Abu Dhabi is a popular tourist destination — and for a good reason. The capital city of the United Arab Emirates, it is modern and has all the amenities tourists want and need but offers adventure, culture, and nature — everything you could ever want in a vacation.
Below are a few suggested activities:
Visit Qasr Al Watan.
Qasr Al Watan in Al Ras Al Akhdar is the Palace of the Nation. It is a working governmental complex that houses the formal offices of the UAE president, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, and other government and royal dignitaries. Despite its official function, the palace is open to the public, and it’s a must-visit for any Abu Dhabi tourist.
It’s undeniably gorgeous. The white palace (finished with granite and limestone, with domes subtly etched in gold) presents a stark contrast against the blue of the Arabian Gulf and the horizon. The greens and blues of the palm tree-lined, manicured gardens and reflection pools make for an even more vibrant setting. If you can, take a moment to gaze at the palace complex from afar to appreciate its scope and its beautiful symmetry.
The palace’s main doors open into The Great Hall, arguably the most splendid room in the entire palace. It showcases Arabian and Islamic architecture, including geometric and Arabesque patterns and floors made of book-matched marble. The 37-meter-diameter central dome rises 60 meters from the center of the hall.
To appreciate the artistry of the distinct patterns on the walls, floors and ceilings, you should view them through the six-meter mirrored cubes you’ll find at every corner of The Great Hall. Every cube offers a different perspective, so check out the view from all four cubes.
Aside from the Great Hall, the following are features you must check out while you’re at Qasr Al Watan:
Spirit of Collaboration: A round function hall for official cabinet and council meetings. Once inside, look up and take in the sight of the dazzling 350,000-crystal chandelier suspended from the gold-leaf-lined central dome.
Qasr Al Watan Library: The Qasr Al Watan Library is one of the biggest public libraries in Abu Dhabi. It has more than 50,000 titles in print and many more in electronic copies.
House of Knowledge: The House of Knowledge, with its exhibit of rare artifacts and manuscripts, will give you a glimpse into the wonderful contributions of Arabian scholarship to human knowledge and progress.
Power of Words: The Power of Words sculpture is the Arabic calligraphy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan’s words on wealth being about people, not money or oil. It has been turned into a golden spherical sculpture by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej. There are two more Arabic calligraphy sculptures (silver-finished this time) outside, in the palace gardens.
Stay until the sun sets and catch Palace in Motion. It’s a light and sound show projected on the palace’s façade, and it will take you on a journey through the past, present, and future of the UAE.
Visit the theme parks of Yas Island.
If you’re staying at least a week (especially traveling with kids), visit all four theme parks in Yas Island. They are the following:
Ferrari World:Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is the first of its kind — a Ferrari-themed amusement park — in the world. You’ll love it for its rollercoasters.
Yas Waterworld: Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is a big waterpark with more than 40 rides and slides.
Warner Bros. World™: Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi has rides inspired by beloved Warner Bros. World™ comics as well as television and silver-screen characters and shows. It’s exceptionally child-friendly, but adults love it, too, because it reconnects them to their childhood.
SeaWorld: SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is a marine-themed amusement park. It has eight realms, including Abu Dhabi Ocean, Tropical Ocean, and Arctic Ocean, and they feature ecosystems that simulate the temperature, light conditions, and seasonal patterns to which their animal residents are accustomed. Don’t forget to check out the Manta Coaster, which is one of the most exhilarating theme park rides in Yas Island.
Visit Yas Beach or Cyan Beach.
If you’re staying at a Yas Island hotel anyway, check out Yas Beach or Cyan Beach; some hotels in Yas Island give guests complimentary access to both, so check with your hotel. They are beautiful white-sand beaches and excellent destinations for early-morning swimming and water sports.
Tip: It’s best to visit on weekdays. Avoid weekends and public holidays because they can get crowded. Come as early as possible (best come at opening time) to get the first pick of sun loungers.
Explore Abu Dhabi
There’s so much you can do in Abu Dhabi. Aside from visiting Qasr Al Watan, the theme parks in Yas Island, and Yas or Cyan Beach, you can also go on a desert safari, ride shotgun to professional sportscar racers in Yas Marina Circuit, and go to the Etihad Arena to catch a musical, concert or comedy show. If you’re there in early December, you can even join the exodus of people who visit for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Gran Prix (also in Yas Marina Circuit).
Just visit Abu Dhabi. You’ll find there’s a lot you can do and experience.
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