Travel Hacks

Abu Dhabi's sites that you can explore on a weekend

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is just a 2-hour bus ride from Dubai. While there is plenty of interesting places to see, you can go on a quick weekend tour by visiting some of the sites below. 


Experience the desert way of life at the U.A.E. Heritage Village

To learn about a place, you must first know about its beginnings. Before you explore Abu Dhabi, make sure to visit the Heritage Village where you’ll experience how the ‘desert way of life’ was. Go to see a traditional souk, a mosque, and a mini-museum that brings you back to the emirate’s past and beginnings. Also, watch actual artisans in their element as they blow glass, make pottery, and weave fabrics using traditional looms. 


LOCATION: Emirates Heritage Club Heritage Village, Abu Dhabi Theatre Rd, Corniche Brake water Near Marina Mall – Abu Dhabi 

Walk barefoot on the world’s largest hand-woven carpet at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Not only is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque one of the largest mosques in the world, it also houses the world’s biggest chandelier and carpet. You’d be amazed as to how clean and well maintained the carpet is despite the influx of visitors that walk on it on a daily basis (feet selfies are recommended). 


LOCATION: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St - Abu Dhabi 

Feel like royalty in the Emirates Palace just for a day 

You will feel as if you’re royalty when you enter the opulent hotel that is the Emirates Palace. While you’re free to roam its lobbies and exhibitions (e.g. jewelry displays), hotel guests are the only ones allowed access to the gardens, private beach, and rooms (said to have breathtaking views). Nonetheless, you can still feel luxurious by trying Le Café’s (dubbed the best café in Abu Dhabi) golden cappuccino with its edible 24K Gold Flakes and Camel Burger.


TIP: You can take photos of the Etihad Towers from the palace (where the fountain is). The location of these five stunning towers was made popular by the movie, The Fast & Furious 7, where a supercar flew out from one of the towers.

LOCATION: Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road – Abu Dhabi

Be mesmerized by a museum by the sea and its floating dome - The Louvre Abu Dhabi 

Other than the usual introduction of the most popular art pieces from around the world, the museum by the sea also draws its guests to its beautiful floating dome. An artwork in its own right (designed by Pritzker Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel), the latticed roof, which is referred to as the Rain of Light, is made up of 7,850 aluminum stars (the biggest are 13 meters in diameter).


LOCATION: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi

Geek out at the world’s most sustainable eco-city that is Masdar City

Masdar City is a lot of things aside from being the world’s most sustainable low-carbon city. A city that displays innovative creations, Masdar is one of the places in the UAE that utilizes renewable energy and clean technologies (solar and wind). It’s a must to walk around and enjoy the natural airflow from buildings, and also ride the driverless Personal Rapid Transit (PRT). Riding the PRT felt like a scene straight from a science fiction movie.


LOCATION: Masdar City - Abu Dhabi 

Take a piece of Ferrari at the world's biggest Ferrari shop at Ferrari World 

Ferrari World is your go-to place if you’re feeling adventurous. Aside from housing both the world’s highest rollercoaster loop and fastest roller coaster, this indoor Ferrari-branded theme park also has the biggest Ferrari store. You can acquire a piece of the brand’s history here before or after you take the ride of your life.


LOCATION: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island – Abu Dhabi 

Score big points at a leading sports destination in the UAE - Zayed Sports City

If you’re looking to veer away from the usual tourist spots, visit the Zayed Sports City for a more chill trip - a large sports complex that houses a wide range of facilities ranging from beach volleyball to basketball. And if you’re into bowling, then you’re in luck, as ZSC has the biggest bowling alley in Abu Dhabi. The Khalifa International Bowling Centre, which is considered one of the world’s most modern alleys, offers 40 lanes that are great for friendly competitions.

LOCATION: Zayed Sports City, Airport Road – Abu Dhabi



Enjoy and get your tan on at Corniche Beach, a safe and lifeguarded beach park

If you’re looking to chill and get your tan on in a beach that will keep you safe at all costs, head to Corniche Beach. The pristine beachfront, which is also a public beach that overlooks the Arabian Gulf, is divided into three sections (Al Sahil for singles and groups, Gate 2 for families, Gate 3 for families and children). While taking photos by the beach is prohibited, think of it as a way of enjoying your trip without the unnecessary distractions and hassles.

LOCATION: Corniche Beach – Abu Dhabi


If you're looking to stay in Abu Dhabi for a weekend, consider checking in the Intercontinental Hotel [full review HERE].

Explore & Be Free!
Mai

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4 comments

  1. Than you for sharing a best places to visit in UAE it very useful to me. I hope keep posting.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful blog! Abu Dhabi is one of my bucket list, Thank you for sharing this article and i hope keep posting.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wonderful blog! Dubai is one of my bucket list, Thank you for sharing this post and i hope keep posting it.

    ReplyDelete

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