Abu Dhabi, the capital and second most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (following Dubai), is a bustling modern city with skyscrapers, elaborate palaces, magnificent mosques, and a lot of money. However, it hasn’t always been such a booming metropolis. In the 18th century it was a haven for wildlife, and its name translates to “Father of the Gazelle”. The pearl trade expanded the city in the 19th century, but it was the discovery of oil in 1958 that began its metamorphosis into the city we see today. It is a city we came to love on our first visit to the Middle East.
We enjoy learning about the history and culture of a new destination when we travel, not just visiting the top tourist attractions. Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to get a peak into the Bedouin lifestyle that once was the way of life in this region, before the oil era changed everything. Heritage Village is a reconstruction of a traditional desert village where visitors can learn about traditional homes, boats, weapons, and skills such as pottery making, metal work, and weaving. The museum has photos of Abu Dhabi before the oil boom, as well as old weapons, coins, and artifacts on display. Heritage Village is home to camels and donkeys which makes it a great destination for families with young children, who can take rides on certain days and times. Heritage Village also has a mosque, souk, restaurant, and beautiful beach which shows the juxtaposition of the modern city and its Bedoin origins. Heritage Village is enclosed inside a reconstructed fort to demonstrate how Abu Dhabi would have defended itself from sea invaders.
For anyone who enjoys history, Heritage Village is a must-see in Abu Dhabi and a nice introduction to the Arabian culture. Craft workshops and monthly cutural festivals are held there to further educate its visitors about the traditions of the UAE. Heritage Village is free to visit, and you can even do some souvenir shopping at the souk. You can try to practice your bargaining skills, although they weren’t willing to bargain there like at the textile souk in Dubai. We spent a few hours wandering around getting a taste of traditional Arabian culture, feeling like we were in one of my favorite childhood movies Aladdin. We didn’t see any magic flying carpets but found the perfect hiding spot for a genie. Dear genie in a bottle, one of my three wishes is to return to Abu Dhabi (and Dubai) again someday to experience more of its treasures.
Reconstructed fort with gorgeous wooden doors open to U.A.E. Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
We love the Arabic architecture at the Heritage Village Museum in Abu Dhabi
Photos of Sheiks and other important people at Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi
Traditional weapons and artifacts on display at Heritage Village Museum in Abu Dhabi
We wouldn’t want to mess with somebody carrying these traditional weapons on display at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
More traditional weapons on display at U.A.E. Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Welcome area at Heritage VIllage with a replica of a dhow, or traditional boat
Another handsome dhow on display at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Traditional Arabic dhow boat on display on the beach at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Beautiful pathway at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi winds through a garden and down to the beach
Gorgeous palms with the stunning blue water behind at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi make this a great photo spot
Can’t beat this view of the Abu Dhabi skyline from Heritage Village’s stunning beach
Traditional Bedoin desert oasis village at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Traditional Bedoin encampment at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
A peak inside a traditional Bedoin tent made of sackcloth at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Traditional “Coast People’s” Bedoin house made of palm fronds for better ventilation during hot summer months
Traditional “Mountain People’s” Bedoin house made of stones at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Bedoin campfire at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi where guests were served Arabic coffee to show famous Arab hospitality
Traditional Bedoin well at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Kids can ride the camels on certain days and times at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Hello there little donkey at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Beautiful fountain at Heritage VIllage was a hangout for ducks
Yes please I’ll take some Arabic coffee! 😉
Craftsman diligently working at his trade at Heritage VIllage Abu Dhabi
Traditional pottery artistic display at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Handcrafted wooden boxes and unique mirrors make excellent souvenirs from Abu Dhabi
Colorful glass-blown creations for sale at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Traditional souk selling a variety of cultural souvenirs at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Trying on an abaya and hijab, traditional Islamic women’s clothing in UAE at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Bertaut bought this gandoora and keffiyeh (robe and headscarf) in order to be able to enter Emirates Palace, which doesn’t allow legs to show on men or women, since he was wearing shorts and was denied entry earlier that day.
Colorful shoes for sale at the souk at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Camel purses perfect for our 4 year old daughter at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Bertaut had fun trying on this Turkish fez hat at the souk at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Archeological remains of an ancient tomb at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Description of Al hili Tomb at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Alluring buffet lunch at the restaurant at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Heritage Village is within walking distance to Marina Mall and the Marina Eye
That’s a wrap for the Heritage Village Abu Dhabi. We recommend a visit during your trip to Abu Dhabi if you’re into cultural and historical attractions when discovering new places on your travels. You will learn about the traditional Bedoin way of life, can buy some handcrafted souvenirs from local artisans, will set foot on a gorgeous beach with killer views of Abu Dhabi, and may even get to ride a camel! Be sure to check out Emirates Palace when you are in the area, where we will head next. If you liked this post and want to get tips to travel like a millionaire, please sign up for our email newsletter and RSS feed.
