Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
What to do in Abu Dhabi will not be a problem, as the place has options for all tastes. Although its lush neighbor Dubai is more famous, tourism in Abu Dhabi is growing more and more every day. Located in the United Arab Emirates, it is the country’s capital and has a lot to explore.
Be sure to check out the article until the end, with my suggestions on the best things to do in Abu Dhabi, indicating some of the tourist attractions and general tips.
The city brings together the traditional aspects of Arab culture, mixing the most luxurious and technological in the world. There are several faces of Abu Dhabi, which together create a unique and special contrast that gives the city a unique charm. Definitely worth knowing!
Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi: 5 Main Tourist Attractions
There are so many activities to do in Abu Dhabi that even visiting the city countless times, it would be almost impossible to see everything. But don’t worry, as I’ve brought you a list of suggested places to go for the first time in Abu Dhabi, helping you organize everything you need to do:
1. Ferrari World
It is nothing less than the largest indoor park in the world and was built next to the Formula 1 circuit. The Ferrari World is not only interesting for car fans but also for people who like extreme rides. There are two roller coasters, one of which is the fastest roller coaster in the world.
2. Sheik Zayed Mosque
The magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. It can accommodate 40,000 worshipers, and its interior is covered with a beautiful Persian carpet, the largest in the world, measuring 5,627 square meters and weighing 47 tons.
To enter the mosque, you must take off your shoes. An important piece of information is that women must cover their bodies and heads to enter the mosque. Men must wear pants and have their shoulders covered.
3. Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace is the most famous hotel; it opened in 2005 and cost approximately three billion dollars. It is permitted to visit without prior booking and without paying anything. If you want, you can also have a drink at a bar or have a meal at one of the hotel’s restaurants.
4. Desert Tour
One of the most interesting things to do in Abu Dhabi is to go on a desert safari. Most desert safari tour companies pick you up at your hotel in the afternoon, and then there’s a rally with 4×4 vehicles in the desert.
The desert landscape is fantastic and will give you beautiful photos. It’s best not to eat too much before going to avoid getting sick or take some medicine if you are someone who gets sick easily.
There are other experiences linked to the desert that also take place at night, such as a night desert safari or a desert excursion and dinner under the stars.
5. Abu Dhabi Beaches
Abu Dhabi is on the coast; considering how hot it is for much of the year, going to a beach and taking a cruise around the islands is not a bad idea.
The best beaches are located on the city’s main avenue, Corniche. The beaches have chairs, tables, showers and umbrellas, in other words, a perfect infrastructure to welcome residents and tourists.
You need to be careful, as not all beaches are for everyone, as there are beaches that are only for women and others only for men, with security guards watching anyone who dares to break the rules.
How Many Days to Stay in Abu Dhabi
There are a number of factors to consider when you are planning things to do in Abu Dhabi. What is the ideal time to go, where is the best place to stay, among many others that you need to pay attention to when planning your itinerary.
When traveling through the United Arab Emirates, visiting the city is almost mandatory. And knowing how many days to stay in Abu Dhabi is essential to putting together the best itinerary possible.
Don’t plan less than three days, the ideal is to organize what to do in at least five days in Abu Dhabi just so you can start to fall in love with the city.
All this considered, here is an example of cool things to do in Abu Dhabi with days:
Things to do in Abu Dhabi in 1 day
Start your itinerary by taking a tour of Abu Dhabi. Visit the city’s most iconic tourist sites, such as the Presidential Palace, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Al Hosn Fort.
Climb aboard an open-top, air-conditioned double-decker bus at any of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off circuit. Discover the city’s main tourist attractions along the Red Route and enjoy digital commentary along the way. To get from Abu Dhabi Mall to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, take the Green Route bus.
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a must-see. Spanning more than 12 hectares, the magnificent structure took more than ten years to build and is today considered the most beautiful cultural legacy of the United Arab Emirates. Walk around the site, which can house up to 40,000 worshipers at the same time, and appreciate the priceless details, such as the enormous Swarovski crystal chandeliers, floral mosaics and gold, silver and marble artifacts.
Go to the Louvre Museum and discover important classical and modern works that connect Western and Eastern art. Visit one of the largest museums in the Gulf region and admire its striking architecture and iconic palm-leaf dome as you stroll along the sun-drenched shoreline.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi in 2 days
Get a pass to two of the best Yas Island theme parks in Abu Dhabi and enjoy a day of exciting fun. Choose between Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld and enjoy on-site parking or take the optional bus between the parks.
At Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, enjoy 29 thrilling rides and immerse yourself in family-friendly attractions plus live entertainment. Meet your favorite Warner Bros. characters like Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Tom and Jerry.
Now at Ferrari World, experience the thrill of a lifetime at the world’s first Ferrari-inspired theme park. Enjoy fun for all ages under the iconic red roof. Discover state-of-the-art simulators and 37 breathtaking rides and attractions, including the world’s fastest roller coaster and the world’s tallest roller coaster.
At Yas Waterworld, discover 43 incredible rides in the wet and watery world, with five of them among the first in the world. Relax and float in the currents and caves of the Al Rava River, or let the kids have fun in the spray and play area.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi in 3 days
Enjoy an exciting guided desert day trip from Abu Dhabi to Bedouin desert camp on a private or small-group tour, with transfers to and from your hotel included. Experience the adrenaline of the dunes while watching a beautiful sunset at a Bedouin camp, participating in cultural activities, traditional performances and enjoying a barbecue buffet under the starry sky.
Board an air-conditioned four-wheel-drive vehicle for a comfortable journey into the desert, where you’ll visit a camel farm before embarking on a thrilling ride through the dunes. Feel the thrill as the vehicle goes up and down the steep sand dunes and try sandboarding by sliding down the dunes on a board.
Upon arrival at the Bedouin desert camp, you will be welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates before climbing a dune to take stunning photos of the desert as the sun sets below the horizon. At the camp, enjoy cultural activities such as henna painting, hookah smoking and camel riding, try on traditional Arab costumes and take photos with a falcon.
Watch incredible tanoura and belly dancing performances and enjoy a delicious barbecue before relaxing under the stars. Finally, the camp lights will be turned off for a moment of tranquility and contemplation before returning to the illuminated city.
