The Art House Café, Hili Archaeological Park, Jebel Hafit, Emirates National Auto Museum and House of Artisans are among the top hidden gems identified by UAE residents in new research commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
The study found that half of Abu Dhabi residents can instantly name a hidden gem in the emirate, the highest rate in the UAE.
It also revealed that 73 percent of UAE residents recommend lesser-known places to family and friends, showing that personal recommendations remain a key way of discovering attractions.
Top hidden gems
The highest-ranked locations identified by residents are:
- Art House Café – 77.8%
- Hili Archaeological Park (Al Ain Region) – 58.1%
- Camping at Jebel 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%
Survey findings
Food and dining emerged as the most common type of hidden gem, with 31 percent of unprompted responses naming local cafés and restaurants. The Art House Café was the highest-ranked location, with nearly 78 percent of visitors describing it as a hidden gem.
The survey also found that a peaceful atmosphere is the main reason residents consider a place a hidden gem, cited by 22 percent of respondents. Quality of experience and food followed at 19 percent, while cultural and heritage value ranked third at 12 percent.
Around 64 percent of residents said they prefer to enjoy hidden gems privately rather than sharing them on social media.
Al Ain attractions
Al Ain Region featured prominently in the research, with Hili Archaeological Park and camping at Jebel Hafit ranking among the emirate’s most recognised hidden gems.
Residents can explore more hidden attractions across Abu Dhabi through the emirate’s official tourism platform.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
