- \n
- The combination of natural and artificial light is most beautiful between 5:30 pm and 6:15 pm in winter.<\/li>\n
- Transport:<\/strong> Rental cars from 30 euros per day are the best option.<\/li>\n
- Abu Dhabi travel report<\/strong>Abu Dhabi surprised.<\/li>\n
- Jean Nouvel's design consists of a massive dome composed of 7,850 stars in eight different layers.<\/li>\n
- Entry costs 63 AED (approx. 16 euros) \u2014 a bargain for what is offered.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"Abu](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_9151-hq-768x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n![\"Abu](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_9204-hq-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n![\"Max](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_9206-hq-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Louvre Abu Dhabi \u2014 The architectural marvel<\/h2>\n
The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is the most impressive building I've ever been inside. Jean Nouvel's design consists of a colossal dome composed of 7,850 stars arranged in eight different layers. Sunlight filters through the dome, creating an ever-changing play of light on the floor\u2014the so-called Rain of Light. For me, as a photographer, it was like a playground. I spent three hours just taking photos before even seeing the first artwork.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Abu](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_9269-hq-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n![\"Rixos](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_9282-hq-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n![\"Abu](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_9290-hq-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe collection itself is one of the best in the world: works by Da Vinci, Monet, Magritte, and Ai Weiwei\u2014arranged not by culture, but chronologically by theme. Egyptian sarcophagi stand next to Japanese bronzes and medieval European sculptures. Entry costs 63 AED (approximately \u20ac16)\u2014a bargain for what's on offer.<\/p>\n
Drone tip: Flying drones is prohibited inside the Louvre. But from the promenade in front of the museum, you have a perfect view of the dome and the surrounding water. My drone<\/a> The best shots were taken here around 7 a.m. (before the museum opens) \u2014 the dome with the rising sun and the mirror-smooth water is a motif that goes viral.<\/p>\n
\nSheikh Zayed Grand Mosque \u2014 The largest mosque in the world<\/h2>\n
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not just a religious building\u2014it's a statement. With 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, the world's largest hand-knotted carpet (5,627 square meters!), and seven chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals, the mosque offers free admission to visitors of all religions and nationalities\u2014a sign of openness that is not always a given in the region.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Abu](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_9455-hq-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n![\"Abu](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_2719-hq-768x1038.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\nVisitor guidelines: Men must wear long trousers and have their shoulders covered. Women will be provided with a free abaya (long robe) and headscarf at the entrance. Photography is permitted and encouraged\u2014the mosque is extremely photogenic and was intentionally designed to be an Instagram magnet.<\/p>\n
Best time for photos: 30 minutes before sunset. The mosque's white marble reflects the warm evening light, and the lighting switches on at dusk. The combination of natural and artificial light is most beautiful between 5:30 and 6:15 pm in winter. For drone photography: The mosque is located in a no-fly zone. Drones are strictly prohibited here and will be confiscated immediately by security personnel.<\/p>\n
The Desert \u2014 Empty Quarter and Liwa Oasis<\/h2>\n
Abu Dhabi borders the Rub' al Khali, the Empty Quarter\u2014the world's largest sand desert. A desert safari is a must, but forget the touristy dune-bashing tours that race across the desert in two hours. Instead, book an overnight stay in the Liwa Oasis, about 200 km south of Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n
The dunes in Liwa are the highest in the UAE\u2014reaching up to 300 meters. The color of the sand changes depending on the time of day, from golden yellow to orange to dark red. In the mornings and evenings, when the shadows lengthen, the desert landscape looks like another planet. The desert is perfect for drone photography: no no-fly zones, no obstacles, endless expanse. My best drone photo of the entire year, 2024, was taken in Liwa\u2014the sweeping dune lines seen from above at sunrise.<\/p>\n
Cost for an overnight desert tour: from \u20ac200 per person including transport from Abu Dhabi, desert camp, dinner and breakfast. Luxury option at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort (Anantara): from \u20ac500 per night, one of the world's most spectacular hotels, located right in the dunes.<\/p>\n
Saadiyat Island \u2014 Beach and Culture<\/h2>\n
Saadiyat Island is Abu Dhabi's cultural hub. Besides the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (scheduled to open in 2026) and the Zayed National Museum are under construction here. But Saadiyat also boasts the city's most beautiful public beach: fine white sand, turquoise water, and nesting sea turtles. Entry to Saadiyat Public Beach costs 25 AED (approximately \u20ac6), including a sun lounger and parasol.<\/p>\n
\n\nDo you want luxury content for your resort or brand?<\/h3>\n
Specializing in high-end tourism board collaborations and luxury hotel campaigns. Authentic creator perspective with cinematic drone photography and premium storytelling.<\/p>\n
Request a luxury partnership \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Costs \u2014 What does Abu Dhabi cost?<\/h2>\n
Abu Dhabi is more expensive than most tourist destinations, but cheaper than Dubai.<\/p>\n
\n - Abu Dhabi travel report<\/strong>Abu Dhabi surprised.<\/li>\n
![\"Abu](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_9151-hq.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\n