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This historic waterway separates Abu Dhabi from the mainland, guarded by the now somewhat hidden Al Maqta Fort and a small watchtower, on a rocky promontory in the middle of the khor (creek). The mainland bank is home to a cluster of luxury resort-hotels and the Souk Qaryat Al Beri mall, all with restaurants and bars that have outdoor terraces with views of the snowy-white Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the water.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Beach

0.18 MILES

A day spent beach-side at the Fairmont is sandy relaxation with the best views across the khor (creek) to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to boot. There's a…

2. Al Maqta Fort & Watchtower

0.35 MILES

Despite being one of the oldest sights in Abu Dhabi, this 200-year-old guardian of the city was restored and then more or less abandoned after the…

3. Sheikh Zayed Bridge

0.55 MILES

Said to symbolise the flow of energy into the capital, this 842m-long modern bridge designed by the late Zaha Hadid is one of three gateways to Abu Dhabi…

4. Wahat Al Karama

0.58 MILES

This memorial, opposite the eastern side of the Grand Mosque, was inaugurated in 2016 in memory of Emiratis who have given their lives in service to the…

5. Shangri La Hotel Beach

0.74 MILES

The Shangri La Hotel's palm-tree-dappled pool area and sweep of white sand out front is open for nonguest day access. There's a great poolside restaurant…

7. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

0.85 MILES

Rising majestically from manicured gardens and visible from the bridges joining Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an…

8. Khalifa Park

1.23 MILES

This large and leafy park, not far from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, has a number of attractions, including a football playing area, fountains, ponds…