Imagine stumbling upon a massive pyramid in the desert, packed with hundreds of cars, everything from iconic classics to quirky custom builds. Welcome to the Emirates National Auto Museum, one of Abu Dhabi’s most surprising gems and pure heaven for anyone who’s ever loved four wheels and an engine.
This museum isn’t your usual “Look But Don’t Touch” spot. It’s the private collection of Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, better known as the “Rainbow Sheikh” for his love of bold, colourful vehicles. Inside, you’ll find over 200 cars and trucks, each with a story, from military vehicles to one of the world’s largest trucks.
The highlight has to be Sheikh Hamad’s quirky taste. Ever seen a Dodge Power Wagon eight times its original size? Or a rainbow-coloured fleet of Mercedes? The museum also houses rare vintage cars, classic American models, dune-bashing beasts, and modified curiosities that blur the line between car and art piece.
Automobile fans will be hypnotized by the diversity, but even if you’re not a car geek, the sheer eccentricity of the collection makes this museum worth the detour.
The museum is an indoor one, making it a year-round museum. However, weekdays and morning are less hectic, which provides a more enjoyable viewing experience. If you’re combining your visit with a desert trip, aim for the cooler months between November and March.
The Emirates National Auto Museum is open daily from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
This museum is perfect for casual exploration rather than rushed sightseeing.
Call it wild, eccentric, and a car lover’s fever dream, the Emirates National Auto Museum is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Where else can you walk into a pyramid in the desert and come face-to-face with rainbow-coloured Mercedes, monster trucks taller than your house, and vintage beauties polished to perfection? It’s not just a museum; it’s Sheikh Hamad’s personality on wheels -extravagant, playful, and larger than life.
And here’s the kicker: even if cars aren’t your thing, the sheer scale and quirkiness of this place will win you over. It’s bizarre, brilliant, and completely unforgettable.
Ready to swap skyscrapers for monster wheels? Let Captain Dunes drive you straight into the desert’s most eccentric auto collection - no planning stress, just jaw-dropping stories on four wheels.