73% Of UAE Residents Actively Recommend Hidden Gems In Abu Dhabi To Friends And Family

Abu Dhabi residents are the emirate’s most knowledgeable guides when it comes to discovering hidden gems. New research reveals that half of residents (50 percent) can instantly name a secret spot; the highest across the country.

The research commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi revealed an impressive 73% of UAE residents recommend hidden gems to their family and friends. Word of mouth remains a trusted guide, with the personal recommendations reflecting the emirate’s culture of sharing favourite places one conversation at a time.

Food is at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s hidden gems culture. 31% of unprompted hidden gem mentions highlight local cafes and restaurants, painting a vibrant picture of the emirate’s culinary scene. Among these, The Art House Cafe stands out, with nearly 78% of those who have visited it calling it a hidden gem.

But it’s not only flavour that defines the hidden gems in Abu Dhabi. For many residents, it’s calm and peace that make a place truly special. Among those surveyed, ‘a peaceful atmosphere’ was the top reason to consider a place a hidden gem (22%), followed by quality of experience and food (19%), cultural and heritage value (12%). This is supported by resident’s behaviour, with 64% preferring to enjoy hidden gems privately rather than sharing on social media.

Al Ain Region emerges as a treasure chest of hidden gem locations within the emirate. Hili Archaeological Park ranks second, with 58% of visitors naming it a hidden gem, followed by camping at Jabel Hafit (53%). These destinations showcase Abu Dhabi’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

To discover and visit one of Abu Dhabi’s hidden gems, head to: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en.

Below is a list of locations which UAE residents consider hidden gems:  

1. Art House Café – 77.8%
2. Hili Archaeological Park (Al Ain Region) – 58.1%
3. Camping in Jabel Hafit (Al Ain Region) – 52.8%
4. Emirates National Auto Museum (Al Dhafra Region) – 52.4%
5. House of Artisans – 43.1%
6. Eastern Mangroves Promenade – 39%
7. Cultural Foundation – 38.8%
8. Manarat Al Saadiyat – 34.5%
9. Abu Dhabi Dates Market – 30.9%
10. Nowhere Café – 30.5%