There’s something about Abu Dhabi that catches you off guard in the best way possible. Where its flashier cousin Dubai might dazzle you with skyscrapers and spectacles, Abu Dhabi invites you to breathe, linger, and lean into something a little deeper.

Sure, you can zoom through it on a whirlwind Abu Dhabi city tour (and if you’ve only got a day or two, it’s not a bad shout). But if you’ve got the time, give this place your full attention. Because the best things to do in Abu Dhabi aren’t just about ticking off landmarks, they’re about slowing down, tuning in, and letting the desert, the culture, and the unexpected take the lead.

So, come to Abu Dhabi with time to spare, and you will be rewarded with experiences amazingly unlike any other Middle Eastern city.

Here are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi as shared with me by a local.

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1. Desert Safari Experience

Abu Dhabi’s deserts are vast and quite unique compared to other UAE deserts. They are more than just endless expanses of sand dunes. A desert safari experience at the Liwa Desert’s auburn dunes is surreally picturesque, perfect to capture some awesome snapshots of the desert sunsets. Here, you can enjoy all sorts of desert sports, right from the adrenaline-rushing dune-bashing to mild camel rides. Want an extraordinary experience? Head to the Al Wathba fossil dunes and explore the otherworldly terrain scattered with wind-swept rock formations.

2. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Among the many things to see and do in Abu Dhabi, this attraction stands out as the best one to enjoy for car lovers and high-speed adventure chasers. Known as the only Ferrari-themed adventure park in the world, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is where you go to fulfill your craze for ultimate high-speed thrills. Here’s where you can enjoy the fastest rollercoaster in the world and zoom off 0 to 240 km/h in under 5 seconds!

3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

This grand attraction is a must-visit on an Abu Dhabi holiday for its sheer beauty and cultural significance. As the largest mosque in the UAE, it should definitely find a spot in your Abu Dhabi itinerary, regardless of how long you are staying. The grand gold-adorned white domes, the thousands of pillars, and the tranquil ambience that it exudes are all worth the experience.

4. Warner Bros Abu Dhabi

A favourite among family holidaymakers, Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi is a fascinating theme park based on Warner Bros. movies and Cartoon Network’s best cartoon characters at Yas Island. Take a trip down nostalgia lane as you gear up to have fun with Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry, the Flintstones, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League superheroes. Keep tabs on their official website, as a Harry Potter theme land is soon to open here.

5. Marina Mall

All holidays require some time set aside for shopping, and that’s the case for an Abu Dhabi holiday too. There are plenty of souks and malls to saunter around and buy souvenirs and merchandise. However, for a grand shopping spree and a one-stop solution, Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi is the best choice. Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s lively hub – Abu Dhabi Corniche, Marina Mall spoils you with a wide range of choices, not just for shopping, but also for dining and entertainment.

6. Al Ain Oasis

Abu Dhabi’s ambience leans a lot towards impressive natural sceneries. The emirate has an inland city, Al Ain, which is dubbed as the greenest place in the UAE. Sprawling 1200 hectares east of Abu Dhabi, the Al Ain oasis has over 100,000 date palm trees of 100 varieties thriving due to an ancient irrigation system known as ‘falaj,’. That’s the reason, it rightfully earned the tag of ‘Garden City.’ Spend a day here and you will truly understand how Abu Dhabi stands apart from its neighbouring emirates.

7. Yas Waterworld

If Abu Dhabi’s desert sun is getting to you, then escape for a refreshing thrill and adventure to Yas Waterworld. Located on Yas Island, this Emirati-themed water park offers you the chance to soak, splash, and slide in more than 40 water rides. Right from Jebel Drop for hardcore thrill-seekers, to Falcon Falaj – a multi-seater water coaster ride for groups,  and Tot’s Playground for kids, this water park has something for everyone, making it a must-visit attraction on your Abu Dhabi holiday.

8. Mangrove Parks

Abu Dhabi’s natural scenery sometimes makes you forget for a while that you are in a desert emirate. Apart from Abu Dhabi’s verdant cover of palm trees at Al Ain, its mangrove parks also contribute to the city’s verdure as well as its ecosystem. Tucked away from the bustling city, Mangrove National Park and Jubail Mangrove Park offer a nature haven for locals and tourists alike. It’s an amazing spot for nature and wildlife lovers to unwind and enjoy tranquil scenery, spot exotic wildlife, and even explore the attraction on a kayaking or paddling experience.

9. Louvre Abu Dhabi

Among the cultural gems in Abu Dhabi, one name stands out for its stellar architecture and an artistic bond between the Middle East and the Western world. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind outside Europe, is as much a work of art as the paintings and sculptures it houses. Its facade, which replicates a city on the sea, is mesmerising to view. Its massive, star-shaped trellised dome, filtering sunlight to mimic the shade of palm fronds in an oasis, will make you drop your jaw in awe. Inside, you can view some of the most celebrated works of renowned artists from around the world.

10. Observation Deck at 300

Discover Abu Dhabi from new heights at The Observation Deck at 300. Perched on the 74th floor at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, 300 meters above ground level, this attraction reveals a spellbinding 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Abu Dhabi’s capital city. The view stretches across the shimmering Persian Gulf, the iconic Emirates Palace, the majestic Presidential Palace, and the vibrant Corniche. Time your visit around sunset for an unforgettable scenic view. With plush seating and a sophisticated café within the attraction, you can relax, soak in the views at your own pace, and enjoy high-tea or quick bites amid nonchalant conversations. Whether you are a photographer, a solo traveller simply seeking a moment to reflect, or someone sharing time with family, this attraction is one of the top spots to be.

Final Thoughts: The Real Abu Dhabi Is Full of Surprises

This list is the crème de la crème of Abu Dhabi. There are plenty of other things to see and do in Abu Dhabi, which depends entirely on your travel preference. If you are an adventurer, there’s CLYMB Abu Dhabi – the biggest indoor wall-climbing adventure spot in the world. Travelling with kids? Don’t forget to check out Snow Abu Dhabi! Planning a romantic escape? Then Saadiyat Island has to be on your list of things to do in Abu Dhabi with your loved one. These 10 experiences listed above offer the gist of what Abu Dhabi is about. Dig deeper, and you will find yourself surrounded with unforgettable experiences and vibes that will only want you to visit Abu Dhabi more! And definitely more than any other emirate in the UAE.

So go. Wander. Paddle. Marvel.

And when your friends say, “You’re skipping Dubai?!”—just smile.

Because Abu Dhabi isn’t second choice.

It’s the smart one.