Is Abu Dhabi worth visiting or is it just an ordinary capital? In short, it is absolutely worth a visit. Find out 12 reasons why!
Table of contents:
1.) Qasr Al Watan
2.) Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque
3.) Emirates Palace
4.) Louvre Abu Dhabi
5.) Observation Deck at 300
6.) Ferrari World Yas Island
7.) Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Abu Dhabi
8.) Emirates Heritage Club
9.) Al Qana Waterfront
10.) Wahat Al Karama
11.) Aldar Headquarter
12.) Masdar City (Hidden Gem)
When you think of the United Arab Emirates, the first thing that comes to mind is Dubai. While Dubai is an economic and tourist hub, the capital of seven different emirates is Abu Dhabi. With around 1.5 million inhabitants, Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world and definitely worth seeing. So check out the top 11 things to do in Abu Dhabi City below:
1.) Qasr Al Watan
The Palace of Nation is the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates but not a residential palace. Qasr Al Watan is also the place where Leagues and Summits are held. Opened to the public since March 2019, the palace has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. And yes, it should be on your list too.
You can buy the tickets online for 65 AED per adult person, junior tickets by guests aged between 4 to 17 years have to pay 30 AED while children aged 3 and under can enter for free. Be aware of the opening hours before you book. There is not a specific dress code mentioned, although it shall be respectful when visiting Qasr Al Watan. It is recommended to cover the knees and shoulders.
Once you organised the ticket you need to go to the Qasr Al Watan Registration Center (you can also buy the tickets there, but it may take unnecessarily longer). To reach the Registration Center you can either use a shuttle bus or rent a car and use the parking lots nearby. After the security check you will be taken by bus to the main entrance where you can begin your self-guided tour.
More information about Qasr Al Watan.
Visitor Center also known as the Registration Center.
Qasr Al Watan shuttle bus between Registration Center and Main Entrance of the Palace.
2.) Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque was constructed between 1994 and 2007 and is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Its capacity is to accommodate more than 40.000 worshippers and can be visited from Saturday to Thursday between 9am to 10pm. On Friday between 9am to 12pm and again from 3pm to 10pm. The admission is free but it is strongly recommended to book your visit online to avoid unnecessary waiting times.
More information about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Be aware, there’s a dress code you need to follow as per the picture below:
There are enough parking lots available while the security check is located at a shopping mall with souvenir and coffee shops. Try to go there as early as possible because after 11.30am it gets so crowded that you have to wait extremely long to get in. That’s not fun at all.
3.) Emirates Palace
After opening in 2005, this luxurious 5-star hotel closed in 2020 for 2 years for renovation. It is the third most expensive hotel in the world ever built. Despite this, it is accessible to all and absolutely worth a visit. Why not pop in for a drink or two? The prices are relatively moderate compared to Dubai. When visiting the hotel, observe the dress code, although it is not as strict as in the mosques. There are enough parking spaces available.
More information about Emirates Palace.
4.) Louvre Abu Dhabi
More than 2 million visitors have been visited the art museum in 2019. Due to on an agreement back in 2007, France allows UAE to use the name “Louvre” until at least 2037. The museum exhibits artworks from all over the world on 9.200 square meters. The Louvre is open from 10am until midnight although the galleries are and exhibitions are closing during weekdays at 6.30pm and on weekends at 8.30pm. The general admission per person is 63 AED whereas people under 18 or over 60 have free entrance to the museum. Tickets can be paid online. If you want to visit the museum, you can reach it by car, taxi or by bus (public bus 94).
More information about Louvre Abu Dhabi.
5.) Observation Deck at 300
The tallest of five towers is at Etihad Tower 2 and has an observation deck at Level 74, 282 meters (925 feet) above the ground. It gives you the perfect overview of the Abu Dhabi skyline, the Corniche and the Arabian Gulf. The ticket costs USD 26 (AED 95) and includes a voucher worth AED 55 which can be redeemed for food and beverages on the day of your visit. Typically, you will be served a coffee or tea and a cake while enjoying the stunning views over Abu Dhabi. The tickets can be booked online, whereby you must select the time > 12:00 / 15:00 / 17:00. It is recommended to go at 5pm to enjoy the sunset. Alcohol and snacks are available. Parking space are available in Tower 1 for a fee.
6.) Ferrari World Yas Island
Located on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World is a mainly indoor theme park featuring the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rosso. There are different zones with different attractions for young and old. The opening times are daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm > the correct times need to be checked before coming here. There are also free shuttle busses from Dubai and from Abu Dhabi to the Ferrari World > here.
Ferrari World is accessible through the Yas Shopping Center, where you can also park your car. There is ample parking available and the mall itself offers a wide range of shops and restaurants.
The Single Day ticket starts at 325 AED / 88 USD.
More information about Ferrari World.
7.) Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Abu Dhabi
The Al Wathba Fossil Dunes comprises of more than1,700 fossil dunes and were created by a mix of wind, sand and time. The numbers of fossil dunes concentrated is one of the largest in the Emirate. Geologists estimate that the fossil formations within the protected area are over four million years old. It is absolutely prohibited to climb over the barriers and take pictures. When I was there, they took ID from a family whose sanctions are unknown. However, it is an amazing place to walk around and take photos. It’s also family-friendly with a children’s park and a couple of outdoor cafes.
Mainly the Fossil Dunes can be visited until 10-11pm > the opening hours on Google Maps are wrong. Entrance is free. Parking places are available and no 4×4 is needed to reach the Location.
8.) Emirates Heritage Club
Located on Marina Mall Island, the Emirates Heritage Club offers a glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s past. It consists of a museum with weapons, jewelry and traditional clothing from the early period. In addition, you will find an old world souk and a few shops where you can buy spices, herbs, soaps and many souvenirs.
On the beach you can see old boats and the Abu Dhabi skyline, giving you a great place to take photos and relax.The opening hours are from Saturday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and reopening at 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
There is ample free parking outside. You can combine a visit to Emirates Heritage Club with a shopping tour at Marina Mall.
9.) Al Qana Waterfront
Abu Dhabi is not only the perfect place for yacht owners but also for ordinary people who want to walk and take pictures. Especially at night when the beautiful lights are on, Al Qana magically transforms the area into a stunning must see place. So where to start now? In general, you can visit the National Aquarium with more than 46,000 animals, making it the largest aquarium in the Middle East. From animal encounters to a boat tour or scuba diving, it’s all up to you. Tickets start at AED 105 / USD 29 and can be booked online.
Wellness or fitness can be part of your tour as well as a visit to the cinema. Or why not attend a mindfulness mandala workshop? You will find the location of Al Qana here. There are enough parking spaces available and free of charge.
More information about Al Qana.
10.) Wahat Al Karama
Located opposite the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Wahat Al Karma is a war memorial and monument commemorating all Emirates killed in the line of duty. Also known as the “Oasis of Dignity”, it consists of 31 aluminum panels leaning against one another as a symbol of unity. Next to it is the memorial square, which can accommodate up to 1200 people. When visiting the mosque, you should definitely stop by the memorial. Parking is free.
11.) Aldar Headquarter
On the way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi you will not miss the imposing landmark on the right. Aldar Headquarters is the world’s first and tallest circular skyscraper in the world. The building with its 23 floors and a height of 110 meters is located on the coast of the Al Raha region, just behind Abu Dhabi Airport. It’s definitely worth a visit and easy to get to. Visitor parking is available free of charge.
12.) Masdar City (Hidden Gem)
To be honest, Masdar City is by far one of my favorite places in Abu Dhabi. Not only is it an architectural masterpiece, but a great place to stay and relax. Just 5 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Masdar City is a sustainable eco-city and technology hub, home to the UAE Space Agency and the University of Artificial Intelligence. Right next to the university is Central Park with a few food stalls and lots of attractions for children. It is particularly crowded in the evenings. You will definitely like it – put it on your list. You can park at the shopping mall City Center Masdar for free and walk to Central Park.
More information about Masdar City.
