Reigning as the capital and wealthiest city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a city of many wonders. Located on the Persian Gulf, the island city is home to sunny blue skies and hot temperatures all year round. The perfect travel destination at any time of the year. That said, here are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Having welcomed over 11 million tourists in the year 2019 alone. It is no surprise that Abu Dhabi is a tourist haven. Tourists of all walks of life are bound to enjoy their time here. Given the plethora of tourist attractions, museums, and activities at their disposal.
The best thing about Abu Dhabi is that it’s constantly growing and evolving. Whether you’ve visited the city in the past or not, you’ll be immersing yourself in new and exciting activities. Also, tourist attractions, and much more.
There’s never a dull moment in this luxurious city. If you’re considering booking your next flight to the Emirates, check out the top things to do in Abu Dhabi. You’ll be prepared as can be for your holiday under the sun.
Abu Dhabi Attractions
Fill Your Day With Adventures At Ferrari World
In 2010, Ferrari World is easily one of the most exciting places to visit in Abu Dhabi. It is home to the fastest rollercoaster in the world (Formula Rossa). Also, this Ferrari-themed amusement park is full of thrilling rides and shows for adults, children, and families.
If you can’t resist a good adrenaline rush, Ferrari World is definitely the place for you. Here, you can indulge in all kinds of adventurous activities, from ziplining to driving a Ferrari yourself!
There are tons of different things to do at Ferrari World. Also, you can find a full overview of the park at Ferrari World.
If you’re planning to visit Ferrari World with a group, check out the friends & family offers and discounts. You can save quite a bit!
Immerse Yourself In World-Renowned Art At The Louvre Abu Dhabi
Consider yourself an art enthusiast? Then you’ll definitely enjoy visiting The Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi. Yes, you read that correctly, The Louvre is now in Abu Dhabi!
The Louvre Abu Dhabi opened in 2017 when French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated its opening. Today, it stands as the biggest art museum not only in the UAE but in the entire Arabian peninsula.
The museum homes around 35,000 artworks from across the globe. The diversity of the collection is credited to the museum’s efforts to provide a space where Western and Eastern art coalesce.
An adult ticket for The Louvre Abu Dhabi is AED60 (around $16). You can book tickets, check out ongoing exhibitions, and sign up for webinars offered by the museum.
Visit The Emirates Palace: The Epitome Of Luxury
Ask any local what to do in Abu Dhabi and chances are they’ll tell you to visit the Emirates Palace. You don’t have to be a paying guest to visit this luxurious 5-star hotel: admission is free for all. That being said, it’s definitely worth spending at least one night at the hotel that tops almost every list of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Comprised of 100 hectares of lush greenery coupled with a 1.3 kilometers-long stretch of coastline making up one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, every corner of the Emirates Palace offers a different means to relax and detox.
Consider yourself a water baby? Here’s a list of some of the water-based activities you can indulge in at the Emirates Palace:
- Kayaking
- Water-skiing
- Sailing
- Paddle-boarding
- Wake-boarding
- Wind-surfing
Alternatively, if you don’t feel like indulging in physical exertion, you can relax at one of their many swimming pools or luxury beach cabanas. You can also check out their world-class spa & wellness facilities at Emirates Palace.
Of all the available ways to spoil yourself at the Emirates Palace, perhaps the best way is to treat yourself to one of their top-notch restaurants. The Palace is home to 9 high-class and award-winning restaurants, so it’s recommended to build up your appetite beforehand.
Go For An Authentic Emirati Desert Safari
While Abu Dhabi is usually lauded for its urban landscape and trendy city spots, there’s a lot more to the city.
For a truly local experience of the city, an authentic desert safari should definitely be on your list of what to do in Abu Dhabi. Take a day to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and treat yourself to a truly exotic and authentic experience.
A typical Emirati desert safari consists of loads of thrilling activities, including cruising (or dune bashing for the adrenaline lovers) through Abu Dhabi’s serene desert landscape, camel-riding, and more.
Desert safaris usually take a whole day, and if you opt for the evening safari you can also camp out on the sand dunes overnight in an authentic Bedouin-style tent. At your camp, get ready to be spoilt for choice with a range of exciting activities such as sandboarding, quad-biking, getting an authentic henna tattoo, and watching a live belly dance show.
In addition, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food, as desert safaris typically include a buffet-style catering service offering delicious delicacies from the region.
Spend The Day At Yas Waterworld Or Yas Island
Another one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi is to visit Yas Waterworld, an Emirates-themed water park located on Abu Dhabi’s famous Yas Island. With over 40 different rides, activities and attractions, you’re bound to get your money’s worth here.
Yas Waterworld is truly a unique amusement park. For starters, some of the rides here are exclusive to Yas Waterworld. You won’t find rides like Dawwama, the first hydro-magnetic waterslide in the world, and Bandit Bomber, the world’s first interactive laser waterslide, anywhere else in the world!
Apart from Yas Waterworld, Yas Island is home to a myriad of other exciting attractions, such as Yas Marina, where you can drive or go-kart with your friends and family and enjoy a delicious meal with a picturesque view of the marina. If you’re a fan of Formula 1, you’ll definitely want to visit the Yas Marina Circuit— Formula 1’s Grand Prix racetrack!
For a complete run-down of the sites, activities, and attractions available on Yas Island, check out Yas Island.
Visit The Awe-Inspiring Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the UAE. Spread out over an area of 12 hectares (not including its exterior landscape), the mosque is a beautiful fusion of Mughal, Arab, Persian, Indo-Islamic and Moorish architecture.
Although the mosque is a site of prayer and worship for Muslims, people of all beliefs and faiths are welcome to visit. Admission is free for all, and you can also opt for a (free) guided tour of the mosque.
Being a site of Islamic worship, it is required for women to dress appropriately and wear a headscarf. However, if your outfit is deemed inappropriate by the staff, you will be offered an abaya (traditional Islamic robe worn by women) free of charge.
Walk Along The Abu Dhabi Corniche
One of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi that’s free is to walk down the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Comprising the western part of the island city, the Corniche is a great place to walk or bike ride. It has many cycle paths and wide walkways.
Abu Dhabi’s skyline is probably best seen from the Corniche. It’s probably a good idea to get your camera ready before you go.
Apart from being one of the most picturesque parts of the city, the Corniche is also home to sandy beaches. Not to mention, sports fields, restaurants, and more.
Take A Day Trip To Dubai
Finally, you can also opt to take a day trip to Dubai, UAE’s most luxurious and famous city. Visit the world-renown attractions of Dubai, such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the Palm Jumeirah, and the Burj Al Arab, among the plethora of other things to see and do in Dubai.
Opt for a guided tour of Dubai from Abu Dhabi. This way, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned coach, and you’ll have a professional tour guide to show you around the bustling and ever-growing city of Dubai.
Here is a list of just some of the must-visit sites and attractions in Dubai:
- Burj Khalifa
- Burj Al Arab
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Mall
- Gold Souk
- Dubai Creek
- Dubai Miracle Garden
- Atlantis at The Palm
- Ski Dubai
The list never ends when it comes to places to visit and things to do in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
