
10 Best Things to do in Abu Dhabi
Nestled in the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is the capital and second densely inhabited cities in the United Arab Emirates so-called Dubai. It is the country’s leading cultural and commercial hub surrounded by massive developments, state of the art infrastructures and skyscraper constructions. Many think that Dubai is the only destination to entertain during their visit to the Middle East region. A single visit to Abu Dhabi is sufficient to prove it wrong. With the places scattered around the neighbourhood, travellers could experience a range of excitements and several things to do in Abu Dhabi.
This urban city is home to a wide range of awe-inspiring attractions like theme parks, high-end shopping complexes, religious shrines and much more. A trip to Dubai wouldn’t be complete without a tour in Abu Dhabi. Hence, it is worth investment and must include in your travel bucket list. A trip to Abu Dhabi will drive you to significant tourist attractions ranging from ultramodern constructions, cultural sites and desserts. It enables travellers to experience the country’s exquisiteness combined with traditional Arabian and contemporary Emirati cultures.
For those who are planning to visit UAE, here are some best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Being the largest mosque in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the principal place of worship as well as regular prayers, Friday assemblies and Eid festival prayers. The building complex stretches over a land area of 30 acres while the grand mosque was constructed between 1996 and 2007 by the Syrian architect, Yousef Abdelky. The multi-cultural planning enhances the cultural and modern architectural values of the building complex.
It comprises four minarets – To the northeast tower, the library is well-resourced with an array of Islamic publications and books, boasting of historical prominence dating back to 200 years and further. There are other resources available in a wide range of foreign languages. The patio of the complex adorned with floral patterns holds the most prevailing marble mosaic in the world.
Visiting hours:
- Saturday to Thursday 9 am to 10 pm and on Fridays after 4.30 pm
- During the month of Ramadan, open daily from 9 am to 2 pm and closed on Fridays.
Where: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Marina Mall
Good news for shopaholics and one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi! This modern and wealthy city has no shortages for traditional bazaars and classy shopping arcades. Marina Mall is one of a kind premium shopping and leisure paradise in Abu Dhabi, exclusively designed for shoppers around the world. Set next to the seawall, this beachfront shopping venue encompasses over 400 stores that connect high-street fashion boutiques, cinema theatres, amusement parks, kids’ play areas, restaurants, coffee bars, deluxe hotels, indoor gaming space, ice cream parlours, all-inclusive supermarkets and excellent dining choices.
Visiting hours:
- Saturday – Wednesday from 10 am to 10 pm
- Thursday – Friday from 10 am to 12 am
Where: Exit 32, Off Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
The climate of the country creates golden sandy desert grounds for perfect safaris. As twilight hugs the sky, adventurous excursions begin in the Arabian Desert. Try your hands riding a camel, dune buggy trek, jeep safari or a hot air balloon tour. With the things to do in Abu Dhabi, travellers will experience the best and unique desert tour. As the night falls, campers will lit bonfires, frame their tents and enjoy BBQ dinner at the desert. The desert tour also gives the best views to the sunset and sunrise that you have witnessed ever.
Visiting hours: Preferably in the evening when it is not too sunny
Cost: AED 165 (Per package)
Have you ever imagined of driving a Ferrari in the real world? Well, here you get the opportunity to drive the world’s most prestigious automobile at the Ferrari theme park. Now it is all yours – A Ferrari trained instructor will accompany you as you experience the luxurious drive through Yas Island. Also, hop on to a roller coaster ride and pump your adrenaline levels while you enjoy unique Ferrari fueled adventures with friends and family.
Operating hours: Every day from 11 am – 8 pm
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Spanning across 15 acres of landmass, Yas waterpark or Waterworld is a theme park designed for water enthusiasts. The park is influenced by an original tale about a courageous girl called Dana. It hosts over forty world-class water rides, slides and events to visitors. You will experience the longest roller coaster ride in here, which is beyond 550 meters. The trips have been classified into four categories, including Adrenaline Rush, Exciting Adventures, Moving & Grooving, and Young Fun. Nevertheless, each ride takes you to different levels of water games and categories.
Operating hours: Daily from 10 am – 7 pm except on special holidays
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Cost: Adults – Starting from AED 250
Kids – Starting from AED 210
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Sited on Yas Island neighbouring the Ferrari World and Yas Waterpark, Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi is an amusement park which features Disney characters. The most famous personalities include Looney Tunes, DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, and others. Being Warner Bros.’s third theme park, it runs various entertainments like rides and shows based on cartoon characters and superheroes, eateries, shops and family-friendly attractions.
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday from 10 am – 7 pm
- Friday from 10 am to 9 pm
- Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
High Tea at Emirates Palace
While on your holiday in Abu Dhabi, evening high tea at the Emirate Palace is a must-try. It is a 5- star hotel catering perfect accommodations, world-class dining options and evening brunch for guests. The laid back setting and contemporary architecture plus hospitality bring the best high tea experience in Abu Dhabi. Fill the bellies while enjoying your royal high tea overlooking the Ocean.
Location: West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Price: AED 465 to AED 803
A city tour in Abu Dhabi is the precise selection to explore the highlights of the Metropolis. Tour throughout Abu Dhabi’s distinguished landmarks such as; Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Qasr Al Watan Palace and bustling city suburbs.
Price: Starting from AED 180 per person
Al Ain Palace Museum
Al Ain Palace Museum, commonly known as Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum was formerly the president’s palace – transformed into a museum in 1998. The museum consists of an art gallery, meeting rooms for visitors, courtyards and space for conducting Quran lessons and prophet’s teachings for its residence. It is the most visited cultural and tourists attraction in Abu Dhabi.
Entrance: Free
Opening hours: Daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm excluding Mondays | Friday: 03:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: Al Jahili area, Hessa bint Mohamed Street (Next to Al Ain Oasis)
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
While Abu Dhabi is consistently evolving, the cultural and heritage influence of traditional gulf lifestyle remains the same. The heritage village in Abu Dhabi is the well-preserved example for it. This place is all about the traditional lifestyle and artistry. Witness artefacts, artisans forming pottery, weaving fabric, buy spices and dried herbs at spice shops, handicrafts and souvenirs.
Price: Entrance is free
Location: Near Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
The things to do in Abu Dhabi are unlimited; there are more places to visit and activities to try. Indeed, it is one of the fascinating destinations to experience the traditional, cultural and modern lifestyle on earth. Discover more at https://www.drtholidays.com/tour-category/abu-dhabi-stopover-packages/