Wondering which attractions you shouldn’t miss and looking for fun things to do in Abu Dhabi? Planning a trip to the UAE capital can truly be overwhelming with so many options.
This blog makes it simple. You’ll discover Abu Dhabi tourist spots like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Thrilling adventures, such as a desert safari, and fun-filled experiences at Yas Island theme parks.
There are also tips on beaches, gaming arenas, and cultural attractions that every visitor will enjoy.
Consider this your ultimate Abu Dhabi to-do list, packed with must-see sights, activities, timings, ticket prices, and insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was built to honour Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. Construction took about 11 years. The mosque was completed in 2007, after Sheikh Zayed had passed away, and he was later buried on the mosque grounds.
Materials used to build this mosque came from all over the world. Marble from Greece and Italy, carpets from Iran, and grand chandeliers from Germany. Also home to the largest hand-woven carpet.
Sheikh Zayed is the biggest mosque in the UAE, a good place to visit in Abu Dhabi, with a capacity to hold 55,000 worshippers.
The mosque’s marble looks like the moon shining on earth, especially during sunset and under moonlight. The detailed carving, tall domes, and shining marble, along with the sheer size of the structure, make it one of a kind.
While heading into the mosque premises, you’ll need to walk through a shopping mall known as ‘Souq Al Jami’. It sells everything from clothes, accessories, perfumes, and more. However, if you are not dressed appropriately, you’ll immediately be stopped by the security.
The dress code for this place is modest, and it is mandatory. Both genders should be fully covered from neck to feet, and women must cover their hair with a scarf. You can get scarves and abayas from the shopping mall, but it’s better to get them from the outside, considering the cost, which is around 45+ AED (1087 INR). There is also a food court which sells cuisines from different countries.
Also, look out for a few free guided cultural tours that are organised at 11 am, 1 pm and 5 pm daily that last around 45 mins. Exception at 1 pm on Fridays.
These free tours help you learn about the mosque’s design and culture in detail. For example, the guides explain to you about the gold calligraphy on its 82 beautiful domes.
- Price: Free
- Timings: 9:00 am – 10 pm (Saturday to Thursday), 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm to 10 pm (Friday)
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a famous museum on Saadiyat Island that displays art and artefacts from around the world. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, it’s known for its stunning dome and the beautiful “rain of light” effect inside. And it is considered one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi!
The building appears to rise directly from the sea. That’s because a small part of the sea was drained before constructing the structure and letting the water flow back around the museum.
Organised into 12 thematic galleries, this museum houses a diverse collection spanning from ancient civilisations to contemporary art.
Highlights
- 6th-century BC Grecian sphinx.
- Bronze Oba head from the Benin Kingdom.
- Permanent Galleries: Tell stories covering early villages, great empires, universal religions, and modernity.
- Temporary Exhibitions: Display items change to offer fresh perspectives and themes.
- Children’s Museum: Spaces designed to engage the younger ones with art.
After the stroll around the museum for a good 2-3 hours, it’s great to eat at the in-house cafe and the restaurant to satisfy the hunger hit.
Then, finish the museum visit with kayaking around the structure! This 60-minute kayaking tour gives you a unique perspective of the Louvre. It must be booked online prior and costs 126 AED (3044 INR) (Tuesday – Sunday).
Tips: Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the exhibits.
- Mobile App: Download the Louvre Abu Dhanbi app to access the maps and information on exhibits.
- Prices: Adults (18+): AED 63 (1522 INR) (approx.), Free entry for children under 18, UAE senior nationals and residents, and certain other categories.
- Timings: Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM, Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM, Closed on Mondays
Qasr Al Watan
Also known as the Presidential Palace of Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan is the venue for UAE government meetings and conferences. A part of the building is open to the public, making it one of the top Abu Dhabi attractions!
Inside, you can see the beautiful Great Hall, the grand Banquet Hall, and the large Qasr Al Watan Library filled with books on Arab history and culture.
The palace is also a true symbol of the UAE’s wealth and royalty. Its tall domes, sparkling chandeliers, and rich Arabian designs show pure elegance. The interiors are decorated with shades of gold, white, blue, green, and sand, giving them a royal and luxurious look.
There are also two must-see shows at the palace: Both of these shows take place outside the palace.
- The Horse Marshall Show: Men dressed in traditional attire parade on well-groomed horses, representing the UAE’s rich heritage of horse riding.
- Timings: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (daily).
- The light show (Palace in Motion show): The palace lights up with colourful projections, and it feels like the whole building is art.
- Timings: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at around 7:30 pm (the show shifts according to the sunset).
Note: Visitors’ knees and shoulders must be covered, and also Qasr Al Watan offers guided tours every 30 minutes in different languages. The one-hour tours cover the palace’s history, design, and culture.
- Prices: Adults: 65 AED (1557 INR), Kids (4 – 17 years): 30 AED (718 INR) (approx.)
- Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Desert Safari
We all know that the UAE is a desert country. One of the most popular attractions there is the desert safari because it’s the best thing to do in Abu Dhabi. You can find many companies offering to take you on such a desert adventure.
Starting the Safari
First of all, a desert safari can be a 30-minute camel ride, a 4-5 hour activity, or an overnight expedition. Different types of packages can be found.
However, we are going to focus on the overnight safari here to get the full experience.
Start late in the afternoon, and you’ll be transported from Abu Dhabi to the dunes right outside the city limits.
Once you stop driving on roads and start seeing heaps of sand, it’s time to stop the car.
Dune Bashing
Yes, your tour guide/driver will stop when it’s time for dune bashing, and they’ll decrease the air pressure. Dune bashing is when a car speeds up and down the dunes, simulating a mini rollercoaster. And reducing the air pressure will prevent the car from bouncing in the desert.
Tip: Eat food 3-4 hours before the dune bashing ride because it’s going to be very hard on your tummy. Also, if you usually get motion sickness, it’s better to pop in a motion-sickness medication before the ride.
Pictures with a Falcon
Post the adrenaline-pumping activity, you’ll be taken to a spot where you can take some grand desert pictures. Also, you can spot a person wearing a Kandura while holding a falcon. Approach him, and he’ll charge 10 AED (239 INR) to take a picture with that falcon on your arm.
Sandboarding
You’ve probably heard of snowboarding; this is the same idea, but instead of snow, you glide down golden dunes on a board. It’s a fun and thrilling activity you shouldn’t miss in the desert.
Arrival at the Camp
Now it’s time to head to the desert camp where you’ll stay for the night. The camp is typically situated in a vast desert area, with rooms or tents arranged around an open central space. This open area has a stage and tables where guests can sit.
You’ll be welcomed with a cup of Arabian coffee (Black coffee) and a couple of dates.
Camel Riding
A desert safari is incomplete without a camel ride, and that’s what you will do after a quick refreshment at the camp. During the sunset, when both the sky and the dunes are gold, you ride a camel facing the horizon.
As fun as it sounds, the only downside of the camel ride is that it usually lasts just about 10 minutes and is included in your package. If you’d like a longer ride, you can ask the camel’s caretaker, but the extra cost will depend on them.
Dinner and Night Show
At night, when it gets cooler, you can enjoy a buffet dinner and watch the performances. The artists usually perform fire shows and traditional Emirati and Arabian dances. After which, its lights are off.
Note: The desert safari is offered by many companies at different prices and packages. No matter which one you choose, always check the reviews from past guests.
Each company usually has a tie-up with a desert camp where you’ll spend the night. Before your trip, ask your tour company for the camp details and read its reviews. This will help ensure you have a comfortable stay, good food, and a great overall experience.
- Price: 333.86 AED (8000 INR/person) (Approx. Cost)
Yas Ferrari World
The Ferrari World is an amusement park that sits on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The bright roof of the park will instantly catch your eye if you see the satellite image of the city. The park is well-loved by car enthusiasts, children, and anyone who wants an adrenaline rush.
Talking about adrenaline rushes, the park is home to over 40 rides along with the fastest roller coaster in the world – the Formula Rossa! This ride is the highlight of this park, and people go here especially for this one.
Of course, other rides like these are people’s picks as well.
- Flying Aces – world’s tallest loop
- Mission Ferrari – an immersive 5D rollercoaster with a unique sideways drop.
- Turbo Track – A roller coaster that takes you up to 200 feet in the air.
For families and kids, there are fun rides and activities like Bell’Italia, a mini tour of Italy’s landmarks in small Ferrari cars.
What makes Ferrari World special are its race simulators, test drives, and live racing shows that celebrate Ferrari’s racing legacy.
Note: Some of these rides are paid experiences inside the park after paying the entrance fee.
Some of the cafes and restaurants have a luxurious French touch to them, which doesn’t feel like you are inside a theme park.
Tip: Most of the rides will have a 20-40 minute waiting time. If you want to avoid it, consider visiting the park on a Wednesday and getting a ‘Fast Pass’.
- Prices: Adults: 345 AED (8322 INR), Kids (Under 1.3 ft tall): 295 AED (7116 INR) (approx.)
- Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Yas Warner Bros World
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is an indoor theme park on Yas Island, opened in 2018. It is one of the largest indoor parks in the world.
The park is divided into six themed parts: Warner Bros. Plaza, Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Dynamite Gulch, and Bedrock. Based on popular franchises or cartoons
You can find DC character shows in some parts of the park. Actors will be dressed up in costumes of superheroes and other cartoon characters. Enjoy the show, and you can also click pictures with them after the performance!
There are 29 rides and attractions inside the park. Some of the people’s favourite rides are:
- Tom & Jerry: Swiss Cheese Spin ride
- Dynamite Gulch
- Gotham City rides
- Justice League: Warworld Attacks
- Green Lantern: Galactic Odyssey
The park has a mixture of snack stands and themed restaurants.
- Bedrock Café (Flintstones themed)
- Justice League Diner (American fast food corner).
- Chocolate Factory for treats & desserts.
You can also find gift/souvenir shops throughout the park that sell themed merchandise.
Tip: Most rides don’t allow flip-flops or Crocs for safety reasons. If you wear them, you’ll likely have to take them off and go barefoot during the ride. It’s best to wear closed shoes for a more comfortable experience.
Prices
- Adults: 345 AED (8340 INR)
- Kids (Under 1.1 ft tall): 295 AED (7131 INR) (approx.)
Timings
- 10 AM – 8 PM
- (Sometimes, 7 pm. Do check the Warner Bros website before going.)
Yas Waterworld
Waterworld is a water amusement park on Yas Island that is themed around a folklore story, “The Legend of the Lost Pearl Sea”. All the rides are designed around this legend. Yas Waterworld has been honoured multiple times as the Middle East’s Leading Waterpark.
37 acres of land have an average of 50 rides, slides, and other attractions. Some notable rides include:
- Dawwama – The world’s largest hydromagnetic tornado funnel-like tube.
- Bandit Bomber – A rollercoaster with water and laser effects.
- Al Raha River – A lazy river perfect for floating and chilling.
- Amwaj Wave Pool – A fun pool with man-made waves.
- Cinesplash – a 4D cinematic water experience.
- Bubble’s Barrel – the world’s largest surfable sheet wave at 3 meters high, perfect for flowboards and bodyboards
Yas Waterpark is just minutes away from Yas Ferrari World Abu and Yas Warner Bros.
Note:
- The park has facilities like lockers, towels, and cabanas for rent for an additional fee.
- No outside food is allowed except for baby food.
- A swimming costume is mandatory.
Tip: Wear water shoes at Yas Waterworld since it’s an outdoor park and the ground can get quite hot.
- Prices: Adults: 295 AED (7058 INR), Kids (Under 1.1 ft tall): 250 AED (5981 INR) (approx.)
- Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Note: Some days, the park remains closed to the public for private events, and every Friday is dedicated to Ladies’ Night. So, it’s best to check the official Yas Waterworld website for the latest updates before booking your tickets.
Yas SeaWorld
The 4th and last attraction park of Yas Island is the Yas SeaWorld. This park is a massive aquarium with around 25 million litres of water and 100,000 marine animals.
The animals include different species of fish, dolphins, stingrays, and walruses. Puffins and more!
Not just that, but it also has other birds like flamingos.
SeaWorld has eight different themed sections of the park.
- Antarctica Zone – It’s where you meet the penguins.
- Arctic Zone – Place to see the walrus and experience the Hypersphere 360° ride.
- The Tropical Ocean – Admire exotic birds and the Manta coaster.
- Endless Ocean – The world’s largest multi-species aquarium.
- One Ocean – A gigantic 360° digital view of marine life.
- Rocky Point – Watch a live sea lion show and later interact with them.
- Abu Dhabi Ocean – Marine species that can only be found in the Arabian Ocean.
- Micro Ocean – Themed rides like the Eel Racer and kids splash zones.
Talking about food, SeaWorld has 17 places to eat, from quick bites to family restaurants, and 13 shops selling marine-themed items.
Tip:
- The penguin enclosure can get chilly, to around 1°C; consider taking a jacket along with you.
- Enter the park as early as you can. Start by checking and noting down the show timings before heading for the rides. When it’s time for a show, make your way to the arena. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy both the rides and the live shows without missing out on anything.
Prices
- Adults: 375 AED (8972 INR)
- Kids (Under 1.1 ft tall): 320 AED (7656 INR) (approx.)
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM (Sometimes, 6 pm. Do check the SeaWorld website before going.)
TeamLab Phenomena
This is a multi-sensory immersive art experience located on Al Saadiyat Island. A simpler explanation would be a huge building with rooms featuring digital artwork on the walls, floors, and ceilings. You can interact with them and be a part of the art, definitely a unique thing to do in Abu Dhabi.
As you enter the building, you’ll be welcomed into the darkness. That’s where a brief of the museum will be given, along with the dos and don’ts.
As you enter, there will be 12 major art rooms featuring different sensory elements such as earth, fire, water, air, and space. The entire museum is separated into two areas: dry and wet.
Dry areas: Places where you can wear shoes and socks and even sit down on the floor to witness the art moving around you.
Wet Areas: These areas will have ankle-to-shin-level water. You’ll have to walk barefoot to experience the show.
Highlights of TeamLab Phenomena
These rooms are the most talked about environments by the visitors of the TeamLab Phenomena.
Graffiti Nature Realm
You can witness hundreds of reptiles and abstract art everywhere in the room, all moving. But the true highlight is that you can make your own art!
All you need to do is head to the Sketch Factory and pick your favourite design: a snake, crocodile, lizard, butterfly, or flower. You’ll receive a paper template where you can add your name or colour it creatively using crayons. Once your masterpiece is ready, simply hand it over to the staff, who will scan your drawing and bring it to life as part of the digital artwork.
Kids will absolutely have a blast seeing their drawings come to life!
The Levitating Void
This room in the museum is an immersive artwork showcasing a giant black sphere that appears to float within an enormous, dark, red-lit chamber. Visitors claim that it looks ‘surreal’.
It’s one of those rare experiences in the world that can truly be understood only by being there in person.
Morphing Continuum
In this fascinating display of art, you can see hundreds of silvery, translucent, lightweight balls floating all around you. And as the time passes, a suction of air from the ceiling will make the balls swirl like a tornado.
Note: High heels are not allowed in the museum. Instead, you’ll have to wear the provided pair of socks.
Prices
Regular shows
- Adults (13 and above): 150 AED (3590 INR)
- Kids (4 – 12 years old): 50 AED (1196 INR) (approx.)
Timings
- 10 AM – 10 PM
- Last entry at 8 PM
Art Undistracted
Adults only (18+): 150 AED (3590 INR) (approx.)
Timings
- 6 PM – 10 PM (Monday to Thursday)
- Last entry at 4:30 PM
(The timings might change. So, it’s best to check the TeamLab Phenomena website.)
Al Ain Zoo
This zoo remains a nostalgia for any Emirati or anybody who lived in the Emirates. As they would’ve visited this zoo with family or through a school trip.
Established in 1968 with around 980 acres of land. Being the largest zoo in the Middle East, it houses hundreds of animals, reptiles, birds, and marine life.
Walk around the zoo and find lions, tigers, pythons, ostriches, flamingoes, and some rare desert animals too! Staff who are passionate about wildlife are appointed in different places of the zoo where you can interact with and learn more about the animals and the zoo.
Note: As this is a large zoo, walking around can be pretty tiring. You can opt for a buggy service at an additional cost if you are going with pregnant women, kids, or older people.
Apart from walking around from one enclosure to another, you can opt for the interactive activities, which do come with an additional cost.
The Safari
Apart from enclosures, the zoo also has a massive land that simulates the real African grasslands. Seated in a jeep, you can see African lions, white rhinos, and zebras in their natural habitat, up close, for 45 minutes.
Safari Price:
-
- 525 AED (12,565 INR) on weekdays.
- 787.5 AED (18,847 INR) on Fridays, weekends, and holidays (approx.).
- The safari price is an additional cost apart from the entry fees.
- This price is applicable only for 6 people max.
- 100 AED (2393 INR) will be applicable for each additional person.
Children’s Discovery Garden
Children can get really close to non-harmful animals under supervision. You kids can interact with and feed rabbits, goats, tortoises, and more!
- Discovery Garden Price: 10.50 AED (251 INR) (approx.)
- Timings:
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Friday)
- 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
Feeding the Giraffes
Giraffes are hungry, and it’s time to feed them. You can visit the giraffes’ feeding station, which is a high platform built specifically to feed these gentle giants.
- Giraffe feeding price: 31.5 AED (753 INR) (approx.)
- Timings: 10 AM – 1 PM & 3 PM – 5 PM.
Even though all these activities cost extra, there are things you can do for free inside the zoo.
- Hippo & Crocodile Centre – Watch these animals diving deep in the pool through a glass panel.
- Desert Learning Center – An air-conditioned museum explains about the UAE’s natural environment.
- And of course, you can visit the enclosures and see what the mischievous animals are up to.
Tip: It’s best to visit the Al Ain Zoo in the cooler months.
- Al Ain Zoo is an outdoor attraction, so the cooler months are the best time to visit.
- During the summer, several sections go under maintenance in preparation for the busy season. And you might not get the full experience.
- Many animals rest indoors during hot afternoons, making them less visible.
Prices: (Valid for 3 days)
- Adults (12+ years): 28.35 AED (678 INR)
- Kids (3 – 12 years): 9.45 AED (226 INR) (approx.)
Timings
- 9 AM – 7 PM
- Check out Al Ain Zoo for more information.
Corniche Beach
Located along Corniche Street, Corniche Beach stretches for about 8 km along the Abu Dhabi waterfront. The waters here are warm and calm, making it perfect for swimming but not ideal for surfing. Safety lines mark the designated swimming areas, and lifeguards are always on duty to ensure visitors’ safety.
This Abu Dhabi tourist spot has three main sections
- Al Sahil (Gate 4): A lively, free-entry area perfect for singles and groups.
- Gate 2: A calm, family-friendly spot with a kids’ play zone.
- Gate 3: Another family area, fenced for extra privacy.
Note: Gates 2 & 3 need an entry fee of 10 AED (240 INR) for adults and 5 AED (120 INR) for kids. (approx.)
The beach becomes livelier at night than during the day due to the city’s heat. In the evenings, you’ll see people bringing mats, foldable chairs, snacks, and books to relax and enjoy the cool breeze under the lights.
Corniche Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Abu Dhabi, thanks to its facilities and clean environment.
Amenities include
- Clean public restrooms and showers
- Children’s play area
- Paid parking
- Small cafés and food trucks near the parking area
- Changing rooms for visitors
A long walkway runs parallel to the beach, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling while enjoying the sea view.
Note: Pets and consumption of alcohol are not allowed on the beach. Swimming is allowed only in designated areas, and modest clothing is recommended.
Pixoul Gaming
A futuristic-looking building and a true paradise for gamers is the Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi. Once you step inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a neon glow; from keyboards and CPUs to walls and arcade machines, everything is illuminated with vibrant LED lights, making you feel as if you’ve entered another world.
Talking about the games, Pixel Gaming offers a wide range of single or multi-player games. Their virtual game models include escape rooms, racing, shooting, combat, first-person experience, parachute adventure, and co-op shooting.
Beyond virtual games, the arena also features bowling, go-karting, and Formula racing simulators for real-world thrills.
Other key features & offerings
- 5 Zones & 10 VR Experiences
- Esports Bar & Arena
- Esports Academy
- Gaming Broadcasting Studios
Price
- Starts from 50 AED (1196 INR) (approx.)
- Check out the Pixel Gaming website to get more information.
Timings
- 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Sunday – Wednesday)
- 10:00 am – 12 am midnight (Thursday – Saturday)
Conclusion
With so many amazing places to visit in Abu Dhabi, its itinerary is not so easy. From Al Ain Zoo to the Presidential Palace and all four of the exciting Yas Island attractions. With so much to see and do, planning ahead is key.
Abu Dhabi always promotes tourism and is considered very safe for visitors of all ages, making it a great destination for families, solo travellers, and groups alike. To make your trip even smoother, you can explore Dimaak’s Abu Dhabi packages that cover the top attractions and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
What to do in Abu Dhabi for 3 days?
In three days, the first Abu Dhabi attraction is the desert safari, which can be an overnight experience. On the 2nd day, explore any one of the Yas Island parks and finish your trip off by visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on the 3rd day.
Do they speak English in the UAE?
Yes, English is widely spoken in the UAE. However, Arabic is the official language of the country, so learning some basics before visiting the place is suggested.
What should I wear in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has a strict dress code for both men and women. Men should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees, such as long pants and a regular shirt.
Women are required to cover their hair, shoulders, and legs, and wear loose-fitting clothes that do not show the shape of the body.
