8 great things to do in Abu Dhabi
The best things to do in Abu Dhabi include visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, riding the Formula Rossa at Ferrari World and kayaking the Eastern Mangroves.
An Abu Dhabi stopover is a smart way of breaking up the journey from Europe to Australia – and there are plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi. Here are eight of the best options.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi: Walk the Corniche
Once the summer heat begins to retreat, the Corniche is where you’ll see the first signs of the changing season. Cyclists and joggers get sweaty along the 6km coastal strip, the beaches and beach clubs fill up, and it becomes a grand promenade. It’s a promenade with fantastic skyline views, too.
What to do in Abu Dhabi: Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The stats of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are impressive enough – 82 marble domes, 41,000 worshipper capacity, four 107m tall minarets, over 1,000 pillars.
But, luckily, the openness to outsiders matches the grandeur and twinkling interior decoration. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the few great mosques in the world that (respectfully dressed) non-Muslims are allowed inside. For a better understanding, you can book a private tour.
Abu Dhabi attractions: Ferrari World
The world’s largest indoor theme park in the world is Yas Island’s major source of thrills and spills. The remarkable Formula Rossa – the fastest rollercoaster in the world – provides most of this, shooting passengers off at 240km/h. Elsewhere at Ferrari World, there are plenty of kid-slanted but fun simulators, though it’s short on other big thrill rides. Reserve your place by booking online.
Abu Dhabi theme parks: Yas Waterworld
Looking like a uncontrollably tentacled sea monster from the outside, the Yas Waterworld water park has over 40 rides, slides and attractions. It’s nicely pitched, with slides varying from manageably tame to really rather fast. Avoid big crowds by going on a weekday. Book tickets here.
Top Abu Dhabi activities: Cycling the Yas Marina Circuit
The F1 Grand Prix track has plenty of driving experiences on offer, but the TrainYas sessions a couple of nights per week have a heart-warming magic to them. The Yas Marina Circuit is given over to thousands of cyclists – and visitors can hire bikes on site to play at being a two-wheeled Max Verstappen.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi: Mangrove kayaking
Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves provide an unexpected natural twist to the desert city. Protected with National Park status, the mangroves are home to thousands of tiny scuttling crabs and plenty of birdlife – most notably herons and flamingos. Sea Hawk runs leisurely kayaking tours through the mangrove channels. Book your spot here.
Top attractions in Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Falconry is huge amongst Emiratis, who treat their birds as part of the family rather than pets. The tours of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital give a wonderful, smile-inducing insight into this cultural oddity. The hooded birds line up on benches, guests get a close-up view as sedated falcons get their talons trimmed, and sheikhs stroke their darling’s feathers in the waiting room. For a tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off, head here.
Abu Dhabi day trips: Visit Al Ain
Abu Dhabi’s best day trip goes through the desert dunes to the ‘garden city’ of Al Ain. Forts, history museums, a drive up the UAE’s highest mountain with views over into Oman and traditional irrigation systems that keep the oases green are part of full day tour mix.
