Abu Dhabi, a luxurious metropolis and the capital of the United Arab Emirates offers you a number of places to be explored and you can witness the mix of modern marvels and ancient heritage. Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates of the UAE and has everything in it, starting from endless desert to louvre museum to some of the best parks around the globe.
Abu Dhabi is said to be the perfect example of a modern gulf oil city, which involves the evolution from a fishing village into a megacity. Early back in the 3000 BC was a fishing village and till date you can find the traces of trs rich cultural heritage that has been preserved over the period of time amidst its glamour and glitz.
If you are planning to visit Abu Dhabi then you must include these activities in your itinerary to enjoy your time and make memorable moments. Here is the list of the top fourteen things that you can experience at Abu Dhabi:
- Enjoy Slides at Yas Waterworld
- Flight at CLYMB
- Enjoy at Ferrari World
- Desert Safari
- Lunch With Leopard
- Abu Dhabi Dune Buggy Tour
- Skydive Abu Dhabi
- Sea Plane Tour
- Scuba Dive at Al Mahara
- Camel Safari
- Yas Karting
- Quad Biking
- Hili Fun City Al Ain
- Visit Louvre Museum
Table of Contents
Things to do in Abu Dhabi
Enjoy Slides at Yas Water world
Yas Water world is a renowned waterpark of Abu Dhabi that attracts water lovers, thrill seekers and families of different ages. This waterpark has been rated as one of the top 12 waterparks around the world. This waterpark has 40 exciting slides and rides along with other five attractions that will help you guarantee entertainment throughout your day within this waterpark.
Beside offering relief from the scorching heat of Abu Dhabi, the park also has multiple cafes and restaurants that will help you stay filled in the midst of your actions and thrills. This park is spread over an area of 37 hectares and is the first megapark of the United Arab Emirates.
Some of the popular water rides of this park are lazy river, Yadi yas, Liwa loop, legend of the lost park, wave pools, the bandit bomber, jebel dana, bubble’s barrel, cannon point, rush rider and Dawwama that will help you feel excited and thrilled when enjoying the rides. You can also enjoy at the Cineflash, which is the first water cinema of the UAE and is a must to do activity, when you are visiting this waterpark.
Address: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Monday to Saturday; 10 AM to 6 PM
Price: AED 192
Flight at CLYMB
CLYMB is the world’s ultimate adventure hub that is focused on revolutionizing rock climbing and skydiving in an indoor environment. Adventure enthusiasts can experience both these activities under one roof, offering them record breaking experiences. In the skydiving area, you will be freefalling in the skydiving flight chamber, where you can feel your muscles free and the air pressure keeping you floating in the air will offer you a breathtaking experience.
The sky diving chamber is 82 feet in height and 32 feet in width, which makes it the world’s largest skydiving flight chamber. On the other hand, you can also experience the strain in your muscles while climbing up at the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall that measures up to a height of 141 feet. Thus, you can spend a great time at this place that will help you make memories alongside your families or friends.
Address: Yas Dr, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Sunday to Thursday (12 PM to 9 PM) and Friday to Saturday (1 PM to 10 PM)
Price: AED 235
Enjoy at Ferrari World
Ferrari world is the first Ferrari themed park that offers an adrenaline pumping experience to the visitors with their unique concept rides. It is a must visit for ferrari lovers as one can witness a wide and extensive collection of ferrari models that dates back to the year 1947. This park offers something for every kind of visitor from different age groups and is also an ideal place to spend time with your friends and families.
This park besides offering enthralling rides also provides live performances, electric go-karts drive, state of the art stimulators and authentic Ferrari merchandise that can be purchased at the shops.
This park also houses the world’s highest roller coaster, Flying Aces Roller Coaster that will take you to a height of 52 meters above the ground and the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa that reaches a top speed of 120 km per hour on its track, offering a thrilling and adrenaline pumping experience to the visitors.
Address: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Monday to Sunday ; 11 AM to 8 PM
Price: AED 345
Desert Safari
Desert safari is one of the best experiences that you can have in Abu Dhabi, as it will bring you closer to the cultural heritage of the city. Whether you are traveling to Abu Dhabi with your friends or families, desert safari is a must to experience activity that will offer both thrill and adventure throughout your journey over the long stretches of sand dunes.
It is said that your trip to Abu Dhabi will be incomplete without a desert safari, for traveling over the vast stretches of golden sand and enjoying the wavy ride over the sand will offer you excitement throughout the journey.
There are also a number of different activities that you can participate in the desert safari, such as camel rides, ATV rides, barbeque in the desert along with belly dancing that will keep you entertained. Spending an overnight at the desert will help in gaining a traditional experience to help attain a better insight of Abu Dhabi.
Address: Khalidiya Tower, Khalidiya Tower Mezzanine Floor Room No. 32, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Monday to Sunday ; 3:30 PM to 9 PM
Price: AED 90 (May vary based on package)
Lunch With Leopard
One can spend an exciting day at the Emirates Park zoo that offers you dining experience with big cats. It is the first time in the entire Middle East that offers you one of the most thrilling experiences by having you lunch with leopards at the same table.
This encounter will send chills down your spine that will get you close to a ferocious and agile wild animal beside your delicious meal. You can also play with the leopards under the supervision of a guide to learn new interesting facts about the wildcats.
Hence booking a lunch with the leopard is a wild experience where you will get a complimentary guide to ensure meeting of all the safety measures. Hence, booking for The Big Cats Experience, you will get a chance to select dinner during the booking process and you will also get the opportunity to click some pictures with the beast.
Address: 12th St, Al Bahyah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM (Lunch Timing)
Price: AED 260
Also Read: Best Indoor Activities to do in Dubai with Attractions
Abu Dhabi Dune Buggy Tour
Abu Dhabi Dune Buggy Tour is yet another of the few adventure activities that you must participate in to pump your adrenaline. This dune buggy tour is a jaw dropping experience through the dune, when you will be driving towards an unknown horizon that will be accompanied by striking sunrays over your head.
The majestic Arabian desert offers a wide area of sand dunes and golden sand that is ideal for buggy tours. You will be asked to sign a waiver before going to the buggy ride to ensure legal compliance. Some of the other activities that you can partake in while opting for a dune buggy ride are camel ride, sandboarding and falcon photography.
The bedouin style camps that are arranged for the rest and refreshment purpose of the tourists that will help them energize after the tiring day of fun and activities and decorated with carpets, cushions and tents.
Address: Al Khtam, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Monday to Sunday ; Morning Timing 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & Evening Timing 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Price: AED 2200 (for 2 people)
Skydive Abu Dhabi
Skydiving is a popular activity in Abu Dhabi that attracts thrill seekers and adventure enthusiasts to participate in this activity to bring their adrenaline rush. Skydiving takes place from an altitude of 13000 feet above the ground level and while diving, you reach a speed of 200 km per hour.
While falling down the plane, you will be accompanied by a licensed instructor that will ensure your safety as well as follow the safety protocols. It takes about 4 to 5 minutes for a person skydiving to reach the ground. There are also options for you to capture videos and photos to capture a memorable experience for lifetime. As per the 2023 report, skydiving at Abu Dhabi accounts for the fatality rate to be 0.27 out of 100,000 skydives.
It is suggested to opt for advance booking that will help you enjoy the activity without waiting long at the que. While jumping, you can also gain an aerial view of the desert landscapes, coastline and the iconic landmarks of Abu Dhabi while experiencing the exhilarating feeling of terminal velocity.
Address: Al Samih, Ext 381, Shk. Maktoom Bin Rashed Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Timing: Monday to Sunday ; 8 AM to 5 PM
Price: AED 80
SeaPlane Tour
Abu Dhabi has one of the most impressive skylines across the world and this list will be incomplete without a seaplane tour, which will help you witness the spectacles around the city. The seaplane tour will offer you an opportunity to fly over iconic marvels like Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Ferrari World and others.
This is a lifetime experience to fly above the majestic city of Abu Dhabi and over the majestic waters of the Abu Dhabi creek. The bird eye view of the Corniche waterfront, Emirates Palace and Louvre Museum will give you stunning pictures to be captured.
The unparalleled views you will witness from the high altitude while enjoying the flight experience will give you an unforgettable experience. You must also consider the weather condition before proceeding towards booking, as severe weather conditions may lead to flight cancellation.
Address: Near Boroughs Café, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Monday to Sunday ; 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Price: AED 999
Also Read: Best Places to add in your Dubai Trip from India
Scuba Dive at Al Mahara
Everyone is introduced to scuba diving, however, the experience at Al Mahara will offer you a unique experience as you will dive in the beautiful and rich coral sites of Abu Dhabi. The deeper you dive, you will witness a wide array of colorful coral nursery grounds of marine life, sheri, hammour, variety of stingrays, shoals of goatfish, breams, trevallies, snappers and many other varieties.
The diving sites are suitable for different levels of divers starting from junior and novice divers to advanced and experienced divers. The advanced and experienced divers prefer offshore wrecks in Abu Dhabi. There is also the PADI School curriculum that has been built based on the concept of the essence of learning swimming for every person that will help in becoming proficient in water.
The Al Mahara Diving Center LLC is a premium PADI 5 star dive resort center of Abu Dhabi that specializes in offering high quality scuba diving training, high quality gears and knowledgeable staff offering adventurous, safe and fun experience of snorkeling and scuba diving.
Address: Villa 215 Al Mina Rd, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Wednesday to Tuesday ; 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Price: AED 395
Camel Safari
Camel Safari is another activity that you must include in your list of activities that you must do on your trip to Abu Dhabi. The camel safari will offer you the best means of enjoying the desert while riding on the back of a camel with rhythmic movements while exploring over the vast stretches of sand dunes.
You will also have a chance to feed the camels before starting your journey on their backs. During your safari you will be able to witness the photographic locations and take pictures. You can also pose for photographs in Arabic costumes to help in making memorable experiences on your trip.
One can also enjoy the desert safari during the sunrise, when the weather still remains cool and can enjoy the golden valleys with your friends or families or one can set in a desert safari during the sunset, when the skies turn into beautiful shades of red and gradually turn blue providing a spectacular scenery.
Address: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Monday to Sunday; 5 AM to 12 PM
Price: AED 450
Yas Karting
Yas Karting offers you a chance to race in the high end track of the Yas Marina Circuit that offers you to race within the 1 km Yas kartzone. This is a perfect activity that will help you enjoy racing against your friends or family members.
Visitors accompanied by a big group will find this karting exciting and fun, for you will whizz around the corners of the tracks filled with turns and twists or choose to race with others on a parallel line or a combination of both, as there are 3 options of tracks to choose from.
The go-karts would reach a maximum speed of 60 km per hour and for kids, there is a short driveway to reduce the risk of accidents. However, there are certain requirements that one needs to meet before participating in karting, such as, one needs to wear training shoes, have a driving license and oblige the precautionary guidelines.
Address: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Monday to Sunday; 5PAM to 11: 30 PM
Price: Adult: AED 120 ; Junior: AED 80 ; Kids: AED 55
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Quad Biking
Quad Biking offers you to enjoy the desert safari in a quad bike, which helps you to admire the surrounding golden sand dunes in the desert and ride over them. This thrilling experience is a must to enjoy, while opting for desert safari in Abu Dhabi.
The untouched tourist destination when explored in Quad bikes brings out an adrenaline rush along with excitement, which is hard to miss by adventure enthusiasts. Being an off-road activity, the ride is filled with loads of thrill and adventure that help you skip the daily hustle and stress and rejuvenate your mind from the daily schedule of your life.
While riding on quad bikes, you will be riding in a convoy and will be guided and supervised by a quad bike expert who will be riding alongside the convoy to ensure the safety of the riders. While riding you will be able to admire the desert landscapes and massive golden dunes.
Address: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Monday to Sunday; 8 AM to 12 PM
Price: 1 hour: 250 AED each ; 90 minute: 350 AED each ; 2 hour: 450 AED each
Hili Fun City Al Ain
Hili Fun City Al Ain is the first themed amusement park that opened in the gulf region and is situated at the garden city of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi and is a popular hotspot for children as it offers adventurous and thrilling rides as well as other attractions that can be enjoyed by the parents as well.
This Hill fun city also has a huge ice rink that is similar to that used in the Olympics and it is the first to be used in the Gulf region. In the year 1985, his park was inaugurated by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Muhammad Al Nahyan. In the following years, the park expanded and later reopened in 2009 with 30 new exciting attractions.
The Carousel and Paratrooper wheel are the age old rides, where both children as well as their parents can enjoy and is also believed to strengthen the bond between the parents and their children. However, during the month of Ramadan, this Hill Fun City remains closed and the time is utilized by the park authorities to make repairs and renovate different areas of the park.
Address: Ardh Al Jaw St, Near Hili Wedding Hall, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Monday to Sunday; 5 PM to 11 PM
Price: AED 60 (Wednesday to Saturday) & AED 30 (Mondays and Tuesdays)
Visit Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum is the first art and civilization museum which is one of a kind in the entire UAE. The museum is situated in the Saadiyat island and is a cultural landmark to this cultural district. The strong emphasis on the appreciation and preservation of culture, Abu Dhabi has been the ideal location for the Louvre.
This museum was designed by a French architect Jean Nouvel and was constructed under a large silvery dome, which consists of 7850 stars of distinct angles and sizes and comprise of 8 layers that are made of aluminum. The appearance of the dome has been kept in such a manner that it appears to be floating over the rest of the building. The building style is being designed by the Arabian architecture and the dome weighs around 7500 tonnes.
Address: Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Wednesday to Tuesday ; 10 AM to 6:30 PM (Monday Closed)
Price: AED 63
Also Read: Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi
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Frequently Asked Question
Is 2 days enough for Abu Dhabi?
2 days in Abu Dhabi offers you sufficient time to explore the main attractions around the city, but to gain an authentic Emirati experience, you must spend at least 3 days. .
Is Abu Dhabi worth visiting?
Yes, Abu Dhabi is a worth visiting place, as being the capital of the United Arab Emirates, it is known for its splendid outdoor activities, natural attractions and rich cultural heritage.
Is it cheap to visit Abu Dhabi?
No, it is not cheap to visit Abu Dhabi as the price for entertainment, dining and accommodation is high, which leads to a per day budget of $200 to $300.
Is Abu Dhabi expensive to eat?
Yes, Abu Dhabi is moderately expensive due to ensuring the high end standard and reputation of the restaurants and hotels serving food to the customers.
What is the best time to go to Abu Dhabi?
The best time to travel to Abu Dhabi is during the winter season that prevails between the months of November to April, when you can enjoy the outdoor activities and a beautiful panorama.
What is Abu Dhabi best known for?
Abu Dhabi is best known for outdoor activities, natural and manmade wonders, beaches and cultural attractions.