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Hidden Gems in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, after Dubai, has emerged as one of the top destinations to visit in the UAE and has captured worldwide attention with its incredible attractions. The world’s first Ferrari Theme Park and the only Louvre Museum outside France are among the popular spots that are sure to entice you to visit Abu Dhabi.

These popular attractions in Abu Dhabi , however, can be very crowded. If you are looking for lesser-known yet amazing attractions, this list is for you. Check out these hidden gems in Abu Dhabi that offers a unique experience during your Abu Dhabi holiday.

Wadi Adventure

Jebel Hafeet in Abu Dhabi

Check out the Middle East’s first white water rafting experience in Abu Dhabi! Nestled between Green Mubazzarah and Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, this refreshing attraction features a sprawling man-made water channel that is perfect for activities like white water rafting, kayaking, surfing, and boating.

If you are up for a challenge, test your skills on Adventure Island, a floating obstacle course, or catch some waves in the fantastic wave pool. And if you just want to cool off, take a refreshing dip or swim. Wadi Adventure is still catching up with tourists and remains one of the hidden gems of Abu Dhabi offering a thrilling, refreshing day away from tourist crowds.

Reem Central Park

Looking for a spot to relax and unwind in Abu Dhabi? Reem Central Park is one of the hidden gems in Abu Dhabi that offers a unique oasis with a sweeping beachfront and a network of walkways and bridges that lead to it. Located near Saadiyat Islands on Al Reem Island, this park is perfect for a bike ride, or a simple evening stroll along the shores.

The manicured green lawns and contemporary art installations provide a great atmosphere for picnics or simply enjoying the scenic views. Reem Central Park also boasts an impressive collection of water features, including the Wadi Water Feature and Wow Factor Fountain, that is sure to mesmerize you. There is also a serene boating experience waiting for you at Reem Park Abu Dhabi.

Jubail Mangrove Park

al Jubail Mangrove from above

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the serene natural environment of Jubail Mangrove Park, located on Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi. Stroll through lush mangrove forests on sprawling boardwalks and spot birds and marine species, such as turtles, herons, and gazelles. The park acts as a protective barrier for the Abu Dhabi coastline, preserving a pristine environment for marine and wild animals.

However, the park has a maximum capacity, and visitors may have to wait to gain entry into the park. Birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and couples seeking a romantic retreat will love the park’s ambience. Moreover, you can try mangrove kayaking Abu Dhabi experiences to explore the mangrove forest in a unique way. Jubail Mangrove Park offers a tranquil escape from the city, allowing you to connect with nature and discover a new realm that is just a 30-minute drive away from the busy streets of Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain Zoo

For those planning Abu Dhabi tours during their trip, don’t miss to include Al Ain Zoo. Located in the vast Shiab Al Ashkhar area of Al Ain, this wildlife attraction is home to over 4000 animals and serves as a sanctuary for endangered Middle Eastern species such as the Arabian Sand Cat and Dama Gazelle. The zoo offers plenty of exciting activities that visitors of all ages.

From the Lemur walks and Penguin parade to watching animal feeding sessions, animal rides, falcon and eagle shows, and even feeding the giraffes, there’s no shortage of fun things to do.Also, not only is a visit to Al Ain Zoo entertaining, but it is also educational.

You will learn about the different animals and the conservation efforts being made to protect them. So, make sure to add Al Ain Zoo to your list of must-visit destinations in Abu Dhabi!

Mamsha Al Saadiyat

Take advantage of this attraction which is one of the secret places in Abu Dhabi yet to catch the eye of tourists on a larger scale. Tucked away in the Cultural District near Saadiyat Island, this attraction offers stunning views of clear waters and sandy beaches at Soul Beach.

Plus, it is a great alternative to the often crowded Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Not only can you soak up the scenery, but you can also satisfy your hunger with a range of delicious food options. Whether you are in the mood for pizza, burgers, or international cuisine, there’s something for everyone. And if shopping is your thing, then this spot is also a hub for retail therapy.

Overall, Mamsha Al Saadiyat is the perfect spot to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of Abu Dhabi. Whether you are looking to shop, dine, or just unwind, this attraction is definitely worth a visit.

Heritage Village

Abu Dhabi Heritage Village

Another gorgeous spot to visit in Abu Dhabi is the Heritage Village. Located on Corniche Breakwater Road near New Marina Mall, this spot is a beautiful recreation of traditional villages from Abu Dhabi’s past. The atmosphere is rustic and relaxed, providing a sharp contrast to the sleek modern architecture found elsewhere in the city.

Here, you can gain an understanding of the traditional desert way of life through the fully constructed houses, alleyways, and marketplaces made from simple materials and hues. Don’t forget to browse the souvenir and spice shops before you leave this one-of-a-kind attraction. Come visit and take a step back in time while in Abu Dhabi- it would be one of the most memorable moments of your Abu Dhabi trip.

Hidden Gems in Abu Dhabi – Final Thoughts

Undoubtedly, Abu Dhabi is a historically rich emirate with a vibrant culture and diverse attractions waiting to be explored. While many tourists visit popular landmarks and tourist hotspots, there are plenty of hidden gems in Abu Dhabi waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to venture off the beaten path.

From serene mangrove forests to stunning off-beat adventures, Abu Dhabi offers visitors unique and authentic experiences. So, next time you find yourself in Abu Dhabi, be sure to take the time to explore some of these places and discover the hidden beauty of this remarkable city.

April 11, 2023/0 Comments/by Monica W.

48 Hours in Abu Dhabi: A Useful Guide for Last-Minute Trips

Travel Advice

Besides being the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi also carries a reputation for being home to world-class cultural opportunities.

Unlike its glitzier neighbour Dubai, this so-called “Manhattan of the Middle East” also offers more family-friendly attractions, including nature parks, marinas, theme parks, and beaches.

If you were to head to the city for a last-minute weekend break or stopover, you’d need to have a good idea of what you can do and which places to visit in Abu Dhabi. Even with the little time you have to plan for it, your visit can still be as memorable as any painstakingly organised trip to the UAE capital with this helpful guide for 48 hours in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi 101: Fast Facts for Travellers

To make smart choices when booking anything for your trip, it pays to know some important facts about Abu Dhabi that travellers find most helpful, such as:

When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?

Wherever you go on a trip, one thing you need to know is the best time to go where you’re headed. Abu Dhabi is no exception.

Although you cannot control this for last-minute trips, you can use the information to determine which places you can enjoy most and, thus, prioritise during your trip (i.e., indoor destinations during warm months, outdoor adventures for cooler months):

December to March: This period is the ideal time to visit the city. It is considered winter time in the UAE. However, this is also the peak period for hotels and airplane flights, which translates to higher travel rates.
April to November: Abu Dhabi weather during this period is on the warmer side, which is why it is also the time when the city is less crowded, and airfare and hotel room rates are most affordable.

How far is the airport from the top Abu Dhabi spots?

If you’re travelling from another country, it also helps to know the airport’s proximity to the best destinations in the UAE capital.

If your plane is set to land at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, below is a list of places you can visit and how long it’ll take to get there:

To Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – 16 minutes by car
To Yas Island – 14 to 20 minutes by car
To Saadiyat Beach – 29 to 33 minutes by car
To the Corniche Beach – 29 to 30 minutes by car

Take note that some of the shorter roads may have toll gates you’ll have to go through. You can also ride the public transport for most destinations, with trips going every 30 minutes.

What is Abu Dhabi known for?

Discover why Abu Dhabi is hailed as the Manhattan of the Middle East

Popular attractions in Abu Dhabi make the news quite often. In fact, some are even recognised worldwide as record-holders, including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (largest indoor theme park) and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster and the one with the tallest loop) in Yas Island.

Are there any hotels accommodating last-minute bookings in Abu Dhabi?

The short answer: “Yes.”

Since you’re staying for 48 hours, you’ll need to find somewhere to stay for two nights. Check last-minute hotels via travel websites and platforms to see which hotels have available rooms on the day of your trip.

Take note of the location and amenities and get as much from your hotel booking as possible. Some even offer theme park entrances built into their travel packages.

Top 4 Places to Visit in 48 Hours in Abu Dhabi

Now that you have some knowledge of Abu Dhabi, the next thing you need to decide is where you should spend your limited time there. Though there are lots of choices, you can start with the following famous spots:

1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ride the fastest roller coaster in the world at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Did you know you can squeeze in a couple of bucket-list-worthy activities on your weekend trip to Abu Dhabi?

Head over to Yas Island and satisfy your need for speed. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a destination designed to pump up your heart rate with 20 exhilarating rides.

Here, you can ride Formula Rossa — the world’s fastest rollercoaster — and Flying Aces, the attraction with the highest roller coaster loop globally. You also have the chance to get an authentic Ferrari experience, complete with acrobatic shows and genuine Italian cuisines.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is usually open every day, though this is subject to change. Check their official website before you go to get up-to-date information.

2. The Corniche

Relax on the beach and take in the Abu Dhabi skyline while visiting The Corniche

One of the most popular layover destinations if you only have 48 hours in Abu Dhabi, the Corniche is the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend.

Tourists flock to this part of the city to witness the gorgeous Abu Dhabi skyline and relax on the beach. This spot is also ideal for families traveling with kids and is best enjoyed in the afternoon, just before sunset.

Food-wise, Corniche Street has a couple of top-rated restaurants to choose from, including Quest and Li Beirut that offer Asian and Lebanese cuisine, respectively.

3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Visit the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates while spending 48 hours in Abu Dhabi

Your trip to Abu Dhabi won’t be complete without a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Hailed as the largest mosque in the UAE, the mosque offers state-of-the-art architecture made with marble and accentuated with gold and other precious gems. The place reflects the country’s Islamic culture and the wealth of minerals the nation is known for.

Visit times are set between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Saturday to Thursday. You’ll have to head there a bit later on Fridays (4:30 to 11 p.m.), as mornings are set aside for worshippers.

But before you go, make sure you choose your attire according to the mosque’s dress code. If you’re not sure what to wear, you can check the Mosque Manners on the Grand Mosque’s official website.

4. Qasr Al Hosn

The free historical exhibition at Qasr Al Hosn explains how Abu Dhabi came to be

Seen as the symbolic birthplace of the city, the Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi.

It is the first permanent structure ever built in the UAE capital and holds the story of how Abu Dhabi and its people came to be. The free historical exhibition will show you the most significant monuments of the city and some intriguing testimonies about Abu Dhabi’s traditions, culture, and history.

Though the exhibit is permanent, you might want to consider timing your visit during the Qasr Al Hosn Festival. If your trip happens to be in February, expect to be part of the annual festival and partake in a range of fun cultural activities and enchanting performances you will never forget.

48 Hours in Abu Dhabi – Full of Wonder at the Last Minute

A last-minute trip to Abu Dhabi can be as enchanting as visits planned ahead of time. Even with just 48 hours in Abu Dhabi, this guide can help you optimise the experience so you can have a wonderful time in the UAE capital.

June 17, 2022/0 Comments/by Monica W.

3 Most Popular Cultural Destinations in Abu Dhabi

Travel Advice

People travel for many different reasons. Some consider it a chance to relax, while many think it’s a good means to “escape” their busy lives. Others visit foreign places for self-discovery or to cultivate interpersonal relationships.

Statistics show that many people choose Abu Dhabi as a travel destination, regardless of the goals they set out for their trips. In 2019 alone, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital welcomed roughly 11.35 million visitors – a 10.5% increase from the previous year.

If you’re planning an excursion to Abu Dhabi to enrich your life, consider these top three most popular destinations in Abu Dhabi.

1. Qasr Al Watan

The stunning and extravagant Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi

Opened to the public in March 2019, Qasr Al Watan is the official presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates. While still serving its official purpose, the palace now welcomes hundreds of visitors to its 380,000-acre grounds almost every day and is one of the best cultural destinations in Abu Dhabi.

The Palace of the Nation’s magnificent architecture is one of the primary reasons people go there. However, the place is more than just a tourist spot. The building also serves as the venue for the Council of Ministers and Federal Supreme Council meetings, and several other historic conventions with foreign leaders.

What to See

An Abu Dhabi palace booking grants you access to some of Qasr Al Watan’s most culturally enriching areas, such as:

The Great Hall: This 10,000-square-meter (107,639 square-foot) space made of marble and gold is one of the best spots in the palace. The details in its design, enhanced by complex geometric textures, made The Great Hall a breathtaking scene every visitor would want to enjoy.
Presidential Gifts: This showcases the diplomatic gifts the UAE received in the past decades. Besides the aesthetic value of the displays, the exhibition also offers insight into the process and cultural considerations in diplomatic gift selection.
House of Knowledge: Located in the east wing of the presidential palace, this area holds some of the nation’s rarest artifacts, manuscripts, and books, including religious texts from the Bible and the Quran. This is also where you’ll find a collection of the ancient geographic maps of the Arabic region.
Qasr Al Watan Library: Home to more than 50,000 books documenting the culture and history of the country, the Qasr Al Watan Library’s goal is to share and preserve centuries-worth of Arabian knowledge. Because of this, it is considered one of the most important libraries in the UAE.

Besides what’s inside the palace, you can also get the chance to witness the Palace in Motion. This captivating nighttime show lights up the place for 15 minutes in the evening, from Thursday to Saturday.

How to Get To Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan is located in Ras al Akhdar, commonly referred to as the West Corniche.

From the main Corniche, walk to the end of the beach road. Pass the Founders Memorial, with the Emirates Palace and Etihad Towers on your right and left, respectively.

As you reach the end of the road, you’ll see a grand entrance reserved only for VIPs. Go to the smaller door on the right side of the gate where you’ll be directed to visitor parking. Present your tickets and ride a shuttle to the palace grounds.

You can visit Qasr Al Watan between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily but always check for announcements on the schedule because the place is closed when used for official business.

2. The Corniche

Walk along the Corniche and take in the skyline of Abu Dhabi

Considered one of the most popular destinations in Abu Dhabi, The Corniche is a road extending across eight kilometers of a carefully manicured waterfront.

Running along the northwestern coast of the UAE capital, it has various areas designated for different activities, including:

Cycle and pedestrian pathways
Children’s play areas
Restaurants and cafés
The Corniche Beach

The Corniche is an ideal destination for families and becomes quite busy during the winter months.

What to See

The Corniche is accessible to guests all day long. However, the beach is only open from 6 a.m. until sunset.

If you decide to visit the two-kilometer beach, choose the perfect spot for you among the three sections it’s divided into:

Gate 4: This free-entry area is most popular among individuals and larger groups.
Gate 2: Fenced and equipped with a quiet zone, this area is the best spot for families and children. You’ll also find changing rooms and showers here, along with cabanas, sun loungers, and umbrellas for rent.
Gate 3: Like Gate 2, this part of the beach is shielded from view and has access to the beach amenities mentioned earlier. It is an excellent choice for children and families and has an on-duty lifeguard until sundown.

How to get to The Corniche

You can get to The Corniche from anywhere in Abu Dhabi, but Al Bateen, Al Khalidiya, and Al Zahiyah (the tourist club area) are the nearest places to it.

On a car, input F8FR+93 Abu Dhabi on your virtual map or navigation system to get directions. You can also take a bus on the following routes:

3. The Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi with it’s unique architecture

The Louvre Abu Dhabi exhibits a whopping 600 artworks within its light-filled modern architecture – a true haven for art enthusiasts. The first Louvre outside France, the structure itself is designed to work in perfect harmony with the desert surroundings, making it a popular destination for Abu Dhabi travelers with an eye for beauty.

What to See

Situated in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, the Louvre leaves onlookers in awe with just a glance, thanks to its unique architecture and placement.

Designed as a “museum city” by the sea, Louvre Abu Dhabi was inspired by low-lying Arab settlements and the Medina and is made more special with a modern touch.

Besides the structure itself, you’ll also find various exhibitions and galleries that can make your tour of Abu Dhabi more enriching. These are carefully curated and placed in three wings in the Louvre:

Wing 1: Composed of three galleries, this wing houses artwork and artifacts from early human civilizations. It is also home to some masterpieces from ancient empires in Arabia, China, and Africa.
Wing 2: This is where you’ll find pieces from universal religions worldwide. This wing also features various masterpieces reflecting Asian trade routes used throughout history.
Wing 3: Unlike the first two wings with three galleries, this area has four, each showcasing inspiring pieces from various periods, including the ancient Chinese, Napoleon, and Columbus eras. It also has several items from famous trade routes people used globally.

How to Get To The Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is open between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. You can reach the museum through the following:

By car: From Dubai, take the Yas Island/ Saadiyat Island exit to Sheikh Khalifa Highway E12. Drive along Yas Highway until you reach the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, following road signs to Louvre Abu Dhabi.
By bus: Take the public bus bound for route 94.

Explore More Destinations in Abu Dhabi

There’s a lot of things to do in Abu Dhabi. Besides the cultural destinations mentioned here, you can also try indoor wall climbing and other adventurous activities that offer enrichment beyond a temporary escape from a busy life. Explore more and have the best vacation today in the UAE capital.

May 22, 2022/0 Comments/by Monica W.