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Abu Dhabi, الإمارات العربية المتحدة - Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, الإمارات العربية المتحدة - Complete Travel Guide

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a gleaming metropolis that easyly blends traditional Arabian heritage with ultra-modern luxury. This sophisticated city rises from the desert like a mirage, featuring impressive architectural marvels, world-class museums, pristine beaches, and opulent shopping destinations. From the impressive Sheikh Zayed this destination to the cultural district of Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi offers visitors an unforgettable journey through both ancient traditions and futuristic innovation. As the political and cultural heart of the UAE, Abu Dhabi showcases the country's ambitious vision while honoring its Bedouin roots. The city's skyline is dominated by impressive towers and landmarks, while its coastline offers beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. With its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, and commitment to becoming a global cultural hub, Abu Dhabi has established itself as one of the Middle East's premier destinations for luxury travel, business, and cultural exploration.

Top Abu Dhabi

the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Marvel at one of the world's most beautiful mosques, featuring impressive white marble architecture, intricate Islamic designs, and capacity for over 40,000 worshippers. The mosque showcases exquisite craftsmanship with precious stones, crystals, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. Free guided tours provide insight into Islamic culture and architecture.

Booking Tip: Entry is free but advance online booking is recommended, especially during peak season. Tours run multiple times daily except Friday mornings. Dress modestly with long sleeves and pants; abayas are provided for women. Best photographed during golden hour.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Discover this architectural masterpiece designed by Jean Nouvel, featuring a impressive dome that creates a 'rain of light' effect. The museum houses an impressive collection spanning human history and civilizations, with works from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. The building itself is a work of art, appearing to float on water.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online in advance for AED 63 (adults). Allow 3-4 hours for your visit. Audio guides available for AED 25. Best visited in the morning or late afternoon. Check for special exhibitions which may require separate tickets.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Enjoy the world's first Ferrari-themed amusement park, home to the fastest roller coaster on earth - Formula Rossa, reaching speeds of 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The park features over 40 rides and attractions celebrating the Ferrari legacy. Indoor climate-controlled environment makes it perfect year-round entertainment.

Booking Tip: Single-day tickets start from AED 295. Book online for discounts and skip-the-line access. Consider multi-park passes if visiting other Yas Island attractions. Visit on weekdays for shorter queues. Height restrictions apply for many rides.

Desert Safari Adventure

Experience the magic of the Arabian desert with thrilling dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Bedouin camp experiences. Watch mesmerizing sunset views over golden sand dunes, enjoy authentic Arabic cuisine, and be entertained by traditional performances including belly dancing and tanoura shows. Many tours include sandboarding and henna painting.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours range from AED 150-400 depending on inclusions. Choose reputable operators with good safety records and newer vehicles. Evening tours with dinner offer the best value. Book 24-48 hours in advance during peak season.

Stroll Through the Corniche

Walk or cycle along this beautiful 8-kilometer waterfront promenade offering impressive views of the Arabian Gulf and city skyline. The Brazzaville features manicured gardens, children's play areas, restaurants, and pristine beaches with Blue Flag certification. Perfect for jogging, family activities, or simply enjoying the sea breeze.

Booking Tip: Free to access and enjoy. Bike rentals available from various points along the route for around AED 20-30 per hour. Beach access requires entry fees (AED 10-25). Best experienced during cooler months or early morning/evening during summer.

Getting There

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is the main gateway, located about 30 kilometers from the city center and serving over 100 destinations worldwide. The airport is well-connected to downtown via taxi (AED 80-120, 45 minutes), airport bus service (AED 4, 1 hour), or rental cars. From Dubai, Abu Dhabi is easily accessible by car via the E11 highway (1.5 hours), intercity buses (AED 25, 2 hours), or private transfers. The city is also connected to other Emirates through an excellent road network.

Getting Around

Abu Dhabi offers various transportation options with taxis being the most popular and convenient, operating on meters with reasonable fares starting at AED 5. The city has a growing public bus network covering major attractions and districts for AED 2-5 per journey. Car rentals are widely available and recommended for exploring at your own pace, though parking can be challenging in downtown areas. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are reliable alternatives, while many hotels offer shuttle services to major shopping malls and attractions.

Where to Stay

Brazzaville Area
Saadiyat Island
Yas Island
Al Maryah Island
Downtown Abu Dhabi
Al Reem Island

Food & Dining

Abu Dhabi's dining scene is incredibly diverse, ranging from street food at local souks to Michelin-starred restaurants in luxury hotels. The city offers authentic Emirati cuisine featuring dishes like machboos, luqaimat, and fresh seafood, alongside international cuisines from around the world. High-end dining experiences can be found at Emirates Palace, Four Seasons, and Shangri-La hotels, while more casual options include the busy food courts at major malls and traditional restaurants in the Heritage Village. Don't miss trying Arabic coffee and dates, and explore the growing café culture in areas like Al Bateen and Khalidiyah.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Uae

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Trattoria

4.8 /5
(11070 reviews) 3

GIA

4.8 /5
(9564 reviews) 3

Antonia - Mamsha Al Saadiyat

4.8 /5
(4232 reviews) 2

Antonia trattoria

4.9 /5
(3887 reviews) 2

Eataly at The Beach Dubai

4.7 /5
(3627 reviews) 3

Bella Vita Restaurant by Labelle مطعم بيلا فيتا

4.9 /5
(2415 reviews)
cafe store

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is from November to March when temperatures are pleasant (20-30°C) and humidity is lower, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds. April and October can also be good shoulder months with warm but manageable weather. Summer months (May-September) are extremely hot and humid with temperatures exceeding 40°C, though indoor attractions, shopping malls, and beaches remain enjoyable with air conditioning, and hotel rates are significantly lower.

Insider Tips

Many attractions offer significant discounts for advance online bookings, and several museums have free admission days for UAE residents
Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and note that public displays of affection should be minimal
Take advantage of the free WiFi available throughout the city, and download the Darb app for real-time bus information and the Abu Dhabi Culture app for museum and cultural site details

Activities in Abu Dhabi