Abu Dhabi Global Market Square

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If you're into modern architecture, this development's cluster of glass-and-steel office monoliths on Al Maryah Island is the heart of Abu Dhabi's new financial centre. At the back of the plaza, sitting snug against the waterfront, is the Galleria Mall. Under its striking glass atrium is a bundle of restaurants, many fronting the waterfront promenade. The mall is bookended on its southern side by the aerofoil-shaped Rosewood hotel with mushroom-shaped exterior shading.

Various other jazzy contemporary architectural details vie for attention, including the Tetris-like Cleveland Clinic to the south, with its catwalk podium and distinctive diamond-glazing.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Performing Islamic prayer

    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

    8.12 MILES

    Rising majestically from manicured gardens and visible from the bridges joining Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an…

  • Louvre Abu Dhabi

    Louvre Abu Dhabi

    2.32 MILES

    Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Jean Nouvel, the highly anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi finally arrived in late 2017. Through 12 galleries, the…

  • ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 03: A falcon is placed on a bench at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, on February 3, 2015 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) is located just outside Abu Dhabi. It is the largest of its kind in the world attracting customers from all over the UAE and the wider Gulf region including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Around 9,000 birds are treated each year for a wide range of ailments. The centre which has a an ophthalmology department, and intensive care unit is equipped to deal with everything from X-Rays, cases of Avian Flu, Falcon Pox, repairing of feathers, and general health checks and provides a 24 hour service. The centre also has two large air conditioned aviaries where falcons can rest while they are moulting, or changing their feathers. Traditionally a way of obtaining food, Falconry today has become more of a national sport and a rite of passage for many young Emirati men, who take their time to train their Falcons, developing a relationship and deep bond with the birds. Groups of friends regularly come together in the evenings to meet and train their birds where the practice becomes more about camaraderie and sharing knowledge than subsistence. The practice of Falconry was recognized by UNESCO in 2012 under the 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity' list. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

    Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

    20.56 MILES

    Standing outside Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, watching anxious owners from across the region delivering their hooded 'patients' in person, you will quickly…

  • Founder's Memorial

    Founder's Memorial

    4.87 MILES

    After six years of planning and construction, this memorial celebrating the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the United Arab Emirates…

  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

    13.77 MILES

    If you want bragging rights to having 'done' Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster, visit this indoor (perfect in summer) temple of torque and…

  • Umm Al Emarat Park

    Umm Al Emarat Park

    3.31 MILES

    You almost walk away from this five-star urban park feeling like you've visited a museum. Manicured to perfection and full of design-forward and…

  • Corniche

    Corniche

    2.4 MILES

    The waterfront Corniche, with its white sandy beaches and generous promenade, stretches the entire length of the northwest shore of the city. Giving…

  • Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

    Emirates Palace

    5.29 MILES

    What the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is to the vertical, the Emirates Palace is to the horizontal, with audacious domed gatehouses and flying ramps to the foyer…

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Nearby attractions

1. Al Maryah Island Promenade

0.09 MILES

This 5.4km-long promenade bends gently round the western shore of Al Maryah Island and offers good views of Abu Dhabi and the busy channel of water in…

2. Heritage Park

1.1 MILES

This attractive family park straddles both sides of the far eastern end of the Corniche, with great views of the traditional dhow harbour across the water…

3. Dhow Harbour

1.27 MILES

There's something fascinating about sitting by the harbourside watching the dhows slip off to sea. At any time of day, there's work going on as fishers…

4. Al Mina Fish Market

1.27 MILES

This large fish market bustles with traders selling row upon colourful row of the sea's bounty from the ice bars. It's busiest early in the day when…

5. Warehouse 421

1.61 MILES

In a former port warehouse, this contemporary arts centre and gallery hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing the UAE's art, design and creative scenes…

6. Capital Gardens

1.79 MILES

This park in the heart of downtown offers two multipurpose playgrounds, a mini climbing wall and basketball and football areas; and there's an erupting…

7. Lake Park & Formal Park

1.97 MILES

These two shady parks straddling 4th St and spreading along the Corniche fill up with families, joggers and picnickers in the early evening. The…

8. Abdullah Hamaid Al Rumaithi Mosque

2.01 MILES

Squeezed between looming towers, this mosque is one of two that bookend a plaza hidden off the main roads. Keen photographers should come here at sunset…