As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi combines traditional Arab attractions with the latest leisure areas. Let’s find out 20 amazing things to do in Abu Dhabi.
1. Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Start your Abu Dhabi journey with a trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This architecture has ancient white domes and complex designs. You will be amazed by the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet and a chandelier adorned with Swarovski crystal. 82 domes, contemplative pools, and marble columns of the mosque created an atmosphere of peace and grandeur. Do not miss a chance to attend a guided tour to learn about Islamic architecture and culture.
Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Friday 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Price: Free entry
2. Experience Thrills at Ferrari World
Located on Yas Island , Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the most popular amusement park in Abu Dhabi. It occupies an area of 86,000 square meters. You can ride the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rissa, which can reach up to 240 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Experience the thrill of racing in the state-of-the-art simulator, detect interactive performance to show the history of Ferrari, and enjoy family -friendly attractions. The iconic red roof of the park, which is found in the Ferrari GT car, is a miracle in itself.
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Daily 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Price: Starting from AED 295 for adults
3. Explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi
If you are an art and culture lover, then Louvre Abu Dhabi is a must see destination. The museum displays artifacts from all over the world, reducing the gap between eastern and western art. The unique architecture of the building is characterized by a stunning dome that creates “rain of light”, as an inner collection. Carefully explore centuries of human creativity through curated exhibitions and permanent galleries.
Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM, closed on Mondays
Price: AED 63 for adults
4. Take a Desert Safari
A desert safari lets you experience the wonder of the Arabian desert. You can try dune bashing in strong 4x4 vehicles, board down golden sand hills, and eat a traditional Bedouin dinner under the night sky. You’ll see captivating belly dance shows, get henna art, and try on Arabic outfits. The desert sunset views will take your breath away.
Location: Various tour operators offer pick-up from Abu Dhabi hotels
Timing: Typically afternoon to evening (around 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
Price: Starting from AED 150 per person
5. Visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Learn about the national bird of UAE at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the world’s largest and most advanced Falcon Care. You can treat Falcons, learn about their importance in Amirti culture, and even catch one of these royal birds. The directed tour provides attractive insight into hawk traditions and modern veterinary practices.
Location: Sweihan Road, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (tours by reservation only)
Price: AED 170 for adults
6. Relax at Saadiyat Beach
Saadiyat Beach is another natural paradise which stretches more than 9 kilometres. With crystal-clear water and white sand, it is the perfect place to sunbathe, swim or spot dolphins. The beach is also a protected nest hunting ground for hoxable turtles, making it an environment-conscious destination. Enjoy water games, beach food, or just soak in the Arab Gulf scenes.
Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Open 24/7
Price: AED 25 for adults (beach access)
7. Visit Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is testament for excellent Arab craftsmanship, characterized by complex geometric design, beautiful chandeliers and breathtaking dome architecture. As you walk in its impeccable white corridors, you will come to exhibitions to highlight the diplomatic milestones and core glory of the United Arab Emirates. The knowledge palace displays rare manuscripts and books. Be sure to catch the amazing evening light and sound shows that animate the front of the palace.
Location: Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Daily 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Price: AED 60 for adults
8. Enjoy Thrills at Yas Waterworld
A wonderful water park characterized by over 40 rides, slides and attractions, Yas Waterworld is one of the places to travel in Abu Dhabi making it a fun destination for tourists visiting with their families. You may experience the world’s largest surfable sheet wave in the Bubble’s Barrel, or the Bandit Bomber, the longest roller coaster of the Middle East.
For those seeking more adventures, the Liwa loop offers a heart-pound vertical drop. Small visitors can enjoy the Jurbitty Fort and Tot playground, while everyone can rest in a lazy river or wave pool.
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Price: Starting from AED 270 for adults
9. Visit Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo is one of the most recommended attractions in Abu Dhabi for wildlife lovers. House of more than 1,700 animals, this zoo provides unique opportunities for connecting wildlife. Visitors can feed giraffes, ride camels, inspect large cats and learn about successful breeding programs of zoos for endangered species. Beautiful landscaping and shaded walking routes of convenience make it an ideal destination for families. You also surprised when you know that this solely zoo attracted 10 millon tourist in 2024. This highlights how tourism impact on Abu Dhabi.
Location: Al Bahia, north-east of Abu Dhabi City
Timing: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Everyday)
Price: 68 - 114 AED
10. Visit the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Village gives you a peek into real Emirati life. This living museum brings back to life a typical oasis community showing what the emirate looked like before oil made it rich. You’ll come across traditional homes, a busy market, and artisans doing their work. You can watch experts make pots, shape metal, and create fabrics. The village’s museum puts on display items and pictures that tell the story of how Abu Dhabi grew from a small fishing spot to a large modern city.
Location: Near Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Corniche
Timing: Saturday to Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Friday 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Price: Free entry
11. Explore Mangrove National Park
There is nothing like waking up in fresh air that dissolves with a gentle rustle of green and the cheerful tune of birds in their natural habitat. Mangrove National Park is a clear sanctuary of the above experience. You can experience kayaking, and spot various wildlife, including herons, flamingos and sea turtles. The park plays an important role in the ecosystem of the area, protects the beach and provides a habitat for many species.
Location: Eastern Ring Road, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Open 24/7 for self-guided tours, guided tours available during daylight hours
Price: Kayak rentals start from AED 160
12. Visit Warner Bros. World
This Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi is another entertainment place for your entire family. It fully brings beloved characters and stories to life through the immersive indoor theme park. Meet your favorite superhero in the metropolis, explore cartoon classics in Cartoon Junction, and experience prehistoric adventure in Bedrock. The park has 29 rides, interactive family attractions and themed dining experiences.
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Daily 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Price: Starting from AED 295 for adults
13. Tour the Observation Deck at 300
Enjoy 360 degree scenes of Abu Dhabi horizon from the observation deck in 300. Located on the 74th floor of Etihad Towers, this elegant place gives you an amazing site of influential buildings of the city, blue water of Arabia and nearby islands. As sips on high tea, you see the sunset color sky in beautiful colors.
Location: Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Daily 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Price: AED 95 for adults (includes AED 55 credit for the café)
14. Scuba Dive at Al Mahara
Looking for a break from the visit to sightseeing? Al Maharah is one of the top things to do scuba diving in Abu Dhabi. To highlight the hidden treasure, dive into the heart of the Gulf and find out the low-right side of Abu Dhabi. To make sure you have an ideal scuba experience, you will get top-pay training and custom services with gear and outfits. The water of the area with colored marine life gives you a chance to swim with goatfish, stingrase, snappers and many other unique fish species. Crystal-Callier Blue Water makes the entire adventure even better, because you can spot what you are looking for.
Location: 31st Street, Port Zayed, Sahara Marine, Abu Dhabi
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Price: 269 - 306 AED
15. Explore Al Ain Oasis
Spread over 3000 acres, Al Ain has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. It extends to more than 3,000 acres of cool palm groves and ancient history. It is characterized by a magnificent on -147,000 date palms and fruit trees, which offers an attractive glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage. The simple Phalz irrigation system developed 3,000 years ago continues to nourish these gardens through a network of channels. You can see traditional farming methods and the important role of oases in desert communities.
Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Price: Free entry
16. Visit Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace is an architectural work that reflects the splendor and hospitality of Arabia. It shows excellent craftsmanship in luxurious hotels, 114 domes and more than 1,000 chandelier, its huge marble halls and grand gardens. Visitors may be involved in the famous Palace Cappuccino to explore the hotel’s top with a 24-carat gold flex, or the impressive art gallery and cultural exhibitions. The palace’s private beaches and manicured lawns offer breathtaking views of the Arab Gulf.
Location: West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Open 24/7 (restaurant timings vary)
Price: Varies (Palace Cappuccino costs around AED 60)
17. Experience the Yas Marina Circuit
Yas Marina is all about Abu Dhabi’s opulent Grand Prix. The circuit is located on Yas Island, which is about 30 minutes away from the capital city of UAE, Abu Dhabi. There is a lot more to explore other than the tracks. Visitors can take guided tours of the state-of-the-art facilities, including the race control room and pit garages, or opt for driving experiences in high-performance vehicles on the same track where F1 champions compete. With a lot of thought being put into the track, it has an intricate design with twenty-one corners twists. The circuit has 5 grandstands (North, South, Main, West and Marina Grandstand). In addition to this, it has a Team building, Media Center, Dragster Track and a VIP Tower.
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Various (check website for specific experiences)
Price: Starting from AED 120 for circuit tours
18. Shop at Abu Dhabi Mall
If you are a shopping lover, then Abu Dhabi Mall is a must-go destination. From international luxury brands to local boutiques, this modern shopping complex has more than 200 stores. The mall’s food court provides several cooking options, while its cinema provides the latest entertainment.
Location: Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Daily 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Friday 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Price: Free entry
19. Enjoy a Dhow Cruise
Lovely atmosphere, vibrant places, delicious dinner, and good company - Abu Dhabi Dhow Dinner Cruise is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Abu Dhabi if you are traveling with your loved one. These beautiful wooden ships offer an attractive way to experience the magnificent beach of Abu Dhabi. As you glide with cool water, you will be treated for a magnificent dinner characterized by both local and international dishes, while the city’s magnificent enlightened horizon creates a magical background. The gentle sea air, traditional Arabic music and a combination of hot hospitality stars aligned to create an unforgettable evening.
Location: Various operators offer cruises from the Corniche area
Timing: Usually evening cruises (around 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Price: Starting from AED 100 per person
20. Ride the Rapids at Wadi Adventure
Wadi Adventure is counted among the favourite places of thrill-seekers in Abu Dhabi. This awesome water park in Al Ain is home to the first man-made white water rafting, kayaking and surfing facility in the Middle East. You can deal with rapids on a fleet, try your hand at kayaking, or hold some waves on the surf pool. This is a piece of adventure heaven in the desert!
Location: Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain
Timing: Daily 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Price: Starting from AED 100 for adults
Abu Dhabi offers a treasure of experiences from cultural insights to thrilling adventures. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or modern attractions, you have many things to do in this city. So pack your bags and start your journey!
