace highlighting Arab contributions to various fields of knowledge and giving guests access to halls typically reserved for official summits.
The palace houses the Qasr Al Watan Library and House of Knowledge where history and culture buffs, as well as scholars, can explore a vast collection of books, manuscripts and other resources about the UAE, and learn about the nation's progressive journey. Other zones within the palace include A Memory of the Palace, where you can capture a commemorative photo in the palace's media room, as well as The Great Hall, an exquisitely crafted photo-worthy space boasting a central dome, archways, mosaic patterns and mirrored cubes. The Spirit of Collaboration area, meanwhile, sees entities such as the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council coming together to express ambitions, set agendas, and map the way forward. Visitors can learn about diplomacy and protocol as they admire the room's iconic chandelier and circular layout, which symbolises the UAE's commitment to illumination and equality.
The Presidential Banquet, meanwhile, reveals how UAE hosts the world, with this immaculately set banqueting hall welcoming VIP officials from around the globe and treating them to warm Emirati hospitality. Visitors to The Presidential Banquet enjoy an in-depth introduction to the customs, protocols and cuisine served here, as well as insights into the unique collections of silver, crystal and chinaware.
The palace also celebrates Abu Dhabi's achievements. On December 15th 2018, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance. A Celebration of Acceptance, a theme touched upon throughout the palace, highlights the UAE as a bridge of communication between cultures and a nation that expands opportunities for dialogue, while also showing the positive impact of tolerance on society.
If you are coming to the palace by car, go to the Visitor Centre to find the Visitor Centre car park. There is ample parking space available and there is no charge to park there. Valet parking is available at the Visitor Centre car park at a charge ofAED 80. Parking is openfrom 9:30am to 9:30pm, seven days a week.
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Frequently asked questions about the Corniche Night Tour.
Can you go out at night in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world with plenty of night time activities to enjoy safely.
Can you swim in Abu Dhabi Corniche?
Yes! The 8km stretch of shoreline is partly open to the public. You can swim 40m away from the shore and lifeguards are on duty to keep you safe.
Where can you walk on Abu Dhabi Corniche?
Enjoy a walk by the water on Abu Dhabi Corniche with a span of 8km and enjoy blissful views of the city.