Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the second most populous city in the country after Dubai. This metropolis is situated on a T-shaped island that juts into the Persian Gulf. Abu Dhabi’s tourism scene undergoes constant refinement and expansion. It delivers experiences that make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

The tourism scene is intertwined with the region’s rich heritage, culture, and arts. We make it our mission to ensure that you have the most memorable experiences through our tours and desert safaris when you visit Abu Dhabi. Herein is a comprehensive overview of places to visit in Abu Dhabi as well as things to do in and around the capital.

1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

 

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction of its kind. It is located on Yas Island and holds the record for the largest space frame structure ever constructed. This massive mostly indoors theme park offers fast and furious fun for people of all ages.

A visit here leaves you with a story to tell with passion and excitement. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi features more than twenty exhilarating and interesting rides and attractions. It also includes authentic dining experiences and interactive shopping and is one of the must-see attractions for fans and families.
Beneath the large and iconic red roof, the attractions include Formula Rossa,Galleria Ferrari and the Speed of Magic. Formula Rossa is the fastest roller coaster in the world reaching speeds of up to 240 kmph. Galleria Ferrari is the largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello. It features an interactive display of vehicles from the 1940s through to present times.

The speed of Magic is an amazing 4-D adventure that takes you through green jungles, deep ravines, icy caves, and volcanoes. Ferrari World has a number of Ferrari inspired cafes and restaurants that offer exclusive Italian dishes. This theme park also has the largest Ferrari store and a unique past and present’ store with interesting offerings.

2. The Abu Dhabi Corniche

 

Abu Dhabi Corniche Road is an impressive and picturesque eight-kilometer stretch of manicured waterfront. This stretch features pedestrian pathways, children’s play areas, cycle pathways, cafes and restaurants, a wake boarding park as well as the Corniche Beach. Individual parks on the Corniche are themed and signposted.

Family Park is notable for its climbing structures. The Urban Park features beautiful gardens, the Lake Park next to Muroor Street is popular for its “Lake,” and the Formal Park near Baniyas Street has exquisite architecture and a maze.

You can also get boarding on the permanent wake boarding Beginners Park. This park was developed by Abu Dhabi Municipality and Flash Entertainment. It is a state-of-the-art part where you can get taster lessons and tips for catching the best waves.

3. Desert Adventures

 

The Abu Dhabi desert landscapes provide a wide variety of exciting options for fun and engaging activities. The desert is right at the doorstep; therefore you have no excuse for missing a chance to thoroughly explore it. The best way that you can enjoy the Abu Dhabi sand is through our safe and fun Abu Dhabi desert safari.

During this desert tour, you get to try out numerous activities including sand boarding, dune buggies, and bikes, camel riding,desert camping, and dinners. Catching the spectacular desert sunset around a campfire provides an experience worth remembering for a lifetime.

4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

 

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates covering more than 30 acres. This mosque is one of the most well-known landmarks in Abu Dhabi. The mosque is an important worship place for daily prayers, Friday gatherings, and Eid prayers. More than 40,000people visit the mosque during Eid.

Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky designed the Grand Mosque,which was built between 1996 and 2007. The late president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan AI Nahyan launched the project. He sought to establish a structure that would merge the Islamic cultural diversity with the modern and historical charms of art and architecture.

The mosque offers visitor programs and cultural education activities through the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC). The Grand Mosque also features a library that has publications and classic books on various Islamic subjects including sciences, civilization, arts, and calligraphy.

5. Yas Water world Abu Dhabi

 

It was developed by Alder Properties. The water park features Emirati themes and houses more than 40 attractions, rides, and slides. These include Rush Rider, Bubble’s Barrel and Bandit Bomber. The Bandit Bomber is Middle East’s longest suspended roller coaster.

Yas Waterworld sits on more than 15 hectares of land. The park hosts the World Flow boarding Championships and provides a training session where you learn to ride the waves via body boards. This waterpark has been the recipient of a number of awards and accolades.

In 2013, the Los Angeles Times named Yas Waterworld the second best waterpark globally. That same year the park won an award for the leading tourist destination in the Middle East. There are many other notable attractions in close proximity to Yas Waterworld. These include Warner Bros.World Abu Dhabi, Sea World Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Links and Yas Beach.

6. Abu Dhabi Parks and Wildlife Centers

Most people do not realize that Abu Dhabi and its surrounding areas have diverse flora and fauna. The Wildlife parks in the area include large collections of the feline family including leopards, tigers,cheetahs, and pumas as well as other indigenous and exotic animals and plants.The wildlife centers include Emirates Park Zoo, Al Ain Zoo, Arabian Wildlife Park, Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre, and Mangrove National Park.

The Emirates Park Zoo is situated in the Al Bahia region and houses around 1700 animals. The animals include a pair of white tigers, a Siberian Bear, lions, zebras, and cheetahs. Al Ain Zoo is a massive 900-hectarepark that is home to around 4000 animals. The zoo also houses around 200species of endangered animals. The animals there include the endangered white lion, Arabian antelopes, Oryx, lechwe, jaguars, and pumas.

This zoo offers interactive activities like giraffe feeding and camel riding. The Arabian Wildlife Park is situated on the Sir Bani YasIsland reserve. This wildlife park is home to nearly 10,000 free roaming animals. The park covers 1400 hectares of land where animals such as giraffes,ostriches, Oryx, and antelopes roam the habitat.

As a visitor, you are offered safari-like experiences at these wildlife centers. Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre saves and rehabilitatesendangered wildlife species. The center provides shelter and medical aid to awide variety of animals.

7. Kayaking in the Mangroves

When most people think of mangroves, among the last places in their minds is the Arabian Peninsula. The interesting news is that Abu Dhabi and its environs feature large areas of mangroves. This is due to the shallow lagoons and the relatively humid climate.

Some parts of the mangroves are visible next to the city such as from the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel. You can opt for a Kayaking tour across the mangrove landscape. This makes for an unusual but rewarding experience that many people visiting Abu Dhabi have never heard of.

8. Balloon Expeditions above the Desert

You can opt to leave the glamour and glitz of the city behind and enjoy exhilarating balloon expeditions into the heart of the desert.These expeditions will offer you a magical and scenic ride over the massive red sand dunes, wandering camels, gazelles and green oases.

Through desert balloon expeditions in Abu Dhabi, you will experience maximum fun and have memories for a lifetime. Most of the balloon expeditions last for about an hour.

9. Qasr al-Hosn Fort

The Qasr al-Hosn is an exhibition center that proudly displays the historical events that shaped the city of Abu Dhabi. This exhibition is located at the oldest known standing building in Abu Dhabi on Sheik Zayed First Street. It is an interesting narrative of the history behind the city and its inhabitants.

The Qasr al-Hosn fort is an iconic structure and features at the back of the AED 1000 Note. It was constructed back in 1760 and served as a watchtower to guard a precious well. It was expanded in 1793 and was the ancestral home of the Al Nahyan family, the ruling family in Abu Dhabi. It was the property of the ruling family until 1966.

You can experience the intriguing part of this landmark through the photograph exhibits and testimonial orations. Qasr al-Hosn has played a key role in the Emirati culture and tradition. This area also accommodates the renowned Cultural Foundation center, which hosts music, artand film events every year.

10. Louvre Abu Dhabi

 

Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum that was established in November 2017. It is situated on the Saadiyat Island Cultural District and is part of an agreement between the French government and Abu Dhabi.

It is the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula covering approximately 24,000 square meters. Jean Nouvel designed the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The museum showcases artworks from all over the world. Particular emphasis is placed on bridging the gap between Western and Eastern art.