Going to the UAE With Family or Friends? Check these 6 Abu Dhabi Gems
A group vacation can be challenging to plan, especially if the people you’re going with have varying interests. This is quite common, even with family and friends.
Fortunately, some places offer more than just one fun activity and cater to different types of people. One such place is Abu Dhabi.
Located a mere 320 kilometres from Doha, Abu Dhabi is a sought-after destination for local and international travellers. Besides being the United Arab Emirates capital, it is also home to the nation’s presidential palace and some of the region’s best adventure and family-friendly spots.
From the presidential palace to the best theme park in the world, here are six Abu Dhabi gems you can add to your vacation itinerary, categorised according to different preferences.
Table of Content
Culture
Abu Dhabi has more destinations focusing on the country’s culture and history than the more populous Dubai. Among these are:
1. Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is the UAE’s presidential palace, which is still being used for official purposes to this day.
While it has been used to host foreign guests and other government purposes simultaneously, the palace became accessible to the public in 2019, opening its doors to school program tours. However, they adjust the public visit schedules to avoid crowding the place during those important events.
Located on Yas Island, this Abu Dhabi palace is divided into different zones, namely:
- The Great Hall
- House of Knowledge
- A Memory From the Palace
- Presidential Gifts
- Qasr Al Watan Library
- Spirit of Collaboration
- The Presidential Banquet
- A Celebration of Acceptance
- History Made During the Year of Tolerance
Besides what’s inside the building, Qasr Al Watan guests can also enjoy an outdoor treat called ‘Palace in Motion,’ a show that literally lights up the palace as it closes for the day.
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi
Inaugurated in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Middle East. Considered a premier cultural institution, this museum built in the Saadiyat Cultural District is heaven for art lovers and history buffs.
Here, you’ll find awe-inspiring displays that offer a glimpse of different cultures and societies around the world from ancient times to the modern era. They even have old books and manuscripts, including pages from the Quran.
Also enclosed in the vast silver dome are galleries of diverse art pieces, such as:
- Ancient Egyptian sculptures
- Picasso paintings
- Vincent Van Gogh’s self-portrait
Adventure
Looking for something more upbeat and adventurous on your trip to Abu Dhabi? Consider adding the following thrilling destinations to your itinerary:
3. Ferrari World
Bringing the Italian race car brand closer to the masses, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is designed to cater to car lovers and thrill-seekers from all over the globe.
The first in the world and only one of its kind in the Arab region, the park covers a whopping 86,000-square-metre area on Yas Island, where you can experience dozens of Ferrari-themed rides and attractions.
Besides being counted as one of the top amusement parks globally, Ferrari World is also home to record-breaking attractions, like:
- Formula Rossa – the fastest roller coaster on the planet.
- Flying Aces – the roller coaster with the tallest inverted loop and the steepest and fastest lift in the world.
When you visit, don’t forget to try other adrenaline-pumping rides, such as:
- Turbo Track
- Turbo Tower
- Scuderia Challenge
- Fiorano GT Challenge
4. CLYMB
Also located on Yas Island, CLYMB Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to enjoy two extreme activities: indoor skydiving and wall climbing.
Considered the ultimate adventure hub in the region, CLYMB is the prime destination for daredevils of various ages and skill levels.
Want to have a record-breaking indoor skydiving experience? CLYMB’s flight chamber is a unique 9.7-metre-wide and 32-metre-tall structure that offers an experience like no other.
In terms of indoor climbing offerings, the place also boasts the tallest climbing wall with a whopping 42-metre height. Called ‘The SUMMYT,’ this climbing wall is designed with 13 challenging routes that expert-level climbers can conquer. Other climbing walls are also available for beginner-, intermediate- and advanced-level skill climbers.
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Family Fun
If you’re on a family getaway and intend to travel with little ones, consider one or more of the family-friendly activities offered in Abu Dhabi’s most popular theme parks. When it comes to amusement, the following places are definitely worth checking out:
5. Yas Waterworld
Dubbed as water’s greatest playground, Yas Waterworld is a 37-acre amusement park with 40 exciting rides, slides, and experiences for the whole family.
Like Ferrari World, this mammoth of a water park also houses several record-breaking attractions, including the fastest water slide in the region. Adrenaline junkies are sure to have a blast here, especially with the following attractions:
- Dawwama – the world’s first hydromagnetic tornado water rafting ride.
- Bubble’s Barrel – the world’s largest surfable sheet wave.
- Jebel Drop – a thrilling free-fall speed waterslide.
Of course, if you’re visiting the water park with kids, you have lots more to choose from, including gentler but equally fun activities designed for toddlers. These are:
- Tot’s Playground
- Cannon Point
- Yehal
- Cinesplash
- Yadi Yas
- Amwaj
- Marah Fortress
- Water Wars
Besides these, Yas Waterworld also offers facilities that every family trip needs, including cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can buy essentials and souvenirs for the whole family.
6. Warner Bros World
What better way to enjoy family fun with the kids than to let them meet and greet their favourite superheroes and cartoon characters?
At Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, you and your children can have genuine fun with film and comic book heroes and villains, as well as animated characters from the entertainment company.
Divided into six ‘lands,’ this amusement park was designed to bring everything Warner Brothers-related under one roof. They even feature popular fictional places like Gotham City, Metropolis, Bedrock and Cartoon Junction.
Don’t know where to begin? Consider lining up for the following rides and attractions first to make the most of your trip:
- The Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure
- Fast and Furry-ous
- The Joker Funhouse
- Batman: Knight Flight
- The Jetsons Cosmic Orbiter
- Scooby-Doo: The Museum of Mysteries
- Green Lantern: Galactic Odyssey
Get Ready for Abu Dhabi
Visiting Abu Dhabi is an extraordinary experience that promises a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition. As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, this cosmopolitan city offers a myriad of attractions and delights for travelers. Its striking skyline, adorned with futuristic skyscrapers, sets the stage for a vibrant urban adventure.
Embracing its rich cultural heritage, the city also boasts captivating museums, traditional souks, and immersive experiences that provide a glimpse into the Emirati way of life. With warm hospitality and a captivating ambiance, Abu Dhabi is a destination that captivates the senses and creates lasting memories for friends and families. Plan your vacation to this city and have a memorable trip that everyone in your group will enjoy.
