Best Things To Do In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, oozing opulence at every corner is a city with its own unique lures. It’s true Abu Dhabi is smaller than its neighbouring city Dubai and often overlooked, but we stayed there for 5 nights and realised this shouldn’t be the case.

Best Things To Do In Abu Dhabi

The Emirates Palace

Abu Dhabi has its own seven star hotel (officially classified as a 5 star).

The Emirates Palace, costing a mere 3 billion US Dollars to build, situated on over 222 acres of land including its private gardens and beach areas is the height of Arabic luxury. The luxurious feel continues throughout the hotels lobby, atrium and shopping areas which are all draped in gold, mother of pearl and crystals. Even the hotels patisserie sells gold topped cakes and pastries while its Le Café has a signature cappuccino topped with 24 carat gold flakes (if you’re feeling brave there’s always the camel milk coffee). Sampling one of the famous gold cappuccinos will set you back AED 60 or around 16 US dollars.

Members of the public are able to visit inside the hotel and the impressive front outside area, but the huge gardens and beach areas are strictly reserved for hotel guests only.

Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village

A village reconstructed to give people a glimpse into the history and daily lives of the emirate people. The museum is small but informative, we would suggest about an hour to visit is fine. The museum features a Bedouin camp introducing traditional aspects of desert life. There are old houses made from wood and glass, traditional workshops and a collection of historical artefacts. Opening hours are 9:00 am–4:00 pm Saturday to Thursday and 3:30 pm till 9:00 pm on Fridays. Entry to the village is free and it’s located near the Marina Mall shopping centre. Perhaps you could combine a visit here along with a shopping trip.

Marina Mall

Abu Dhabi has no shortage of mega malls or traditional souks but the Marina Mall has to be one of the most popular. As well as offering respite from the desert sun the mall features over 400 shops, an ice rink, bowling alley, Cineplex, amusement centre as well as many restaurants and coffee shops. The Marina Mall also has an observation deck and due to its location you can get some stunning views of Abu Dhabi and the Emirates Palace. The mall is located along the breakwater on Corniche Road near the Heritage Village and is open Sat – Wed: 10:00 am–10:00 pm and Thurs – Fri: 10:00 am–12:00 am.

Observation Deck at 300

Situated on the 74th floor of Tower 2 at Jumeirah Etihad Towers, this observation deck offers amazing 360-degree views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. There is a fee of AED 95 to go to the observation deck, but that includes an AED 55 credit voucher that can be redeemed when you visit. Afternoon Tea, sandwiches and light snacks are available, as well as teas, coffees, mocktails, wine and champagne.

The Observation Deck at 300 is open from 10:00 am till 7:00 pm every day and Afternoon Tea is available from 2:00 pm till 6:00 pm. The Afternoon Tea is AED 250 per person or if you also fancy a glass of champagne you can have the Bubbly Afternoon Tea for AED 350 per person.

Masdar City

A city under development with the purpose of producing a more sustainable green city. It’s a trip probably better suited to people with architectural and scientific interests but we enjoyed it nonetheless. The trip gives you an insight into what future city life can and should become with a focus on saving our planet as well. The city combines traditional architecture and cutting-edge technology to create interesting buildings with innovative and economical designs. You can visit Masdar City on any day of the week and explore at your own leisure.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The largest mosque in the UAE constructed over a period of twelve years by around 3000 workers is truly is a sight to behold. We recommend a visit to the mosque just before sundown as you will experience the atmospheric lighting from the sunset. You will also be able to see the mosque in a blue aura from the mosque’s lighting after dark. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is free to enter and visiting hours are 9:00 am–10:00 pm Saturday to Thursday and 4:30 pm–10:00 pm on Friday.

There is a strict dress code in place to enter the mosque — men must wear long trousers and a top with at least t-shirt sleeves (no vests) and women must wear loose fitting clothing with arms and legs completely covered and a head scarf. You can borrow appropriate attire for free at the entrance to the mosque if preferred.

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi and should not be missed!

Abu Dhabi Corniche

Take an early morning stroll along the Corniche, the paved walkway is around 2.5 miles (4 km) long, passing beaches, fountains, gardens and offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf as well as the city’s skyline. Along the Corniche you will also find restaurants, cafes, family beach areas and bicycle stations for bike hire. Bear in mind there isn’t much shade along the Corniche so be cautious of the blazing sun and ensure you have plenty of water with you.

Abu Dhabi Pearl Diving Journey

Experience a unique trip into the region’s history of pearl diving as you board a traditional Jalbot. Sailing through mangroves, spotting unique wildlife, enjoying Arabic coffee and traditional snacks whilst guide’s give you an insight into the regions history of pearl diving. The trip includes opening live, natural oysters whilst guests will receive a souvenir pearl as a reminder of this unique adventure. Trips are a little pricey but the souvenir pearls you get to keep are quite pricey themselves. Prices start at AED 500 for adults and AED 400 for children under 12, the tour operates from The Anantara Eastern Mangrove Hotel and Spa.

Saadiyat Island

A world-class island destination just 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi island has beautiful beaches, a beach front golf course, luxury five star hotels and impressive villa complexes. The island is still going through its remarkable transformation, but the incredible Lourve Museum is now open from 10:00 am till 8:00 pm Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 10:00 am till 10:00 pm on Thursday and Friday, it is closed on Mondays. Admission is AED 63 for adults over 22, AED 31.50 for young persons between 13 and 22 and free for children under 13. The public beach is open from 8:00 am till 8:00 pm. It has ample facilities and entry costs AED 25 for adults and AED 15 for children over 6.

Hawksbill turtles continue to nest on Saadiyat Beach. The Hawsbill Turtle Conservation Programme has ensured these critically endangered turtles have been able to continue to successfully bread on the island. Beach access is via elevated walkways to ensure the dune system and nesting grounds are not disturbed.

Safari on Sir Bani Yas Island

Discover a wilder side to Abu Dhabi and visit Sir Bani Yas Island, where Asiatic cheetahs can be seen roaming the desert plains and Arabian Oryx or gazelle can be seen grazing. The island is home to more than 13,000 animals and over 30 different species including mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and marine life. There are 4×4 wildlife drives which take you around the park in custom land cruisers. These depart from the Anantara Resort and Spa. Alternatively there’s a three hour tour which can be booked from the Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna. You can do a day trip to the island from Abu Dhabi or there’s accommodation on the island.

The drive from Abu Dhabi is around 2.5 hours via the E11 highway which takes you to the Jebel Dhanna ferry jetty. Here you will transfer to a boat and make your way across to the island. Alternatively there’s a bus service, the X87 which goes from the central bus station to the jetty four times daily. The bus costs AED 35 and takes around 3.5 hours. The safari drives can be booked via the hotels own websites.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The stunning Louvre in Abu Dhabi is a modern museum showcasing masterpieces from around the world. Various exhibitions are also displayed throughout the year and they change every few months.

Tickets to the museum cost AED 63, with under 18’s being able to visit for free. It is open everyday expect Monday from 10:00 am till 6:30 pm.

Yas Island

Yas Island is a man made island in Abu Dhabi geared towards leisure, entertainment and shopping. The island is also home to the Yas Marina Circuit which hosts Abu Dhabi’s formula one. It’s a 25 minute drive to the island from Abu Dhabi’s center and can be accessed by bus, car, plane or boat.

The Top Things To Do On Yas Island

• Drive the Yas Marina Circuit – learn how to drive like a pro from AED 450 upwards depending on car type and experience or take the venue tour from AED 60.
• Visit Ferrari World – take a trip to this motor racing-themed entertainment complex. You can take a ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster as well as enjoy the park’s many other rides, attractions and shows. Prices start at AED 220 per ticket. This is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi if you’re looking for an action packed day!
• Spend the day at Yas Waterworld – featuring over 45 varied water slides and rides as well as a whole host of shops and restaurants. Prices starting at AED 215 per adult or AED 202 for a child.
• Dine in one of the 160 restaurants in the area.
• Take a stroll along the Yas Marina.

Day trip to Al Ain

A ninety minute drive from Abu Dhabi, you will find the historical city of Al Ain – also known as the garden city due to its vast sea of palm groves. The city is well known for its many historical attractions such as its old forts, the Al Hili Archaeological Park and the Al Ain National Museum. The city also boasts the largest zoo in the UAE which is spread over 400 hectares and is home to around 4,000 animals.

The oasis of palm filled plantations within the city are connected by cool, shaded walkways offering visitors respite from the desert sun and city noise. Walking through the oasis you will notice workers climbing and farming the date palms. You can also see how the clever irrigation system works which draws water from underground wells and distributes it through a vast maze of waterways.

Emirates Park Zoo

Not as large and diverse as the Al Ain zoo but only a short 30 minute drive from the city centre. It’s definitely worth a visit here and it makes for a great family activity. The zoo park houses over 1,700 animals including lions, cheetahs, elephants and bears. The zoos opening hours are Sunday to Wednesday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Thursday to Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Entry prices are AED 30 for adults and AED 20 for children.

Desert Safari

Picture the serenely peaceful desert with soft rolling dunes, now imagine streaming down those dunes, full throttle in a 4×4, followed by some sand boarding, falconry and a desert BBQ. There are many tour operators offering a range of trips out into the desert from Abu Dhabi as well as a host of side activities.

The cost for a typical desert safari starts at around AED 170–200 per person. Most tour operators will offer a morning desert trip and an evening one — the evening trip usually includes a BBQ dinner. Some of the other desert activities which can be arranged with or separate to these tours are camel riding, sand boarding, quad biking, dune buggy tours, romantic dune dinners and overnight stays in desert camps.

Take a peak inside the world’s highest suspended hotel suite at the St Regis Abu Dhabi 

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