by Ashas Bukhari
Abu Dhabi Travel Guide: What To See, Do, And Admire In the Capital
4 Feb 2024
Abu Dhabi is a dream destination for tourists, encompassing everything from stunning architecture to vibrant cultural experiences. Prepare to uncover the city's most visited landmarks and create unforgettable memories. This is The Sandy Times guide to the UAE's capital.
Abu Dhabi is known for its architectural landmarks, which showcase its unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city offers an abundance of cultural experiences to dive into, whether exploring the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or discovering traditional Emirati crafts at the heritage village.
The city also caters to families with young children, boasting several fun and educational centres. The Sandy Times has rounded up seven activities that will bring immense joy to families, friends, and solo travellers alike.
Qasr al-Hosn
Qasr al-Hosn is a beautiful landmark in Abu Dhabi and a must-visit place for history enthusiasts. But even if you are not inclined to history, Qasr al-Hosn is still worth visiting. Built-in 1761, the Old Fort was a tower to defend the only freshwater spring on the Abu Dhabi island. After its expansion in 1793, the fort became the seat of power of the ruling family until 1966.
The architecture is stunning and offers a glimpse into the region's past. The surrounding area has lovely gardens and a waterfront promenade, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture and take memorable photos.
Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street. Al Hosn – Abu Dhabi
Heritage Village
Up next, the Heritage Village is a historic site that showcases the traditional Emirati way of life. You can explore some of the city's classic buildings, watch artisans at work, and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage.
Explore traditional houses and a souk (marketplace), and enjoy the cultural performances regularly on display. The Heritage Village will make you fall in love with the capital's rich culture. The premises of the Heritage Village are adorned with elaborate campfires, goat hair tents, and the falaj — the UAE’s ancient irrigation system.
An authentic replica of a typical Bedouin village, Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village gives tourists a taste of life in the Emirates before the oil boom. Combined with a beautiful beach area, the Heritage Village is a pleasant place for tourists to relax and should be on your list the next time you explore Abu Dhabi.
Location: near Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater
KidZania
KidZania is one of the city's more popular, family-friendly spots. Children can learn about different professions and immerse themselves in the indoor activity-packed town.
Some of the best activities include role-playing a doctor, pilot, firefighter, chef, or fashion designer. It offers a unique and educational experience for children.
At KidZania, children can play, explore, and become the best versions of themselves in an interactive play environment designed especially for them. KidZania hosts special events and shows to make the experience even more exciting. Several themed events, performances, and workshops align with holidays to make KidZania more accessible for working parents.
It is always a good idea to check their website or social media pages for updates on upcoming events. They usually announce them in advance so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Location: the ground floor of Yas Mall
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is arguably the city's crown jewel. It is one of the largest mosques in the UAE, accommodating up to 20,000 people in the main prayer hall. The mosque is adorned with white marble, intricate floral designs, and exquisite calligraphy.
Photo: Kevin Olson
The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths and offers guided tours for you to learn more about its rich history and cultural significance.
Remember to snap a picture of its eighty-two domes when you are there! And if you stay at the mosque through the sunset, you'll witness the exquisite lunar lighting, meant to represent the six phases of the moon.
Location: Al Rawdah — Abu Dhabi
Desert Safari
A desert safari is a must when visiting Abu Dhabi. If you are not into dune bashing, explore the desert from the back of a quad bike or by sandboarding down enormous dunes. It is a thrilling adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the desert.
Remember to capture some incredible sunset photos over the dunes. You can experience a traditional Bedouin-style camp, relax, enjoy Arabic coffee and dates, and indulge in a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars.
Some desert safaris offer cultural experiences like henna painting, falcon shows, horse riding and traditional dance performances. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can even try quad biking or riding a dune buggy across the sandy terrain.
Photo: Haris khan
Ferrari World
Abu Dhabi Ferrari World is a fantastic theme park and the first Ferrari-branded amusement park. You can enjoy thrilling rides and interactive experiences and even see some incredible Ferrari cars on display dating back to 1947. Whether you are a Ferrari fan or not, it is a must-visit place.
Photo: Aziz J.Hayat's
One of the main attractions at Ferrari World is the Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster. Experience the need for speed as you zoom through the track at 240 km/h. That should give the biggest adrenaline junkie the fix of a lifetime!
Another interactive experience is the Fiorano GT challenge, where you can race against your friends on a duelling roller coaster. If you are a fan of racing simulators, try out the Scuderia Challenge and test your driving skills on a virtual track, where you can genuinely feel the excitement and passion of Ferrari's racing heritage.
Location: Yas Island
Yas Waterworld
Yas Waterworld is a fantastic water park that offers a thrilling and refreshing experience; with over forty exhilarating rides, slides, and attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Moreover, there are many thrilling options like Rush Rider, Slither's Slides, Bubbles Barreland, and more for you to explore. Glide through the Cinesplash, a unique attraction combining 5D cinema with water effects, with the entire family for a fantastic experience.
Plus, the park is beautifully themed with elements of Emirati culture, making it a unique and immersive experience. So, grab your swimsuit and prepare for a sunny day at Yas Water World Abu Dhabi.
Location: Yas Island
Insider tips
When exploring hidden gems in Abu Dhabi, here are a few tips.
Popular tourist spots are great, but there is a whole adventure waiting off the beaten path.
Explore lesser-known areas, and you might stumble upon charming local markets, cosy cafes, or beautiful parks.
Locals are the best source of insider information. Strike up conversations, ask for recommendations, and discover hidden gems not found in the Abu Dhabi travel guide.
Remember, the best part of exploring hidden gems is the element of surprise and discovery. So be open to new experiences and enjoy uncovering the hidden treasures of your destination.
Protect the environment when visiting natural areas, and be mindful of your impact. Preserve the beauty of these places for future visitors.
Support local businesses, learn about the culture, and respect the local customs, traditions, and etiquette.
Abu Dhabi is a city full of activities for adventurous travellers. There is something for everyone, from lively local markets to peaceful natural landscapes. So, take your time to explore Abu Dhabi and immerse yourself in the unique culture and people. Enjoy the journey, and make sure to leave a lasting impression. We hope you found this travel guide for Abu Dhabi helpful.
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