Abu Dhabi

Destinations

14 Nov

Written By Anca Enica

DESTINATION GUIDE WITH MUSTARD & LINEN

Abu Dhabi Design City Guide: A Curated Journey with Mustard & Linen

Bathed in desert light and framed by the stillness of the Gulf, Abu Dhabi reveals itself through quiet elegance. a city where tradition and modernity meet in perfect balance. Geometry, light, and craftsmanship shape its architectural rhythm, while creativity unfolds in subtle, thoughtful gestures across museums, restaurants, coastal landscapes, and design-forward spaces.
In this guide, studio **Mustard & Linen** share their most inspiring places across the capital, from the iconic **Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque** and the luminous **Louvre Abu Dhabi**, to serene coastal walks at **Saadiyat Beach Golf Club**, refined dining at **Erth** and **Le Petite Maison**, design-driven retreats like **The Abu Dhabi EDITION**, and intimate sunset moments from their own studio overlooking the mangroves.
Together, these destinations capture the city’s soul: calm, contemporary, and deeply connected to culture and craft.
**NOVEMBER 2025**
**Words:** designeers, mustard & linen

A BREAKFAST AND COFFEE STOP:

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi offers a serene morning ritual defined by understated elegance. Every detail, from the ingredients to the design of the space, embodies quiet luxury, creating a calm and inspiring start to the day.

FAVOURITE DESIGN MUSEUM:

Louvre Abu Dhabi

More than a museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi stands as an architectural masterpiece by Jean Nouvel, redefining the dialogue between light, space, and human perception. Its iconic latticed dome filters sunlight into a delicate “rain of light,” creating a near-spiritual experience where art, architecture, and nature converge.

FAVOURITE art gallery:

Warehouse 421

In the heart of Mina Zayed, Warehouse 421 has evolved from an industrial shell into one of Abu Dhabi’s most dynamic cultural hubs. Dedicated to nurturing local and regional talent, it brings together artists, designers, and visitors through a year-round programme of exhibitions, workshops, and creative events.

A lunch to indulge into;

Erth Restaurant

Nestled within the historic Qasr Al Hosn, Erth Restaurant celebrates the essence of Emirati fine dining through a dialogue between heritage and contemporary design. Its architecture and interiors honour the cultural legacy of Abu Dhabi while embracing modern craftsmanship and detail. With a menu that reinterprets traditional flavours through a refined lens, Erth has rightfully earned its Michelin Star, offering an experience where history, hospitality, and design beautifully intertwine.

Elegant cocktail setting at Toto, Mamsha Al Saadiyat

A cocktail bar;

Toto in Mamsha

Overlooking the turquoise waters of Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Toto brings effortless elegance to Abu Dhabi’s dining scene. Its refined interior palette of warm woods, soft lighting, and sculptural details creates a space that feels both sophisticated and intimate. With beautifully balanced cocktails and a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere, Toto has become a destination for design lovers and bon vivants alike.

Favourite outdoor space:

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Set along the pristine shores of Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club offers a rare sense of calm and connection to nature. Designed to harmonise with the island’s coastal landscape, its sweeping views and serene atmosphere invite quiet reflection, far from the city’s energy. Whether for a morning walk or a slow afternoon by the water, it’s a place where design, landscape, and tranquility converge.

Dining room at LPM Restaurant & Bar on Maryah Island

A fine dining restaurant:

Le Petite Maison

A timeless icon of Mediterranean fine dining, Le Petite Maison pairs exquisite cuisine with interiors defined by understated refinement. Soft lighting, art-lined walls, and polished details create an ambiance where every element from flavour to form reflects effortless sophistication. More than a restaurant, it’s a design-led dining experience that continues to captivate Abu Dhabi’s culinary and creative crowd.

A design hotel to stay in: 

The Abu Dhabi EDITION

A study in contemporary minimalism, The Abu Dhabi EDITION redefines modern luxury through clean architectural lines, tactile materials, and a subtle sense of warmth. Designed by Ian Schrager in collaboration with W Marriott, every detail from the sculptural staircase to the serene palette of wood, linen, and stone — reflects the brand’s signature balance of intimacy and sophistication. The result is a design hotel that feels quietly glamorous, inviting, and unmistakably modern.

An iconic architectural landmark:

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

A symbol of Abu Dhabi’s architectural ambition, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is majestic in scale and exquisite in craftsmanship. Clad in luminous white marble, its soaring domes, delicate floral inlays, and tranquil reflecting pools embody the artistry of Islamic design at its most refined. More than a place of worship, it stands as a landmark that defines the grandeur and spirit of the UAE capital.

Mangroves of Hidd Al Saadiyat at sunset from Mustard & Linen’s studio

The best spot for a sunset view:

Mustard & Linen Studio

For the most breathtaking sunset in Abu Dhabi, few places rival Mustard & Linen Studio, overlooking the tranquil mangroves of Hidd Al Saadiyat. As golden light dances across the water and filters through the studio’s windows, the scene becomes a living canvas, quiet reminder of how nature and design coexist in perfect harmony.