Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi

Shopping in Abu Dhabi

Going to Abu Dhabi and not shopping for souvenirs is equivalent to committing a sin. If you are wondering what to do in Abu Dhabi on an evening of leisure, the city awaits you with a plethora of shopping destinations to pick from. Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas Mall and Marina Mall lead the big shopping scene, while Souk Central Market, Souk Al Zafrana and Carpet Souk are more rustic and local in essence.

Beaches of Abu Dhabi

Being situated on the shore of the Gulf, the capital of UAE has some really beautiful beaches that you can explore, before setting off on your Abu Dhabi sightseeing. Corniche Beach and the Yas Island Beach are the most famous ones, ideal for sunbathing, relaxing and rejuvenating yourself. Saadiyat Public Beach has charming white sands, and unaltered natural appearance, while Al Bateen Beach is perfect for beach sports and tasting local food.

Here are the top 5 places to visit in Abu Dhabi, but there are many more which are equally captivating and delightful to visit.

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the biggest of Abu Dhabi attractions. The colossal white structure is a neo-classical and contemporary Islamic structure, combining of Mameluke, Ottoman and Fatimid elements to create a modern century worthy spectacle. Opened in 2007 after 20 years of construction, the mosque holds 40,000 worshippers, making it the biggest mosque in UAE. Non-Muslims are also allowed in certain areas like the courtyard and the vast library. There are guided tours one can avail.

2. Ferrari World

Named after the coolest and fastest automobiles to run, this theme park brings the thrill of Formula One racing right within the city. Ferrari World is one of the most visited Abu Dhabi tourist attractions by families, couples and young people alike. There are Junior GT tracks for kids and Flying Aces rollercoaster for the adrenaline junkies. Don’t forget to ride Formula Rossa – world’s fastest roller coaster clocking a speed of 150mph in 4 seconds flat. Do visit the Ferrari car collection with vintage models and a factory tour. Automobile enthusiasts will love the tour.

3. Qasr Al-Hosn Fort

Qasr Al-Hosn Fort, also known as the Old White Fort, is the oldest standing building in Abu Dhabi. Amidst the blinding exuberance of the contemporary architectures adorning the city, Al-Hosn Fort stands upholding the history and tradition of the city. Once the residence of the ruling family, it was built in 1793.  Now it has been turned into a museum tracing Emirati history and culture, thus one of the most stunning places in Abu Dhabi.

4. Yas Island

Yas Island is among the top Abu Dhabi tourist places to see. Stretches of warm sand line the shores along the Gulf making the island perfect for sunbathing and swimming, while further inland the the best luxury hotels and resorts adorn the island all over. This is also home to Yas Marina Circuit, the venue for the grand Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Here, visit world’s largest surfable sheet wave, Yas Waterworld with the world’s first hydro-magnetic tornado water rafting ride and the free-fall speed water slide, Jebel Drop.

5. Heritage Village

If you are looking for Abu Dhabi points of interest to quench the history buff inside you, visit Heritage Village. It is a replica of a typical Bedouin village, and it is as close to original as it gets. The attraction reflects the authentic Emirati life before the oil boom and commercialisation. There are exhibits featuring the daily lives, workshops with live demonstration of handicraft, and displays of local agriculture and pearl diving business.