Guide to Abu Dhabi
The adventurer’s
Abu Dhabi is truly an adventurer’s paradise, with a coastline rimmed by beaches, year-round sunshine, vibrant culture, magnificent architecture, traditional monuments, and adventure-sport destinations.
Although famous for its oil, Abu Dhabi is also the most culturally and ethnically diverse hub of the UAE. There’s plenty to keep you occupied, from traditional desert camping adventures to a ride on the world’s fastest roller coaster and a walk on the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, among other things.
A trip to Abu Dhabi will excite, entertain, and expose you to unparalleled cultural experiences and outings.
There are so many places to visit in Abu Dhabi that depending on how long you stay; you may not be able to see them all. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try; here are some places to visit in Abu Dhabi for an adventure.
Emirates Auto National Museum Abu Dhabi
The Emirates Auto National Museum Abu Dhabi is a must-see if you’re a car enthusiast or looking for a unique location to take some memorable photographs.
This museum, located 45 kilometers south of Abu Dhabi, houses an extensive collection of modified and vintage cars, trucks, and military vehicles. Some of the items in the collection have even appeared on Top Gear, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) television show.
All the vehicles in the museum are from the private collection of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. It features the Sheikh’s infamous Mercedes rainbow collection and a vast collection of classic American cars and off-road vehicles, including the world’s largest truck.
Beyond the 200+ cars that call Emirates Auto National Museum their home, the building’s pyramid shaped structure is an architectural delight to behold.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
No matter how many theme parks you’ve been to or how many roller-coaster rides you’ve been on, the theme parks in Abu Dhabi are in a league of their own.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the crown jewel of the lot.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s first Ferrari-themed park, complete with the world’s fastest roller coaster ride. Its iconic structure houses a plethora of high-adrenaline rides, cutting-edge stimulators, family-friendly attractions, and an inspiring treasure trove of racing memorabilia that will undoubtedly blow your mind.
If you are feeling especially adventurous, head over to the Ferrari World Karting Academy for a quick lesson and a spin around the tracks.
There are also two stores and a selection of restaurants that celebrate authentic Italian culinary traditions, making it the ideal place for you if you enjoy the thrill of fast rides.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Do you enjoy competing against Mother Nature’s elements? Looking for a water-themed adrenaline rush? Then head down to Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, which is located on the popular and exciting Yas Island.
The waterpark spans 37 acres (the size of 15 football fields) and includes over 40 electrifying slides, wave simulators, and water coasters. Here, you can experience stomach-turning slides as well as adrenaline-pumping plunges to set the tone for an unforgettable outing.
Choose your thrill level; Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi has four intensity level categories: Young Fun, Adrenaline Rush, Moving, and Grooving. Whichever you go for, you’re sure to enjoy an immersive experience.
If you need a break from all the high adrenaline slides and attractions, you can soak up the Abu Dhabi sunshine as you float along the Yas Waterworld lazy river or refuel in any of the nearby restaurants.
Qasr Al-Hosn Abu Dhabi
Your visit to Abu Dhabi would be incomplete if you don’t take the time to learn about the city’s cultural and historical heritage. What better place to begin than the symbolic birthplace of Abu Dhabi?
In a city racing towards the future, Qasr Al Hosn is a steadfast reminder of its past. Al-Hosn is one of Abu Dubai’s most important historical landmarks and the city’s oldest structure.
The magnificent white fortress is surrounded by sprawling skyscrapers in the city centre. Qasr Al Hosn’s foundations date back to 1760. It has served as a community library, the seat of government, the home of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family, and as a fort over the centuries.
Following lots of restoration work by the Abu Dhabi government, Qasr Al-Hosn now serves mainly as a museum. Its most recent transformation includes a visual arts centre, a massive new theatre, an outdoor gallery, two new exhibition halls, a children’s library, and a prayer area.
There’s also a mangrove garden, a prominent water feature, and a ‘house of artisans’, where you can watch live demonstrations of traditional handicrafts like weaving, tailoring, pottery, and basketry.
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
The UAE has a long history with falconry. It is actually a part of the nation’s rich heritage and culture.
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the world’s first and largest hospital devoted exclusively to falcons. Every year, approximately 6,000 birds visit this one-of-a-kind hospital for treatment, high-quality check-ups, and feather substitution.
A visit to Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital allows you to experience the magnificent birds of prey in a close, personal setting while also providing an interesting look at the history of falcons in the region.
Take a tour of the hospital, see an actual falcon pedicure, and watch the birds swoop through a free-flight aviary; the size and captivating backdrop are ideal for excellent photographic opportunities with falcons.
Deepen your experience by visiting the onsite museum, which features an intriguing exhibit that explains the history of falconry. Coming here will undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.
Other Activities in Abu Dhabi Worth Exploring
If you would like to take a break from all the cultural tours and heart-pumping activities on this list while on your trip, you can.
Abu Dhabi has a thriving entertainment and live events scene that is packed full of events all year round.
From international sporting events to cultural exhibitions, live concerts, immersive game experiences, and more. You are bound to find an entertaining activity that you can enjoy from the sidelines.
Stay Gold.
