Think of a holiday in the UAE? Dubai will be mostly your first stop and for all genuine reasons. But, the UAE is more than Dubai; less than two hours’ away from it is the country’s largest as well as the capital city, Abu Dhabi. It’s equally stylish, engaging, and further brims with enormous charm and character. So on your upcoming UAE holiday, make sure that you head off the typical touristic sights and venture to Abu Dhabi’s refreshing mix of contemporary and cultural landmarks. And to get you started, we’ve put together here a list of top things to do in Abu Dhabi.
1. Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This sprawling white structure is the UAE’s biggest as well as the most stunning mosque. And unlike the region’s most other religious site, it’s open to all including non-Muslims. So make it a priority to visit this spot – you can’t help but be awe-struck by its mix of sheer vastness (with a capacity to hold 40,000 people at a time), striking architecture style, unmatched tranquility, and of course, several distinctive features, including breathtaking glass works, intricate minarets, the largest of its kind hand-knotted carpet, and massive chandeliers finished in gold and studded with Swarovski crystals.
2. Be part of Yas Island’s heart-racing thrill and adventure
Be it fun, adventure or entertainment, this is an absolute entertainment venue ideal for every age group and ability. In fact, no Abu Dhabi trip is complete without taking a trip to Yas Island’s amazing attractions such as.
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: The first of its kind Ferrari branded theme park is also the ultimate destination for motorsport enthusiasts, thanks to its vast repertoire of heart-racing rides and attractions including Flying Aces and Formula Rossa (the world’s fastest roller coaster ride).
• Yas Waterworld: Developed as a tribute to the honor the Emirati pearl diving heritage, it’s the region’s largest water park with 40 plus one of its kind rides, slides and attractions.
• Warner Bros Abu Dhabi: It consists of six unique sections complete with rides and attractions based on favorite cartoon and superhero characters such as Batman, Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny, Hanna Barbera etc. So what better way to bring all your childhood fantasies to life!
• CLYMB Abu Dhabi: It’s one of Yas Island’s newest attractions where you’ll get to enjoy the largest skydiving flight chamber and the tallest indoor climbing wall.
• Yas Marina Circuit: It’s the venue of the prestigious Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and has to its credit one of the most advanced and expensive F1 race tracks. That’s not all; it gives you the once-in-the-lifetime opportunity to get behind the wheels of your favorite racing car. It’s open all through the year.
3. Take a Mangrove kayaking tour
If you’re looking for a breather from the region’s typical concrete sights, there is no better way than to escape to the Mangrove National Park in Abu Dhabi. You can take a kayaking tour to immerse yourself in its lush landscape, discover the captivating biodiversity of the city’s protected Eastern mangroves, and further enjoy a closer look at its captivating flora and fauna. As you can expect to be surrounded by several unique species of birds, marine creatures and animals, this is a distinctive yet absolutely refreshing adventure in Abu Dhabi which you can enjoy at a relaxed pace in a quietude ambience.
4. Get lost in time at the Heritage Village
A trip up to the Heritage Village will walk you through a magnificently recreated traditional desert oasis settlement. This allows you to discover some intriguing facets of the age-old Emirati culture, heritage and traditions. You’ll get to see a spectrum of weapons, jewelry and tools (including the ancient irrigation system) from the past at its museum. You can shop some amazing souvenirs (such as traditional clothes, silver jewelry, spices and henna) from here and also choose to dine at its restaurant. If this isn’t enough, it’s also a venue for the exciting Heritage Village Festival.
5. See some incredible artworks at Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum
No matter you’re an art and culture lover or not, it’s worth including Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum in your Abu Dhabi checklist. Beyond its celebrated name, this recently opened museum is definite to win you over not only for its timeless arts and artifacts on display, but also for its unequaled architecture along water;this makes it appear like a floating structure. And stand beneath its enormous dome with perforations and rain of light effect, reflecting the region’s early architectural style. It’s placed in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island Cultural District which also hosts the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Museum.
6. Hang out at Abu Dhabi Corniche
The imposingly laid-out seafront promenade stretches for eight kilometers in the heart of the city and has it all – from the dedicated pedestrian and cycling tracks to football and volleyball courts to the kid-exclusive play areas. With access to a well-guarded beach complemented by the prestigious Blue Flag status, it is also a safe place to swim and enjoy other activities like exciting boat cruises.
7. Sample foods from all corners of the globe
Just like its famed counterpart – Dubai, Abu Dhabi too is a favorite of foodies. Yes, you’ll not only be able to relish some amazing local delights but also a wide array of diverse yet authentic cuisines from different parts of the world (from Middle Eastern and South Asian specialties to classic English and American delights). And the best thing is that it caters to every pocket too. So whether you wish to treat yourself to a lavish cuisine amidst a luxurious setting or want to keep it simple or inexpensive, Abu Dhabi has something for every preference and taste bud.
8. Enjoy a fancy gold coffee at Emirates Palace
If you don’t mind a bit of quirky splurge during your Abu Dhabi trip, order the signature gold cappuccino at La Café within Emirates Palace. True to your imagination, it comes speckled with real 23K gold flakes. And even if not for this exotic drink, make sure that you make a stop at Emirates Palace as it’s one of Abu Dhabi’s iconic sights and often rank among the UAE’s top luxurious hotels. It’s apparently a staple of any Abu Dhabi sightseeing tour; so don’t leave Abu Dhabi without taking a click against its exquisite backdrop.
9. Discover Abu Dhabi’s Past at Qasr Al Hosn
This is a must-experience for the aficionados of art and culture. Tracing its root back to 18th century, it’s the oldest heritage site in Abu Dhabi. It was initially a defensive structure and later remained as the residence of the ruling Al Nahyan family before it served as the seat of government. Besides the Inner Fort and the Outer Palace, it has to its credit the region’s oldest of its kind sea stone watch tower. You’ll get to take in many interesting objects dating back to 6000 BC and also be part of several unique experiences at its House of Artisans and Bait Al Gahwa.
10. Get a slice of Emirati royal architecture and history at Qasr Al Watan
This resplendent structure is a part of the Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace. A visit here gives you the unique chance to follow the footsteps of world leaders and dignitaries while taking in the unmatched royal Arabian artistry and workmanship. Stand beneath the world’s biggest dome at its Great Hall and glance into how the official feasts are arranged as you enter the Presidential Banquets. More intriguing sections await you here by way of Governance and Spirit of Collaboration, House of Knowledge, The Barza, and Qasr Al Watan Library. If you’re planning to visit here in the evening, be prepared to enjoy an exciting light and sound show, Palace in Motion.
11. Shopping
After Dubai, Abu Dhabi is the best place in the UAE for an exciting shopping spree. You’ll find merchandise from almost all top-name brands in its cool boutiques and stores within malls and other dedicated shopping spaces, mainly Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas Marina Mall, The Galleria and Paris Avenue. If you’re looking to shop one-off handicraft items, authentic oud (perfume) and antiques, head to its souks including the Souk Central Market, Iranian Souk, Women’s Handicraft Centre, and Carpet Souk. Apart from these, gold lovers can visit Madinat Zayed Gold Center with 70 plus jewelry boutiques.
12. Go on a Desert Safari
A desert safari in Abu Dhabi combines several thrilling activities with a dose of traditional Bedouin culture. Depending on your chosen desert safari package, you’ll embark on a pulse-racing 4X4 ride over the endless seas of desert sands and also enjoy activities such as sandboarding, dune buggy ride and camel ride. This is further accompanied by a lavish BBQ dinner, traditional entertainment, and a variety of traditional experiences;shisha smoking, henna tattooing, and falconry are just a few to name.
13. Tour Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Did you know that Abu Dhabi is home to the first and largest falcon hospital in the world? Well, visit Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital to see and experience it for yourself. Know how falcons and other birds are given proficient treatments here, and also check out its falconry museum with some intriguing objects on view. If you don’t know, falcon is the national bird of the UAE and the falconry sport has always been indispensable to the Emirati culture and traditions.
14. Marvel at the city skyline views from Observation Deck at 300
Abu Dhabi is captivating for its futuristic city skyline featuring avant-garde architecture. And one of the best ways to get a hold of its grandeur and scope is via taking to heights. For this, you can visit the Observation Deck at 300 which is perched on the 74th level of Jumeirah at Etihad Hotel. It offers one of the city’s highest standpoints with the unparalleled views over the cityscape, the Corniche area and Arabian Gulf. Want to take your Observation Deck experience to next level? Reserve a table at one of its seven amazing dining venues.
15. Explore Abu Dhabi’s Islands
Don’t just limit your sightseeing in Abu Dhabi to its mainland and Yas Island; make sure that you discover its other islands too. Visit Dalma Island which is Abu Dhabi’s oldest inhabited island, plan a snorkeling tip to Dolphin Island, and travel to Marawah Island where you’ll go back in time. Then there is Sir Bani Yas Island which is unmissable for wildlife enthusiasts, being a safe abode for over 12,000 animals (like Arabian Oryx, gazelles and leopards). You can further hit Al Lulu Island, Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island – all of which known for their pristine beaches and luxurious beaches.
16. Be a kid again at Emirates Park Zoo
Whether you’re traveling solo, with family / friends, or joined by your little ones, this is one Abu Dhabi attraction which you can visit during any part of the year. It shelters over 1500 animals and has some interesting sections / experiences such as the Petting Zoo, Flamingo Park, Bird Park, Snake Alley, Giraffe Park and Primate Parade.
17. Pay a visit to Emirates National Auto Museum
Finally, don’t leave Abu Dhabi without visiting Emirates National Auto Museum, especially if you’re a car lover. Rightly so, it boasts of one of largest collections of cars in the world. With over 200 vintage and personalized cars in its pyramid-like structure, they all are from the personal collection of Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.
Conclusion
So start your UAE trip planning now; book your accommodation / airline tickets in advance and get your UAE visa too (if applicable), which allows you to enter the country through any of its entry ports. And finally, wherever you wish to kick off your UAE holiday (be it Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah or anywhere), make sure that you set aside at least a day or two to pay a visit to Abu Dhabi’s mind-boggling attractions.
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