Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s capital and largest city, but its nearest neighbor, Dubai, grabs all attention for its effervescent
vibe and uber stylish architecture. But, don’t let Abu Dhabi’s low-key reputation fool you!It’s equally astonishing and rife
with activities! From going on a mangrove kayaking tour to exploring its cultural and historical landmarks, here’s a list of
things to do in Abu Dhabi which allows you to make the most of your time here.
1.Discover Sheikh Zayed Mosque
This is one of the best places to begin your Abu Dhabi exploration.
This colossal mosque is named after the UAE’s first
and late president (Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan). With a capacity to hold up to 40,000 worshippers,
it’s a true vision in white where its entire exterior is clad in high quality, pure white marble.
There are over 80 domes and 1000 plus columns. Moreover, it’s home to the world’s largest
hand-knotted carpet. The best thing is that this grand mosque is open
to all including non-Muslims and entry here is absolutely free. So don’t miss this sight –
it’s a sanctuary of peace and sheer beauty in the middle of the city.
2. Ascend Observation Deck At 300
This is one of Abu Dhabi’s highest viewing points from where you can take in the 360 degree views
over the city skyline, Persian Gulf, and beyond. True to its name, it’s perched at a height of
over 300 meters. You will find this inside the second tower of Etihad Towers, at Level
74 Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. There is also a café which is especially
famed for its afternoon café. The observation deck is open from 12:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs.
website: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/what-to-see/iconic-landmarks/observation-deck-at-300
3. Go Wild At Yas Island
For those who think UAE’s best theme parks are in Dubai, Abu Dhabi too has its share of fantastic
theme parks and leisure attractions and you’ll find them all at Yas Island.
This man-made island is the region’s ultimate amusement and adventure
venue with attractions such as:
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: It’s the world’s first Ferrari theme park!
It boasts of some of the fascinating rides and attractions including the fastest of its kind
Formula Rossa roller coaster ride.
Warner Bros Abu Dhabi: Dedicated to your favorite superheroes and all-time-favorite cartoon characters,
each of its six lands is packed with astonishing rides, games and attractions.
CLYMB Abu Dhabi: It’s where you can take to the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall as well as the
largest sky diving flight chamber.
KidZania Abu Dhabi: This edutainment attraction on Yas Island is exclusively created for your
smaller ones between
four to 16 years. What makes it special is that your kids not only get to try their favorite adult
profession but also get paid too, thanks to KidZos currency.
Yas Marina Circuit: This will be known to many as the venue of the highly acclaimed
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But more than that, it’s one of the world’s most expensive F1 race tracks.
Yas Waterworld: Built as an honor to the region’s pearl diving heritage, it’s one of the largest
and most innovative water parks in the UAE.
4. Mangrove Kayaking Tour
Feel an invigorating sense of coolness, serenity and freedom as you set out on a kayaking or
paddling adventure along the
region’s natural mangrove forests. After all, it retreats you to a part of Abu Dhabi that is still
untouched and immaculately preserved.Surely, it allows you to admire its verdant landscape
and captivating flora and fauna in its true splendor.
5. Spend Some Time At Abu Dhabi Corniche
This is one of the best places to have some fun-filled relaxing moments in Abu Dhabi.
Stretching for more than eight kilometers along the shores of the city, it has a bit of
everything to keep everyone in your group engrossed. You can hire a
bicycle, enjoy swimming, and play football and volleyball, among many others.
The area around it also hosts some of the
region’s most iconic attractions such as Qasr Al Watan, Emirates Palace, and the Founder’s Memorial.
See all of them
from an extraordinary vantage point on water with a thrilling Yellow Boat Cruise or a tranquil Sunset Cruise.
6. Desert Safari
Want to see the untouched side of Abu Dhabi but without ever driving far or leaving the city?
This is possible; just venture
out to Abu Dhabi’s desert landscape on an all-inclusive desert safari.
Beyond treating you with the unparalleled desert
beauty, this off-the-beaten-track tour is definite to get your blood pumping with its many activities such
as 4X4 dune bash, camel ride, quad biking, and sandboarding. Morning desert safaris
give you a slice of unequaled allure of desert, while evening desert safari promises
somewhat a detailed overview of the Bedouin culture and heritage,
thanks to experiences like henna tattooing, Shisha smoking, falconry etc. For those who
wish camp under the desert stars, there is overnight desert safari.
7. Go Back In Time At Qasr Al Hosn
Looking for an attraction or sight that breaks you away from the region’s modernity?
Visit Qasr Al Hosn which is a place of strategic historic importance. Tracing its origin back to
the 18 th century, it’s the region’s oldest heritage structure that once served as a defense,
further the residence of the ruling family, and later the seat of government. In the present era, it’s
converted into a museum where you’ll find here arts and artifacts that date back to 6000 BC.
Apart from these, you get to
check out its unique segments, mainly the House of Artisans and the Bait Al Gahwa.
8. Strike A Pose Against Emirates Palace
Take any sightseeing of Abu Dhabi – a visit to Emirates Palace will be one of the staple must-sees!
Rightly so, this palatial style structure is the region’s most premium hotels where every
aspect of it drips luxury. Its 390 plus guest rooms and suites are striking with out of the world comforts.
There are diverse options including one that serves 24 karat gold cappuccino. Above all,
its exterior is so breathtaking and vast that it’s unimaginable to culminate an Abu Dhabi trip
without capturing a picture against it.
9. Be In Awe At The Grandeur & Displays Of Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum
Louvre Abu Dhabi has become one of the UAE’s most recognizable landmarks in recent times.
It’s courtesy to its jaw-
dropping architecture that seemingly appears like a floating structure on the Saadiyat Island
Cultural District. Add to this
its iconic name and inspiring artworks which make it the Arabian world’s biggest art museum.
With its strategic agreement with the French Government, come here prepared to see some of the
most timeless artworks by the brilliant artists like Leonardo Da Vinci and Vincent Van Gogh to name a few.
And of course, its massive perforated dome which causes the marvelous rain of light effect deserves
a special mention.
10. Take A Day Trip
Did you know that Abu Dhabi is an archipelagic emirate with more than 200 islands?
And among the must-visits among them are Sir Bani Yas Island, Dalma Island,
and Zaya Nurai Island. Want to experience refreshing greenery in the desert?
Go on an Al Ain City Tour! Rightly called the UAE’s Garden City, Al Ain is a part of the
capital city and is sure to blow you away with lush parks, amazing museums, and mostly
Jebel Hafeet – the UAE’s second tallest mountain.
Conclusion
Most people travel to UAE for Dubai, but its capital city is a surprising package with the most
amazing things to do and see here. So make sure that you visit Abu Dhabi. And for ideas,
take inspiration from this list to compile your immaculate travel itinerary.
About the author:
Neha Singh is a travel blogger who enjoys traveling, meeting new people and l
earning about the local culture and food. She is always looking forward to visiting
new places and likes to play tennis in her spare time
Thanks for cooperating!
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