Sunset Abu Dhabi – 8 Best Places to See (March 2024)

Abu Dhabi is an ideal city to take in the beautiful sunset views. As sundown time begins, the vast skies above the Arabian Gulf turn into a vibrant color canvas, presenting a mesmerizing spectacle for residents and tourists alike. 

Although you can witness the lovely shaded skylines everywhere, some places offer the best of the enchanting dusk sights. Here, Burj Diary will walk you through these top picks to watch the perfect sunset in the capital city. If you’re looking for the best sunset Abu Dhabi sites to catch the setting sun while taking in all the color and splendor, these are the top locations you should visit. 

Sunset Abu Dhabi: Top Sites to Watch the Sunsets in Abu Dhabi 

The Abu Dhabi Corniche

Consisting of an 8km Waterfront along the pristine beach, The Corniche is the most popular spot to enjoy the serene sunsets in Abu Dhabi. Standing on the peaceful beachfront, watching the beautiful orange sky with a golden ball taking a dip into the vast Arabian Gulf, it gives you an incredible evening view that’s hard to find somewhere else.

The walkway is dotted with trees on one side and is friendly for leisure strolls, cycling (bicycles available on rent), and skating. You can also sit on multiple benches along the way to relax and soak in the lovely sunset spectacle paired with the refreshing wind and delightful birds chirping in the background. The presence of several cafes, restaurants, parks, and public and family beach areas make it a perfect spot for families to spend quality evenings in the company of the tranquil sea. The eastern end of the corniche is best to see the sunset as it is oriented more westerly.  

Location: Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE  

Timings: Open 24 hours 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

If you want more of a spiritual experience, witnessing the sundown at the popular Sheikh Zayed mosque could be the best choice. Although the striking mosque architecture is a treat to watch all day, the golden hour makes the white marble details look much more magical. No wonder why most tourists prefer to visit the mosque in the late afternoon. 

You can see the sunset in Abu Dhabi from multiple mosque locations, including gardens, minarets, and courtyards. However, the main entrance presents the best scenery, framing the captivating white domes building with the alluring warm-hued sky in the backdrop. Don’t forget to bring out your cameras and capture the mystical shots. Combined with the serene atmosphere, it’s a perfect divine spot to relax your soul as nature puts on a color display. 

Location: Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Timings: Sat-Mon 9 AM to 10 PM, Fri 9 AM to 12 PM, 3 PM to 10 PM

Al Hudayriyat Island

Present opposite Al Bateen Beach, Al Hudayriyat Island is also a popular destination among locals to cherish stunning sunset shows while seeing the majority of Southern Abu Dhabi. You can choose any spot across the public beach area and sit there to watch the sun bidding adieu to the day. As the sky changes color, the vivid orange, purple, and golden hues reflect on the clear seawater, providing a fantastic setting to capture those perfect sunset shots. 

There are plenty of other activities to enjoy with the beautiful dusk aesthetics. You can grab delicious bites at restaurants and coffee shops, stay in camps or hotels with stunning beach views, or participate in swimming, running, cycling, or boating activities in the marina area. Another highlight of the island is the spelled-out Hudayriyat sign in the middle of the water. Featuring the charismatic faded sky in the background, it’s the most-liked point by picture enthusiasts for memorable end-of-the-day photography. 

Location: Al Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE 

Timings: The island opens daily but has different operating hours for various activity spots. The beach area stays open from 7 AM to sunset time. See the timings of parks, sports, cycling tracks, and other activities here.

Website: https://www.hudayriyatisland.ae/

Jebel Hafeet

For mountain lovers, there cannot be a better place to see the sunset Abu Dhabi than Jebel Hafeet. With a height of 1240 meters, it’s the city’s highest peak, which will surely come across your path if you’re wandering in the Al Ain area of Abu Dhabi. After driving through thrilling roads, you’ll receive breathtaking vistas atop mountains as the sun goes down. The fiery sunlight strokes hitting rocky paths followed by enlightened night city views below will leave you spellbound. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to choose hiking or biking. For a more immersive experience, consider camping or staying at the Mercure Hotel uphill afterward. There’s even a restaurant right on the edge that gives the best sights of surrounding deserts and hilly landscapes, unlike anywhere else. 

Location: Jabal Hafeet (between UAE and Oman Border) – Abu Dhabi – UAE 

Timings: The mountain is accessible all week with no specific timings. However, the best time to plan your trips would be between 11 AM to 11 PM.

Louvre Museum

Situated on Saadiyat Island, the Louvre is a perfect spot for architecture lovers to watch the sunset Abu Dhabi. It is famous for its unique geometric dome roof, which creates playful sunlight patterns inside as the sun rays peak through voids. Visit the museum at midday and explore ancient and modern masterpieces with beautiful natural light falling inside. End your tour by watching the timeless sunset by kayaking through the museum. 

If you want a more comfortable experience, you can sit on the open-air terrace in the L’Art Lounge and gaze at the sky, changing its color over the majestic Persian Gulf. Order some sundowners from the bar for a more delightful time. Because it offers several points to view translucent sundown, from see-through roofs to kayaks, the Louvre has become a highly sought-after place among locals to see the best sunset in Abu Dhabi. 

Location: Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Timings: Tue to Sun: 10 AM to 6:30 PM, Mon Closed

Observation Deck at 300

Observation Deck is another popular vantage point to observe fascinating sunset Abu Dhabi visions from a height of 300 meters above the ground. Located in the famous Etihad Tower on the 74th floor, this popular tea point gives you panoramic skyline views from the see-through walls. You can see the Corniche and the Boundless Arabian Gulf horizon set on fire by the departing sun and spend a magical evening while taking in captivating dusk vistas. 

The entry to the deck costs 95AED with a 55AED café voucher included in it. Our advice is to arrive at least one hour before sunset so you can order your favorite snacks and munch on them as you witness the sky turning dark with multiple hue transitions in between. 

Location: Tower 2, Level 74, Etihad Towers – Corniche W St – Abu Dhabi – UAE

Timings: Mon-Sun 12–8 PM

Desert Safari

What would be a better way to see the sunset in an Arab city than a trip to the sandy desert? Book a desert safari trip from local tour operators or embark on your desert journey alone to indulge in an authentic Arabian evening. The lowering sun and pinkish-orange sky, paired with the golden sand vasts below, create a picture-perfect sight that’ll last in your memory forever. And the starlit sky in the night afterward is absolutely to die for! 

We recommend booking a local trip as they are timed around the sun to allow tourists to catch the perfect sundown. The journey starts in the afternoon in 4*4 vehicles. After arriving in the desert, you can enjoy camel riding or dune boarding for an extra rush and then relax at the campsite to immerse yourself in the calming sunset sky with a spectacle of hues melting into dusk. Winding up with delicious meals, these trips are undoubtedly among the best ways to close your days in ancient Emirati style. 

Location: Around 80km distance from Abu Dhabi, a 45-minute-long highway journey towards Al Ain followed by a few minutes long off-road travel in the desert.

Wahat Al Karama

Wahat Al Karama is a memorial place built in honor of the Martyrs who fought with their lives to protect their country. No doubt, it has a beautiful structure with a central plaza, memorial wall, and an exhibition pavilion; the reason we had to include it in our list of best sunset Abu Dhabi places is the bewitching views it offers in the evening. 

Its location is opposite the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, so when you sit in the memorial at dusk, you can see the entire mosque bathing in the golden glow of the descending sun, resulting in a sight that is nothing short of enchanting. This creates a charming scenery that you won’t be able to enjoy inside the mosque. So, if you plan your visit to the Mosque Area, make sure to sit by the memorial by nightfall, and you’ll be ensured the most magical sunset spectacle of your life. 

 Location: 3rd St Khor, Abu Dhabi, UAE 

Timings: Mon-Sun 9 AM to 10:45 PM 

Sunset Time In Abu Dhabi

The time of sunset in Abu Dhabi differs throughout the year depending upon the various seasons and months. As the days become shorter in the winter, the sun starts to set earlier. For November, the sunset Abu Dhabi time is from 5:34 PM to 6 PM. 

In Spring and Summer Months (March to Aug), the days become longer, and the sunset times extend to 6–7 PM. 

Final Words

It’s the end of our top spots to see the best Sunset Abu Dhabi. From pristine beaches and islands to sandy deserts and sky-touching buildings, there are plenty of spots in Abu Dhabi that will give you unforgettable sunset views of your life. The next time you crave a picture-perfect sundown show in the city, give the places mentioned above a try. Let us know your favorite sites to watch the glorious sun setting in Abu Dhabi in the comments section below.