Abu Dhabi is so diversified that it seems like we learn something new and exciting about it every day. Our definitive list of things to do in Abu Dhabi will come in handy whether you are a tourist looking to make the most of your trip or a local who want to fully explore the capital.
Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
Visit the Stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and one of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE’s largest mosque, features beautiful domes and columns, gigantic 24-carat-gold chandeliers, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.
The mosque welcomes non-Muslim guests and gives cultural tours on a regular basis. If you’re looking for fun and free things to do in Abu Dhabi, this is the place to go.
Explore the Qasr Al Watan Palace
Another fantastic destination in Abu Dhabi for cultural lovers is Qasr Al Watan, which is part of the UAE’s Presidential Palace. This is one of the top sites to visit in Abu Dhabi if you want to learn about the UAE’s history and heritage.
Admire the Great Hall’s architectural splendor and learn about the UAE’s remarkable diplomatic gifts. Learn about the presidential dinner hall and traditional majlis settings as well.
- Location: Al Ras Al Akhdar
- Ticket: AED 60 per adult | AED 30 per kid below 17 years and senior citizens
Visit a Reconstructed Oasis Village
The Heritage Village is worth visiting if you’re looking for cultural activities in Abu Dhabi. A busy souk, a historic mosque, and a pre-modern encampment may all be found at this cultural destination in the capital.
View the historic Bedouin tents and palm leaf cottages in this classic oasis community. Watch as craftsmen demonstrate their abilities in pottery, glass blowing, weaving, and spinning. There are public classes for people interested in learning a craft, as well as numerous businesses selling traditional goods.
- Location: Near Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater
- Tickets: Free entry
- Contact: +971-2-681-4455
Watch the Camels Race at Al Wathba Race Track
Do you know what a camel race is? Come see this incredible sight at the Al Wathba Race Course, where camels with robot jockeys compete on a specially designed track.
It’s a popular sport in the UAE, and watching the crowd shout as the camels gallop and race is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The camel racing season usually runs from September to April, and spectators are welcome.
- Location: Al Wathba Camel Race Track, Al Wathba, Off Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Truck Road
- Contact: +971-2-885-8888
Check Out the Latest Art Exhibitions at Manarat Al Saadiyat
For art enthusiasts and creative people, Manarat Al Saadiyat is a wonderful sanctuary. One of the must-see Abu Dhabi art galleries is this creative and cultural center on Saadiyat Island. The work of well-known painters such as Abdul Qader Al Rais is on display in the gallery spaces here.
Open mics, workshops, clubs, concerts, and film screenings are all held at the center. Most exhibitions at this lovely venue are free to attend, making it one of Abu Dhabi’s best free activities.
Also read: The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi: Everything you need to know
Dine on Delicious Emirati Cuisine
When you visit the capital emirate, don’t forget to try the local cuisine! Lamb or chicken is usually served with aromatic rice, seasonal vegetables, and hot and cold mezze in Emirati cuisine. Meylas, Al Arish, and Al Fanar are some of the greatest places in Abu Dhabi to try Emirati food.
Kayak in Abu Dhabi’s Serene Waters
Looking for something to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend? Kayaking is a popular water sport in the UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi. While kayaking in the Eastern Mangroves is the most popular, there are other kayaking alternatives in Abu Dhabi.
Get That Adrenaline Rush With Indoor Skydiving
Why not try skydiving without leaping out of a plane? SpaceWalk at Abu Dhabi Country Club is an excellent indoor skydiving facility where no prior experience is required.
The activity takes place in a vertical wind tunnel that generates enough wind to raise an adult! Don’t be concerned. A trained educator will be with you the entire time. All you have to do now is let go and enjoy yourself!
- Location: Abu Dhabi Country Club, Shakbout Bin Sultan Street, Al Mushrif
- Contact: From AED 180
Test Your Karting Skills on the Yas Marina Circuit
At the thrilling Yas Kartzone in Yas Marina Circuit, you may test your racing talents. Their new one-kilometer course allows you to take the wheel and take control of the racetrack!
Separate classes for youngsters and juniors are also available so that everyone can enjoy themselves. Racers will have plenty of time to see if they can beat the leaderboard and win free karting passes because the facility is open until midnight.
- Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
- Contact: +971-800-927 | +971-2-659-9800
See the World’s Tallest Sand Dunes at Liwa Oasis
Those who prefer long drives should head to Liwa Oasis, which is located on the edge of the Rub Al Khali Desert in the UAE’s southeast corner. It is the ancestral home of the Bani Yas tribe of the United Arab Emirates, who eventually relocated to the coast.
Out here, visitors may view some of the world’s tallest dunes, like Tel Moreeb, which stands over 300 meters tall and has inclines of 50 degrees!
Catch a Glimpse of Wildlife on Sir Bani Yas Island
Apart from luxury resorts, Sir Bani Yas Island also provides day visitors activity packages. Take their day package and see Arabian Oryx, gazelles, and giraffes, as well as hyenas and cheetahs, on a wildlife drive in the reserve.
Sir Bani Yas is one of the most unusual sites to visit in Abu Dhabi, and it also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, archery, trekking, and falconry! During the summer, keep an eye out for special offers so you may have more fun for less money.
Go Cycling at the Al Wathba Track
Cycling tracks in Abu Dhabi are a must-see for those who enjoy the wind in their hair and the pedal beneath their feet. The Al Wathba Cycling Track, for example, is one of the best places for cyclists.
This track has 8 km, 16 km, 20 km, 22 km, and 30 km circuits that are illuminated at night. It’s one of the finest free things to do in Abu Dhabi because you’ll be getting some exercise at the same time.
Explore Hudairiyat Entertainment and Leisure District
At the Hudairiyat Entertainment and Leisure District, you may eat, play, and have a good time. This purpose-built community features a variety of activities and entertainment zones to keep you entertained.
At Circuit X, you may challenge your friends to an obstacle course race, play a friendly game of volleyball or tennis, jog on the jogging track, work out in the fitness facilities, or participate in outdoor adventure sports.
Enjoy a Day at the Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi
Visit the Jubail Mangrove Park at the Mangrove National Park if you’re seeking outdoor activities. A beautiful boulevard winds through lush mangrove nature, including observation decks, a view tower, a kayak jetty, a beach area, and other attractions.
Catch the Animals in Action at Emirates Park Zoo
Emirates Park Zoo, one of the greatest locations for kids in Abu Dhabi, is home to approximately 1,700 animals. The opportunity to interact with animals, such as feeding goats and sheep in the petting zoo, will appeal to children at this zoo.
Crocodiles, giraffes, hippos, reptiles, flamingos, bears, lions, and other natural creatures can be seen up close. The sea lion displays and gaming arcade at Emirates Park Zoo will round off the excitement for families.
- Location: 12th Street – Al Bahyah
- Ticket: AED 40 per person
Enjoy the Many Activities at Umm Al Emarat Park
While all of Abu Dhabi’s parks are worth visiting, Umm Al Emarat Park stands out for the sheer quantity of children’s activities available. There are numerous activities to keep the youngsters entertained and the adults relaxed.
Take children to animal barns and petting zoos where they can engage with animals, or to botanic gardens where they can see exotic plant species from around the world. The amphitheater’s dance and music acts, as well as a separate play area for children, will keep them occupied! In the meantime, parents can take a walk, read a book, or do some yoga in the vast green settings.
- Location: 15th Street, Mushrif Area
- Ticket: From AED 10
Go Ice Skating at Zayed Sports City
The Olympic-sized ice rink at Zayed Sports City is ideal for beating the summer heat. Families will have a great time skating over the ice rink, which is suitable for both beginners and expert skaters. There are also ice skating classes available, making this one of the top destinations in Abu Dhabi for families!
- Location: Zayed Sports City, Off Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street
- Contact: 02-403-4333
Unwind at Abu Dhabi’s Beachfront Destination
For some outdoor family fun, head to Al Bahar on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, a busy leisure area by the beach. On the specialized sports courts, you may play football, basketball, or volleyball, or keep in shape with open-air training programmes.
The play area and the ‘Re-Creation’ zone with zip-lining and bungee trampolining activities are great for kids! Treat yourself to a meal at one of the venue’s restaurants or shop for sportswear at one of the retail establishments. It’s one of the nicest spots to go out at night in Abu Dhabi, especially for a leisurely stroll along the Corniche.
- Location: Al Bateen
Make a Trip to the World’s Most Sustainable City
Want to see what sustainable cities will look like in the future? It has arrived in Abu Dhabi! Masdar City, one of the most spectacular sites to visit in Abu Dhabi, combines Arabic design with cutting-edge technology to drastically reduce energy, water, and garbage use.
More than a thousand people live and work in Masdar City, which is established around the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. Because cars are prohibited in Masdar City, you’ll get the opportunity to ride in driverless electric vehicles known as Personal Rapid Transport (PRT)!
Get Tickets to the Latest Event at Etihad Arena
The Etihad Arena is the UAE’s largest indoor entertainment arena. UFC tournaments have already been announced for this multipurpose facility on Yas Bay.
Residents and visitors may look forward to additional concerts, athletic events, special shows, and other events at Etihad Arena in the future.
Spend the Day at Saadiyat Public Beach
Enjoy the sun at Saadiyat Public Beach, a lovely, pristine length ideal for a family day out. While parents concentrate on their tans, kids can build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and throw a frisbee.
For the more daring, there are many water activities, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as services to make your beach experience more comfortable.
Take a Falcon World Tour at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
This thrilling guided tour at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital will teach you everything you need to know about the UAE’s national bird, the falcon. It’s one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids because they’ll be learning while having fun. Adults will enjoy a visit to the falconry museum, where they will learn about falconry registration and passports and view the free-flight aviary with falcons all around them.
What’s the best part? You have the opportunity to take a photo with these lovely critters perched on your arm.
- Location: Off the Abu Dhabi-Sweihan Road, Al Shamkha
- Contact: 02-575-5155
