Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a popular tourist destination, especially for Indians. Tourism in Abu Dhabi is exciting and fun-filled due to its racing tracks, theme parks, desert safaris, mosques, shopping malls and beaches. The luxurious metropolis is a blend of beautiful cultural monuments and modern megastructures. It has several adventure options, like the Ferrari World and the captivating rides on desert dunes. While the traditional mosques are testimony of Abu Dhabi’s heritage, the modern skyscrapers, amusement parks and shopping malls showcase the Emirate’s status as a developing international city. We have listed 11 places to visit and things to do in Abu Dhabi for a memorable trip.
How to reach Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi International Airport is 18 miles from the city and is connected to all major cities of the world. Abu Dhabi International Airport also happens to be the second largest airport in the UAE. It connects to over 102 destinations and 56 countries across the globe. Many Indian cities have direct flights to Abu Dhabi. From India, you can take a direct flight to Abu Dhabi or Dubai. From Dubai, a bus or taxi would take you to Abu Dhabi in 1.5 hours. Various operators offer Dubai to Abu Dhabi cruises too.
See also: Top places to visit in Dubai and things to do
Best season to visit Abu Dhabi
Winter is the best time and season to visit Abu Dhabi, as the temperature ranges between 25-32°C from November to March. Abu Dhabi witnesses the highest number of tourists from December to February. The temperatures during that period are comfortable for stepping outside and exploring Abu Dhabi extensively. Visiting the beaches or experiencing the wildlife reserves are more enjoyable during these months. Summer months are the hottest in this Gulf city, with temperatures reaching as high as 40°C during the hottest spells.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a must-visit place. It was thrown open to the people in 2007, after nearly 20 years of construction. It is said that a huge congregation of 40,000 people can pray inside it at any given time. The exquisite mosque was designed with 1,096 amethyst and jasper embedded columns, 82 white marble domes, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, beautiful pools and a huge prayer hall. The sophisticated architecture is made up of marble, gold and other precious stones. The pools surrounding the mosque reflect its arcades and designs, which become more splendid with the evening lighting. The mosque has the largest woollen carpet known, of about 5,700 sq metres, which was hand-crafted by 1,200 artisans. The gold chandeliers and marble were imported from countries like Greece and Italy.
Timings: 9 am to 10 pm (every day except Friday mornings). 4:30 pm to 10 pm (Friday).
Entry fees: Free entry
How to reach the mosque
It is a ten-minute drive on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street from the central business district. The mosque is strategically located at the entrance of Abu Dhabi Island on Airport Road, just before Maqta Bridge. The most expensive and accessible option for those going from Dubai is a taxi.
Things to remember
Men must wear shirts and trousers which fully cover their arms and legs. No shorts or T-shirts.
Women have to cover their heads. They are allowed to wear long skirts or trousers, long sleeve shirts.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
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The iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, is one of the most important tourist places in Abu Dhabi and is also the first ever universal museum in the Arab World. It nurtures the spirit of openness between different cultures. Situated in the Saadia Cultural District on Saadia Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi is an amazing display of artistic achievement and architectural excellence. Designed by Jean Nouvel, Pritzker prize-winning architect, this museum covers an area of about 9,200 sq m of permanent and temporary galleries. One of the most distinct and unique features is the huge silvery dome of the museum, popularly known as the ‘Floating dome of light and shade’. Appearing to float above the museum, it filters sunlight and creates a lovely light effect inside the museum. Despite its apparent weightlessness, the dome weighs around 7,500 tons. Among the 600-plus works of art, there are a variety of installations and artefacts. One of the most recent acquisitions is the loan of the La Belle Ferronniere by Leonardo da Vinci. Work of some of the most famous painters and sculptors can be witnessed in the museum, including Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, Jaques-Louis David and Paul Gaugin.
Timings: 10 am to 6:30 pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry fees: AED 63 (adults); Free entry for children below 18 years.
How to reach the museum
You can take the cab service from the airport. Bus lines 94 and 32 stop near the museum.
Yas Island (Yas Water World and Yas Marina Circuit)
Built over an area of 2,500 hectares, the Yas Island is one of the best tourist places in Abu Dhabi. For those who are unaware, Yas in Abu Dhabi, is an artificial island with an F1 race track, theme parks, a golf course, a beautiful beach, stunning hotels and a mall. It is the perfect place for a fun-filled holiday. Yas Mall on Yas Island is the biggest in Abu Dhabi and the second largest shopping centre in the UAE with almost 370 stores and around 60 restaurants and cafés. Yas Beach, with fine white sands and crystal-clear water, offers a wide range of outdoor activities. The place is perfect for indulging in water sports such as kayaking, sailing and snorkelling. Beach sports like volleyball and football are also major attractions at the beach. There are several restaurants lined up at the beach too. Yas Water World Abu Dhabi has more than 40 rip-roaring rides and slides. The Marina Circuit is one of the best attractions in Abu Dhabi. Designed by Hermann Tile as a venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the circuit hosts formula race cars besides the Australian V8 Supercars series, Abu Dhabi Tour cycle race and the Yas V8 400. With the longest race tracks and facilities designed with the best breed of technology, the theme park’s exclusive Driving Experience lets you drive in one of Ferrari’s iconic luxury cars around the Yas Island for several minutes.
Timings (Yas Marina Circuit): 9 am to 11 pm
Entry fees: Free entry to Yas Island. Admission tickets are required for the major attractions. Prices may vary as per the package and activities.
Official tour cost: AED 130 (adults), AED 65 (children)
How to reach Yas Island
There are luxury ferries from various places in UAE, which connect to Yas Island.
Besides taxis, bus lines also connect the centre of Abu Dhabi to Yas Island, including numbers 180, 190, 192 and 198.
Yas Island shuttle buses have services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
See also: How to obtain a Dubai Visa for Indians
Warner Bros World, Abu Dhabi
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Warner Bros, on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island World, is a huge indoor theme park dedicated to the shows and movies of the Warner Bros Entertainment Company. The world’s biggest and fully air-conditioned indoor theme park, Warner Bros has legendary characters such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Fred Flintstone. The 1.65-million sq ft theme park has 29 state-of-the-art rides, interactive family-friendly attractions and dining and shopping outlets. The theme park is divided into six immersive theme areas – Gotham City and Metropolis (with fictional sets of Spiderman and Batman), Cartoon Junction and Dynamite Gulch (with cartoon libraries of Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera), Bedrock (Flintstones theme) and Warner Bros. Plaza (showcasing the golden days of Hollywood).
Timings: 10.00 am to 8.00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday), 10.00 am to 10.00 pm (Thursday to Friday)
Entry fees: AED 310 (adults), AED 280 (children)
The National Aquarium, Abu Dhabi
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Source: The National Aquarium, Twitter
Source: Pinterest
Teeming with aquatic wildlife, and the largest aquarium in the Middle East, The National Aquarium in Al Qana has over 46,000 animals of more than 300 unique species. Enjoy marine life, including blue hamlet, yellowhead wrasse, black tip reef sharks, eagle rays and the super snake, a seven-metre-long reticulated python, stripped eel catfish, pufferfish and clownfish. The aquarium is divided into 10 themed zones, including the Jewels of Arabia, the Red Sea Shipwreck, the Submarine in the Mediterranean and the areas of the Pacific and the Amazon. The aquarium opened in November 2021 and is the latest tourist place in Abu Dhabi. You can stroll in the longest underwater tunnel in the world to get a glimpse of oceanic creatures. The National Aquarium has one of the largest coral reef tanks in the entire region. The Bu Tinah Island exhibit is home to a diverse range of marine life thanks to the shallow waters, seagrass beds and tall mangroves.
Timings: 10.00 am to 8.00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday), 10.00 am to 10.00 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
Entry fees: Dh105 (General Admission), Dh130 (Beyond the Glass), Dh150 (Bu Tinah Dhow), Dh200 (VIP)
How to reach the aquarium
Al Qana is just about 30 short minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and can be reached by means of public transport. You can take bus route no. 56 and alight at Al Maqta, from where you can walk to Al Qana. You can also hail a local taxi from any point in the city.
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is one of the tourist places to visit in Abu Dhabi. A tourist can see Bedouin palm-and-mud dwellings and gain insight into the falaj irrigation systems that were once used to cultivate crops. The presence of goats, camels and Arabian horses makes this place a pleasant sight for kids. The museum at the Heritage Village reflects Emirati traditions with authentic jewellery, weapons of the early era and tents. Those interested in religious transcrips can also have a look at the copies of the handwritten Quran. The Heritage Village also has workshops demonstrating weaving, spinning, metalwork and pottery. A small shop in the area sells handmade soaps, dried herbs, silver jewellery, clothes and much more. Visit the restaurant for local beverages and delicacies. Don’t miss the beautiful beach overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Timings: 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm (all days except Friday), 9.00 am to 4.00 pm (Friday)
Entry fees: Free entry
How to reach the Heritage Village
The Heritage Village is next to the Marina Mall on the Corniche Breakwater. Bus numbers 32, 34, 33 and 11 run to Marina Mall from Abu Dhabi’s central bus station.
Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
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Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, on Yas Island, is the largest indoor theme park in the world. Spread over 2,500 hectares, the Ferrari World is undoubtedly one of the places to visit in Abu Dhabi for thrill seekers and car lovers. The Ferrari Theme Park is the first branded theme park by Ferrari. For adventure seekers, the park is also home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the highest loop ride, the tallest space-frame structure and over 40 record-breaking attractions. Needless to say, this is the ultimate destination for non-stop, hyper-adrenaline and heart-pumping fun. This theme park has received various awards and prizes. Do not miss the Formula Rossa – the world’s fastest roller coaster that goes from zero to 240 km/hour in 4.9 seconds while soaring to a height of 52 metres. You will be welcomed to the park in the Scuderia style with elite Ferrari-themed valet parking. The Flying Aces comes with the world’s highest roller-coaster loop while Turbo Track offers an epic zero-gravity fall. Interestingly, the name Flying Aces draws inspiration from the legendary Italian aviator, Count Francesco Baracca, who was nicknamed the ‘Ace of Aces’ for his multiple aerial victories during World War I. Another interesting fact is that Enzo Ferrari, the founder of Ferrari S.p.A, was hugely inspired by the emblem that was etched on the fighter plane of Barraca, of a prancing black horse, which he later etched into his own company logo. This iconic wing coaster has a 1,500-metre-long track and the ride reaches an astonishing speed of 120 km/hour. Its highest roller coaster loop reaches an impressive and heart-pounding height of 63 metres. The Junior GT track allows children to put their newly learned driving skills to the untimate test. All speed junkies can buckle up and ride the Flying Aces roller coaster for a life of a lifetime. Also on display, is a collection of Ferrari cars with models dating back to 1947.
Timings: 11.00 am to 8.00 pm
Entry fees: AED 235 (adults), AED 195 (children)
Prices vary according to the admission package. The ticket price includes only admission to the park.
Etihad Tower Observation Deck
The popular Observation Deck at 300 is located on level 74 of the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Get a 360-degree view of Abu Dhabi’s splendid skyline, which is also the highest vantage point in the city. Home to a famous cafe, here you can enjoy refreshments and high-tea whilst taking in the bird’s eye view of the Abu Dhabi landmarks. Board a high-speed elevator to zoom up to the deck and see the picturesque attractions of the Abu Dhabi skyline through a sophisticated telescope.
Timings: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm (Observation Deck), 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm (High Tea)
Entry fees: AED 95 per person (Observation Deck), AED 55 is redeemable as food and beverage vouchers. AED 250 per person (High Tea). Reservations for high tea must be made a day in advance.
How to reach the deck
You can get here by hiring a car, taxi or even bus. Board bus number 33 or 34 from Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa Medical City to Emirates Palace Hotel. Take a short walk of 250 metres to Tower 2 of the Etihad Towers Complex.
Corniche Road
Corniche is a picturesque seaside promenade on the north-western shore of Abu Dhabi and one of the popular places to visit in Abu Dhabi. This 9-km-long Corniche Road, a waterfront area, has many landscaped pathways and parks, lovely palm trees and high-rise buildings. The area also has restaurants, cafés, a children’s play area, separate pathways for pedestrians and cyclists and the Corniche beach. Besides walking, you can also board a yellow RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) for a good 60 or 90-minute exciting cruise. With an expert skipper manouvering the wheel, just hold tight while you enjoy the sea spray, as your boat bounces across the vast waters of the Arabian Gulf along the shores of Abu Dhabi. You can snap countless photos of the many high-rises along the palm-lined Corniche or zip by Lulu Island, the Heritage Village and the spectacular Emirates Palace hotel. Ticket prices of the cruises depend on meal choice, duration and the boat or dhow selected. Relax in the small gardens and well-designed benches that overlook the Arabian Gulf. Corniche white long sand beach has various sports facilities. This beach has a Blue Flag status, the international eco-label for beaches that guarantee clean and safe water.
Timings: 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
Entry fees: AED 10 (adults), AED 5 (children)
How to reach Corniche Road
Bus lines 101, 104, 120, 130, 40 and 400 stop near Corniche Beach Park.
Desert Safari, Abu Dhabi
Among many of the top things to do in Abu Dhabi, is going for the desert safari in Abu Dhabi. You can visit dunes like the Rub Al Khali, Al Khatim and the Liwa Oasis and live the Arabian night dream. Abu Dhabi is famous for its iconic desert safaris and desert camping. Most desert safaris include dune bashing, camelback rides, quad biking and sand skiing. Many tour operators conduct desert safaris from Abu Dhabi so check their websites and read through their safety regulations, prices and package details. The best time for a desert safari ride in Abu Dhabi is from October to April.
Entry fees: AED 100 to AED 250 (Morning Safari), AED 300 to AED 400 (Evening Safari)
Marina Mall and Marina Eye
The Marina Mall is located near the Emirates Palace hotel and is surrounded by beautiful Abu Dhabi views. The structure of the mall is inspired by a circus tent with modern interiors. Spread over 1,22,000 sq m, the mall houses more than 400 retail stores, a hypermarket, banks, speciality stores, offices and a Mercedes Benz car showroom. There are many fun activities like bowling, billiards, table tennis, shooting and video games that you can enjoy. In front of Marina Mall in Corniche, near the backwaters, is the Marina Eye, a huge Ferris wheel. The Marina Eye, also known as the Wheel of Liverpool, has 42 capsules along with a luxury VIP capsule that reaches 60 metres. A strong glass capsule provides air-conditioning for passengers on this ride. The gigantic wheel dominates the skyline, especially after sunset, and the wheel is illuminated with beautiful decorative lights. The ride provides with a majestic panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Timings: 11 am to 1 am (Thursday to Saturday), 10 am to 11 pm (Sunday to Wednesday)
Entry fees: AED 55 (adults), AED 30 (children)
How to reach Marina Mall and Marina Eye
Marina Eye is situated near Marina Mall. You can reach Marina Mall via bus by taking the RTA Bus 8 and disembarking at the Marina Promenade. Buses 10 and 161 also stop near Marina Mall.
Also check out our list of which is the best place in the world for tourists
FAQs
Is Abu Dhabi good for shopping? What should we buy from Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has malls such as Yas mall, Mushrif Al Wahad, Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall besides traditional Souks for shopping. You can buy camel milk chocolate, dates, Persian carpets, Arabian perfumes, Pashmina shawls, aromatics, gold jewellery and Arabic spices.
How easy is it to get around in Abu Dhabi?
The best way to get around Abu Dhabi is by car or taxi. The Emirate’s major highways are easy to navigate although maintenance efforts can cause construction-related traffic Abu Dhabi’s air-conditioned buses ply around the clock and can be found at all points of the city.
What is the cuisine of Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is known for Emirati cuisine and, due to the Persian Gulf, various kinds of fish and Middle Eastern spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and turmeric. You can eat Luqaimat, light and delicate, these fried balls of dough are drizzled with date syrup. Madrooba is a popular Emirati seafood. Khuzi is a must-try meal made from roasted lamb or mutton and served on top of spicy rice, garnished with nuts, raisins and vegetables. Al Harees is a one-pot dish made from wheat berries, water and butter to get a porridge-like consistency. In Abu Dhabi, you can also eat international cuisine, including French, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, American and Moroccan.
