11 Best Things To Do In Abu Dhabi: Live, Work, And Play

Abu Dhabi is a city in the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East, well, its capital, actually, that provides a place for some people from various parts of the globe to find better work opportunities. According to statistics, overseas workers in this UAE city account for a whopping 90 percent of its workforce. If you want to earn more, you better be looking at working in Abu Dhabi. But, Abu Dhabi is not just a space for these people, but also for avid travelers. There are so many things to do in Abu Dhabi for tourists, from visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to stopping by Louvre Abu Dhabi. 

This city is fast-moving, and has become synonymous with opulent hotels, ultra-modern theme parks, luxurious beach clubs, and high-end shopping. Abu Dhabi glows extraordinarily. To help you on your visit here, let’s uncover the best things to do in Abu Dhabi. 

11 Best Things To Do In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Presenting the best things to do in Abu Dhabi. 

1. Be Awed By The Beauty Of The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Unlike its neighboring city, Dubai, Abu Dhabi may not have been blessed with sky-high buildings, but the mosques here are some of the most beautiful in the world. After all, Islam is strong in this country. So, one of the first on your things to do in Abu Dhabi list should be visiting the immaculate Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the must-visit attractions when you’re here in Abu Dhabi for a good reason. Not only is this mosque one of the largest in the world, but it is also one of the most stunning. With its exquisite pure white marble and elaborate floral designs inlaid with precious stones, prepare your senses for something great. 

Things do not end there. As you venture inside, you can see one of the world’s largest hand-loomed carpets and the second-biggest chandelier in the world handmade with gold and Swarovski crystals. Truly, UAE loves to be record-breaking, doesn’t it?

What’s more, this mosque is free to visit, and, believe it or not, the daily tours which you can avail are also for free.

2. Witness The City’s Most Beautiful Artworks At Louvre Abu Dhabi

Sounds familiar? Yes, it’s name is taken from the iconic Louvre Museum in France, and for a reason. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, Louvre Abu Dhabi runs under an agreement signed by the UAE and France in 2007, allowing the former to use Louvre’s name until 2037. Moreover, this museum has also been described by the original Louvre as “France’s largest cultural project abroad.”

It started welcoming guests in 2017. It features 12 galleries that contain world-class collections that trace humanity’s artistic feats from the Neolithic age up to today, whilst breaking the norms of museum curation traditions. 

Instead of being grouped by country or civilization, the artworks here at Louvre Abu Dhabi are grouped by theme and time frame. The result? A globe-trotting experience through human heritage, highlighting the universal threads that binds world cultures. If you are looking to immerse in some beautiful artworks, you better be including this on your things to do in Abu Dhabi itinerary.

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3. Stop By The Founder’s Memorial And See A Giant 3D Outdoor Art Installation

Here, we will be hearing the name of Sheikh Zayed again. Sheikh Zayed, whose full name is Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is the founder of the UAE, and his life and triumphs are celebrated here at the Founder’s Memorial. 

Not only that but this memorial also offers a tranquil retreat from the busy corners of Abu Dhabi. If you want to understand Abu Dhabi or the UAE from the perspective of its founder, add this on your things to do in Abu Dhabi list. 

You can start your tour at the visitor center where you can get a feel of the memorial from its architect’s vision and initial concept, to the complex build of its unusual design. From there, head to the hypnotic landscape gardens, or participate in a free guided tour to admire “The Constellation,” the central focus of this attraction.

“The Constellation” is set against an imposing backdrop of some of the city’s most highly-esteemed buildings. Though you can view it at any time of the day, it really comes out beautifully at night when hundreds of light bulbs subtly illuminate a portrait of the sheikh.

4. Say ‘Yaaaaaaas!’ To Yas Island

Another of the things to do in Abu Dhabi which lets you take a break from the bustling metropolis of downtown Abu Dhabi is visiting Yas Island, a cool and breezy recreation zone filled with unparalleled entertainment. 

For one, there’s the Yas Mall for endless shopping experiences, then there’s the Yas Waterworld which offers a refreshing retreat for the whole family. But there are more theme parks here, such as Seaworld and Warner Bros. World. 

This island also hosts Formula One races, particularly at the Marina Circuit. Or, if you are looking for something unique, head to the Ferrari World amusement park. You’ll learn more about this next.

5. Honor The Ferrari Brand At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, And Ride The World’s Fastest Roller Coaster

The UAE truly fancies earning record-breaking titles. Its Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is not only the first Ferrari-branded theme park in the world, but it is also where the world’s fastest roller coaster is, Formula Rossa. Wondering if you can ride and experience that roller coaster? Of course! These are making visiting this theme park one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.

Other experiences here at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi include the Flying Aces roller coaster – which is also one of the world’s biggest loop and steepest, thus fastest, incline cable lift –  the Turbo Track where you can feel a zero gravity fall, the Ferrari Driving Experience around the island led by a company-certified driver, and an imaginative 4D adventure. In between these thrills, don’t miss the car exhibits and live shows.

Feel free to explore these things to do in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE. For more of this country, check out our guide to the best things to do in Dubai.

6. Get On An Evening Desert Tour With Camel Rides, Tons Of Entertainment, And More 

Of course, will the experience here in this Middle East city and the things to do in Abu Dhabi go on without a desert tour? This tour is more than just any popular tour out there. It happens in the evening with safari and BBQ dinner experiences. 

Head out on an adventure through stunning landscapes, and make your way to a Bedouin-style camp tucked within the sand dunes. You’ll also be riding a 4×4 as it drives across rolling hills, sandboarding down them at breakneck speeds, and riding a camel, among other great experiences. There’s also a belly dancing show included.

7. Embark On A Journey Exploring Abu Dhabi’s Transformation From A Fishing And Farming Town To A World-Class City

If the city’s history sparks your curiosity, this is one of the must-try things to do in Abu Dhabi. This tour lets you embark on an unforgettable journey exploring Abu Dhabi’s transformation from a humble fishing and farming town into one of the most highly-respected cities in the world. 

This tour includes visits to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Wahat Al Karama (Oasis of Dignity), Qasr Al Watan, Etihad Towers, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

8. Feel Some Sci-Fi Vibes At Masdar City

Fan of sci-fi? Be sure to head to Masdar City for some architecture with a sci-fi vibe. Located near the Abu Dhabi Airport, Masdar City is considered as the world’s first zero-carbon and zero-waste city powered entirely by renewable energy. Well those are still on the planning stage right now. But though those goals have not come into complete fruition yet, the city core, which is the only part finished so far, you can find a Teflon-coated wind tower, a domed knowledge hall, and a sharp-edged incubator building against wavy terracotta-colored walls of residences, making Masdar City an epitome of city planning’s future. Also one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi. 

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9. Roam Around The Corniche At Sunset

Corniche Beach is probably one of the best places on Earth where you can let off steam amidst its sunny climate. There are lots of things to do in Abu Dhabi while you are here. You can walk or bike along its promenade, and soak up the sun’s ways between stops at beautiful gardens and cafés. Don’t forget to soak in some unforgettable views from the observation deck of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, along with other activities.

10. Kayak Among The Mangroves

Abu Dhabi may be a desert city that considers a desert country its home, but this UAE capital is also home to a coastline filled with mangrove forests. Looking at these forests is just the tip of the iceberg, since here, you may also spot dolphins, turtles, fish, and other forms of marine life. 

One of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi while you’re here is kayaking. You won’t also get to kayak through all these natural environments, but you can also spot from a distance the Abu Dhabi skyline where you get to see it contrasting vividly from the mangroves.

11. Visit Emirates Palace, The City’s Lavish Icon Larger Than Buckingham Palace

If Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is wide vertically, the lavish Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is wide horizontally. Did you know it is even larger than Buckingham Palace in London?

Your visit to the Emirates Palace will take you across audacious domed gatehouses and flying ramps to the foyer, not to mention its 114 domes, private beach spanning 1.3 kilometers, 1,002 crystal chandeliers, and 392 luxury rooms and suites. Visiting this place is certainly one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi. Indulge.

Explore more of the Middle East like how you did with the best things to do in Abu Dhabi. How about traveling to Cairo in Egypt? 

Eventful Things To Do In Abu Dhabi: Upcoming Events Happening In This City

Abu Dhabi is full of life, so it becomes the perfect venue for such a wide range of events. Here are the upcoming events that you might want to attend while you are in Abu Dhabi. So many fun things to do in Abu Dhabi!

• Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2023, September 16th – One of the biggest kids networks worldwide has chosen Etihad Arena in Yas Island to host its biggest awarding ceremony.
• NBA Abu Dhabi Games, October 5th – The Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves will go head-to-head in NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023!
• National Geographic exhibition, thru April 2025 – Abu Dhabi’s National Aquarium will play host to this exhibit that showcases the stunning imagery and stories from over a decade worth of worldwide expeditions by National Geographic.

Abu Dhabi: Live, Work, Play

A lot of people who travel to the United Arab Emirates visit the other city, Dubai, for its luxurious shopping centers, towering skyscrapers, and of course, its sophisticated lifestyle. But, as the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi also has a lot to be proud of. 

The tinier neighbor of glitzy Dubai, Abu Dhabi welcomes and treats travelers with its charismatic opulence. It may not be the center of five-star hotels and sophisticated shopping malls, but UAE’s capital is a diverse destination that successfully balances pristine beaches with cultural landmarks, and fun theme parks with pockets of nature.

Whether you wish to spend quality time with family or friends in the desert, or explore the fascinating culture of this emirate, there’s a lot of things to do in Abu Dhabi for you to discover.