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Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi UAE Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Abu Dhabi offers a range of outdoor activities for every thrill-seeker and nature enthusiast.

Land & Water Thrills

Hiking & Cycling

Jebel Hafeet (Al Ain) offers challenging climbs. Corniche, Yas Island, and Al Hudayriat Island feature dedicated cycling tracks. Wadi Adventure has white-water rafting.

Water Sports

Kayaking/Paddleboarding in Mangrove National Park. Jet Skiing, Wakeboarding, Flyboarding at beach clubs. Boat tours, fishing, and traditional dhow cruises.

Adrenaline Sports

Desert Safaris feature dune bashing, quad biking, and sandboarding. Theme parks (Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld) are on Yas Island. Skydiving activities are available.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Safaris In the desert: See desert wildlife like gazelles and camels.
  • Sir Bani Yas Island: Arabian Wildlife Park with giraffes, cheetahs, Oryx. Requires ferry.
  • Al Wathba Wetland Reserve: Excellent for birdwatching, especially flamingos.
  • Mangrove National Park: Kayaking for bird plus ocean life viewing.

Desert Adventure

  • Dune bashing
  • Atv riding
  • Sandboarding
  • Overnight camping

Cycling Paradise

  • Corniche cycling track
  • Yas Island paths
  • Al Hudayriat Island velodrome
  • Jebel Hafeet mountain road

Theme Park Fun

  • Ferrari World
  • Warner Bros. World
  • Yas Waterworld
  • High-octane rides

Important Note on Snorkeling/Diving

Direct snorkeling/diving options off Abu Dhabi's city coastlines are limited. Better spots are often located on Sir Bani Yas Isle or using specialized dive centers arranging boat trips to reefs further offshore.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Abu Dhabi's rich heritage through workshops, performances, and community interactions.

Creative Workshops

  • Cultural Foundation: Workshops in traditional crafts (pottery, calligraphy), music, and art.
  • Manarat Al Saadiyat: Art classes and creative workshops for various ages.
  • Warehouse421: Workshops plus for learning programs on contemporary art and design.
  • Language Learning: Arabic language lessons at cultural centers or private institutions.

Performances & Festivals

Cultural Performances

Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Foundation hosts traditional music, dance (e.g., Al Ayyala), and storytelling performances.

Traditional Events

Emirati traditional events showcase during national holidays and festivals, a glimpse into local customs.

Festivals

Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, Abu Dhabi Cultural Season, Liwa Date Festival.

Relaxation & Wellness

Luxury hotel spas, yoga/meditation, and beach/pool clubs offer rejuvenation.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Hotel bars, live music venues, theater, and nightclubs offer evening entertainment. Yas Island often hosts major concerts.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional souks, artisan crafts, luxury malls (The Galleria, Yas Mall), and unique souvenirs form a diverse retail experience.

Dive: Relaxation & Nightlife

Unwind and enjoy Abu Dhabi's evening scene.

Spa & Wellness

  • Luxury Hotel Spas: World-class spas with a range of treatments (St. Regis, Iridium Spa, Zayna Spa).
  • Yoga & Meditation: Some luxury hotels and wellness centers present classes or packages.
  • Beach & Pool Clubs: Many hotels offer day passes (Saadiyat Beach Club, Corniche, Yas Island).
  • Traditional Healing: Less formal; found in specialized centers meeting local preferences.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music & Performance

Many hotel bars and lounges feature live musical acts, DJs. Yas Island hosts major concerts at Etihad Arena. Cultural Foundation and National Theatre stage performances.

Nightclubs & Bars

Nightclubs predominantly run within luxury hotels. Yas Island and Al Maryah Island hold concentrations of bars and waiting areas. Pub crawls are not a structured concept.

Late-Night Options

Restaurants and cafes, specifically in malls, often stay open late. Shisha lounges are also popular late-night spots for socializing.

Dive: Shopping

Traditional Markets

Souk Qaryat Al Beri (modern souk), Central Market (World Trade Center Souk), Mina Port Area (spices, dates).

Artisan & Souvenirs

Heritage Village (craft demonstrations), neighborhood galleries. Souvenir ideas: dates, camel milk chocolate, spices from the area, Arabic coffee pots, pashminas, oud.

Luxury Shopping

The Galleria Al Maryah Island (high-end brands), Yas Mall (international and luxury brands), Marina Mall (shopping and entertainment).

Shopping Guidelines & Tips

Shop wisely and ethically in Abu Dhabi's retail landscape.

Ethical Shopping

  • Support Local: Provide direct support to local artisans at Heritage Village or independent shops for fair pricing.
  • Avoid Illegal Goods: Refrain from purchasing items made from endangered species.
  • Fair Trade: Seek out establishments committed to ethical trade practices when feasible.
  • Price Awareness: Prices in malls are fixed; haggling may be possible in smaller, traditional souks.

Shipping & Customs

International Shipping

Major shopping centers and luxury stores often are present international shipping services.

Customs Regulations

Be aware of customs regulations and potential duties in your home a nation for high-value purchases.

Airline Restrictions

For items like oud or perfumes, check airline restrictions before packing.

Experience Booking

For booking things to do and activities, GetYourGuide is a robust platform with numerous options.

Beach Clubs

  • Saadiyat Beach Club
  • Hotel beach clubs along Corniche
  • Yas Island beach clubs
  • Day passes often available

Desert Safaris

  • Dune bashing adventures
  • Camel rides
  • Traditional BBQ dinners
  • Stargazing experiences

Customs Alert

Familiarize yourself with both UAE export restrictions and your home country's import regulations to avoid problems with purchases.

Essential Planning & Resources

Make the most of your Abu Dhabi journey with efficient planning and valuable resources.

Pre-Trip Checklist

  • Visa & Passport: Ascertain your visa requirements and passport validity.
  • Flights: Book purchasing flights in advance for better rates and availability.
  • Accommodation: Secure your lodging based on your budget and preferred neighborhood.
  • Transportation: Pla flight center transfers and consider local transport options.

Health & Safety

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a sensible idea for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

Local Regulations

Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to ensure a respectful visit.

Emergency Contacts

Save important numbers: Police (999), Ambulance (998), Fire (997).

Best Time to Visit

  • October to April: Cooler, pleasant weather.
  • Ideal for outdoor activities.
  • Peak tourist season.
  • Book well in advance.

Language & Currency

  • Official Language: Arabic.
  • English is widely spoken.
  • Currency: UAE Dirham (AED).
  • Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, malls, and public areas.
  • Consider a local SIM card for constant connectivity.
  • International roaming can be expensive.

Affiliate Booking Platforms

Accommodation
Activities & Tours

Local Insights

Embrace the fusion of heritage and modernity Abu Dhabi has. From the distant past souks to futuristic skylines, every corner tells a story. Respect local customs and traditions for an enriching travel experience.

Activity Planning Summary

Must-Do Experiences

  • Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (early morning or sunset).
  • Desert Safari with dune bashing and dinner.
  • Explore Louvre Abu Dhabi's universal collection.
  • Enjoy Yas Waterworld or Ferrari World for thrills.

Hidden Gems & Local Flavors

  • Discover Al Wathba Wetland Reserve for flamingos.
  • Try fresh seafood at Mina Zayed Seafood Market.
  • Sample authentic Machboos and Luqaimat.
  • Wander through Souk Qaryat Al Beri.