Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is a well-organized, productive, and lively city recognized for its impressive buildings, outdoor adventures, luxury hotels, expansive deserts, rich heritage, and stunning beaches in a picturesque waterside environment.
Whether you’re looking to spend a night in a five-star hotel, take the family to one of the many amusement parks, or indulge in some culture at one of the city’s many art galleries, Abu Dhabi has something for you.
Top Things To Do and See in Abu Dhabi
1. Visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque
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This is the largest mosque in Abu Dhabi and serves as a place of worship for all Muslims. From the outside, it’s hard to gauge just how big this mosque is because it’s built into an existing hillside. But once you step through its massive doors, you’ll find yourself in a space that seems more like a cathedral than anything else.
The dome offers glimpses of blue sky and clouds, while the prayer hall has rows of white chairs arranged neatly down its length. In short, the mosque is a great spot to visit and enjoy immense tranquillity.
2. Explore Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
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Ferrari World is the world’s first amusement park based on the Ferrari theme. The park features multiple themed areas: a racing circuit, a karting track, a roller coaster called Formula Rossa, the fastest in the world, and simulators where you can test drive your own Ferrari F1 car or take part in a race against other drivers.
You can also explore an indoor go-kart track called Karting Academy, exhibitions of classic cars and films related to Ferrari history, and much more!
3. Feast in Style at Al Fanar
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If you’re looking for a traditional Arabic culinary experience, Al Fanar is your place. This 5-star restaurant is located in the Emirates Palace hotel and serves dishes like lamb shank, Kabsa rice cooked with chicken or beef, and Basbousa (sweet semolina cake).
It’s a great place to eat if you’re traveling with family or friends. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with music playing softly in the background that helps create an ambiance of authenticity.
4. Venture Out on a Desert Safari
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If you’re looking for an adventure and have time on your hands, a desert safari is one of the best ways to experience the UAE. You can choose between driving yourself or being driven by an expert guide in a 4 wheeled vehicle as they take you through some of Abu Dhabi’s most stunning landscapes. You’ll experience these nomadic communities’ culture, traditions, and lifestyle firsthand and perhaps even join them for their mealtime prayers around a campfire!
What’s more? After sunset, when temperatures cool down significantly and stars come out, there’s no better place than under the desert sky for stargazing.
5. Try Falconry
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Falconry is an ancient tradition in the UAE, and the falcon is a symbol of power. Many of Abu Dhabi’s emirs were known to be avid falconers. Falconry is practised in many countries worldwide, but it’s particularly popular here because of how well-suited these desert conditions are for raising and training birds of prey.
Falconry may be expensive if you’re not at a luxury resort or visiting with friends or family who have access to such things. The cost can range from approximately $100 per person per half day to about $500 for a full day with multiple birds. But if you’re looking for something unique and memorable while visiting Abu Dhabi, this could be it!
6. Shop at Local Markets, Souks and Malls
Souks are markets or bazaars where people go to buy and sell goods. In Abu Dhabi, souks sell everything from traditional Arabic items like dates and coffee beans to more modern clothing and accessories. Souks can be found throughout the city. If you’re looking for something unique or an authentic souvenir, visiting a souk is always worth your time.
7. Plan a Trip to Qasr Al Hosn
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Qasr Al Hosn is a palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It’s located on the island of Abu Dhabi, between the two other main cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The name translates to “the yellow castle” in Arabic, but it can also refer to its color scheme of golden sandstone bricks and white mortar. The palace has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007 because of its cultural importance and architectural influence throughout the region over many centuries.
8. Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi
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The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the biggest museum of culture and art, archaeology, and Islamic art in Abu Dhabi. It is the first Louvre museum outside France and the largest in terms of visitors, with about 1 million per year. The architect Jean Nouvel designed the building to resemble a desert flower that opens to reveal its center only when it gets enough sunlight.
The museum’s collection includes about 1,000 pieces from multiple eras of Ancient Egypt, France, Italy, and Iran. The main entrance leads into a vast white atrium with two galleries on either side, one showcasing sculptures from Greek antiquity; another dedicated to works by artists such as Picasso or Andy Warhol.
Summary
If you’re looking for a city that combines history, culture, and modernity equally, then Abu Dhabi is the place to visit. From Ferrari World to the beautiful Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi, there are plenty of things to do and see here that represent different aspects of Arab culture and architecture. So, something cultural like exploring the Corniche or taking a desert safari, there’s something for everyone!
