An earthier version of its glitzier cousin Dubai, Abu Dhabi presents a fascinating blend of tradition and modernism. The capital city of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is the largest city in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and incidentally, one of the most modern cities in the world. Here’s what you must not miss on your Abu Dhabi visit.

See:

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sitting majestically at the entrance of the Abu Dhabi City Island, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a well-known landmark, which displays a blend of Maluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid styles.
The grand mosque, which allows non-Muslims to visit all areas inside it, is large enough to accommodate 40,000 worshippers, and boasts the world’s largest carpet and chandelier.

Visiting time: 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. (Saturday to Thursday)
4.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. (Fridays)

Heritage Village

Considered one of the most popular cultural and family attractions in Abu Dhabi, the village is a reconstruction of an Emirati village, showcasing the Bedouin lifestyle from a distant past. Get a glimpse of the desert lifestyle, complete with campfire, pots, camels, horses, goats and falaj irrigation systems. To add to the entertainment, are several artisans exhibiting their skills and wares, like spinning, weaving, metal work pottery, and glass blowing. Most artisans permit visitors to partake in their own artistry too.

Saadiyat Public Beach

Beaches in Abu Dhabi are more than just about the sand and sea. Stroll along the spotless shorelines of the beach or spend blissful hours with yoga sessions offered there. Go surfing in the blue waters or let the wind blow into your hair as you take on the waves, sailing. Then head to the Beach Café to gorge on some delightful snacks and beverages, and get a dose of light shopping at the retail shopping outlet at the beach. The Saadiyat Public Beach Club, with access to the pool, gym, Jacuzzi and plunge pool, is meant to add a sense of luxury to it all.

Cost for entry into beach: Dhs25 for adults, Dhs15 for kids (kids under 5 go free)
Visiting time: 8.00 a.m. to sunset

Cost for entry into the beach club: Dhs150 (for single), Dhs250 (for couples), Dhs75 juniors (for kids between 13 and 17), kids 12 and under go free
Visiting time: 4.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m. (Fridays)

Read more: 5 Experiences You Mustn't Miss in Abu Dhabi

Do:

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Theme Park

Prepare for a high dose of thrill at the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Theme Park. Get on the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, or get behind a go-kart wheel. Formula One fans can then hop over to the Yas Marina Circuit Race Track for the thrill of a lifetime. Experience behind-the-wheel action, zipping through the world’s longest straight race track in an Aston Martin GT4 with a professionally trained driver at the helm, or simply watch the action from the comfort of the stands. For those who want to take back more of the experience, there’s the Formula Yas 3000. Take on the wheels and let the adrenalin flow!

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Head to the Yas Waterwold for bucket loads of fun, literally. Built over 15 hectares of land, the water park has quite an assortment of rides, with at least five one-of-a-kind rides. Splash up on the fun quotient with the AquaLoop, Rattler, SuperBowl, Inner-TubeSlides, FlowBarrel, Whizzard and the SpeedSlides. Or chill in the WavePool, AquaPlay, AquaSpray or AquaPlay Rainfortress. There are kids’ slides too.

Dune Bashing

Get into an SUV with a certified desert driver and enjoy a roller coaster ride over the sand dunes. Considered one of the top adventure options in the UAE, this one is definitely not for the tender at heart—neither for the carsick—for we are talking about some serious rolling and pitching over the dunes here. But if you are looking for a fix for a stomach-churning, heart-stopping adrenaline rush, here it is!

Kayaking in the Mangroves

Kayak five miles into an unexplored, wild territory along the Eastern Ring Road in Abu Dhabi, into the Eastern Mangrove Lagoon National Park. Containing 75 per cent of all of UAE’s mangrove forest area, the Eastern Mangrove is a striking contrast to the modernism you’d see across the capital city. Home to 50 species of birds, including the flamingo and black, grey, and white herons, and about 200 species of fishes, this is where you can let out the nature lover in you.

Eat:

Meylas

Savour more than just gastronomic flavours of the Emirati culture. Meylas showcases traditional hospitality and culture amidst a décor that is reminiscent of the ’50s.
Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach
+971 2 444 8884

Mezlai

Translated to mean an old door lock, Mezlai is where you must go to savour a dish with flavours most intrinsic to the Emirati cuisine. Don’t miss the chicken maqbous with spiced rice and lamb madfoun.
Emirates Palace
+971 2 690 7999

When to go

December to February: This is a good time to visit, although you’d need to cover up well to tackle the cold breeze and one odd passing shower.

March to April: The best time to visit Abu Dhabi. The temperature is around 30° C.

May to September: Best to be avoided, with temperature soaring above 45° C and humidity at 95%.

October to November: Though not the best time to visit Abu Dhabi, what with the temperature still high, it may not be as intolerable as it is in the summers.

Read more: 5 Day Trips from Dubai When You Get Tired of Shopping

Getting there

By air: You’d get to the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Once there, look for cabs or shuttle buses that get you to Al Zahiya. You’ll find plenty cab operators in the airport.

By road: Abu Dhabi is connected by a 2-hour drive to Dubai, by bus or car.

Getting around

Bus: The Abu Dhabi City Bus connects to 14 routes, all through the day. While Bus No. 5 connects Marina Mall with Al Maryah Island via Al Zahiya, Bus No. 54 travels from Al Zahiya to the Seikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Tour the Yas Island on the hourly, free Yas Express bus. Or get your rides on the Blue Route, Red Route or Saadiyat Route buses.

Taxis: These are good options for going around the city in about Dhs3.50 to Dhs10. Hail a cab or order one online. The city has its share of app cabs like Uber and Careem.

Bicycles are a popular way of getting around in Corniche and Yas Island. Keep in mind to stick to the cycling tracks here.

Read more: Dubai: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Book Your Flight to Abu Dhabi