From beaches to golf courses, theme and water parks to a Formula One circuit, expect to be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding things to do on an Abu Dhabi holiday. The destination boasts a whole host of attractions, catering for adults and children alike, which can help to create a fun experience.
Better yet, your Etihad boarding pass doubles up as an Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass and could save you up to £150 across some of the best attractions, restaurants, spas and beaches in the capital.
Beaches
Saadiyat Beach
Saadiyat Beach is home to stunning, powdery white sand and tranquil, crystal clear waters so it’s no wonder it’s labelled one of the most desirable public beach locations in the UAE. From beach yoga classes to eco-friendly water sports activities such as windsurfing and sailing, holidaymakers can make the most of their beach experience.
Corniche Beach
The Corniche is one of the longest stretches of coast in Abu Dhabi so relax on the pristine white sands, take in the dazzling skyline from the Arabian Gulf or go snorkelling to discover local aquatic life. It is the perfect place to soak up the beautiful UAE weather. The beach comes complete with numerous food stalls, parasols and walkways for those who don’t want to walk on the sand. Also featuring separate cycling tracks and pedestrian pathways, you could even choose to enjoy the experience with a beautiful sunset bike ride.
Theme And Water Parks
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The award-winning Ferrari inspired theme park offers endless amounts of fun for all the family 365 days a year. Located in an indoor, climate controlled environment, it’s perfect for when you want a break from the sun! Complete with over 37 incredible rides and attractions including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster which reaches hair raising speeds of up to 240km/h in an impressive 4.9 seconds and allows riders to experience the G-forces that only F16 pilots usually feel. The park is also home to state-of-the-art simulators, immersive live shows and an inspiring treasure of racing memorabilia.
Yas Waterworld
For more thrills, Yas Waterworld has five one-of-a-kind rides. Scream your heart out on the Liwa Loop, grab your friends and experience the Dawwama tornado ride or why not just relax in the warm weather and drift down the Lazy River? Fun fact: Yas Waterworld holds the Guinness World Record for ‘The Most Nationalities in a Swimming Pool’ (102 – in case you were wondering).
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
The newly opened and first ever indoor amusement mega-park brings superheroes, villains, cartoons and childhood favourites to life. Divided into six immersive lands, including Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza, there’s something for everyone so release your inner child and get prepared to have a yabba dabba doo time.
Sport
Yas Marina Circuit
The ultramodern Formula One circuit puts both cars and drivers through their paces as they race around the yacht-filled Marina, under the stunning illuminated Yas Hotel, and exit the pit lane through a tunnel beneath the track. The circuit also features one of the longest straights on an F1 track at 1.2km long. Spectators can enjoy professional motorsport events like the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, experience Drag and Track Nights, view the pit boxes and stands, or even go the extra mile and ride in one of the many luxury cars on site.
Formula 1
Experience the thrill of the world’s most spectacular motorsports series as the 2023 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix comes back to the golden shores of Abu Dhabi once more. The world’s first twilight race returns to Yas Marina Circuit on 24-26 November 2023, with the season finale 58-lap race commencing on Sunday 26.
Golf
Boasting three championship courses sculpted in the desert and along picturesque coastlines, Abu Dhabi is a golf lover’s dream. From Yas Links Abu Dhabi, the Middle East’s only true links course, to the luxurious Abu Dhabi Golf Club, you can even play a different course for totally different experiences every day for five days! The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is set to return in January 2024 as part of the DP World Tour.
UFC
Get stuck into all the Ultimate Fighting Championship action in Abu Dhabi this October. A jam-packed week of events on Yas Island, the annual Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is one of the most anticipated sporting competitions of the year. Get front row seats to this year’s headliner event, the UFC 294, which will take place on 21 October 2023 at the Etihad Arena.
Basketball
Three international friendlies will see the men’s teams from the USA, Germany and Greece battle it out in preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. It fills out a packed calendar for International Basketball Week, which will also see games between Lebanon, Egypt and Mexico. The first game kicks off on 17 August 2023.
Day Trips
Al Ain
Just 90 minutes away from Abu Dhabi, and bordering Oman, the Unesco World Heritage Sites city of Al Ain is well worth a visit. It is adorned with striking forts and beautiful palaces that from the pre-1900s, including Al Jahili Fort, built for the protection of palm farmers, and also withstood the test of time. Football fans can rejoice too as it’s also home to Al Ain FC, the country’s most successful club.
Dubai
A real all-rounder, Dubai has 40 km of coastline, world-class shopping options and sites of historical and cultural interest. Expect to be overwhelmed with things to see and do during a day trip to Dubai. Make sure you spy the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and venture next door to the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centres in the world.
Hala’s Story of Abu Tour
The city tour leads you along remarkable buildings featuring some of the most stunning architecture. Drive along the popular Corniche and the famous Abu Dhabi skyline, take photos of the stunning Emirates Palace Hotel, enjoy Abu Dhabi’s unique blend of culture and religion at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, glimpse into the past when visiting the Heritage Village, and pass by the traditional markets in the Mina area before stepping into the future at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Hala’s Desert Sunset Drive & BBQ
After a gentle off-road drive through the sand dunes of Abu Dhabi’s desert, visit a camel farm and watch the magnificent sunset over the dunes. Stop off at a traditional Arabic themed camp, where you have the opportunity to try a host of activities such as henna painting, belly dancing and Shisha. Experience Arabic hospitality with Arabic coffee and dates. After sunset, enjoy a BBQ dinner under the starlit sky and live entertainment. Be assured that this safari will be a night to remember.
