Unveil the Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
According to the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi aims to have more than 24 million tourists by the end of 2023. This city does not fail to impress millions of tourists each year with its interwoven contemporary and traditional architecture, thus culture.
Abu Dhabi presents something worth seeing for everyone, whether you travel with your family, friends, or by yourself. Numerous attractions are must-visit, and there are constantly some more new attractions. Here is the list of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi, book your flight now!
1- Have Retail Therapy in The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Spreading over 33,000 square meters, this massive complex presents entertainment for all ages. The Galleria Al Maryah Island has more than 400 stores, including worldly-renowned luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and many more. It is one of the best destinations if you are looking to indulge yourself in shopping. You can find various brands of beauty, fashion, electronics, jewelry, home furnishings, and such.
But The Galleria does not offer solely shopping. This great place has numerous cafes, restaurants, famous fast-food chains, and fine dining options as well. If you are with your kids and want some family-friendly fun, you can find entertainment options like Mirage Amusement, VOX Cinemas, Xtreme Zone, Family Park, and many more.
Operating Hours:
- The Galleria operates from 10.00 to 22.00 every day except Fridays and Saturdays which then operate from 10.00 to 00.00
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to The Galleria, and they do not charge for parking lots up to 4 hours.
2- Explore the Traditional Emirati Lifestyle in Heritage Village
If you seek authentic experiences look no further than the Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi, as this place offers a way to explore the traditional UAE lifestyle. Heritage Village is a well-preserved area with a souk, mosque, and shops, to demonstrate authentic Emirati practices in a family-friendly setting.
The Heritage Village also houses Emirati Heritage Club, where visitors attend numerous local craft workshops, like pottery, spinning yarn, weaving, and many others. Besides, you can shop for handcrafted goods, soaps, dried herbs, and spices, which would be ideal souvenirs for everyone!
Operating Hours:
- Heritage Village operates daily from 09.00 to 16.00 except on Fridays when it’s open from 15.30 to 21.00
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Heritage Village.
3- Immerse in Cultural Experiences at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s cultural district on Saadiyat Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi presents a feast of art not just for its extensive collection of world-class masterpieces but also for its unique architecture. Louvre Abu Dhabi is designed by Pritzker prize winner architect Jean Nouvel, and it spreads over more than 9,200 square meters with many galleries to explore.
With Permanent Gallery and Temporary Gallery, you can immerse yourself in various collections from worldly-renowned museums like Musee du Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and other French museums. Louvre Abu Dhabi presents an extraordinary experience for everyone, and it is one of the must-see places while you are in the city.
Operating Hours:
- Louvre Abu Dhabi operates every day from 10.00 to 00.00 except Mondays, which are closed. Galleries and exhibitions close at 18.30 on weekdays and 20.30 on weekends.
Entrance Fee:
- Entrance fee is AED 63 (around USD 17) per adult.
- Discounted fees are AED 31.50 (around USD 8) and are available for teachers, faculty members, and UAE military personnel.
- For Louvre Abu Dhabi members, ICOM and related card holders, journalists, UAE residents 60+, and people younger than 18, admission is free.
4- Experience Thrill-Inducing Fun at Ferrari World
Ferrari World is located on Yas Island, and it is the largest indoor theme park in the world, with 86,000 square meters of indoor area. Besides the most famous ride, Formula Rossa which is also the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Ferrari World has more than 20 attractions that broke world records. If you are looking for adrenaline-induced fun, this place is a must-visit for you.
Besides rollercoasters, you can find go-karts, Family Zone, simulators, Tyre Change Experience, Junior Training Camp, Nello’s Adventureland, and Bell’Italia, where you can ride Ferrari 250 California, circa 1958, in a mini-Italy.
Operating Hours:
- Ferrari World operates every day from 12.00 to 20.00
Entrance Fee:
- For Ferrari World, Single Day Ticket prices start from AED 345 (around USD 94) per person.
5- Discover the Marvels of Jubail Mangrove Park
Nestled along the Arabian Gulf, Jubail Mangrove Park is a hidden jewel, that captivates hundreds of visitors each year with its enchanting nature. This unique park aims to protect the biodiversity of Abu Dhabi’s coastline and offer an educational purpose for all ages. The walking path allows visitors to walk along the mangroves, and during high tides, they can spot different species of wildlife, mostly fish and birds. The most popular activity is kayaking in this park, as they offer Night kayaking sessions equipped with underwater LED lights.
Jubail Mangrove Park is a family-friendly attraction and there is a children’s educational area, but note that children under the age of 12 aren’t allowed to enter supervised. Also, pets, smoking, fishing, and bringing food to the site are not permitted.
Operating Hours:
- Jubail Mangrove Park operates every day from 07.00 to 21.00
Entrance Fee:
- Jubail Mangrove Park entrance fee is AED 15 (around USD 4) per adult.
- Jubail Mangrove Park entrance fee is AED 10 (around USD 3) for visitors under 18.
6- Savor the Culinary Wonders at Yas Marina
Yas Marina is quite popular in Abu Dhabi and for good reasons. This Marina is one of the most prestigious marinas in the world, awarded by The Yacht Harbour Association with 5 Gold Anchor Platinum.
Yas Marina offers a breathtaking view to its visitors and the best way to enjoy such a view is while savoring the culinary wonders that are available in the restaurants of the marina. Boroughs, Cipriani, Diablito, Iris, Ishtar, Stars N Bars, and Penelope’s are the licensed places of Yas Marina which guarantee a feast for the visitors’ tastebuds. Traditional Italian cuisine, Mediterranean, and other alternatives await you!
Operating Hours:
- Majority of the restaurants operate every day until 22.00-00.00
7- Stroll along the Corniche
If you are looking for a chill activity, you must visit Corniche for a pleasant beachfront time, which stretches along the sea for 8 kilometers with cafes, restaurants, children’s playing areas, and of course, Blue Flag holder Corniche Beach. Abu Dhabi is famous for all-year-round sunny weather, so whenever you are thinking to travel, visiting Corniche is always a good idea.
You can have family-friendly fun, dive into the pristine beach all by yourself, or choose to spend time as a group, does not matter. Corniche Beach welcomes and can accommodate everyone, as besides sunbathing along the beach, you can try watersports like snorkeling in the marvelous turquoise sea, or play football or volleyball in fields, up to you!
Operating Hours:
- Corniche Beach is open 24 hours daily
- But swimming is only permitted between 6:00 to sunset
Entrance Fee:
- Corniche Beach entrance fee is AED 10 (around USD 2,70)per adult, AED 5 (around USD 1,36) per child (ages 5 and older)
- Each sunbed costs AED 25
8- Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the UAE, and it does not fail to mesmerize its visitors with its magnificent and breathtaking architecture. This mosque spreads over 12 hectares, can accommodate more than 40,000 worshippers simultaneously, and has 82 domes in total. Its construction began in 1996 and was completed in 11 years. While Sheikh Zayed Mosque is famous for its many aspects, being a Guinness world record holder for having the largest hand-knotted Persian carpet in the world is worth noting.
Do not forget that this is a mosque, so you have to dress appropriately, meaning no transparent clothing, no shorts or skirts, no sleeveless shirts, no tight clothing, or beachwear. Also, smoking, food and drinks, overt display of affection, and displaying and raising any embalm or symbols of any significance are prohibited.
Operating Hours:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque operates daily from 09.00 to 22.00, except Fridays.
- Fridays operate from 09.00 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 22.00
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
- There are also free guided tours in Arabic and English.
9- Explore the Reverence for Falcons at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
For centuries, falcons and falconry have been one of the most important elements of Emirati culture. These magnificent creatures were highly respected by Bedouins, as they were vital for hunting. For this reason, throughout the years, falcons became a cultural symbol of the UAE, and Abu Dhabi has the world’s largest, and first hospital dedicated to falcons.
There are guided tours where you can visit Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, learn more about the deep-rooted history and practices of falconry, visit the aviary and exam rooms. You can even take photographs with falcons! It is one of the best things to do when you visit Abu Dhabi, not only because the falcon is the national bird of the UAE, but it is an excellent learning opportunity.
Operating Hours:
- Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital operates from 09.00 to 14.00 through Monday to Thursday
- On Fridays operates from 09.00 to 12.00
- It is closed on Weekends
Entrance Fee:
- Variety of tours are available, which prices starting from AED 178.50 (around USD 48)
10- Embark on an Exhilarating Adventure with Desert Safari
You cannot truly have an Abu Dhabi experience without a desert safari, as it is part of the UAE’s rich history and culture, as well as one of the most hyped tourist attractions. There are numerous alternatives to have such an experience, you can have tours that are specifically designed for your liking, have a Bedouin camping, enjoy the breathtaking sunset scenery in the never-ending desert, or embark on an adventure with camel trekking, dune bashing, quad biking, and more.
There are numerous campsites nearby Abu Dhabi city center, which are quite popular for Desert Safari and camping, and various tour companies provide their services to make sure that the visitors have a unique experience. Emirates Tours & Safari Desert Camp provides several packages to book, according to your selection.
Operating Hours:
- Campsite is open 24 hours daily
Entrance Fee:
- There is no entrance fee for the premises.
- Variety of tours are available with different selections, but prices start from AED 200 which is roughly USD 54
