UAE residents reveal Abu Dhabi’s best hidden gems

The Emirates National Auto Museum. ARCHIVE

Ask an Abu Dhabi resident where to find the emirate’s best-kept secret, and chances are they’ll have an answer ready.

A new survey commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) found that half of Abu Dhabi residents can immediately name a hidden gem, the highest proportion recorded anywhere in the UAE.

The research also showed that discovering special places remains largely a personal experience, with 73 percent of UAE residents saying they recommend hidden spots to family and friends through word of mouth rather than social media.

In fact, 64 percent said they prefer to keep their favourite discoveries relatively private instead of sharing them online.

Food emerged as one of the strongest reasons people fall in love with hidden places. Nearly one-third of all unprompted recommendations highlighted local cafés and restaurants, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s growing culinary scene.

Topping the list was The Art House Café, with almost 78 percent of visitors describing it as a hidden gem.
Beyond dining, many residents said tranquillity is what makes a place truly memorable.

Among those surveyed, 22 percent cited a peaceful atmosphere as the defining characteristic of a hidden gem, followed by the quality of the overall experience and food (19 percent) and cultural or heritage value (12 percent).

Outside Abu Dhabi city, the Al Ain Region stood out as one of the emirate’s richest areas for lesser-known attractions. Hili Archaeological Park ranked second overall, with 58.1 percent of visitors considering it a hidden gem, while camping at Jebel Hafit followed closely at 52.8 percent.

Other locations frequently recommended by residents include the Emirates National Auto Museum in Al Dhafra, the House of Artisans, Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Cultural Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi Dates Market and Nowhere Café.

The findings highlight the growing appeal of experiences that combine culture, nature and community, offering residents and visitors a chance to explore a different side of Abu Dhabi beyond its well-known landmarks. PIA/Expat Media