10 Free Things to do in Abu Dhabi That You Shouldn't Miss

March 26, 2022 Tonie Szymanski

Atmospheric backstreets paint a very different picture to first impressions of Abu Dhabi. The often slick and modern capital of the U.A.E. presents a fascinating mixture of tradition and progression. Tracing its rich history back to around 3000 B.C., Abu Dhabi maintains a more distinctly Arabian ambiance than glitzy Dubai. Taxis are a safe, reliable way to get around sites such as The Corniche Park, the White Fort, the Heritage Village, which offers glimpses into Bedouin life, and the Women's Craft Centre.
Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center

Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, 5th St, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates +971 2 419 1919 http://www.szgmc.ae
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34,423 reviews

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center

Reviewed By travelgang_10 - Grimsby, United Kingdom

DO NOT MISS THIS. we have been three times now ands still staggering to see. We did a day trip from Dubai especially to see this mosque, and we were not disappointed. It is stunning. Beautiful white marble (with inlaid floral design), the largest carpet in the world, stunning chandeliers, beautiful water pools, 82 domes, exquisite design and yet peaceful & worthy of prayer. It is definitely the highlight of my trip to the UAE.

2. The Corniche

Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,576 reviews

The Corniche

Reviewed By JIHAD40 - United Arab Emirates, null

While we stayed at the St Regis on the Corniche we decided to go for a walk as the weather is beautiful this time of the year. The Corniche is basically the waterfront of Abu Dhabi, it has a long stretch on the waterfront, beautifully landscaped with walk ways and bicycle lanes. A few cafes as on the walk which is so beautiful and relaxing. You can even rent scooters and return them to various pick up locations. Definitely try it out.

3. Emirates Palace

West End Corniche, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates +971 2 690 9000 http://www.kempinski.com/en/abudhabi/emirates-palace/welcome/
Excellent
68%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,963 reviews

Emirates Palace

Reviewed By ebianco83 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

One of the most spectacular and special time in this high end luxurious hotel. I've got the change to stayed I one of the suites with sea view, the room was amazing with all small details considered to indulge host experience, definitely if you can try while visiting Abu Dhabi don't hesitate. All service officered meet and exceed my expectations. Good restaurants Hakkasan is a must please check my review. All hotel facilities are amazing definitely, I would like to stay again in a short staycation, consultat the reservations team and check for any special offer.

4. Yas Mall

Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,873 reviews

Yas Mall

Set in the heart of Yas Island, Yas Mall is a destination in its own right. Beneath its skylight-trimmed ceiling are a host of international brands both mid-range and luxury, and great dining spots.

5. Dalma Mall

Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates +971 800 325626255 [email protected] http://www.dalmamall.ae/
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 202 reviews

Dalma Mall

With a selection of more than 450 shops, Dalma isn't just one of Abu Dhabi's biggest malls. It's also one of the city's favorites, owing to the fact many beloved brands have set up shop there.

Reviewed By SanyaC40 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Dalma mall is huge and probably the biggest in the MBZ area. It satisfies the needs of everyone, from teens to adults to kids, you find something or the other for everyone. The whole 3rd floor is dedicated to kids and toddlers and parents can easily shop leaving their kids in the activities section. International brands are also here, as well as local shops and specially the parking is built very systematically on each level. The road network in and around Dalma mall is also great!!

6. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center

Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates +971 2 444 6900 http://www.adnec.ae
Excellent
52%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 466 reviews

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center

Reviewed By TejaKrishnaR

I visited 2 times to this tower on 13th floor to one of our office. It is a world class iconic tower of UAE located on the Abu Dhabi Mussafah road.

7. The Galleria Al Maryah Island

105 Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri Street, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates +971 2 616 6900 [email protected] http://www.thegalleria.ae
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

The Galleria Al Maryah Island is Abu Dhabi’s super-regional mall in the heart of the city. With over 400 stores, including 300 of the world’s most popular brands, 100 food and beverage options and an abundance of entertainment catering to all ages, The Galleria has something for everyone. First opened in 2013 as a luxury and fine-dining destination with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci and Zuma, in September 2019 it dramatically expanded its offering when 250 new stores such as Zara, H&M and Debenhams open alongside family favourites such as The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s and Paul Café. Combined with world-class entertainment venues including a 21-screen VOX Cinema with IMAX, a flagship Xtreme Zone and urban parks catering to family activities, this incredible offering sets The Galleria apart as the most exciting retail, culinary, entertainment and lifestyle hub in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi is our city; The Galleria is your mall.

Reviewed By beautifulsunshin2019 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

This is my favorite mall in Abu Dhabi and actuallly in all the UAE and the Reason is that this is the only mall who allow me to walk and see the shops peacefully without the crowds of people in other mall The shop mall selection is wow The restaurant selection is amazing with some of the best restaurants of the down and near to the Four Seasons and Rosewood restaurant selection I Will continue to come back

8. Aldar HQ Building

Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates +971 2 810 6400 http://www.aldar.com
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 563 reviews

Aldar HQ Building

Reviewed By msel36 - Lancashire, United Kingdom

We stayed at the Al Raha Beach Hotel which is next to the Al Raha Mall and the Aldar HQ Building is next to the mall. This building is under 15 mins from the airport. The view of this unusual shaped building is very interesting. I believe it is a office accomodation building and is not accessable to enter.

9. Corniche Beach

Corniche Corniche Rd, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Excellent
48%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,202 reviews

Corniche Beach

Reviewed By 164emmanuelo

You can take a long walk all the way down to Al Mina fish Market, or in the opposite direction to the Marina Mall, taking in the sights of the tall buildings as you go along,

10. Yas Marina

Abu Dhabi 34406 United Arab Emirates +971 2 406 2000 [email protected] http://www.yasmarina.ae/
Excellent
53%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 376 reviews

Yas Marina

Yas Marina is not only one of Abu Dhabi’s finest marinas but also a vibrant venue offering dining, fitness and leisure facilities. Situated on Yas Island, the 227 berth marina features 7 licensed restaurants and lounges which cater to all taste buds and budgets. Each outlet along the waterside promenade boasts iconic views of the Yas Viceroy hotel and race track. As the sun sets the family friendly destination transforms into a buzzing scene of dining and nightlife entertainment. From premier fitness facilities and physiotherapy to watersports, boat charters, a children’s playground and a musical water fountain, there is something for all ages throughout the day. Weekly promotions and seasonal events make Yas Marina a destination to keep discovering, morning, noon and night.

Reviewed By mariusstry - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Great venue with many bars and restaurants. Spans around the marina with the F1 track and hotel as a backdrop. Fantastic photo opportunities at night with the yachts and ever changing lights. Enjoyment guaranteed!

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