Abu Dhabi Heritage Village

Wander the pathways of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village and see Bedouin palm-and-mud dwellings, learn about the falaj irrigation systems that were once used to cultivate crops, and see the artifacts at the small museum. Other attractions include a replica souk, a gift shop selling spices and souvenirs, and demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as spinning, metalworking, and pottery-making.

The village is included on most Abu Dhabi sightseeing tours, which typically include stops at other city landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. You can also pair a trip to the village with a city sightseeing tour or attractions such as Ferrari World and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

• The Heritage Village is free to enter.

• On-site amenities include basic restrooms and a gift shop.

• While the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is stroller-friendly, the site is not fully wheelchair accessible as some displays are located on soft sand.

The Heritage Village is located next to the Marina Mall on the Corniche Breakwater. You can drive to the site by following the Corniche onto the breakwater—you'll see the village on your left. Alternatively, catch one of the number 32, 34, 33, or 11 buses, which run to Marina Mall from Abu Dhabi’s central bus station. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop nearby.

The Heritage Village is open from mid-morning until early evening Saturday–Thursday, and from mid-afternoon until late at night on Fridays. The site gets crowded in the late afternoons (especially during the November–March peak season) so try and visit in the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of cooler weather.

The sandy beach just outside the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is studded with traditional wooden fishing boats and offers spectacular views of the city’s skyscraper-framed Corniche. After visiting the beach and village, spend some time at the nearby Marina Mall, which is about a 15-minute walk away and boasts a variety of shops and cafés.