Things to do in Abu Dhabi
From Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visits at dawn to desert-dune drives at dusk, Abu Dhabi delivers a range of experiences unmatched elsewhere in the Gulf.
Signature experiences
The six categories that define why travellers come to Abu Dhabi — and what makes the emirate genuinely different from anywhere else in the Middle East.
Landmarks and monuments
Iconic structures from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Qasr Al Hosn that define the soul of Abu Dhabi.
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Museums and culture
World-class collections including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, and Qasr Al Watan’s cultural halls.
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Theme parks
Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi — all on a single island on Yas.
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Desert safaris
Dune bashing, camel treks, sandboarding and starlit Bedouin dinners in the sweeping dunes around Liwa and Al Ain.
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Dhow and yacht cruises
Glide past the Corniche skyline on a traditional wooden dhow or a modern yacht, at sunset or under the stars.
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Culture and heritage
From the Al Ain Oasis UNESCO site to Qasr Al Hosn fort, Abu Dhabi’s living heritage spans millennia.
5 guidesMore ways to experience Abu Dhabi
Wildlife reserves, adrenaline activities, family fun and day-trip escapes — the broader palette of what Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Nature and wildlife
Mangrove kayaking, Sir Bani Yas wildlife drives and bird-watching in some of the Gulf’s richest natural reserves.
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Adventure and thrills
Yas Marina Circuit hot laps, dune surfing, jet-skiing the Corniche and adrenaline rides across the emirate.
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Family attractions
From Warner Bros. characters to mangrove kayaks and Saadiyat beaches — experiences children and parents remember equally.
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Day trips
Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, Dubai, Liwa dunes and the Empty Quarter — all reachable in a day from the city.
0 guidesBrowse by destination
Tours and activities organised by where you’re headed — the best of each city and area.
Abu Dhabi offers a range of activities that cuts across cultural heritage, engineered spectacle, and raw desert and coastal nature — sometimes within the same day. At the cultural end, no visit is complete without Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE’s largest mosque and one of the world’s most architecturally significant. Its white marble exterior, 82 domes, and interior space that can accommodate 40,000 worshippers make it a genuine architectural landmark, not just a tourist stop. Visits are free; dress code enforcement is strict (abayas are provided for women at the entrance). Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace opened to visitors in 2019, is the other must-see in Abu Dhabi city — the exhibition on governance and the palace’s extraordinary craftsmanship provide depth that most palace tours don’t.
For families or theme park enthusiasts, Yas Island delivers four major parks within short distance of each other. Ferrari World holds the world’s fastest roller coaster (Formula Rossa, 240km/h). Warner Bros. World is the only fully indoor Warner Bros. theme park on the planet, with Gotham City and Metropolis zones. Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi complete the cluster — budget at least one full day per park if doing them seriously.
Desert experiences are concentrated in the Al Dhafra and Liwa regions but also accessible closer to the city as day excursions. Standard programmes include dune bashing in 4WD vehicles, sandboarding, camel trekking, falconry demonstrations, and dinner in a bedouin camp under stars. Hot-air balloon flights over the Liwa dunes at sunrise are among the most spectacular experiences in the UAE, though they require an early departure from the city.
On the water, dhow cruises along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche and marina area run at sunset and dinner hours. Mangrove kayaking through the National Park’s channels is a different, quieter experience — guided tours depart from Eastern Mangroves — and the contrast of paddling through forest with city towers in the background is genuinely surprising. Saadiyat’s beaches offer swimming and water sports against a backdrop of the Louvre’s dome. Sir Bani Yas Island adds snorkelling over coral and wildlife drives among animals that are genuinely wild, not zoo-enclosure tame.
For motorsport fans, Yas Marina Circuit offers year-round driving experiences — from hot laps with professional instructors to karting. The F1 Grand Prix in late November brings international crowds and a festival atmosphere that extends well beyond the race itself. Golfers have access to Yas Links, one of the top-rated courses in the Middle East, and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, both with coastal settings.
Cultural day programmes in Al Ain — the oasis walk, Jahili Fort, Al Ain Zoo (largest in the Arabian Peninsula), and the drive up Jebel Hafeet — offer a view of the emirate that is entirely different from the urban glamour of the coast.
Abu Dhabi Travel FAQ
How much time do I need at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Plan 1.5 to 2 hours. The mosque is large and each element — the main prayer hall, the courtyard, the garden walks — rewards a slow visit. The best light for photography is early morning or just after sunset when the marble glows. Friday mornings are closed to non-Muslim visitors; check the current schedule before going.
Are the Yas Island theme parks worth the price?
Tickets run AED 305-395 per park (roughly €75-100). Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World are genuinely world-class and comparable to the best European parks. Yas Waterworld is excellent for families. Multi-park passes reduce the per-day cost significantly. If you’re visiting during peak season (October-March), book online in advance — queues can be long.
What is a desert safari actually like?
Most standard desert safaris run 3-5 hours in the late afternoon: 4WD dune bashing (aggressive driving over sand dunes — thrilling, but not for those with back problems or motion sickness), followed by a bedouin camp with camel rides, henna, shisha, buffet dinner, and a brief dance show. Higher-end programmes add overnight stays, sandboarding, and stargazing. Liwa-based safaris are more dramatic than those closer to the city.
Can non-Muslims visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Yes. Non-Muslims are welcome outside prayer times. Women must cover hair, arms, and legs; abayas are provided free at the entrance. Men must cover shoulders and knees. Photography is permitted throughout except inside the prayer hall during prayer times. Entry is free of charge. The mosque is closed to non-Muslim visitors on Friday mornings.
What is teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi?
teamLab Phenomena, which opened in 2025 on Saadiyat Island, is the largest teamLab museum in the world — an immersive digital art installation covering 17,000 square metres. The Japanese art collective creates interactive light and sound environments that respond to visitors' movements. It’s positioned alongside the Louvre Abu Dhabi as a major cultural anchor on Saadiyat Island.