Abu Dhabi is the capital of the U.A.E and is an industrious and well-ordered city, boasting of a charming waterside location. It was originally a tiny fishing village until the discovery of oil mines was made. The revenues from the oil transformed the place into a bustling and modern city today. Read on to discover the best things to do during a visit here!
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2. Mangrove Kayaking Tours
If you want to see a different side of the city, which is usually associated with being a concrete jungle, you must visit the Mangrove forests along the shores that surround Abu Dhabi. There is a host of kayaking tours, which are designed for different age-groups and experiences. These tours usually last from around 1.5 to 3 hours. For a special experience, you can go for a night tour and discover the beauty of mangroves while paddling through the waters.
Mangrove Kayaking Tours
Website:Mangrove Kayaking Tours
3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This beautiful and mammoth sized mosque is made with Macedonian marble and is a landmark building of Abu Dhabi. It is the most popular sightseeing destination in the city. This contemporary mosque is known for its Islamic architecture and is adorned with exquisite glasswork, intricate carvings, and mosaic tiling, creating a spectacular effect. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque took two decades to construct before being opened in 2007 and is able to accommodate about 40,000 worshippers at a time. It is also the largest mosque in the U.A.E. Even non-Muslims can explore all areas of this grand mosque and can avail guided tours.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Address: Al Khaleej al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi
Website: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
4. Observation Deck at 300
Many regard this tower as the city’s answer to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. This tall observation deck offers skyline views and is Abu Dhabi’s tallest point, located at the Hotel Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ 74th floor. The hotel’s non-guests need to pay an entry fee but they can redeem the price of the tickets after purchasing drinks and food from the restaurant, located in this deck. It serves delectable light bites, soft drinks, and snacks. You can also enjoy a high tea in the afternoons.
Observation Deck at 300
Address: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Website: Observation Deck at 300
Abu Dhabi Tour Guide
Dubai Local Tour Guide
Welcome, Hello, bonjour, Hola, Namasty, Salam! It brings me great joy to extend a warm welcome as you embark on your journey to explore our vibrant city during your visit to the United Arab Emirates. Here, in this land of hospitality, you are not just a guest; you are welcomed as a member of our extended family. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Rafiq, a seasoned professional in the realm of t... Read more
Tours by Dubai local tour guide
5. Ferrari World
This is a branded theme park in Abu Dhabi where you can taste the thrill and excitement of Formula One racing. Moreover, it is one of the best things to do for both families and adventure seekers while visiting the city. Your kids can also test their newly acquired driving skills on a special track while you can simply buckle up and enjoy riding the Flying Aces roller coaster at high speed. Do not miss the impressive collections of the different models of the Ferrari cars and a tour of the Ferrari factory. There are models here that date back to 1947.
Ferrari World
Address: Yas Leisure Drive, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Website: Ferrari World
6. Qasr Al-Hosn
The fort is also called the White Fort or the Old Fort. Al-Hosn has the distinction of being Abu Dhabi’s oldest building and an important site of historical significance. It was in 1793 when the ruling family constructed this palace as the seat of the government and their residence. The fort’s interior has been modernized and has undergone renovations. It is now a museum tracing Abu Dhabi’s culture and rich history. There is an impressive collection of historical photographs in this museum, and the main gate has some magnificent tile work along with its courtyard, which should not be missed when you visit.
Qasr Al-Hosn
Address: Hamdan bin Mohammed Street, Abu Dhabi
Website: Qasr Al-Hosn
7. Yas Waterworld
When the heat gets too grinding for you, just proceed to Yas Island so that you can take a cool dip at the Yas Waterworld. This mammoth sized theme waterpark has plenty to offer, including a river ride and exciting water slides. There are shops, and cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the food and beverages in between your rides. The park also has an exclusive water play area for all those visitors who arrive with small kids.
Yas Waterworld
Address: Yas Island, adjacent to Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
Website: Yas Waterworld
8. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
This unique site is a veterinary hospital for the injured and sick falcons and is one of its kinds. The Falcon Hospital also has arrangements for guided tours to showcase its facilities if you are interested. These guided tours will present you with an opportunity to get close to the birds in the various wards. There is also an on-site museum that will explain to you the history of the falcons. You will even get the opportunity to feed or hold a bird.
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Address: Off Sweihan Road, Abu Dhabi
Website: Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
9. The Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace is run by Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, a top luxury hotel group. It is regarded as the most expensive hotel in the world and was instructed and owned by the government of Abu Dhabi. The cost incurred for building this hotel is estimated at a whopping three billion USD. Come, visit a great hotel and marvel at its beauty and splendor.
The Emirates Palace
Address: West Corniche Road, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
Website: The Emirates Palace
10. Boat Tours
Do you want to enjoy the most spectacular views of the glittering skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi? In that case, you simply have to head towards the water. As you participate in a boat tour, you can get some of the best views of the city’s concrete jungle. Many travel operators have come out with different packages for a host of budgets. Two popular trips that visitors love are the sunset tours and the island hopping tours.
11. Saadiyat Public Beach
Watch out for this gorgeous public beach occupying a prime location in the district of Saadiyat. Enjoy a leisure-oriented and laid back lifestyle with plenty of recreational and sports activities available to the visitors and local residents alike, in the midst of a superb beach setting. You can also join a beach fitness class or participate in one of the numerous environment-friendly water sports such as standup paddle boarding and kayaking. Savor the lip-smacking beverages and food at the Beach Club Bistro. It can accommodate over one hundred guests for private as well as corporate events.
Saadiyat Public Beach
Address: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Website: Saadiyat Public Beach
12. Abrahamic Family House
Contributed by Content Creator, Gwen Kho Hsiao Lin
Source: Gwen Kho Hsiao Lin
This amazing religious cultural site in Abu Dhabi was designed by the Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye OM OBE, who has manifested the institution’s vision into physical form.
The three houses of worship, Muslim, Christian and Jewish are designed of equal stature, size and materiality to eliminate any sense of hierarchy. The three structures are linked together through an elevated landscaped garden that becomes a shared space for gathering and connection.
The mosque is oriented towards Mecca, the church towards the sun and the synagogue towards Jerusalem.
13. Etihad Museum
Contributed by Tour Guide, Sandra guia Dubai Calvo
Beat the heat in Dubai by exploring Etihad Museum! Designed by architects Moriyama and Teshima, this architectural marvel not only boasts stunning design but also offers an immersive journey into the rich history and culture of the UAE from 1968 to 1974. Through videos, photographs, interactive screens, and more, you’ll delve deep into the nation’s past. Did you know the museum’s structure resembles a manuscript, inspired by the Unification Agreement? The seven slanted columns symbolize the pens that signed the 1971 Constitution Declaration.
Get dazzled by Abu Dhabi
You will definitely fall in love with Abu Dhabi as it is a gorgeous destination. In fact, it will simply take your breath away, the way it does for other visitors. The soaring skyline, the shimmering sea, and the shiny towers enhance the beauty of the city. Abu Dhabi is an island that is situated majestically on the sea with crystal clear water surrounding it. The gorgeous white sand on the beaches and the date palm trees are an added bonus during your trip.
History
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