The largest emirate and the capital of the United Arab Emirates is truly a wonderful destination to visit. It is considered as the next best destination to visit in UAE after Dubai. And Dubai is a popular city that allures millions of visitors every year, for those wanderlusts looking for a calmer, less crowded place to holiday in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is a perfect choice. So what’s so special about Abu Dhabi that makes it an attractive holiday destination? Here are the top things to do in Abu Dhabi for a memorable holiday.
Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
1. Get acquainted with Abu Dhabi
First and foremost; there are few attractions and activities in Abu Dhabi that one ought to do to get a gist of the city. These perhaps should be on the top of your Abu Dhabi travel list as you get to experience Abu Dhabi in a nutshell in case you are on a short visit to Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi city tour
An Abu Dhabi city tour introduces you to the past heritage and present-day modern aspects of the city. The beautiful medley of deep-rooted culture and modern sophistication will leave you mesmerized. On a city tour, discover Abu Dhabi’s significant highlights such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Corniche, Ethiad Towers, Qasr Al Watan Palace, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Marina Mall to name a few. It is an ideal way to get familiar with the prominent Abu Dhabi sightseeing.
- Dhow Cruise Dinner in Abu Dhabi
Set sail onboard a traditional wooden Arabian dhow on the waters of Abu Dhabi and enjoy the stellar sights of Abu Dhabi city. Take in the scenic city vistas as you meander alongside the Corniche while enjoying a scrumptious buffet dinner. It is one of the best activities in Abu Dhabi to enjoy some precious time with your loved ones amid enchanting city views.
2. Adventure time in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is swiftly becoming popular among adventure lovers as their choice of fun destination as it has come up with some amazing range of adventure sports. If you love a kick of adrenaline rush, then be sure to check out the following.
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
Getaway from the city and find yourself amid the great expanse of golden dunes on an Abu Dhabi Desert Safari. Drive across the desert on the undulating sand dunes on a 4×4 which turns into a raving dune bashing session. For most of the day, the desert landscape turns into an adventure play zone where you can enjoy quad biking, sandboarding, and camel rides. When you are done having your share of thrill, unwind with a beautiful sunset before you head home. You can also extend your desert experience into the night filled with Arabian folklore, shisha sessions, and a delicious barbeque dinner.
3. Spend Quality time with family fun
One of the main reasons Abu Dhabi has become a popular Middle Eastern destination for families is the onset of family-friendly attractions in the form of mega theme parks and recreational areas. For family holidaymakers, here’s where you should be to enjoy a day filled with merriment.
- Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
The first Warner Bros themed park in the Middle East, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is an enticing theme park that lets you enjoy a day amid your favorite Warner Bros. fantasy character. This indoor park offer 29 amazing rides and thrills to experience and various dining, shopping and recreational shows spread throughout uniquely themed lands namely Warner Bros. Plaza, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Gotham City, and Metropolis. It is an ideal place for the whole family to enjoy and cherish memories together.
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timings: Daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Ticket Costs: Rates start from AED 295 per person onwards.
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Another world’s first-of-its-kind theme park chose Abu Dhabi to be its home. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a place where speed, thrill, and fun come together. If you are an automobile lover and have a thing for speed, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is an effective place to quench your need for speed. Zoom on a circuit in a race car, get behind the wheel of a Ferrari and take your dream drive experience, and scream your heart out on the world’s fastest roller coaster- Formula Rossa. That’s just a few of the things you can do here in Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. There are loads of attractions and rides for kids and adults, and a range of Italian dining options and the biggest Ferrari Store in the world to shop from.
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timings: 365 days a year from 11 am till 8 pm
Ticket Costs: General Admission costs about AED 295 per person
- Yas Water World
Escape the heat and splash, and chill in Yas Water World – an Emirati themed water park located on Yas Island. With over 40 amazing rides and thrills that vary from mild adventure rides to adrenaline-fueled rides, Yas Water World Abu Dhabi offers an amazing experience to be cherished with family and friends. If you are visiting with kids and toddlers, they can have their share of fun at the Tot’s Play Ground and Cannon Point. To sum it up, this is the best place to get respite from the desert heat and have some splashy water fun.
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timings: December: Sunday to Thursday – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm;
Friday and Saturday – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. January: Daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Ticket Costs: Single Day Ticket costs from AED 250 per person and AED 210 per child
4. Get an insight into the cultural essence
Abu Dhabi is often referred to as the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi. And rightly so, the cultural immersion you witness here is inspiring. You can find a hint of Arabian influence in almost all elements in Abu Dhabi but here are two main cultural spots that you should absolutely visit on a Abu Dhabi trip.
- Heritage Village
Witness the deeply-rooted culture of Abu Dhabi at Heritage Village. This reconstructed village preserves the sights of Abu Dhabi’s humble village life in the desert before oil was found in the region. It is an ideal place to know more about Abu Dhabi bygone era before it too started its ascend towards becoming a global city.
Location: Near Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Theatre Rd, Corniche – Breakwater Rd, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timings: Daily – 9 am to 4 pm, Friday – 3.30 pm to 9 pm
Ticket Costs: Free of Cost
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This iconic landmark is usually covered in all Abu Dhabi city tours, however, this is one attraction you should visit as a standalone attraction. It is totally worth it to take a small amount of time from your trip to marvel at this incredible Abu Dhabi structure.
UAE’s capital emirate is a prime destination teeming with breathtaking architecture, gorgeous beaches, heritage antiquities, mind-blowing attractions along with a cosmopolitan flair. Abu Dhabi is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the best of Arabian culture and modernity with composed sense far from the maddening crowd of city life. It is a destination that can be enjoyed by all genres of travelers irrespective of age. So, for your next holiday, let Abu Dhabi be your place of interest – a choice you will be glad you made.
