Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is an organised, persevering, and energetic city renowned for its impressive assets, adventure activities, luxury hotels, vast deserts, rich heritage, and beautiful seaside beaches with stunning waterside views. Avoid returning until you have witnessed all the locations listed below in Abu Dhabi, the coveted jewel of the United Arab Emirates and a knock-knock place for all travellers who want to experience the best of the Middle East.

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

One of the most significant destinations to visit in Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan AI Nahyan erected this wonder of contemporary Islamic architecture in honour of his late father. One of the prayer halls contains the largest loomed carpet in the world, which counts as a noteworthy aspect. The mosque is an important centre for education and culture in addition to being a place of worship. The mosque is appreciated by foreigners for its glitzy fabrication and marvellous design and pattern.

Visiting Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Entry fees: There is no fee to enter.

Q: What is the dress code?

Need to wear a conservative dress code.

Q: Are non-Muslims allowed?

Yes, non-Muslims are allowed.

 

2. Louvre Abu Dhabi

One of the top tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi is the Louvre, a beautiful museum of art and civilization that opened its doors in 2017. It is located in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District. The largest museum in the Arabian Peninsula features international art. The museum’s architecture is also stunning and has a dome with a web design that is intended to create a “rain of light” impression inside the building. It is astounding to see the amount and variety of artwork on display, from statues from ancient Egypt to well-known Picasso paintings. On Saadiyat Island, three significant museums are scheduled to open, with the Louvre being the first.

 

Visiting Hours: Sunday through Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Thursday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Entry fees: 63 AED, 1199 INR

3. Etihad Towers Observation Deck

A popular attraction in Abu Dhabi that provides a 360° panoramic view of the city is the Observation Deck. The deck has a seaside location and is situated on the 74th floor of the second Jumeirah at Etihad Towers skyscraper. Binoculars can be used to acquire a better and closer perspective of the Arabian Gulf and cityscape. The Observation Deck is Abu Dhabi’s highest observation point and city sightseeing location, perched 300 metres above the earth. The tallest structure in Abu Dhabi, Tower 2, is one of the complex’s towers.

Visitors who are not hotel guests must pay a fee to enter.

Visiting Hours: Always Available

Entry Fees: 81 AED, 1522 INR

 

4. Yas Island

With long expanses of sandy beaches that are ideal for lounging in the sun, Yas Island is one of Abu Dhabi’s top luxury hotel locations. The Yas Marina Circuit, where Abu Dhabi’s annual Formula One racing is held, is also located in this region. Yas Beach should be the first stop for sunbathers, and Yas Mall, the city’s top retail destination, should be the first stop for shoppers. Visit Yas Waterworld, a water theme park with over 40 attractions and slides, if the heat is getting to you. In addition to the Jebel Drop, a water slide with a free-falling speed, it offers the largest surfable sheet wave in the world.

 

Yas Marina Circuit: Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and admission costs AED 65 or INR 1223.

Yas Waterworld is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and costs 210 AED or 3950 INR per person.

Q: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, is owned by whom?

Run by Spectra and owned by Adler Properties.

Q: What does Yas Island’s theme park go by?

Seven Seas, Yas Island

Q:From Yas Island to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, how much does a taxi cost?

From 45 to 60 AED

 

5. Warner Bros. World

Warner Bros. World, Yash Island’s newest theme park addition, is an indoor amusement park with 29 rides, live interactive shows, exciting activities, fascinating attractions, a range of interesting cuisine eateries, and retail stores. Its rides are centred around the heroes and villains from its animated television shows, motion pictures, and comic books. A fun destination to visit in Abu Dhabi, the park is divided into six themed areas: Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Warner Bros. Plaza, and Gotham City.

 

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday through Wednesday and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Thursday through Friday.

 

Price: 250 AED, 4700 INR

 

6. Desert Safari

One of the most exhilarating, adventurous, and enjoyable things to do in Abu Dhabi is a Desert Safari. A Desert Safari in the southern part of the Emirates of Abu Dhabi is the most widespread day trip or overnight excursion from Abu Dhabi City. You may go sandboarding, visit a camel farm, try quad biking, dune bashing, camel riding, dine under the stars in the middle of the desert, and partake in some amusing entertainment. Try the captivating and mesmerising Wadi bashing or Dune riding for 20 to 30 minutes in the 4WD vehicle.

Keep in mind that elderly and weak-willed individuals should avoid going on these safaris.

 

Starting at AED 155.37, or INR 2900

 

7. Heritage Village

Intrigued by witnessing an émigré’s life? Try visiting the history village, one of the few tourist destinations in Abu Dhabi where you can genuinely catch a glimpse of life in the Gulf before the invention of oil. It is a complex of rebuilt villages that are surrounded and include a mosque, a souq where goats are traded, and a fort. You can find a variety of amusements there, such as exhibits on carpet weaving, a spice shop, a campfire, ceramics, a falaj irrigation system, and metalworking shops. The community also boasts a little stretch of beach where people can unwind. It is a great location to learn about and gain knowledge of the background of Arab traditions.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. are the hours. (every day)

Cost: Free

8. Ferrari World

 

A largely indoor-themed park called Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is the first Ferrari-themed park in the world and has the fastest roller coaster in the world, the Ferrari Rossa. The Flying Aces roller coaster also has the tallest loop at 52 metres and the steepest ascent in the world (51 degrees).

Mission Ferrari, the most recently added roller coaster, was opened to the public in 2023.

There are still several ways to get there if you’re not driving or taking a taxi, even if there are no direct trains or buses that go to Ferrari World.

The quickest and least expensive method to get to the city centre is via Dubai-Ibn Battuta. With a Nol card, board bus E101 in the direction of Abu Dhabi Central Station. Every 20 minutes, buses leave and cost AED25 (about S$9.40).

Taxi (60–90 mins): The most convenient but most expensive Depending on where you board from Dubai, fares range from AED190 to AED250 (S$72 to S$94).

Buses A19 or 170 leave from the Abu Dhabi International Airport every hour and take 15 to 20 minutes to get to Yas Mall. Purchase a round-trip Hafilat card. Take a taxi instead for AED25.

Visiting Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Entry Fees: INR 4700, AED 249.97

 

Best Time to Visit: April to September

The “Shoulder” season (April to September) is the best time to visit Ferrari World because Weekdays and Weekends are less crowded. One doesn’t need to worry about the summer heat considering the majority of the parks are indoors. Avoid the busiest time of the year, which is from mid-October to January during winter when school holidays and seasonal festivals occur, to avoid long queues on weekends and public holidays. If there are no other options, then opt for the express pass to avoid the queues.

 

Weekends at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi are packed, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. During off-peak times and Ramadan, the park could be changed, so check online or give a call in advance to avoid disappointment.

Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is busy on weekends, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Park hours may change during off-peak periods and Ramadan, so check online or call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Dress modestly and keep your shoulders, knees, and midriff covered. Bring a light jacket or shawl and comfortable walking shoes for ease of movement. Loose footwear is not allowed on some fast rides, and officials will ask you to remove it before riding.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside Ferrari World, but water bottles are acceptable. Medium-sized lockers are available for AED35 (S$13.20) at the entrance, but light-carrying individuals can temporarily store their belongings in lockers and bag-holding areas for free.

List of activities at Ferrari World

Formula Rossa

Take a fast-paced rollercoaster ride to experience half the G-force astronauts experience during liftoff, but be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart. Enjoy a straightforward rollercoaster ride without loops or upside-down turns. A photo can be purchased for 90 or 150 AED.

 

Flying Aces

The rapid rollercoaster is more dangerous than the Formula Rossa since it has a steeper cable lift (51°) and a taller loop (52m). The exhilarating experience will wow adrenaline junkies.

 

Fiorano GT Challenge Racing Rollercoaster

Family-friendly, this dual-racing roller coaster features quick twists at 95 km/h. It offers exhilarating racing action with vehicles like the Ferrari F430 Spider.

 

Turbo Track

On the Turbo Track, which launches you over the Ferrari World complex and outdoors at 102 km/h, feel the rush of a Ferrari test drive. The seats that face the back are the finest since they provide a pleasant surprise and a clear view of Ferrari World’s red roof as the vehicle approaches the park.

Scuderia Challenge

Experience the Scuderia Challenge, a four-minute racing simulation featuring real-time hydraulic simulation and three large screens. The attraction is intense, so individuals with motion sickness should exercise caution.

9. Emirates Park Zoo

The zoo in Abu Dhabi allows visitors to get up close and personal with 1700 species, including Siberian bears, rare white tigers, giraffes, elephants, and more. Additionally, it has a primate enclosure, a flamingo park, and a kid-friendly pet area. Animal encounters and brunches with parrots, giraffes, and crocodiles are among the available activities.

Timing: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: AED 74.46, INR 1400

10. Saadiyat Island

Beautiful beaches are available on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, and entrance from hotels is free. With loungers and umbrellas, enjoy the sun and picnics. The views of the ocean and the city skyline are breathtaking from the fine white sand beach. Water activities, shopping, and delicious bistros are all well-liked visitor attractions.

Timing: Daily: 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Price: AED 25, INR 469

Who is the island’s owner?

Holdings by Alpha Dhabi 

Popular events and festivals in Abu Dhabi are something everyone experiences

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, Abu Dhabi Festival, Al Dhafra Festival, Abu Dhabi Golf Festival, Abu Dhabi Food Festival, Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, and Abu Dhabi International Dance Festival are just a few of the well-known festivals and events held in Abu Dhabi. These gatherings provide opportunities for cultural experiences, entertainment, and the chance to sample regional and foreign cuisine.

 

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is a magnificent place beyond any comprehension. Your eyes may unwind and regenerate here. Take in the scenery and get an adrenaline boost when you need one.