From record-breaking artificial waves to extraordinary cultural treasures
Surf Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum have been named among TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2026, joining an exclusive list of just 100 extraordinary destinations worldwide.
The magazine has recognised the two spots as two out of the four must-visit places in the Middle East, joined only by Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia and Lawh Wa Qalam: M.F. Husain Museum in Qatar.
Surf’s up
Developed over a decade by surfing legend Kelly Slater with Modon Holding, Surf Abu Dhabi draws water straight from the sea to produce salty, high-performance waves framed by the city’s glittering skyline.
The facility already holds three Guinness World Records, including the world’s longest artificial surfing wave and largest wave pool.
One standout, Kelly’s Wave, is now World Surf League-certified and features two barrels and high-speed turns.
It also became the first spot in the Middle East to host the World Surf League Championship Tour, sandwiched between legendary natural breaks in Australia, South Africa, and Hawaii.
The cultural jewel in the crown
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s cultural crown jewel, the Zayed National Museum, is turning heads in the arts world.
Located in Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum traces 300,000 years of human history in the UAE and celebrates the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Visitors can explore six permanent galleries, a striking outdoor space, and temporary exhibitions.
Highlights include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, the exquisite Blue Qur’an, and a full-scale Magan Boat, developed with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, the museum’s iconic falcon-wing-inspired shape honours Emirati heritage.
Being named on TIME’s list places it among just two destinations in the entire Middle East recognised this year, underlining its global significance.
From record-breaking waves to world-class cultural treasures, the capital is proving it has something truly special for every type of explorer.
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