Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s bustling capital city and is one of the most luxurious cities in the world. Aside from the high-end shopping malls, sports cars, skyscrapers, and luxury hotels, this city is full of hidden gems that are waiting to be explored. Tempting to visit, right? Abu Dhabi has something for everyone whether you are a solo traveller, visiting with your family, or your friends, you’re sure to experience something you never have before.
Visiting Abu Dhabi can be quite a fast-paced holiday, after all, it is a capital city! This is why Mangrove National Park is perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located just 12km from Abu Dhabi Mall, the park offers kayaking tours through the stunning Mangroves or take a walk around the beautiful forests with the longest walk covering 2km. Visiting Mangrove is the perfect opportunity to relax and get up close and personal with nature.
Next up on our list of must-see places in Abu Dhabi is Heritage Village. This is a family-friendly activity that allows you to experience the traditional way of life in the desert where you can learn about the country’s history, culture, and heritage. Make sure you book in a whole day for this experience due to the vast array of things to do here; shopping, visiting the beach, eating on the stunning waterfront, discovering artefacts, watching artisans make pottery, blowing glass, and so much more. If you do visit Heritage Village, be sure to have a look around the village’s spice shop- you may just find the perfect present to take home to your family and friends.
Fancy visiting a Falcon Hospital? Niche, but total impressive, opening in 1999, Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Hospital has earned the title of the world’s largest falcon hospital, which is why it’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Having a patient influx of more than 110,000 patients since opening, this hospital is exclusively for falcons. Flacons are a cultural symbol of the UAE due to their skill and characterful personalities, in fact- they can even be issued their own passport and get high-quality check-ups and feather substitutions. Whilst visiting the hospital, you can embark on a guided tour, explore the museum, witness a falcon pedicure, and even make friends with the birds as they fly onto your arm. This hospital’s facilities are state-of-the-art and are a great opportunity to see exactly how the birds are cared for in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking of animals, another must-see attraction of Abu Dhabi is Emirates Park Zoo. Up for breakfast with a Giraffe? Or even feeding a Hippo? This zoo allows its visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, making your holiday one to remember. Located just half an hour from Abu Dhabi city centre- this zoo has everything you could ask for, and more including animal shows and educational programmes.
If you fancy a bit of adventure on your break to Abu Dhabi, a high-speed trip through the Empty Quarter desert may be for you. Choose between sandboarding, quad biking, or a camel ride to spend the day exploring the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass. You will then spend your evening at a traditional Bedouin camp where you will be served freshly grilled Arabic food whilst watching evening entertainment including belly dancing shows.
So, beyond the glitz and glamour, Abu Dhabi has a plethora of hidden gems to offer visitors and we hope they move from undiscovered to firmly on your activity bucket list. From nature reserves to quad biking through the desert, there’s something for everyone. Ready to book your holiday to Abu Dhabi and experience all that the city has to offer? Feel free to contact us today or request a quote for your next Middle East holiday.
