Fun Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
Emirates of Abu Dhabi gravitates a lot of tourists from all around the world for its opulence and lavish living. When planning a trip to the city, people often expect 7-star hotels with a huge swimming pool, roads studded with luxury cars, private spa centers, emerald water beaches, and big shopping malls. While all of this is true about the desert city, Abu Dhabi is so much more than this. One can do a lot more than just experience its luxury lifestyle.
This article enlists 8 fun things to do in Abu Dhabi that do not involve spending a fortune. These activities are as relevant for families traveling with kids as they are for those traveling without kids.
1. Explore Quirky Buildings in the City
Abu Dhabi is home to multiple unusual buildings that leave visitors in awe. Be it the delicate-looking Grid Shell structure of Yas Viceroy Hotel or the circular skyscraper of Aldar Headquarters, the city has many quirky architectural wonders to visit. One of the strangest building in the world, the Capital Gate is a must visit when in Abu Dhabi. Inspired from the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, this unconventional skyscraper is the world’s furthest leaning manmade tower. The mesmerizing 35-story building leans four times as far as the Leaning Tower in Pisa.
2. Visit Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
The Heritage Village is a glimpse into the old, traditional of the desert city. From ox-drawn well to ancient falaj irrigation system, it has all the reminiscent of pre-oil Emirates era. The city’s desert descent reflects in village’s small nomadic tents and barasti houses. Inside the village, on the right, there are small shops that offer touristy things like wooden hats and clothes. On the left, there is a museum. It displays old photos of tribes, their lifestyle, and artifacts.
There is a restaurant where visitors can have lunch and enjoy the view. Heritage Village opens from Saturday to Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. On Fridays, it opens from 3:30 pm to 9 pm.
3. Enjoy a Day at the Beach
Some hotels in Abu Dhabi offer private stretches to the beach. It’s a joyous experience to find a beach amidst the desert. There are patrolled patches where tourists can go for a swim. The beach of Abu Dhabi is easily reachable from the Corniche.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Beach Rotana, and Al Raha Beach Hotel are some popular choices of hotels in the Emirates that have a beach all to themselves.
4. Take A Walk on Abu Dhabi Corniche
The waterfront Corniche offers some serene views like of pristine white sand beach and skyline. There are dedicated cycle paths along the promenade, while the benches along the path offer a resting place for pedestrians. Not far from the Corniche are World Trade Center and Adia Headquarters. Towels and sunbeds are available for hiring at multiple Corniche’s public beaches.
Since the Corniche has long stretches without shade, the best time to take a walk here is in the evening or early morning hours.
5. Take a Look at Mesmerizing Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace is grandeur materialized. It is the most expensive hotel ever built by the government of Abu Dhabi and one of the most palatial as well. Those who are not staying at the hotel can also enjoy meals and drinks at its restaurant and bars. This also gives people, other than hotel guests, a great opportunity to look around its imperial interiors.
Interestingly, Emirates Palace has a dress code. No beach shorts or flip-flops are allowed. Guests are ought to be in smart casuals or business attire.
Observation Deck at 300 offers a panoramic view of the hotel from the 74th floor.
6. Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest in the world and can accommodate up to 41,000 worshippers. It is built with Italian marble and other materials imported from ten other countries, including Greece, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, and India. Its design takes inspiration from Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid architectural styles. The carpet in the main prayer hall is the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, while the chandelier is the second largest in the world.
The most mystique part of the mosque is its lighting system, that changes to reflect different phases of the moon.
7. A Day Out in Abu Dhabi’s Mall
Yas Mall offers great shopping experience with its large variety of basic and luxurious supplies. The mall offers an affordable dining experience. It is an immense mall that will take almost the entire day. The mall offers fun things to do in Abu Dhabi for kids like Fun Works. . Families traveling with 10-15 years old can shop without worry about the children getting bored.
Families traveling with kids below the age of 12 years can head to Abu Dhabi Mall. It has Fun Works that will keep the children engaged in enjoyable activities, while the rest of the family shops.
Not very far from the Yas Mall is one of the best fun things to do in Abu Dhabi with children – enjoy rides at Ferrari World. It is a Ferrari-branded theme park with a thrilling mix of rides and attractions. It has F1-themed experiences, big rides, and soft play areas for younger ones.
Ferrari World is open seven days a week from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
For those who are not staying in the city for long, they can opt for the hop on and hop off bus tour in lieu of booking taxis.