Joanna James
Tipped to be the most dynamic holiday hotspot in the region, Abu Dhabi is a dream come true for tourists with diverse interests and passions. Here are some of the best things to do during a trip to the UAE capital for different types of tourists.
Culture buffs heading to the capital of Abu Dhabi will find that the city is home to several impressive heritage hubs and cultural highlights despite its reputation as a commercial paradise. The Al Jahili Fort is one such location, which was built in the early 1800s. Aside from its function as a defence mechanism, visitors can also marvel at its stunning architecture. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is another grand edifice that must be explored during a tour of Abu Dhabi while the city's finest cultural institutions also include the breathtaking Louvre Abu Dhabi, Al Ain National Museum, and Abu Dhabi National Museum & Aquarium and the Zayed Heritage Center.
Ranked among the top things to do in Abu Dhabi, no trip to the city would be complete without a shopping spree in some of its largest malls and department stores. Those based at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel or any similar rest will have easy access to Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and the towering Marina Mall. Other points of retail interest for shopaholics include the Liwa Centre, Al Raha Mall and the Bawabat Al Sharq Mall.
No holiday in Abu Dhabi would be complete without a shopping spree at the famed Marina Mall. Occupying pride of place close to the Heritage Village on the south-western fringes of the city, this massive department store is home to over four hundred shops. What's more, the venue also houses its own amusement park, film theatre, ice skating rink and arcade so tourists can indulge in a plethora of activities besides shopping during a visit to the popular mall. The large variety of cafes and restaurants in the mall also makes it a bit hit with foodies.
When it comes to family-oriented attractions and activity hubs, the Abu Dhabi Corniche reigns supreme. Stretching for 4 miles across the south-western coastline of the city, the area not only affords charming ocean vistas but also a plethora of restaurants, cafes, picnic areas and even retail outlets where families can enjoy an evening out. Bike rentals are also part of the landscape thanks to FunRideSports while swimming and water sports amenities are also now available on the north-eastern corner of The Corniche.
Adrenaline junkies and off-road enthusiasts heading to Abu Dhabi should just drive over to the Liwa Oasis where desert adventures and excursions await. Tourists can not only take part in dune bashing and camel riding activities in this vast and arid landscape but also enjoy 4x4 drives in the desert and even camp out overnight in a Bedouin-style campsite.
From piping hot street food varieties to some of the city's finest fine dining establishments including the Finz Restaurant and Villa Toscana, the choices are seemingly endless for foodies.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
