There is something for everyone in Abu Dhabi, whether you dream of a relaxing beach getaway, a luxurious recharge, an epic adventure, or fun for the whole family.
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With some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, the largest of the seven UAE emirates is made up of three distinct regions — Abu Dhabi Central Capital District and its surroundings, Al Ain (the Eastern Region, or Sharqiyyah), and Al Dhafra (the Western Region, or Gharbiyyah). Sunshine all year round, diverse landscapes, lots of adventurous options, lively culture, and rich history make this emirate a delight to explore.
Now it’s the time for sunshine in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is an all-year-round destination and an unbeatable choice for last-minute winter sun-seekers. Enjoy exquisite desert sunsets in the Empty Quarter and treat yourself to a trip to Al Ain or Liwa lush ancient oases. Have a perfect romantic dinner at the Arabian Nights Village and spend the night under the stars. Slow down and get pampered at the luxurious Pura Eco-Retreat on Jubail Island or just soak up the sun on one of the fantastic beaches in Abu Dhabi.
Whether you’re after a laid-back stretch of powder-soft white sand near the city, a family-friendly getaway on a remote island filled with 17,000 free-roaming animals, a luxury escape on a lush boutique private island, Abu Dhabi has a beach for everyone.
Top 8 Abu Dhabi’s beaches:
- Saadiyat Beach
- Corniche Beach
- Yas Beach
- Al Bateen Beach
- Zaya Nurai Island
- Nation Riviera Beach Club
- Mirfa Beach
- Sir Bani Yas Island
Now it’s the time for an adventure in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is where your special adventure awaits, whether you’re after culinary delights, time travel, dune bashing, or any other thrill of land and sea. Ride the stomach-lurching rollercoaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and hit the dunes on a sandboard. Kayak through mangrove forests, wander beneath palm trees in centuries-old oases, explore the natural treasures of the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve or go pearl diving in the Arabian Gulf. This emirate never runs out of exciting ideas!
If you’re looking for one great place for family fun in Abu Dhabi, Yas Island will do the trick. Here, you’ll find Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (with the world’s fastest rollercoaster), Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, for starters. At Clymb™, children as young as three can have a blast on the world’s widest indoor skydiving flight chamber and climb up the tallest indoor climbing wall on the planet, both under one roof.
Yas Beach offers plenty of watersports for the whole family. Golfers will enjoy a round on the par 72 championship Yas Links Abu Dhabi golf course, while Formula 1™ fans will love driving around Yas Marina Circuit in a striking car.
Make your visit even more memorable. Book a suite at one of the five-star luxury hotels on Yas Island, like the W Abu Dhabi, the world’s only hotel located atop a Grand Prix race track.
Now it’s the time to feed your soul in Abu Dhabi
For those seeking to reconnect with themselves and the world around them, Abu Dhabi is the perfect destination. Visit its ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites, marvel at the stunning Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque and make sure to pay a visit to the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi that embraces openness between cultures. Located on Saadiyat Island in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, this museum is a paradise for culture lovers and history aficionados, displaying artwork and other valuable exhibits from ancient to modern times.
If you’d like to experience true Emirati culture in a modern setting, head straight up to Al Ain’s Souk Al Zafarana market, where you can find traditional garments, spices, incense, and dallah (Arabian coffee pots). And don’t miss out on local cuisine!
The best Emirati dishes and where to try them in Abu Dhabi
- Shuwaa is slow-roasted lamb with raisins and nuts wrapped in date leaves, cooked in a submerged oven, and served with rice. Where to try a perfect shuwaa: Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
- Harees is a meal made of cracked wheat and shredded meat that’s been boiled and left to steam. Where to go to have a finger-licking harees: Al Makan in Souk Madinat or Al Mrzab Restaurant just behind the National Theatre.
- Machboos is a popular spicy Arabic rice dish made with either lamb or chicken. Where to go for the best machboos: Golden Dallah Meals
- Madfoon is another kind of meat-and-rice dish with marinated meat cooked in an underground hole surrounded by charcoal. Where to taste a decent madfoon: Saudi Kitchen
- Luqaimat is deep-fried dough balls, coated in date syrup. They’re crunchy on the outside but soft inside. This favourite UAE’s dessert is served with sweet dipping sauces and a cup of karak chai (masala black tea). Where to try the best luqaimat: Lgymat & Rgag
Now it’s the time to free your spirit in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi boasts life-changing experiences that you never thought of before. Escape to Sir Bani Yas Island to enjoy a rustic beachfront out-of-this-world getaway in the middle of the Arabian Gulf. There’s a tranquil lagoon teeming with migratory birds — perfect for kayaking. You can stay at one of the 30 barasti-style villas inspired by a traditional Emirati fishing village and indulge in pool romance.
Sir Bani Yas Island is also home to the incredible Arabian Wildlife Park with 17,000 free-roaming animals. Step up on its safe viewing platforms, built from recycled materials, and start creating lifelong memories together with the island’s long-necked and horned friendly residents.
It’s in Abu Dhabi’s DNA to inspire everyone to try something new. Start your day with an energising morning yoga class at The Galleria’s open-air Sky Park. Enjoy a rejuvenating massage and spa treatment at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, and hop on their 4×4 safari tours to see Arabian oryx, gazelles, and cheetahs. Swap those boring stand-up meetings at work for stand-up paddleboarding in the Arabian Gulf or unleash your inner Indiana Jones on man-made white water rafting channels. Find your true passion in Abu Dhabi!
Be sure to visit the all-new Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District before you leave Abu Dhabi. It is the ultimate one-stop friends, couples, and family destination. From romantic seafront vibes and glamping galore to extreme watersport adventures and endless shopping options, Hudayriyat Island has it all.
Now it’s the time to start planning your next unforgettable adventure in Abu Dhabi!
