List of the best places to visit and things to do
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
In the UAE, there are only two mosques in the country to offer entry to Non-Muslims. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of them.
Take Bus 54 (Number) outside Abu Dhabi central bus station to visit this mosque. Always visit this mosque in the morning or evening. It’s a photographer’s delight at these times for perfect Instagram pics! This visit will be a soul-satisfying experience for you. This monument has to be seen to be believed. The pristine white marble monument is a very beautiful part of modern architecture with a medieval design. Blend of everything perfect.
You will find free educational tours for visitors at certain times that you need to check online before your visit. As usual, as a mark of respect, all ladies need to wear a ‘Burkha’. While the men must cover their shoulders and legs.
Particulars
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visiting time: 9 AM to 10 PM (Saturday to Thursday). Last entry at 9:30 PM.
The mosque will be closed for tourists on all Friday mornings. But, for tourists, it’s open from 4:30 PM to 11 PM. Check the website below for more information szgmc.gov.ae
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Heritage Village
As the name suggests, this place will give you an idea of how Abu Dhabi changed in the last 50-60years. Will help you understand the culture of the UAE. This emirate was basically a Bedouin dessert country. This was before the British found oil in the 1960s. That’s when the boom started.
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Qasr Al-Hosn (a.k.a Old Fort-Palace)
This is also well known as the White Fort. It was constructed in the year 1793 and was once an official residence of the ruling family. A very interesting place if you are keen on historical monuments. Now, the palace has been converted into a museum that shows the cultural history. The notable features in the palace are the magnificent tile work over the main northern gate and the courtyard.
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Yas Island – Ferrari World
Undoubtedly one of the most famous and prime attractions as of now in Abu Dhabi. This is open 365 days a year. You can enjoy some spectacular rides like state-of-the-art simulators, Formula Rossa (The fastest roller coaster with a top speed of 250kmph in 4.9 seconds), World’s highest roller-coaster loop and the new Flying Aces ride.
Time required: 4 to 6 hours
Yas Island – Waterworld
This one is another beauty with over 40 rides, slides, and water attractions. Especially in the middle of a hot dessert, Waterworld is surely a lot of fun. As the story goes, a brave girl named Dana encountered challenges on her journey to find a lost pearl. This theme waterpark is based on her original story of challenges faced. The story theme is evident throughout the park and played out visually even in the shops and restaurants.
Time required: 4 to 6 hours
Wadi Adventure Park
Enjoy some amazing artificial white water rafting. Who would have thought of a rafting course in the middle of a vast desert? It has its own fun here. You can also enjoy the Zip lines, water rides and artificial wave beach, all available for enthusiasts.
Time required: 3 to 5 hours
The Abu Dhabi Corniche
Basically a high-end promenade, a walkway right beside the seafront. But this one is almost 5 kilometers long. Filled with coffee shops, restaurants, luxury hotels, and beaches, but all along the coastline. You can enjoy the white beaches and the shimmering turquoise waters. Plenty of options available for shopping, dining, and water sports as well. Try this in the evening as the sun sets and the lights come on. Looks beautiful.
Time required: 2 to 3 hours
Bounce Abu Dhabi
As the name suggests, if you want to enjoy some bouncing and some slam-dunk, you should definitely head there. You can learn your flips, your acrobatic moves, 360 degrees flips or just watch kids have fun. One place where you can risk it all without getting hurt at all.
Below are additional tourist attractions. You can also plan them.
- Desert Safari
- Emirates National Auto Museum
- Observation Deck at 300
- Emirates Palace Hotel. You can try its famous 24-carat gold flaked coffee!
- Louvre Abu Dhabi – A fantastic modern museum
- Yas Marina Circuit – Formula Rossa (a Formula 1 Track)
- Al Maryah Island / Saadiyat Island / Al Reem Island – 3 are unique islands
- Gold Souq at Madinat Zayed
- Scuba Diving
- Saadiyat Public Beach
- Marina Mall (For Shopping) and Olympic size Ice Rink
- Kayaking in Mangrove National Park
