Experience Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, home to the UAE’s most renowned landmarks 

Students in Abu Dhabi enjoy close access to some of the region’s most iconic sites, including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, Qasr Al Hosn, and Emirates Palace. These landmarks are not only visually spectacular, but many host regular exhibitions, tours, and cultural programs that provide insights into the UAE’s heritage and its global outlook. For example, each year Qasr Al Hosn hosts the Al Hosn Festival, a multi-day event offering an immersive experience of Emirati culture with live traditional music, dance performances, food tastings, and displays of local crafts. 

A thriving cultural scene 

Abu Dhabi’s cultural hubs, including Saadiyat Island and Yas Island, bring together museums, galleries, and entertainment venues that cater to a wide range of interests. 

Saadiyat Island, dedicated to arts and culture, offers world-class museums and galleries such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, TeamLab Phenomena, Sheikh Zayed Museum, and the newly opened Natural History Museum. The island also features one of the UAE’s most beautiful beaches, with white sand and turquoise waters, making it easy to combine a study day with a museum visit, waterfront walks, or an evening cultural event. 

As a student, you can explore these landmarks and cultural sites independently or through university-organized activities, often benefiting from discounted or student-friendly access.

We’ve already shared our recommendations for everyday groceries. For a broader retail and leisure experience, Abu Dhabi is home to large malls including Reem Mall and The Galleria Mall — both within walking distance of the university — as well as Abu Dhabi Mall, the World Trade Center Mall in the city center, and Marina Mall and Yas Mall in other key areas of the city. 

They all combine international brands, restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment under one roof. These spaces are popular social hubs for students, providing convenient places to meet friends, study in cafés, or attend events and promotions throughout the year.  

If you’re looking for a more traditional shopping experience or prefer a local atmosphere, you can explore places such as the Iranian Market or the Old Souk. These markets offer a wide range of unique, traditional items to suit different tastes and budgets. 

Abu Dhabi’s diverse population is not the only reflection of its multiculturalism. The city’s food scene is equally diverse, with restaurants covering a wide spectrum of cuisines—from Emirati and Middle Eastern to Asian, European, African and American options. There are options to suit every budget, from casual cafés and food courts to fine-dining venues, with a growing number of vegetarian, vegan, and healthy concepts. Most restaurants also offer takeaway and delivery, making it easy for students to enjoy meals “on the go” or at home. 

The city’s public and private beaches—such as those on Saadiyat Island, Hudayriat Island, along the Corniche, and on Yas Island—offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, walking, and water sports.  

Hudayriat Island is especially popular for day trips, combining beach time with cycling tracks, sports facilities, waterfront cafés, and scenic views, making it ideal for both relaxation and outdoor activities. 

Yas Island stands out as a major leisure and entertainment hub. Beyond its beaches and waterfront promenades, the island is home to theme parks, concerts, sporting events, green spaces, and the Yas Marina Circuit, creating a lively and fun environment that perfectly complements student life. 

For a different way to enjoy the sea, students can also take part in boat excursions, offering a unique perspective on Abu Dhabi’s skyline, stops at turquoise sandbanks, visits to quieter islands, and unforgettable sunset views. 

The Abu Dhabi Calendar and Abu Dhabi Culture platforms showcase year-round programmes ranging from major sporting events and Formula 1 to book fairs, art biennials, film screenings, and classical and contemporary music concerts. As a student, this means you live in a city where global discussions, cultural exchange, and world-class performances are part of everyday life, offering countless opportunities for learning, networking, and inspiration beyond your studies. 

Abu Dhabi hosts a rich calendar of international events, reflecting its role as a global hub. Each year, the city welcomes world-class sporting events like Formula 1 and the Mubadala Tennis Championship, alongside international concerts featuring renowned artists. Cultural venues such as Manarat Al Saadiyat offer continuous exhibitions, showcasing art, design, and cultural programmes throughout the year. 

You can also enjoy a movie screening from a wide range of international films, especially since watching a movie in Abu Dhabi is a unique experience. Many cinemas allow you to enjoy a meal or snack while watching, combining dining and entertainment in a way that makes each visit feel special. 

For students, this means living in a city where global discussions, cultural exchange, and world-class performances are part of everyday life, providing endless opportunities for learning, inspiration, and memorable experiences. 

Just beyond the city, the desert offers a completely different side of life in Abu Dhabi. Students can experience this iconic landscape through desert safaris, dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, or peaceful sunset moments over golden dunes. Whether visiting a traditional desert camp, enjoying local food under the stars, or simply taking in the silence and vastness of the surroundings, the desert provides a unique cultural and natural experience that many students describe as one of the highlights of their time in the UAE. 

"My time in the UAE felt like living in a place that was both lively and peaceful at the same time. Abu Dhabi, in particular, had this unique balance. It could be energetic and modern, yet also calm and comfortable. What stood out most to me was the lifestyle. Life was easy, safe, and convenient, which made it a great place to study and grow." Hawra Jasim Abdulwahab, Class of 2018

"Abu Dhabi - in particular- strikes the perfect balance between a busy metropolitan city yet with a calm routine." Yara Ziad El Sabbagh, Class of 2020

"My overall experience in the UAE was incredibly enriching, especially in terms of understanding its heritage and culture." Joelle Khaled El Ahmadie, Class of 2023