Cultural tourism continues to drive growth in Abu Dhabi, with visits to the emirate’s museums, heritage landmarks and cultural venues rising 47% year on year in the first half of 2025, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

Between January and June, more than 4 million people visited the city’s cultural sites. Louvre Abu Dhabi led with 784,606 visitors, followed by the Cultural Foundation with 620,709, marking a 49% increase, and Qasr Al Hosn with 467,398, up 14%.

Recognised as Abu Dhabi’s leading hub for art and cultural activities, Manarat Al Saadiyat saw the highest jump in visitor numbers, welcoming 207,684 visitors with a 1,139% rise, while House of Artisans drew 234,142 guests, reflecting growing interest in Emirati crafts and traditions.

The city’s expanding cultural scene includes recent openings such as teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, which attracted nearly 146,000 visitors in its first months, and Al Maqtaa Museum, which hosted more than 30,000.

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Upcoming landmarks are expected to further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for art and heritage. The Natural History Museum is slated to open on 15 November to be followed by Zayed National Museum in December and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in 2026.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque continues to rank among the world’s most visited sites, recently placed eighth globally on Tripadvisor’s 2025 Top Attractions list.