The vibrant Cultural Foundation is Abu Dhabi's artistic and cultural centre with a regular programme of live theatre, classical music, ballet, local poetry, music and dance, art and photography exhibitions, and screenings of world cinema. It's situated in the centre of the city in a modern Islamic-inspired building, with elegant arches and intricately decorated tiled passageways.

It's also home to the excellent Emirates Film Competition, which provides a rare insight into local culture through short films, the Abu Dhabi International Pearl Festival (www.ad-pearl.com), the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, National Archives, the National Library, an Arts Workshop, and Children's Centre. Throughout the building there are small displays of musical instruments, Islamic art, old black-and-white photographs, and a fascinating model of old Abu Dhabi.