Abu Dhabi, UAE – Personal recommendations remain the most trusted way to discover Abu Dhabi’s hidden gems, according to a new study by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), highlighting the strong role of word-of-mouth in guiding residents and visitors toward authentic experiences beyond the emirate’s best-known attractions.

The research revealed that Abu Dhabi residents possess an exceptional knowledge of the emirate’s diverse attractions, with half of respondents (50%) able to immediately name a lesser-known destination—more than residents of any other emirate in the UAE.

The findings also showed that 73% of Abu Dhabi residents actively recommend these hidden gems to friends and family, reinforcing the enduring influence of personal referrals as the most trusted source for discovering unique local experiences.

Local cafés and restaurants emerged as the emirate’s most frequently mentioned hidden gems, accounting for 31% of all spontaneous responses when participants were asked to name underrated destinations. Reflecting Abu Dhabi’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene, Art House Café ranked first overall, with 77.8% of visitors describing it as one of the emirate’s top hidden gems.

However, great food is only part of the appeal. For many residents, tranquillity is what truly defines a hidden gem. Around 22% of respondents identified peaceful surroundings as the primary reason for considering a place a hidden gem, followed by the quality of the overall experience and food (19%), while cultural and heritage value ranked third (12%). This preference is also reflected in residents’ behaviour, with 64% saying they prefer to enjoy these special places privately rather than sharing them on social media.

The study also highlighted Al Ain as one of Abu Dhabi’s richest destinations for authentic cultural and outdoor experiences. Hili Archaeological Park ranked second among the emirate’s hidden gems, receiving 58.1% of the vote, while camping at Jebel Hafit secured third place with 52.8%.

Together, these destinations showcase Abu Dhabi’s remarkable diversity, offering visitors an inspiring blend of cultural landmarks, historical sites, spectacular natural landscapes and immersive outdoor experiences that reveal a different side of the emirate.

Top 10 Hidden Gems in Abu Dhabi, According to UAE Residents

1. Art House Café – 77.8%
2. Hili Archaeological Park (Al Ain) – 58.1%
3. Camping at Jebel Hafit (Al Ain) – 52.8%
4. Emirates National Auto Museum (Al Dhafra) – 52.4%
5. House of Artisans – 43.1%
6. Eastern Mangroves Promenade – 39.0%
7. Cultural Foundation – 38.8%
8. Manarat Al Saadiyat – 34.5%
9. Abu Dhabi Dates Market – 30.9%
10. Nowhere Café – 30.5%