13 Things To See And Do In Abu Dhabi
If you’re looking for a winter sun destination this year, then I would say that Abu Dhabi should be top of your list. From incredible year-long sunshine, unbelievable hotels, and unique things to, Abu Dhabi has something for everyone.
First things first, where is Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian Gulf. It’s neighbour to the also popular Dubai, and although similar, is special in it’s own way with lots of differences and intricacies to offer. It’s easy to get there from the UK with frequent flights from all major airports, and is home to Etihad Airways, which are a pleasure to travel with.
I’ve visited Abu Dhabi on a couple of occasions and both times was blown away by the hospitality of everyone and how welcomed I felt. As always I would suggest checking out the Abu Dhabi tourist board’s website for recommendations, and I hope my list of things to see and do there helps you out as well if you’re lucky enough to visit this incredible place.
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Al Ain Safari
Having been to the UAE twice already, I can honestly say that doing a desert safari is one of the most fun things I’ve ever experienced on any trip. You are whisked away by an Emirati host around an hour and a half from the state, to the magnificent desert which is an experience in itself, to one of the world’s largest man-made African safaris.
From there you’ll encounter a whole range of African animals, alongside around 2,500 plants positioned against the imposing backdrop of Jebel Hafit, Abu Dhabi’s tallest peak and the UAE’s second-tallest mountain.
So if a safari in the wild has always been on your list, Al Ain is the perfect place to go in Abu Dhabi.
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Desert Activities
If spending the day in the desert is something that you’d like to do more than once, then Abu Dhabi has a range of other activities from sand boarding, dune bashing to quad biking. There are a range of companies who offer this kind of experience, and my advice would be to ask at your hotel or check out Viator to pick one works for you.
I’ve been quad biking twice and both times I was so nervous at first, but the instructors are great at making sure you’re not going too fast, are safe and are there to help you if you fall off, like I managed to do both times… One of the best things about doing a tour to the desert is watching the sun go down, so if you can opt for one later in the day that encompasses a sunset then definitely do!
To finish off the tours, many will end up in the Arabian Village, which showcases the best of old Arabia. You’ll join others and have food and drink whilst watching an incredible show. I don’t want to give too much away, but this was a highlight of mine when visiting Abu Dhabi.
Most of the tours will offer pick up and drop off from your hotel too which is a real bonus!
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Yas Island
You don’t have to be a Formula One fan in order to visit and enjoy Yas Island, speaking from my own experience. The track is only one part of the complex – there is much more to see and do including eating and drinking on the waterfront indoor skydiving and climbing and the Yas Mall.
But if you are a Formula One fan then there is no better place for it. I’ve been lucky enough to visit the track the day before a race where we got to see some of the teams getting ready for the big event including Jenson Button.
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
I have to say that the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in my life. It was so breath-taking and beautiful and it was a really special place to visit. The mosque itself is the largest in the country and is used for a daily place of worship sometimes housing more than 50,000 people a day. The building complex measures approximately 290 by 420m and covers more than 12 hectares, which just expresses its vastness.
If you are showing your shoulders or knees then you will be given traditional clothing to cover you when you enter, so I would think ahead before you visit.
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The Lourve
Think the Lourve is just in Paris? Think again! Add a visit into the Abu Dhabi Lourve into your itinerary.
Abu Dhabi has their own version of the popular French attraction situated on Saadiyat Island. Since 2007 there has been an agreement in place between UAE and France that allows the art museum to use the same name until 2037. Tickets cost 60 AED (around £12) for this very popular attraction.
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Emirates Palace
Although the Emirates Palace is technically a hotel (and a very fancy one at that) visitors can access the lobbies and exhibitions of this incredible building. It’s free to enter and is definitely worth a visit on your trip to Abu Dhabi if you get chance as it is one of the only 7-star hotels in the world.
It cost more than $3billion to build and if you’re lucky enough to stay the night, prices start from around 1,830 AED (£360) a night – I better get saving!
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The Corniche
If relaxing by the waterfront is more of your vibe for a holiday, Abu Dhabi offers a lot of that too. Take a stroll around The Corniche which is an area of around 8km long, offering restaurants, children’s play areas and a beach.
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Warner Brothers World
If you have younger members of your party, or feeling like a big kid yourself, then take a trip to Warner Brother’s World. The first Warner Bros. branded theme park offers a fully immersive experience for the whole family, and costs around £60 for a regular adult.
Be prepared to experience the world’s largest indoor theme park and be transported to a world of action and adventure with all of your favourite characters!
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Water Park
If there is one thing that Abu Dhabi does amazingly well, it’s water parks! Some hotels will have their own offering, but if you want something to increase your heartrate, you’ll have a lot to chose from!
My recommendation would be Yas Waterworld, but I’ve also read great reviews of Splash Park too, and there is no better way to cool you down in that famous sunshine.
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Ferrari World
If you fancy yourself a bit of a petrol head, then Abu Dhabi is home to Ferrari World where you can experience high-adrenaline rides or take on your own driving experience in a super car.
I haven’t been there myself, but it will definitely be on my list when I head back!
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Relax By The Pool
What better thing is there to do on holiday than making the most of the incredible hotels and resorts that Abu Dhabi has and relaxing after a long day of exploring.
Abu Dhabi is home to some of the best 5-star hotels in the world including the St. Regis and the Rixos Premium both of which look like slices of paradise.
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Festivals
One of the times I visited, there was an incredible music festival on the beach with upcoming artists. Although maybe not top of your list on your holiday, it is definitely worth seeing if there are any big names performing whilst you are there – a lot of the time, these concerts can be free as well, and there is nothing better than partying the night away surrounded by sun, sand and sea.
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Take A Trip To Neighbouring Dubai
If you do get a chance on your trip then it’s worth making the trip to Dubai, even if just for the day. I’ve written posts about what I got up to on my trips there and why you should visit.
It’s only around an hour and a half in the car or you can take the local bus, and there is so much to see and do in the neighbouring emirate.
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I hope this post has given you some recommendations of what to see and do if you are lucky enough to visit Abu Dhabi. Let me know if you get the chance to go and what you got up to!