Enjoy a fun day out with friends at one of the best theme parks in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi might be famous for its glittering skyline, grad hotels and seriously impressive architecture, but there’s another side to the capital that’s all about fun, thrills and letting your inner child loose.
And when it comes to the theme parks in Abu Dhabi, you’re spoilt for choice.
Yas Island is the obvious place to start, packing some of the UAE’s biggest attractions into one entertainment-packed destination.
From huge rollercoasters and movie-inspired riders to splash-filled adventures and family-friendly attractions, there’s something to suit pretty much every kind of thrill-seeker.
So, grab your friends, round up the kids or simply embrace your inner big kid – a fun day out is waiting.
All the best theme parks in Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Yas Island
Home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a must-visit for anyone who likes their days out with a serious side of speed.
This iconic Yas Island theme park blends heart-racing rides, Ferrari-inspired experiences and plenty of family-friendly fun, making it a go-to for thrill-seekers and car fans alike.
The headline act is, of course, Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster, which rockets from 0 to 240 km/h and delivers one seriously wild ride.
If that sounds a little too full-throttle, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the park, from immersive racing simulators and interactive experiences to rides designed with younger visitors in mind.
Flying Aces is another big draw, famous for featuring the world’s tallest rollercoaster loop and a whole lot of twists, turns and soaring thrills.
Families are well catered for too, with a mix of attractions offering something for different ages and bravery levels, so you don’t have to be a hardcore adrenaline junkie to have a brilliant day out.
Ready to put your foot down? Ferrari World is waiting
Mon-Fri, midday to 8pm, Sat-Sun, 11am to 8pm. AED 345 for adults; AED 295 for juniors. For further information, visit ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Yas Island
Whether you’re after heart-pounding thrills or a chilled-out day by the water, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi has plenty to keep the whole crew entertained.
And now, the UAE’s favourite water playground has got even bigger, with its latest expansion recently opening and taking the park from more than 40 attractions to an impressive 70+ rides, slides and experiences.
For thrill-seekers, there are plenty of new reasons to brave the big drops, including Matamir’s Drop, the UAE’s tallest waterslide, and Sahel Matamir, a freefall tube racer that delivers some seriously stomach-flipping moments.
Then there’s Matamir Lights, an immersive ride packed with lightning effects, adding an extra dose of drama to your descent.
Not everything is about flying down a waterslide at top speed, though, and the new Sarab pool area offers a more relaxed spot to stretch out, cool off and catch your breath between adventures.
The original Yas Waterworld favourites are still here too, from the steep Jebel Drop to Dawwama, the world’s largest six-person tornado waterslide.
Families with younger children can make a splash at Marah Fortress, while the lazy river and wave pool are perfect when you fancy swapping high-speed thrills for something a little more laid-back.
With more than 70 rides, slides and experiences now on offer, Yas Waterworld has officially levelled up its splash game.
There’s a whole new wave of fun waiting, so all that’s left to do is grab your swimwear.
Daily, 10am-7pm. AED 295 for adults; AED 250 for juniors. For further information, visit yaswaterworld.com
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Yas Island
The fully indoor theme park brings some of the world’s most famous characters and stories to life across six immersive lands, from Gotham City and Metropolis to Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza.
You can hang out with Batman and Superman, meet Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, and jump aboard a whole host of rides ranging from gentle family fun to seriously speedy thrills.
There’s also a new reason to visit, with Kryptonite Collider officially opening on 26 July 2026 in Metropolis.
The 32-seat, centrifuge-style thrill ride takes guests into a LexCorp laboratory, where they become test subjects in an experiment inspired by the Everyman Project and Superman’s legendary weakness.
It’s the park’s first new permanent attraction since opening in 2018, adding a fresh dose of DC-powered excitement to the line-up.
For Looney Tunes fans, Fast and Furry-ous delivers high-speed fun, while Riddler Revolution sends riders spinning through Gotham City.
And there’s more on the horizon, with Superman Up and Away currently scheduled for completion in 2028.
The next-generation flying rollercoaster promises to recreate the sensation of soaring through the sky alongside Superman, so there’s plenty more superhero action to come.
Between the rides, live shows, character meet-and-greets and themed restaurants, you could easily spend a full day exploring the park.
From superheroes to Looney Tunes, there’s more than enough blockbuster fun to keep you entertained all day.
Sun-Thurs, 11am-7m, Fri-Sat, 11am-8pm. AED 345 for adults; AED 295 for juniors. For further information, visit Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Yas Island
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If you’re looking for a day out that mixes marine life, big thrills and plenty of wow moments, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is well worth a spot on your Yas Island itinerary.
This immersive marine-life theme park brings the ocean to life through interactive experiences, fascinating animal encounters, family-friendly attractions and seriously impressive rides.
There are more than 15 rides and interactive experiences to explore, so whether you’re visiting with little ones or a group of thrill-seekers, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
The star of the adrenaline show is Manta Coaster, which packs in 17 airtime moments, a zero-gravity flip and a bioluminescent tunnel surrounded by the marine life of Ray Reef.
For younger adventurers, Jelly Plunge delivers a gentle but giggle-inducing ride, while OctoZoom sends riders spinning, dipping and gliding through the waves like an octopus.
Over in MicroOcean, Eel Racer lets you slither through the colourful underwater world, while Explorers’ Sea Base is packed with climbing, crawling, rolling and sliding fun for younger visitors.
There’s also Hypersphere 360°, an immersive multimedia experience that takes you beneath the waves without anyone needing to hold their breath.
Beyond the rides, SeaWorld is packed with animal experiences and educational encounters designed to bring visitors closer to marine life while highlighting the importance of protecting our oceans.
Little explorers can also burn off some energy at Penguin Play, while Shipwreck Cove combines climbing and adventure with a nod to the historic ships that travelled the Arabian shores.
With plenty of interactive experiences, fascinating marine life and rides ranging from family-friendly to full-throttle, SeaWorld Yas Island is where learning about the ocean meets having a seriously good time.
Daily, 10am-6pm. AED 375 for adults; AED 320 for junior. For further information, visit SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
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Snow Abu Dhabi
Reem Mall
Looking for a frosty escape without leaving Abu Dhabi? Snow Abu Dhabi brings a full-blown winter wonderland to the desert, complete with snow, sub-zero temperatures and plenty of reasons to forget it’s 40°C outside.
Located inside Reem Mall, this enormous indoor snow park invites kids and grown-ups alike to step into an enchanted forest filled with snowy adventures, thrilling rides and plenty of opportunities to get gloriously cold.
There are more than a dozen rides and experiences to try, from the exhilarating Ice and Floe’s Toboggan Race to Flight of the Snowy Owl, while the Snowflake Garden offers a more magical setting for exploring and snapping some seriously wintry pictures.
There’s plenty here for little ones too, with gentle activities and snow-filled play areas alongside bigger thrills for those who like their winter adventures with a little more adrenaline.
And if all that sliding, climbing and snowball throwing works up an appetite, head to The Lodge, where you can warm up with comforting dishes while enjoying views over the snowy surroundings.
The restaurant is also open to Reem Mall visitors, so you don’t even need to brave the cold to enjoy a meal with a wintery backdrop.
Fancy making it extra special? Snow Abu Dhabi also offers birthday packages, making it a pretty cool place to celebrate another trip around the sun.
So grab the kids, throw on a coat and get ready for a very cool day out at Snow Abu Dhabi.
Opening hours, Sun-Thu,10 am-12 am, Fri-Sat, 10 am-1 am. AED 265 for adults; AED 175 for juniors. For further information, visit Ski Abu Dhabi
Pixoul Gaming
Al Qana
For gamers seeking an extraordinary adventure, Pixoul Gaming at Al Qana offers a cutting-edge virtual reality and esports experience.
This state-of-the-art hub provides both professional and amateur gamers with an integrated and immersive entertainment destination, featuring an extensive Virtual Reality Gaming Zone.
Pixoul Planet VR features a diverse selection of 10 different virtual and augmented reality games. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, including shooters, virtual roller coasters, and guided spaceship tours of the new intergalactic planet, Pixoul.
If you’re a gamer, thrill-seeker or simply fancy stepping into another world for a few hours, Pixoul Gaming is well worth checking out.
The gaming destination combines competitive esports with immersive virtual reality experiences, so whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just fancy giving something new a go, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
The VR zone is packed with experiences that put you right in the middle of the action, from fast-paced shooting games and virtual rollercoasters to out-of-this-world space exploration adventures.
Fancy a little friendly competition? The facility also features advanced esports setups designed for serious players, while more casual visitors can jump between games and experiences without needing to be a gaming pro.
The elaborate VR setups make everything feel surprisingly real, whether you’re hurtling around a virtual track, battling it out in an action-packed game or exploring galaxies far, far away.
With plenty of experiences to choose from, you can mix things up throughout your visit and find your new favourite game.
It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable clothes, particularly if you’re planning to throw yourself into the more energetic VR experiences.
Opening hours, Sun-Wed, 10 am-10pm, Thurs-Sat, 10 am-midnight. Ticket prices vary depending on arena. For further information, visit Pixoul Gaming
Surf Abu Dhabi
Hudayriyat Island
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If you thought surfing in Abu Dhabi meant waiting for the right swell, think again. Surf Abu Dhabi is already making waves on Hudayriyat Island, bringing world-class surfing, poolside hangs and plenty of summer fun to the capital.
And while the UAE’s summer temperatures might have you rethinking outdoor plans, Surf Abu Dhabi is keeping the action going through September with its Summer by the Pool programme.
Sessions have been shortened to 45 minutes, making it easier to squeeze in a surf without committing to a full day, while surf bundles are available if you fancy making a regular thing of it.
First-timers can start with Discovery Surf Sessions, where coaches take beginners through the basics in a safe and fun setting before they catch their first proper wave.
More experienced surfers can head for Open Surf, with sessions suited to different abilities and wave settings ranging from mellow rides at Cocoa Beach to bigger barrels at Kelly’s Wave.
Fancy having the place more or less to yourself? Surf Trip gives you and your crew 90 minutes to take over the pool, while Surf Trip Plus takes things up a notch with all-day exclusive pool access, personalised wave settings, luxury extras and premium perks.
There’s also plenty happening when you’re not on the board, with Surf Social bringing a more relaxed, community-focused vibe to the experience.
And when hunger strikes, you don’t have to go far, with dining options including Nalu and Illios serving up food and drinks nearby.
Big waves, plenty of fun and no road trip required, Surf Abu Dhabi is your chance to catch a wave without leaving the city.
For further information, visit Surf Abu Dhabi
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