10 Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

The Corniche is Abu Dhabi’s iconic 8-km stretch of waterfront where you can bike and stroll along manicured paths as well as enjoy various beach activities. Among the best things to do in Abu Dhabi, it’s where you can take a dip in the calm waters off a white and sandy artificial shoreline, against the high-rise skyline of the UAE’s capital.

The whole length of the Corniche is dotted with football fields, volleyball courts and parks that make good use of the seaside setting. It’s a place to be for gorgeous sunsets and the spectacular Abu Dhabi Corniche Fireworks series are unmissable events that take place on this waterfront.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the must-see landmarks in the UAE capital with its massive scale, 82 domes and towering minarets. The complex was completed in 2007, named in honour of the UAE’s late president and the mosque’s brainchild, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The mosque’s design blends diverse Islamic architectural elements. Inside, check out its series of 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers with Swarovski crystals – the largest measures 10 metres wide and 15 metres tall. It also features the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, made with New Zealand and Iranian wool. As with any mosque visit, respectful conduct and attire is a must.

The 18^th-century Al-Hosn Fort and Palace is a historical Abu Dhabi landmark that the city was built around. Also known locally as Qasr al-Hosn or ‘Palace Fort’, it was built in 1761 as a watchtower to defend the only freshwater well on the island. It later became the permanent residence of ruling sheikhs and emirs.

Today, the palace-fort features a museum where you can learn more about Abu Dhabi’s past through various artefacts and exhibits. The vast fort grounds also play host to the multiday cultural event known as the Qasr al-Hosn Festival. It usually takes place in early December, celebrating Abu Dhabi’s culture and heritage through crafts, live music and cuisine.

The best beaches of Abu Dhabi offer sandy seaside fun and spectacular sunsets, all backed by incredible city skylines. Corniche Beach tops the list for most visitors – especially families – with its calm, clean and swimmable waters bordered by several parks and promenades. The many cafés and restaurants close to the beach offer more fun after the sun goes down.

Al Bateen Beach is a leisurely retreat with water sports to enjoy, including kayaks, jet skis, and pedalos. It also has picnic spots overlooking Hudayriat Island and its long white bridge that stretches over the calm waters. For pristine nature, head to Saadiyat Beach. This well-preserved strip of white sand is home to protected dunes and turtle nesting sites. It’s accessible via a wooden boardwalk on the north-western shore of the namesake island.

Ferrari World on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island should be on the bucket list of all fans of the famous Italian supercar maker, along with families and groups who share a need for speed. Almost everything outside and inside this massive indoor theme park features the Prancing Horse logo and the signature Ferrari Red – rosso corsa.

Among the many rides, there’s Formula Rossa, Ferrari World’s proud ‘fastest in the world’ rollercoaster. It takes you from 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds. If you want to combine crazy speeds with dizzying heights, try Flying Aces, which reaches 63 metres high at speeds of up to 120 km/h. For younger speed freaks in the family, there are dedicated rides like Formula Rossa Junior and the Flying Wings, or even feel like Schumacher behind the wheel of scaled-down Formula 1 cars.

Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is a destination on its own, being home to some of the UAE capital’s most popular attractions. Firstly, it’s a mecca for lovers of exotic cars and motor racing enthusiasts, who come for Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held.

When you’re not riding on the world’s fastest rollercoaster or cheering on your favourite F1 drivers, there’s plenty of other leisurely fun to be had, like splashing with the whole family at the Emirati-themed Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. The water park features 45 rides and slides as well as seasonal events and shows. For shopping, dining and even more entertainment, there’s Yas Mall, which is Abu Dhabi’s largest.

The best museums in Abu Dhabi come in a huge variety, each offering a unique set of treasures to admire. Art lovers can check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the largest art museum on the Arabian Peninsula. It showcases works from multiple French museums, including Paris’ own Louvre.

At the likes of the Zayed Heritage Center and Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, you can go back in time and learn about traditional Emirati life through fascinating reconstructed desert villages. Fast-forwarding to modernity, you can visit Manarat Al Saadiyat, with its high-tech and interactive exhibits. For car lovers, the Emirates National Auto Museum showcases over 200 vehicles from the private collection of Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, aka ‘The Rainbow Shiek’.

Plan a visit to Abu Dhabi Heritage Village for a journey back in time to learn more about Emirati life in a reconstructed desert village. Inside this walled complex run by the Emirates Heritage Club, you’ll find barasati traditional houses as well as a mosque and a souq (street market).

Stroll along the stone paths by manicured gardens from one ‘desert home’ to another. You can drop by each to watch craftspeople demonstrating traditional techniques in creating pottery and even glassblowing. The different exhibitions, market stalls and even special events help keep the visit interesting. This cultural oasis is a pleasant escape from Abu Dhabi’s modern high-rise cityscapes.

Mangrove National Park, also known as Mangrove Lagoon National Park, is where you can trade the UAE capital’s bustling, modern cityscape for lush and soothing nature. The protected ecological jewel just outside Abu Dhabi’s city centre is home to rich birdlife and the mangrove forests and saltmarshes offer outdoor adventures for the whole family.

On a kayaking trip, you’re likely to spot herons and flamingos, while marine mammals like dugongs and dolphins also occasionally navigate the channels. If you’re looking for a quieter alternative, there’s Jubail Mangrove Park with its wooden boardwalks that allow for soothing, meandering walks through lush greenery.

Observation Deck at 300 is where you can take in uninterrupted bird's-eye views of the capital of the United Arab Emirates. You can find the cool chillout spot on the 74^th floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers' second tower. At 300 metres, it’s deemed the city’s highest vantage point.

From noon, you can head up to the spot for Instagrammable shots against the modern Abu Dhabi skyline. Stay on for the amazing sunsets over the Corniche and the Arabian Gulf. Afternoon high tea and happy hour deals from 5 pm to 7 pm are other good reasons to head up here. Enjoy servings of fine tea blends, coffees and mocktails paired with sweet and savoury morsels along with the memorable view.