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Things to see in Abu Dhabi

Attractions

Abu Dhabi Corniche

Winding 8km (5 miles) along the Persian Gulf shore, Abu Dhabi’s Corniche is a beautiful boulevard of paved walkways, gorgeous manicured greenery and luxury hotels. Bicycles and pedal cars are available for hire here with three beaches of golden sands, one for families, one for singles and a third for the general public. There is a small entrance fee for the family and singles sections.

Address: , Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi,
Telephone:
Opening times:

Daily 24 hours.

Website:
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

This truly impressive, 82-domed mosque is one of the largest in the world. Built by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in memory of his father, some 100,000 tons of white marble are used to dazzling effect. TTours are available for Muslims and non-Muslims, though women must wear a hijab which is provided free of charge, and loose, shapeless clothing that covers the arms and legs entirely. Men sporting shorts above the knee should dress in a dishdasha (ankle-length Arab garment) but a suit and tie outfit is also acceptable.

Address: 2nd Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al Maktoum Street, , Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 419 1919.
Opening times:

Sun-Thu 0900-2200, Fri 1630-2200.

Website: https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/mosque-manner
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Not content with being the world’s largest indoor theme park, this Ferrari-themed mega attraction also boasts Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster on the planet, which accelerates to an incredible 240kph (150mph). With factory tours, a large car collection, 4-D cinema and karting academy, it’s not all full throttle here.

Address: Yas Island, , Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2496 8000.
Opening times:

Daily 1100-2200.

Website: http://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Saadiyat Cultural District

Although still unfinished, the development of this new cultural district is already well underway. The architectural world eagerly anticipates the completion of The Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. In the meantime, the Manarat Al Saadiyat is a stunning arts hub boasting some incredible temporary and permanent exhibitions.

Address: Saadiyat Island, , Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 657 5800.
Opening times:

Daily 0900-2000 (Manarat al Saadiyat).

Website: http://www.saadiyat.ae/en/inspiration-details/1/Saadiyat-Cultural-District
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Rub' al Khali (‘The Empty Quarter’)

Just south of Abu Dhabi waits Rub' al Khali, a seemingly endless desert of rising orange dunes and enchanting oases known as ‘The Empty Quarter’. From 5-star retreats and dune basing to fat biking and camel trekking, the world’s largest contiguous sand desert isn’t entirely untouched, but when darkness falls and the stars flicker, Arabian Sands doesn’t seem so far away.

Address: Al Gharbia, , Abu Dhabi,
Telephone:
Opening times:

Daily 24 hours.

Website:
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Heritage Village

This replica of a traditional Bedouin camp is a great place to learn about the history of Abu Dhabi before its oil revenue renaissance. Featuring a replica fort, goat hair tents, a falaj irrigation system and craft workshops, it provides an interesting afternoon’s sightseeing. The village also hosts demonstrations of Emirati traditions such as camel riding and falconry.

Address: Corniche Breakwater, Abu Dhabi Theatre Road, Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 681 4455.
Opening times:

Sat-Thu 0900-1600, Fri 1530-2100.

Website: http://www.torath.ae
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Qasr Al Hosn (White Fort)

The oldest and most distinguishable structure in Abu Dhabi, the White Fort is iconic without being a showy. The original structure was constructed in 1761 as a conical watchtower and later became the official residence of Abu Dhabi's rulers in 1793. Despite several renovations, the tile work at the main entrance and in the main courtyard are still sublime.

Address: , Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 444 0444
Opening times:

Daily 0900-2000.

Website: http://www.qasralhosn.ae/en/
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Sir Bani Yas Island

More than 10,000 wild animals roam the Arabian Wildlife Park nature reserve on Sir Bani Yas Island, three hours from Abu Dhabi. Star spots include Arabian oryx, gazelles and giraffes, alongside hyenas and cheetahs. Tours of this once private retreat are also available via 4-wheel drive, mountain bike and horseback. Other activities offered include kayaking, snorkelling and falconry.

Address: Yas Island, , Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 800 8342.
Opening times:

Daily 24 hours.

Website: http://www.sirbaniyasisland.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Yas Waterworld

From log flumes and tornado slides to water tunnels with special laser effects and terrifying drops, Yas Waterworld offers plenty of hi-tech splashy fun that mixes gentle and high-adrenaline attractions. Spread over 15 hectares (37 acres), visitors can tackle over 40 waterpark rides and slides that are themed around the Emirati tradition of pearl fishing.

Address: Yas Island, , Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 414 2000.
Opening times:

Daily 1000-1800 (Nov-Feb), daily 1000-1900 (Mar-May), 1000-2000 (Sep-Oct), 1000-2000 (Jun-Aug).

Website: http://www.yaswaterworld.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Zayed Heritage Centre

Located in an Emirati Heritage Village, this museum pays homage to the late Sheikh Zayed, who was known as the “Father of the Nation”. Browse a photo gallery of the man himself, as well as his impressive collection of cars and stuffed animals. Museum tours must be booked at least a week in advance.

Address: Al Bateen, Baynounah Street, Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 665 9555.
Opening times:

Sun-Thu 0730-1430.

Website: http://www.torath.ae
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi” (DCT Abu Dhabi)

Address: , Nation Towers Corniche, Building B, Abu Dhabi, 94000
Telephone: +971 2 444 0444.
Opening times:

Sun to Thu 0800-1600.

Website: https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/departments/dct

The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority offers friendly help, booking assistance for tours, shows, restaurants and hotels as well as general information about the city. There are also centres at Ferrari World, Yas Island, which is open 1100-2000 daily, and the World Trade Center Souk, Khalifa Street, open daily from 1000-2000.

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