Half of Abu Dhabi residents can name a hidden gem off the top of their head, the highest rate of any emirate in the UAE, according to research commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and conducted by Omnicom in April 2026.
The findings point to a quiet but active culture of local recommendation. Some 73 per cent of UAE residents say they have suggested a lesser-known spot to family or friends, with word of mouth the dominant channel. A notable 64 per cent of those surveyed said they prefer to enjoy hidden gems privately rather than share them on social media.
Food leads the list. Local cafes and restaurants accounted for 31 per cent of unprompted hidden gem mentions. The Art House Café topped the overall rankings, with 77.8 per cent of its visitors describing it as a hidden gem. Nowhere Café also made the list at 30.5 per cent.
When asked what makes a place qualify as a hidden gem, residents pointed to atmosphere first. A peaceful setting was the top criterion at 22 per cent, ahead of quality of experience and food at 19 per cent, and cultural or heritage value at 12 per cent.
The Al Ain region produced several entries. Hili Archaeological Park ranked second overall, with 58.1 per cent of visitors calling it a hidden gem, while camping at Jebel Hafeet came in at 52.8 per cent. The Emirates National Auto Museum in Al Dhafra followed at 52.4 per cent.
The full ranking of locations UAE residents consider hidden gems in Abu Dhabi:
Art House Café – 77.8 per cent
Hili Archaeological Park (Al Ain Region) – 58.1 per cent
Camping in Jebel Hafeet (Al Ain Region) – 52.8 per cent
Emirates National Auto Museum (Al Dhafra Region) – 52.4 per cent
House of Artisans – 43.1 per cent
Eastern Mangroves Promenade – 39 per cent
Cultural Foundation – 38.8 per cent
Manarat Al Saadiyat – 34.5 per cent
Abu Dhabi Dates Market – 30.9 per cent
Nowhere Café – 30.5 per cent
