Best things to do in Abu Dhabi

If you’re after something hot and a bit of a treat yourself trip, check out Abu Dhabi. Dubai might shout the loudest, but this Emirati capital can’t be beat on cultural sites and unique design. Think theme parks, art galleries and an unbelievable mosque. It’s one of the world’s most luxurious cities, full of five-star resorts, beach clubs and these top things to see and do…

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Snap the skyline from the Observation Deck at 300

Head straight to Jumeirah Etihad Towers hotel to see what you’re dealing with. 300 metres up on the 74th floor, there’s the Observation Deck, which is the capital’s highest viewpoint with an amazing panorama of the city and Corniche below. You can see out to the Arabian Gulf and even treat yourself to a high tea or sunset drink up here.

Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the only museum outside of France to be bestowed with the Louvre name and was designed by French architect, Jean Nouvel. The huge gallery sits on Saadiyat Island and displays the work of Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso, and loans exhibitions from the likes of Musée du Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou. It’s a piece of art in itself – a dome-shaped building of eight layers and 7,850 geometric stars that reflect the sunlight – sunset is a pretty amazing time to see it. Grab a drink in the Art Lounge, or you can rent a kayak to paddle around its waters.

Beach it up on Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat is home to many of Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites, including Manarat Al Saadiyat and the Zayed National Museum, but it’s probably most famous for its beach scene. The sand is soft and white, and with the high temps that come with a trip to the Middle East, a dip in the sea is always a win. Saadiyat Beach is a nine-kilometre Blue Flag beauty and home to Saadiyat Beach Club, which is a bit of a legendary spot. There’s a pool, restaurants and lounges here, and it’s part of a protected habitat, where endangered local Hawksbill turtles have nested for years. It’s a real boujie day out if you’re after that kind of vibe. 

Catch sunset along Eastern Mangroves Promenade

This promenade is hidden behind the main road that connects Abu Dhabi and Dubai and is full of cafés and restaurants, and just makes for a lovely evening stroll as the sun sets. There’s a series of landscaped gardens, picnic areas and walking paths and you can take a boat, kayak or paddleboard out to explore the Eastern Lagoon Mangrove National Park – there are lots of watersports operators in the area. Or, just bagsy a spot on one of the terraces along the marina to admire the view.

See the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a hugely popular religious landmark and impressive on the inside and out. The space can hold up to 40,000 worshippers, making it the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. It’s not only home to the world’s largest crystal chandelier, but also the world’s largest hand-knotted pieces of carpet and a lighting set-up that’s driven by the moon. The mosque is named after the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, so people are asked to wear respectful clothing and cover up when visiting. Top tip – abayas (loose cloaks) are free to rent when you get there.

Treat yourself at the Emirates Palace

This luxury hotel spares no expense, so it’s become its own attraction. We’re talking 394 rooms dripping in gold – the Emirates Palace literally has its own gold-leaf specialist to keep it all looking shiny – and you can splash out on a 24-carat gold-flaked cappuccino, a golden ice cream or a gold facial. You can have a wander round, enjoy some coffee and cake and maybe spy a few famous faces…

Lap the Yas Marina Circuit

It’s lights out and away we go… Any F1 fans will know the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is an epic race on the calendar and it all happens at the Yas Marina Circuit, over on Yas Island. That controversial safety car incident that led to Max Verstappen beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to go on and win his first championship? Yep, that happened right here. There’s a kartzone circuit, venue tours and other driving experiences to check out. While you’re on Yas Island, there’s also Yas Waterworld with over 40 rides, so it’s definitely worthy of a daytrip or two.

Take a ride at Ferrari World

Ferrari fans, this is a dream attraction just for you. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is essentially a huge theme park dedicated to Scuderia Ferrari. It’s home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the famous Formula Rosso, which has a top speed of 150 miles per hour. Or, if that’s not enough, you can try the G-Force Tower to experience gravity as if you were in a Formula 1 car on a 62-metre-high ride – this one’s for the die-hard thrill seekers. For something a bit more chill, you can still explore the Galleria Ferrari, which displays an exhibition of old cars that date back to 1947, and kids can take to the go-kart track and rally course.

Experience life in the desert

Did you know that Abu Dhabi is in daytripping distance from the world’s second largest desert after the Sahara? The Rub’ al Khali Desert is known as the ‘Empty Quarter’ and borders four countries in total in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates. It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the centre of Abu Dhabi, so a tour out there should be on your list. You can book onto sunset tours, a 4×4 ride through the dunes or even sandboarding sessions – check First Choice Experiences if you fancy a desert safari.  

If you think you’ve found your dream destination, start piecing your trip together with our picks and get that baby booked.

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