Art House Café, Hili Archaeological Park and camping in Jabel Hafit top the list of places UAE residents recommend most as hidden gems
“Calm and peaceful” is the number one reason UAE residents classify a place as a hidden gem
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 16 July 2026: 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:
- Art House Café – 77.8%
- Hili Archaeological Park (Al Ain Region) – 58.1%
- Camping in Jabel Hafit (Al Ain Region) – 52.8%
- Emirates National Auto Museum (Al Dhafra Region) – 52.4%
- House of Artisans – 43.1%
- Eastern Mangroves Promenade – 39%
- Cultural Foundation – 38.8%
- Manarat Al Saadiyat – 34.5%
- Abu Dhabi Dates Market – 30.9%
- Nowhere Café – 30.5%
Research was conducted by Omnicom on 20 April 2026.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae/
Media Contact: Mina Kiwan on [email protected] or +971552426806
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