Best attractions in Abu Dhabi
The holiday style in Abu Dhabi is respectable. There will be no hectic pace and no traffic jams like in Dubai. All the attractions of Abu Dhabi are located on Yas Island. So there is no need to explore the whole hot desert in search of something memorable. Great tourist demand is due to the huge number of all kinds of entertainment and shopping centers, as well as affordable prices compared to Dubai. As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is rich in attractions: architectural monuments, museums, galleries, picturesque parks. So you will never wonder “what to see in Abu Dhabi”.
Visiting Abu Dhabi attractions
Tourists are offered all kinds of sightseeing tours that can interest even the most passive tourist. The Emirate has beautiful mosques, long promenades, picturesque oases, artificial islands. Everything is so competently distributed over the territory that there is no “dead spots”, so you do not get bored.
Excellent transport links make it easy to get to the desired location, sometimes you can even walk on foot. The center of the capital can be seen and appreciated for literally a day walk, more impressive places are outside the city. Excursions to Abu Dhabi include in their itinerary the following
List of must-see places for every tourist:
- Sir Bani Yas, which is a key historical monument of the island. Being the palace of Sheikh Al-Jafar, this place is complemented by a nature reserve with rare species of animals and birds;
- Ferrari Park. A relatively new attraction for locals and visitors. The area is home to a Formula One track, a Ferrari exhibition. This place is on list of the best attractions in the UAE. Be sure to visit this park if you come to Abu Dhabi with kids.
Official website: https://ferrariworldabudhabi.com
- The Khalif Park at Al Bateen Airport is a famous green area complemented by fascinating architectural objects. The park is home to the History Museum with wax statues, an aquarium and the local “Time Tunnel” which takes you back in time to the past of the Arab Emirates. You can take a sightseeing train to explore the beauties;
Official website: https://khalifapark.wixsite.com
- Al Ittihad Square in the center of the island with symbolic pedestals: a coffee receptacle, a smoking bowl, a water vessel for flowers, a lid for closing food, a fortress and a cannon;
- the handmade Liu-Lu island. On it will soon be the official opening of a huge water amusement park. It will be connected to the capital with a tunnel under water;
- Liwa Oasis and its sand dunes;
- Corniche, the famous eight-kilometer street, stretches along the seashore. It is always crowded and loud;
- Sheikh Zayd Mosque is the only Muslim temple in this city that is open to all visitors;
Official website: https://www.szgmc.gov.ae
- The palaces-hotels are amazing in their beauty and scale. Even a walk through their corridors leaves a lot of impressions;
- Among the most fascinating museums are the Ethnographic Village and the UAE Machinery Museum.
Every tourist comes from Abu Dhabi with a lot of photo sights. That’s why in the capital everyone can feel like a Schumacher, a real sheik, while shopping for camels in the colorful market, and enjoy the amazing scenery in the oasis of Liwa and the gardens of the capital.
Official website: https://www.enam.ae
Combining beach holidays and sightseeing in Abu Dhabi
There is a wide variety of beaches in the emirate. From urban with all the benefits of developed infrastructure and the charms of civilization in walking distance, to the countryside, characterized by spaciousness, scenic beauty, privacy.
Counting several islands, the emirate “allows” its territory to be explored. Each can be reached by boat or bridge. There are theme parks, golf courses and diving stations available.
Beach holidays can be characterized as relaxing, because there are plenty of entertainment for all tastes, but not in such abundance that it ruins the blissful peacefulness.
The local beaches are very clean and landscaped. The coral origin of the fine velvety sand prevents it from heating up. Thanks to the gentle entrance, the bottom without depressions and drops, the place is excellent for swimming with children.
The following beach areas are worth mentioning:
- Abu Dhabi’s Central Beach, which has a Blue Flag award. It is fully zoned: paid, no recreation fee, for families, private areas of hotels. The area has everything you need for a comfortable holiday. Nearby are cafeterias, small stores, sports and children’s areas;
- Al Raha is 20 minutes from the capital, it’s not as crowded. There are plans to make it into a beautiful promenade known around the world. You have to pay to get in;
- Bahraini Island also has several bathing areas. One side of it is occupied by an affluent resort, the rest of the area is wild beaches preferred by young people;
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Yas Island is a great place for families with children. Hotel guests don’t have to pay for admission. Visitors will have to splurge a bit;
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Jebel Dana is almost always sparsely populated, very clean. It’s shallow and gentle. But there are no signs of civilization to be found.
Obviously, of all the variety you can choose a place for a beach holiday to your liking. Each beach has its own zest and is oriented under a certain contingent of holiday-makers.
Abu Dhabi sights, holidays with children
Many people come to the Arabian capital as a family, so they want to enjoy a full vacation. Experienced guides in Abu Dhabi recommend the following attractions and activities that are suitable for a full holiday with children.
Official website: https://www.yaswaterworld.com
Among the places of interest is Al Ain Garden City, a wildlife sanctuary and park. It rehabilitates injured animals. Younger guests can enjoy a full guided tour of the picturesque place. The park made it into the Guinness Book of World Records because of the large number of flower baskets, there are more than 10 million different flowers.
Al Ain has a huge amusement park, Healy Fun City, where you can enjoy local theater productions and animation programs. Near the National Theater is the Mushrif Children’s Park, where there are many swings and merry-go-rounds. You can also go to the local zoo with an oceanarium.
Official website: https://www.ummalemaratpark.ae
Yas Island offers to enjoy the amusement park “World of Ferrari”, where everyone can feel like a real racer. There is also a large water park.
Local shopping and cuisine
This Arabian emirate is considered large and rich, so the local shopping can be quite considered a tourist attraction. There are no boundaries between the traditional bazaars of the East and the modern shopping centers, markets with camels, Persian carpets and boutiques of world famous European brands.
Most want to acquire unique oriental goodies and various items. Among the more serious and expensive options is jewelry: gold jewelry in the European and Arabian style.
Handmade carpets and bedspreads are considered traditional goods. They are worth buying at the special market Carpet Souk. Always be sure to price and bargain, the seller will definitely reduce the price.
There are a large number of shopping centers in Abu Dhabi, offering all sorts of products. You can get a very good bargain in the summer or winter, and enjoy the spring shopping festival in March.
It is possible to find an authentic restaurant for all tastes in the capital. The price will depend on the preferences and fame of the establishment. The most luxurious option is eating in a restaurant with a beautiful view. Alcohol can be found not in every restaurant. Almost all establishments offer fish and seafood, the famous dish is “briquettes.” Even the street eateries will delight you with delicious local delicacies. After visiting Abu Dhabi be sure to visit Dubai! We have prepared for you review of the best sights in Dubai to inspire you for your next trip to the UAE.
