This is the definitive list of the top things to do in the capital
Home to world-class museums, beaches, theme parks, art galleries, untouched nature and all sorts of amazing attractions, Abu Dhabi offers so many awesome things to see and do it can be a bit overwhelming.
Whether you are new to the city or just passing through, our list of the top 10 things to do in Abu Dhabi is a great place to start.
The 10 best things to do in Abu Dhabi
Desert adventures
You haven’t really done Abu Dhabi until you’ve seen the desert. An endless expanse of rolling golden dunes and roaming camels, it’s so stunning it’s been featured in the Dune movies, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and in multiple other Hollywood hits. Many companies offer evening desert tours from the city that include dune bashing (driving over the sand in a 4×4), a Bedouin-style BBQ dinner and camel riding, or you can slow down a touch and go camping, star gazing or horse riding with a local adventure group such as Arabian Wanderers.
Prices vary. For more information, visit Arabianwanderers.com
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
One of the most opulent and famous hotels in the UAE, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental lets everyone feel like royalty for a while. If you don’t want to splash out on a stay (it is rather pricey), simply taking photos of the spectacular facade and enormous gold lobby is a thrill, while stopping for a gold-dusted cappuccino (yes, really) at Episodes cafe is a treat that you absolutely deserve. Even if it does cost AED 90 per cup…
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. For more information, follow @mo_emiratespalace on IG
Jubail Mangrove Park
A glorious protected area of natural beauty, Jubail Mangrove Park is one of Abu Dhabi’s true hidden gems. Contradicting the idea that the UAE is made up of nothing but sand dunes and skyscrapers, its 5,000 hectares of mangrove forests and azure ocean estuaries offer a true breath of fresh air, and it’s the perfect place to unwind and reflect. You can stretch your legs around the floating walkways, enjoy spotting fish, crabs, gazelles and many other different species, and try other outdoor activities such as yoga classes, kayaking tours and guided boat trips.
From AED 20 per adult, AED 10 per child. Daily, until 9pm (last admission 8pm). For more information, visit jubailmangrovepark.ae
Qasr Al Hosn
One of the oldest and most important buildings in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Emirati history and heritage. Once the home of the UAE’s ruling family, it now contains a fascinating museum that charts the city’s transformation from a small fishing and pearl diving village to the glittering metropolis it is today. A place you could easily spend a full day or two, the complex is also home to the Cultural Foundation (a gorgeous venue that hosts theatrical and musical performances and free art exhibitions), a magnificent Children’s Library, the House of Artisans (offering craft workshops and demonstrations) and various incredible homegrown dining concepts, including the Emirati Michelin-starred Erth Restaurant.
From AED 30 (Qasr Al Hosn museum). Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday 2pm to 8pm. Al Hosn. For more information visit qasralhosn.ae
Qasr Al Watan
Abu Dhabi’s shimmering gold and marble Presidential Palace is a fitting tribute to the emirate’s rich local culture and ambitious future-facing vision. So fabulous you’ll want to take a thousand photos as you explore the cavernous halls and interesting exhibitions, the evening light and sound show is utterly enrapturing, too.
From AED 65. Daily 11am to 6.15pm. Al Ras Al Akhdar. For more information, visit qasralwatan.ae.
Saadiyat Cultural District
Central to Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as the cultural capital of the Middle East, the Saadiyat Cultural District is filled with big-name museums and prestigious art galleries. Meander between Jean Nouvel’s beautiful domed Louvre Abu Dhabi, the recently launched Zayed National Museum, the prehistoric-wonder-filled Natural History Museum and the jaw-dropping digital art of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Don’t skip the moving Abrahamic House (containing a mosque, church and synagogue) either.
For more information, visit visitabudhabi.ae
Saadiyat Island’s beaches
Framed by natural white sand beaches and clear, bright blue ocean, Saadiyat Island can give the Maldives a run for its money in terms of postcard-perfect scenes. A dreamy spot for a beach day, dolphins are often spotted playing just off the shore, and there are various places where you can choose to spread your towel. Head to Mamsha Beach and visit one of the lively restaurants on the boardwalk for a post-dip bite, drop by Saadiyat Beach Club if you want to mingle with a trendy crowd, or stop at the idyllic Kai Beach if you’re seeking total serenity and chic yet family-friendly vibes.
Prices vary. For more information, visit @saadiyatae.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The ultimate Abu Dhabi landmark, the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque looks even more impressive up close then it does when you pass it on the highway. Made up of 82 domes (with the biggest standing at a towering 85 metres), it’s one of the largest mosques on the planet, and it’s filled with massive chandeliers, intricate artworks and captivating courtyards that are so pretty they will take your breath away.
Free. Saturday to Thursday 9am to 9pm, Friday 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 9pm. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. For more information, visit szgmc.gov.ae.
Yas Island theme parks
Be warned parents, your kids will literally have to be dragged away from Yas Island’s superb line up of theme parks. You can scream yourselves silly at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (including on the world’s fastest rollercoaster), cool off on the many slides and water rides of the newly extended Yas Waterworld, make special memories meeting your children’s favourite characters at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and marvel at exotic marine life at Seaworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. All indoors (except for Yas Waterworld), they’re ideal for enjoying throughout the year and we can guarantee you’ve never seen so many fun-filled fantasy worlds in one place.
For more information, visit yasisland.com
Yas Marina Circuit
Whether you are an F1 fan or not, stepping onto the track at Yas Marina Circuit will completely blow your mind. On Monday and Wednesday evenings you can walk, jog or cycle around it for free during the TrainYas sessions (bike hire is complementary as well) or you can splash out on a once-in-a-lifetime driving session and take on the iconic circuit in a supercar. You’ll feel like the next Lewis Hamilton.
Free (TrainYas). Monday and Wednesday, 6pm to 10pm, Tuesday 6pm to 9pm (ladies only). Driving experience prices vary. Yas Island. For more information, visit @ymcofficial
