Diana Lewis
As one of the Middle East's top holiday hubs Abu Dhabi packs in a punch when it comes to engaging activities. From shopping to volunteering here are some of the must-experience highlights in the city.
Tipped to be one of the city's most popular recreational hotspots the Abu Dhabi Corniche is not only a fantastic family picnic area but also a wonderful venue to work off those holiday meals in style. Offering health conscious travellers walking and running tracks the cycling path in the Corniche is also ideal for a morning bike ride. Accessible to visitors free of charge the Corniche is equipped with dip rails and other fitness apparatuses which makes it one of the top places to work out while on vacation.
Abu Dhabi's top malls the likes of the Yas Mall, Al Wahda Mall and the Marina Mall are the first hotspots to hit on a shopping spree in this dynamic desert city while a stopover at the mammoth World Trade Centre Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall are also worth it for brand conscious shopaholics. Those in search of something more local should head to the Heritage Village where visitors can not only get a history lesson on the Bedouin lifestyle of yore but also pick up spices, herbs and handmade soaps from the traditional thoroughfare at the venue. The Al Mina Fruit and Veg Market is another great place to pick up snacks and enjoy some local chatter.
Another must-experience highlight for active visitors based in a desert resort Abu Dhabi counts among its finest rests such as the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is of course the Yas Marina Circuit. Whether it's biking, running or racing the sheer variety of adrenalin pumping activities available in this well-known activity base makes it worth the trip. Ladies can sign up with the GoYas program and also enjoy group fitness activities for free.
Party goers of the fairer sex can enjoy a free night out on the town with complimentary drinks and nibbles from the city's top bars and lounges thanks to Abu Dhabi's Ladies Night promotions. Whether it's the Yacht Club , Sugar Rush or twice weekly ladies night offers at Etoiles the choices are endless for female travellers looking for a relaxing night of partying need arrive at the city's top bars to be treated to the time of their lives.
Home to some of the Middle East's most picturesque gardens no visit to Abu Dhabi would be complete without exploring its greenest spaces. Must-tour highlights include the Capital Gardens and the Al Nayhan Garden where children and adults can picnic and soak up the lush atmosphere.
Also known as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi contains many a wonder including the world's biggest knotted carpet and a whopping 82 domes. A chandelier weighing 12 tonnes is also part of the stunning religious epicentre that is open to visitors free of charge.
Visitors can also spend their time in Abu Dhabi contributing to a worthy local initiative and give back to the local community. Some of the top volunteer opportunities in the city include the Emirates Red Crescent, Sandy Paws and Operation Smile UAE.
