Abu Dhabi is the capital and the largest city of the United Arab Emirates, a country that boasts a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Abu Dhabi is a modern and cosmopolitan city that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you are looking for art, architecture, adventure, or relaxation, Abu Dhabi has something for you.
In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps of planning a trip to Abu Dhabi, including when to go, where to stay, what to see, and what to do. We will also highlight one of the most popular and exciting activities in Abu Dhabi: the Desert Safari Abu Dhabi, a thrilling and unforgettable experience that will take you to the heart of the Arabian desert. Read on and discover how to make the most of your trip to Abu Dhabi.
When to Go
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between October and April, when the weather is pleasant and mild, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This is also the peak season for tourism, so expect higher prices and crowds, especially during holidays and festivals. If you want to avoid the crowds and save some money, you can visit Abu Dhabi between May and September, when the weather is hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 30°C to 45°C (86°F to 113°F). This is also the low season for tourism, so you can find lower prices and fewer crowds, but you will also have to cope with the heat and the occasional sandstorm.
Where to Stay
Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and resorts to budget hostels and apartments. You can choose the one that suits your budget, preference, and location. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi:
Downtown
This is the heart of the city, where you can find many attractions, such as the Corniche, the Qasr Al Hosn, the World Trade Center, and the Central Market. You can also find many shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as public transport and taxis. This is a good area to stay if you want to be close to the action and enjoy the city life. However, it can also be noisy, crowded, and expensive.
Yas Island
This is a man-made island that hosts some of the most famous attractions in Abu Dhabi, such as the Ferrari World, the Yas Waterworld, the Yas Marina Circuit, and the Yas Mall. You can also find many hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars, as well as a beach and a golf course. This is a good area to stay if you want to enjoy the leisure and entertainment options and have easy access to the airport. However, it can also be isolated, artificial, and pricey.
Saadiyat Island
This is another man-made island that hosts some of the most prestigious cultural and artistic attractions in Abu Dhabi, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. You can also find many hotels, resorts, spas, and restaurants, as well as a beach and a golf course. This is a good area to stay if you want to enjoy the culture and the nature and have a relaxing and luxurious stay. However, it can also be remote, elitist, and costly.
What to See
Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing, from historical and cultural landmarks to modern and futuristic buildings. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Abu Dhabi:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This is the largest and most impressive mosque in the UAE, and one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. It can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers, and it features 82 domes, 1,000 columns, 24-carat gold chandeliers, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, and it offers free guided tours and audio guides. You can also admire the mosque at night, when it is illuminated by a stunning light show.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
This is a stunning museum that showcases the artistic and cultural heritage of the world, from ancient times to the present day. The museum is located on Saadiyat Island, a cultural district that also hosts other museums, galleries, and theaters. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is designed by the renowned architect Jean Nouvel, who created a masterpiece of light and shadow, inspired by the traditional Arab architecture and the natural landscape. The museum houses a collection of more than 600 artworks, spanning different civilizations, regions, and periods. You can admire masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and many others, as well as artifacts from Egypt, China, India, and other countries. The museum also features temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events, making it a dynamic and vibrant place to visit.
Emirates Palace
This is a luxurious hotel and a landmark of Abu Dhabi, located on the Corniche. The hotel is built in the style of an Arabian palace, with domes, arches, and gardens. The hotel has 394 rooms and suites, 14 restaurants and bars, 2 swimming pools, a spa, a private beach, and a marina. The hotel also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and festivals, and it offers tours and activities for visitors. You can also enjoy the hotel’s famous afternoon tea, or try the gold-flaked cappuccino at the Le Café.
What to Do
Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer in terms of activities, from relaxing and leisurely pursuits to adventurous and thrilling ones. Here are some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi:
Desert Safari Abu Dhabi
This is one of the most popular and exciting activities in Abu Dhabi, and a must-do for any visitor. A desert safari will take you to the majestic and mysterious Arabian desert, where you can experience the beauty, culture, and thrill of the desert life. You will enjoy a 4×4 drive through the sand dunes, a camel ride, a sandboarding session, a visit to a Bedouin camp, a barbecue dinner, a belly dance show, and a henna painting session. You can also opt for additional activities, such as quad biking, falconry, or shisha smoking. A desert safari is a fun and memorable way to explore the desert and learn about its traditions and customs. You can book your desert safari with Desert Safari Abu Dhabi, a tour operator that offers various desert safari packages, such as morning, evening, overnight, and private safaris. You can choose the one that suits your schedule, budget, and preferences. Desert Safari Abu Dhabi operates daily, from 8 am to 10 pm. The prices vary depending on the package and the number of people.
Yas Waterworld
This is a water park that offers a splash-tastic and fun-filled day for the whole family. The water park features more than 40 rides and attractions, suitable for all ages and thrill levels. You can experience the world’s first and largest hydromagnetic-powered tornado water slide, the Dawwama, or the world’s first interactive water and laser roller coaster, the Bandit Bomber. You can also enjoy slides, pools, waves, rapids, and a lazy river. The water park also has a unique theme that celebrates the Emirati culture and heritage, as well as a pearl-diving attraction that allows you to discover the history and tradition of pearl diving in the UAE. Yas Waterworld is open daily, from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 250 AED for adults, 210 AED for children, and free for children under 3.
Qasr Al Watan
This is a presidential palace that opened its doors to the public in 2019, offering a glimpse into the governance, culture, and history of the UAE. The palace is located on the Corniche, and it features a stunning architecture, inspired by the Arab-Islamic design and craftsmanship. The palace houses a library, a banquet hall, a conference hall, and a museum. You can explore the palace and its exhibits, learn about the UAE’s political system and achievements, and witness the changing of the guard ceremony. You can also enjoy a light and sound show that illuminates the palace at night, showcasing its beauty and significance. Qasr Al Watan is open daily, from 10 am to 8 pm. The entrance fee is 60 AED for adults, 30 AED for children, and free for children under 4.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi is a city that offers a diverse and exciting range of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you are interested in art, architecture, adventure, or relaxation, you will find something that will make your trip unforgettable. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Desert Safari Abu Dhabi, three of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi. Book your tickets today and enjoy the wonders of Abu Dhabi.
