5 reasons Abu Dhabi will surprise you

From its roots as a quiet Bedouin village to its role as one of the most exciting, world-class destinations in the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a city full of surprises. Here are five reasons why Abu Dhabi is a destination that should be on your holiday radar.

Abu Dhabi’s rich culture and heritage

Beyond Abu Dhabi’s futuristic skyline, the city’s rich cultural heritage lives on. Step into Souk Central Market, where traders showcase everything from delicate Arabic coffee sets and colourful pottery to traditional oud perfumes and chunks of pashmina scarves. Outside, narrow alleyways wind past historic mosques and old courtyard homes, echoing with the rhythms of a time-honoured way of life.

Another sight to behold is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Covering almost 30 acres and able to hold over 40,000 people, it is one of the world’s largest places of worship. Built over 10 years using a combination of traditional and modern styles, it features Swarovski crystal chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.

For a journey back in time, Al Ain Oasis – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is a lush contrast to the desert, brimming with date palms, forts and stories of Bedouin life.

Adding a modern twist to Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape, the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island brings world art to the Gulf with a distinctly local touch. Soon to be joined by the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat is fast becoming a thriving art and cultural hub, where the Emirate’s story mingles with global influences.

Adventure and Theme Parks in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has far more for thrill-chasers than you’d expect. For high-speed action, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is the go-to spot for both couples and family-friendly fun. Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster, rockets you to space-age speeds. And if you’re ready to get behind the wheel, the Ferrari driving experience puts you on the track in one of the world’s most iconic cars.

Yas Island is home to Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, where you can step into the fantasy worlds of your favourite characters, and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, with over 40 rides and slides that make for an action-packed day.

For adventurous activities indoors, head to Abu Dhabi’s opulent malls and entertainment hot spots. Snow Abu Dhabi in Reem Mall brings the magic of winter to the desert. And in Al Qana, you’ll find Adrenark Adventure, the region’s largest indoor adventure park that’s got climbing walls and rides to challenging obstacle courses.

Beyond the city, the Arabian Gulf offers endless outdoor escapades, from jet skiing and deep-sea diving to paddleboarding through mangrove-fringed waters. For an unforgettable day trip, head to Al Ain Adventure Park to go white-water rafting on exhilarating rapids and fly down a 1,200-metre zipline.

Go even further out to the legendary Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert. Here, you can hop in a 4x4 for some high-energy dune-bashing or try sand surfing down the rolling dunes.

Beautiful beaches in Abu Dhabi

With low rainfall and almost daily sunshine throughout the year, you can see why Abu Dhabi is a sun-seekers paradise. Whether you’re a family looking for fun or a couple looking for sun, Abu Dhabi has a beach to suit every mood.

Corniche Beach is an ideal option for families looking to spend a day together by the seaside. This large beach is close to many hotels, has lifeguards on duty and even has blue-flag status for its cleanliness and water quality.

Saadiyat Island’s nine-kilometre natural shore is lined by the soft sands of Kai Beach, the perfect spot for a day of relaxation. The island’s beaches are also protected from development, preventing damage to the delicate dunes and the threatened hawksbill turtles that nest nearby.

If your idea of a day at the beach is active and entertaining, then beeline to Yas Island. This stretch of white sand offers a huge amount of activities both off and on the water. Beach volleyball games occur throughout the day whilst sailboats, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks pass by exploring the natural mangrove forests – you could even work out at the beach gym if you want to show off your muscles.

Entertainment Capital: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

One area stands out if you’re here to have fun: Yas Island. Whether day or night, Yas Island more than lives up to its reputation as the entertainment capital of the UAE. It’s most famous for the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the F1® Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Each November, world-class drivers and their teams compete in one of the most exciting races on earth. Experiencing the thrill of a Formula One car zooming past you is a moment of a lifetime.

The island is also home to the renowned Yas Marina and an award-winning championship golf course, Yas Links Abu Dhabi.

During the evenings, Abu Dhabi’s hotels have some of the liveliest entertainment and dining options where renowned singers, dancers, comedians and illusionists offer shows to delight all audiences. The city also hosts a range of exciting events during the year from music concerts at Etihad Arena to festivals and world-renowned sporting events.

Exceptional hotels and stays in Abu Dhabi

Thanks to top architects, designers and chefs, Abu Dhabi’s hotels are destinations in their own right. Whether it’s a great-value beachfront stay at Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, the unmatched luxury of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental or revving up for thrills at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island – the only hotel on the F1® race track – Abu Dhabi has a spot that’s just your speed. See all of our Abu Dhabi hotels here.

This feature was created on 31st October 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.