Situated on Corniche Breakwater, close to Marina Mall and Corniche Beach, Heritage Village offers a family-friendly experience where visitors can immerse themselves in nomadic Arabian life.
Shop at an old-world souk, explore an ancient mosque and see inside an authentic Bedouin tent.
Families will love visiting the goats, camels and Arabian horses that roam the park. History fans can enjoy learning about the growth and development of Abu Dhabi, from how palm groves were irrigated to how Emirati homes kept cool. Watch traditional weaving, pottery, glassblowing and metalwork – there’s even the chance for visitors to have a go.
Plan your visit to Heritage Village Abu Dhabi today and discover the history behind the UAE in a fun and engaging way.
Families, history enthusiasts and holidaymakers who want to understand more about the culture, growth and authentic traditions of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Being transported back in time and immersing yourself within Abu Dhabi’s traditional past, while still being within eyesight of the bustling city centre.
Heritage Village is the perfect place to find a souvenir from your Abu Dhabi trip or to purchase a gift for family and friends to bring a piece of the region home. The traditional souk at the heart of the village replicates the bustling hub of trade where people sold their handmade wares. Browse colourful clothing, trinkets, jewellery, toys, postcards, wool rugs and traditional handicrafts, some of them made within the confines of the village.
Abu Dhabi’s traditional handicrafts are still practiced at Heritage Village. Catch a glassblowing display to see how perfume bottles are formed or watch pottery being moulded and yarn being spun. Swordsmiths refine the blades of khanjar – the curved dagger that remains integral to the region’s ceremonial costume. Visitors are often invited to try the crafts themselves. You can even become the canvas with a trip to the skilled henna artists.
Alongside the living exhibits of Heritage Village Abu Dhabi, there is also a museum area displaying intriguing artefacts and enlightening information.
Based in an old fort, the museum has a traditional wind tower to keep the building cool by driving fresh air into the building – a recreation of air flow in ancient dwellings. Here you’ll find interesting displays of jewellery, bygone weapons and paraphernalia from the Abu Dhabi pearl-diving industry.
Heritage Village sits along the Corniche Breakwater just beyond Corniche Beach and close to Marina Mall.
Heritage Village is only five minutes from the waterfront by car. Follow Corniche Street onto King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and right onto Al 'Alam Street. Heritage Village is near the top of the breakwater.
The journey from Yas Island to Heritage Village takes about 30 minutes to drive. Just follow the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway E12 across Saadiyat Island and continue along the Corniche until you reach Heritage Village.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is a 35-minute drive from Heritage Village. Head west on E20, continuing onto Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Follow signs for Marina Mall and continue to Heritage Village.
Parking is available at Heritage Village, but it is also possible to leave your vehicle at Marina Mall and travel by taxi or bus.
If you fancy a break from the workshops and activities, Heritage Village also has its own beautiful sandy beach along the Arabian Gulf. Find some shade under the palms and admire the city skyline.
Heritage Village has the excellent Al Asalah restaurant that offers authentic Emirati cuisine with a stunning sea view. There are also multiple dining options available at the nearby Marina Mall.
There is a gift shop at Heritage Village selling traditional crafts and homemade soups. Be sure to check out the traditional souk too for spices and souvenirs.
Two to three hours provide a good flavour of Heritage Village Abu Dhabi, with time to wander the museum, visit the souk and watch the workshops. If you have more time, try out the delicious restaurant and take a moment to savour the city views behind the museum.
Heritage Village Abu Dhabi is usually open every day from 9am to 4pm. On Fridays it opens at 3.30pm and closes at 9pm.
Discover the beauty and majesty of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi’s most significant landmark. Stunning white domes, splendid facades and impressive gardens are all part of this sacred site.
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Explore the desert and experience another side of Abu Dhabi. Enjoy the magic of a camel ride, experience the thrill of off-road driving through the dunes or embrace the spirit of Abu Dhabi with a traditional dance.
Visit Qasr Al Hosn to explore Abu Dhabi’s oldest building. Venture inside the House of Artisans and take photos of the historic watchtower – the city’s first permanent structure.
All imagery provided by © Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
