Abu Dhabi is a very safe destination, and there are a suprising number of places to visit perfect for all interests. Whether you are looking for culture, or adrenaline thrilled adventures, you can find it in Abu Dhabi.
Below are some of the best places things to do in Abu Dhabi if you are planning a first time trip:
1. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Yas Waterworld is the largest waterpark in the UAE and one of the most popular destinations in the country with rides and fun for all ages.
You’ll love exploring the park’s 40 water rides, slides, and attractions, which offer different experiences and thrill levels.
This year, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is showcasing Neon Nights. In the evening, the entire park will be bathed in colourful glowing lights, giving you unique water adventures and making your visit here more fun and exciting.
Make a beeline for Neon River where you can ride a light-up tube and float around the UAE’s only illuminated lazy river. You can also watch a live hydrojet action show at the Amwaj wave pool, a one-of-a-kind performance that lights up the night sky.
Additionally, you can enjoy spectacular glowing entertainment with performances from LED POI performers and stilt walkers.
Lastly, you’ll be amazed by various dazzling shows featuring fire dancers, a laser man and more colourful lights.
2. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
The world’s largest indoor theme park is a must-visit any time of the day and year but it is an incredible place to visit.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi has 29 fun rides and attractions, all inspired by the Warner Bros. studio’s most popular TV and film franchises. These include Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, Tom and Jerry, Superman, Batman and the rest of the Justice League.
These features are spread across six lands: The Warner Bros. Plaza, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Gotham City and Metropolis.
Most of these rides and attractions are suitable for visitors of all ages.
The theme park is fun to explore during the day but is incredible to visit at night. It is an amazing sight to see in the evening since the entire area and all attractions are illuminated by thousands of vibrant lights.
You can even have fantastic aerial views of these attractions when you hop aboard Fast and Furry-ous, the park’s inverted roller coaster. You can also watch and be part of entertaining shows at the Warner Bros. Plaza at night.
Enjoy great eats and refreshments at the onsite restaurants and have fun shopping at the stores when you visit Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
3. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The world’s only Ferrari-themed park is a fantastic place to visit and a sight to see.
The famous theme amusement park is home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, and Flying Aces, the highest roller coaster loop on the planet.
Aside from these record-holding rides, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi boasts over 40 fun and exciting attractions. One of the best night-time activities you have to try here is the roof walk and zip line experiences. The roof walk experience lets you stroll on the iconic massive red roof of the theme park.
During the one-hour walk, you can take in the breathtaking views of the theme park and Yas Island illuminated by hundreds of lights.
If you’re looking for something more exciting, try the zipline experience. Your journey starts at the rooftop; from there, you’ll soar over the park. You’ll even go through the heart of the Flying Aces loop, which is the highlight of the experience.
If you want to try both activities, sign up for the 90-Minute Combo Experience.
4. Yas Marina Circuit
The Yas Marina Circuit is the official venue of the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is one of the most exciting night races on the Formula One calendar. It’s an event you shouldn’t miss if you’re a big fan of F1.
The Yas Marina Circuit is not only a hub for auto racing but also other sports. Here, you can take part in different driving experiences where you can drive a Caterham Seven Express, Aston Martin GT4, Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio and Formula Yas 3000.
You can also enjoy drag and drift racing and karting at the circuit. You can have a fun and memorable time taking part in these driving experiences when you do them at night when the track is lit up.
5. The Fountains
Many of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions are best visited after the sun sets. Aside from the cooler temperature, these places look great at night since they are gorgeously illuminated.
The Fountains is located near Yas Mall, CLYMB Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi are really recommended.
Nearby there are a variety of dining options, including sit-down restaurants and takeaway outlets. If you’re eating here, you can choose between indoor and outdoor terrace seating, which gives you amazing views of the dancing fountains.
At night, the fountains transform into an astonishing musical water and light show that will amaze you. Watch the fantastic show while enjoying a great dinner.
6. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Interested in some culture? Abu Dhabi’s most iconic architectural marvel is known for its stunning structural beauty.
Every facet of the mosque, inside and out, will catch your eye and impress you.
Aside from the well-designed, striking exterior and interior, there are other features to marvel at inside the mosque. These include the world’s biggest hand-knitted carpet, 24-carat-gilded chandeliers and several intricate carvings.
At night, the illuminated roofs, domes and columns enhance Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s beauty. It’s a marvellous sight that will take your breath away.
The surrounding lighting fixtures also light up the beautiful courtyard featuring the world’s largest marble mosaic artwork and several lovely reflective pools, making them more appealing and eye-catching.
7. Desert Safari
Escape the city and head out into the majestic desert on a 4x4 safari. Local travel companies offer trips which usually last half a day and allow you to go deep into the desert for to ride in the dunes and get amazing photos. This is one of the top things to do in the Middle East on a first time trip.
8. Sandboarding
Are you looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure? Book a sandboarding trip on the desert sand dunes. Children will absolutely love this and there is nothing quite like seeing the desert in person.
9. Boat Trip
Lots of cruises and boat trips are available where you can go explore the ocean, see wildlife or go snorkelling. These excursions are a lot of fun and a great way to escape the heat of mainland UAE. You'll get to see the Abu Dhabi skyline and architecture from a different perspective.
One experience we highly recommend is the Mangrove National Park: Self-Drive Speedboat Tour. Pilot your own speedboat through the lagoon past flamingos and the Sheikh’s palace into the mangroves following your guide. Keep an eye out for marine life as you maneuver through the canals.
10. Day Trip to Dubai
Dubai is one around a one hour trip by taxi and is wel worth spending a day here. Some of the top things to do in Dubai which are great for families include KidZania Dubai, Ski Dubai, Kite Beach, Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, Wild Wadi, Bur Dhabi and the Creek and the tallest building in the world the Burj Khalifa.
If you want to explore the highlights of Abu Dhabi, visit these places for the right combination of fun, relaxing and sightseeing experiences.
