Unique Things to Do in Abu Dhabi City - Top Ten

There are lots of interesting things to do in Abu Dhabi during your visit. This cosmopolitan city has beautiful beaches with gorgeous turquoise waters, high tech shopping malls, and several cultural and heritage centers. But in order to really get an idea about the top and best things to do in Abu Dhabi city and around, below is a selection of top ten list of things which should be in your must see sites while you are in the city.

1. Enjoy the Desert world

One thing everyone should do while in Abu Dhabi is the desert safari. Choose either a sand dune bashing which is basically a terror ride on a 4WD bashing against the beautiful sand dunes or a sedate camel trekking. In the sunset, you can do camel riding or sand skiing near some Bedouin camp where you can try some Arabian coffee and henna painting. Tours often include an Arabic buffet with belly dancing, falconry demonstration and shisha smoking. Another way to feel the desert is to spend your time in the Desert Islands and enjoy the trip to the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island.

2. Embrace the Corniche

A stroll along the magnificent Abu Dhabi Corniche is one of the things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids. There are several manicured gardens and fountains lined all along the Corniche against an impressive skyline around the coastal boulevard that borders the city. There are trees for shade, play areas, a new beach and bicycle rentals for the more adventurous. The water is calm in the cornice side and it becomes alive in the evening with jet skiers showing off. The Abu Dhabi Corniche also features a public swimming area. A boat cruise along the Corniche enjoying the most picturesque views of Abu Dhabi is unbeatable.

3. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi or just the Grand Mosque. Take a tour of the white mosque, one of the largest and newest mosques in the world and you will be dazzled by the Swarovski crystal chandeliers, 24 carat gold and precious stonework, the endless white marble domes and columns, and the largest hand-woven Persian carpet in the world. It is a whirlwind of materials from Italy, Greece and China and is an amazing site to see.

4. Sip High tea at the Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace, the 7 star hotel in Abu Dhabi is worth a visit to see the amazing grounds and architecture, the gold platted lobby, the mosaic tiled domes and the extensive Swarovski crystal chandeliers. The seven star hotel in Abu Dhabi is open to non staying guests and you can have an afternoon tea in the lobby lounge for a reasonable price and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. You’re also likely to chance upon one of the many fascinating exhibitions which are regularly held here.

5. Try the fast lane in Yas Island

Explore the Yas Island which hosts the Ferrari World, the largest indoor theme park in Abu Dhabi and Yas Marina Circuit, the Formula one race track. Get set for a rollercoaster ride of a lifetime at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi which offers more than 20 unique rides and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Visit the Formula 1 circuit and tour the facilities. Check in the garages and see the fastest drag car on the continent.

6. Charter a Dhow

It is a pleasure to enjoy the luxury of a buffet dinner on a traditional double decker wooden Dhow and fantastic sights of Abu Dhabi skyline in all its glory while on-board the cruise. The Dhow is a traditional vessel which was used by islanders on the waters of the Gulf. The same traditional vessel comes as an authentic Arabic sailing boat equipped with all the modern amenities required for the tourists to have a view of the awesome sunset over the Arabian coast.

7. Cherish the old days in the Heritage Village

If you’re looking for a sense of how Abu Dhabi life was before oil, you shouldn’t miss to drop by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village which showcases Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage, located near the Abu Dhabi Breakwater. You’ll experience the replica of the traditional Bedouin way of life, such as a goat hair tent, a desert campsite complete with camels and the falaj irrigation system. A demonstration of traditional crafts and falconry display are part of the program.

8. Watch the Falconry

Experience the noble art of falconry at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. Falconry is another age-old heritage sports that existed in the country for thousands of years. Originally used by the Bedouins for hunting small game the falconry developed into a traditional sport with specific rules and practices, especially among the ruling class making UAE nationals as 50% of the world’s falconers according to some figures. Guided tours offer a visit to the Falcon Museum, a falcon show and lunch in a Khaima, a traditional Arabian tent.

9. Learn Scuba Diving

You can swim with the fishes and explore the mystery of the deep waters, a dream made more exciting and possible through scuba diving in Abu Dhabi. Scuba Diving is one of the most fascinating adventure sports in Abu Dhabi. It is another best option to cool off in the summer months and Abu Dhabi offers crystal-clear and calm waters with fascinating marine ecology for your scuba diving satisfaction. There are plenty scuba diving firms in Abu Dhabi to help you for your scuba diving needs. Several hotels and beach resorts own and maintain canoes and scuba diving gears which are made available to you.

10. Shop and Win

Shopping at some of the great souks and malls is a must do when in Abu Dhabi. Visit the Madinat Zayed Gold Souk to purchase reasonably priced pieces of jewelries before you drive back to the airport. Try out at the Mina souk, which is an old and traditional type souk houses the Iranian souk selling imported goods from Iran such as rugs, bedding, crockery and Persian carpets, and also the Afghan souk which has great oriental carpets and the food souk selling dates galore. The city is home to some of the most modern shopping malls where you can enjoy shopping, dining and watch entertainments.