Abu Dhabi offers more than beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, and you’ll find that a wealth of diverse attractions await.
We’ve picked some of our favorites, including traditional pursuits like falconry, ancient monuments like the Al Jahili Fort and, of course, a little golf – plenty to keep couples, families and business travelers enthralled.
FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI
Opened in November 2010, this is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction of its kind.
With about 20 rides and attractions beneath the striking 2.15 million-square foot red roof, the park pays tribute to the passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years and continues to represent today. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of some of the world’s most inventive rides, including Formula Rossa (the world’s fastest rollercoaster), eye-catching surroundings and the authentic tastes and aromas of Italy. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi truly offers amusement for all ages.
JEBEL HAFEET MOUNTAIN
Ask your concierge to organize a tour for you.
A must-see, Jebel Hafeet Mountain is about two hours from Abu Dhabi, on the outskirts of Al Ain. The mountain peaks at 4,098 feet with rugged terrain, a natural cave system and seemingly endless views of the surrounding area. A superbly well paved road, approximately seven miles in length, cuts into the mountain and winds its way to the summit, making the mountain destination an ideal day trip. Delight in the magnificent desert panoramas, and don’t forget to stop off at Green Mubazarrah, the hot springs in Jebel Hafeet’s foothills. You’ll find its pools and lakes are a welcome respite amid the arid mountain and desert setting.
ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL
The largest of its kind in the UAE, this hospital first opened to the public in 2007.
Through its museum and tour, visitors learn about the noble sport of falconry and witness some of the restorative treatments ailing birds receive. You’ll also be able to interact with the majestic birds. In 2010, the Falcon Hospital won a prestigious golden tourism accolade, awarded by the Madrid-headquartered Trade Leaders’ Club in recognition of the hospital’s outstanding leisure facilities and MICE tourism program.
+971 2 575 5155
On the Abu Dhabi-Sweihan Road, near the Abu Dhabi International Airport
ABU DHABI LIMO TOUR
You’ll tour Abu Dhabi City in style with Emirates Palace hotel’s Rolls-Royce Phantom or Mercedes Maybach, available for rent by the hour.
Visit a selection of city highlights and gain insight into a world where modern ideas and ancient traditions blend in architecture and the arts, fashion, shopping and enterainment, where the buzz and energy of transformation is as apparent as the time-honored respect for religion and the ways of the desert.
ALAIN ZOO AND AQUARIUM
One of the largest zoos in the Gulf region, Al Ain Zoo boasts an impressive array of wildlife from all over the world.
Many of the animals roam in large enclosures that aim to simulate their natural habitats. You’ll see herds of desert antelopes, many of which are endangered in the wild, as well as lions, tigers, pumas, leopards, primates, a reptile house and aviaries. The zoo is well known for its research facilities, in particular the ongoing breeding program for endangered native animals.
+971 3 782 8188
Nahyan Al Awwal Street, Al Ain
SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, with its Gary Player designed course, is one of the world’s most captivating golfing projects.
Providing a ‘place to breathe’ away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the club harnesses the stunning natural beauty of Saadiyat Island to create an unparalleled experience, made all the more rewarding with spectacular views of the Gulf’s glittering, crystal blue waters, fringed by pristine white sands.
DHOW CRUISE
Ask your concierge to organize a tour for you.
Leave land behind in an authentic Arab sailing boat and get a taste of what life was like in Abu Dhabi before the discovery of oil. Opt for a sunset cruise, and you’ll delight in the panoramic views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline at this special time of day. Several operators in Abu Dhabi offer Dhow cruises that include traditional cuisine and beverages, and Dhows may also be chartered for larger private parties.
Mina Port
THE CORNICHE
Abu Dhabi’s Corniche is a long road extending almost four miles from the Sheraton Hotel to the Hilton.
A beautiful boulevard that weaves its way along the coast of the city, it features parkland, lush gardens, tasteful buildings and the deep blue Persian Gulf as a backdrop. The Corniche is protected from rough seas by a breakwater, which also houses several entertainment venues. From Breakwater Point, you’ll see a stunning view of the city any time of day or night.
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
This impressive mosque is one of the planet’s most massive and is the burial site for its namesake, Sheikh Zayed.
It features 80 domes decorated in white marble, 1,000 columns inlaid with semi-precious stones, the world’s largest hand-woven carpet and seven 24K gold-plated chandeliers – again including the world’s largest. Open to non-worshippers Saturday through Thursday, it is the only mosque in Abu Dhabi that non-Muslims are permitted to enter.
AL JAHILI FORT
About two hours away from Abu Dhabi in Al Ain, Al Jahili Fort offers fascinating historic insight into the region.
One of the largest and most impressive forts in the country, it was used both defensively and as a royal summer home. Following an extensive renovation, the attraction now offers a visitor information center, a temporary exhibition space and a permanent exhibition about the British explorer and travel writer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, also known as Mubarak bin London.
Al Ain
CAMEL RACING
Ask your concierge to organize a tour for you.
In addition to riding camels, you won’t want to miss seeing these unique desert creatures in full gallop at the Al Wathba Racetrack near Abu Dhabi. Stop off on your way to Al Ain and witness camels reach breathtaking speeds of 40mph in this traditional Middle Eastern sport.
Al Wathba Racetrack, about 28 miles outside of Abu Dhabi on the road to Al Ain
EMIRATES NATIONAL AUTO MUSEUM
Auto fans will love the private car collection of H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, housed in this museum.
There are Dodges of all sizes, including a model over 16 feet tall with a complete apartment under its roof. You’ll also find several Mercedes, one in each color of the rainbow for each day of the week (all equipped with TVs and refrigerators), military vehicles, Jeeps, convertibles, pick-ups and SUVs. It’s a unique collection, as the cars have all been modified to suit the Sheikh’s preferences.
Liwa
ABU DHABI CULTURAL FOUNDATION
Housing one of the best libraries in the Middle East, as well as auditorium, exhibition and conference room spaces, the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation is the focal point of the city’s rich performing arts and cultural scene.
Immerse yourself in the arts of Abu Dhabi, from quality art exhibitions and theater productions to concerts and other cultural events.
www.adach.ae/en
