Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a stunning blend of traditional Arabian culture and modern architecture. It amazes everyone with its luxurious hotels, vast deserts, stunning beaches, and fantastic shopping malls. But there’s more to Abu Dhabi than just its beautiful landmarks. The city offers a wide range of things to do, from exploring its rich cultural heritage to indulging in thrilling adventures and enjoying delicious cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation or a solo trip, there are plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi that will make your trip unforgettable. From the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the thrilling Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and the luxurious Palm Jumeirah, we’ve got you covered. Our curated list of the top 25 places to visit in Abu Dhabi will help you make the most of your trip. So, let Thrillark be your guide as you discover the best of Abu Dhabi.
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Discover the magnificent architectural brilliance of the world’s largest mosque. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an embodiment of Islamic culture and legacy, is renowned for its architectural beauty and cultural significance. The mosque offers you an amazing experience with its largest hand-knotted carpet in addition to magnificent marble architecture and captivating floral and decorative domes. During your visit to UAE, you should not miss the grand mosque. Explore these cultural treasures to immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage fully.
- Location: Situated near the Abu Dhabi International Airport.
- Timings: Monday through Friday, 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Visit the World Largest Mall
Visit the largest shopping mall in the world. The Dubai Mall comprises more than 1200 shops over 4 floors and welcomes around 54 million visitors globally. From the enchanting Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to incredible experiences in VR Park and Hysteria, the mall is also the best hub to shop and enjoy excellent dining experiences. It’s a must-visit destination for luxury, shopping, family fun, and cultural experience.
- Location: Financial Centre Road, Dubai
- Timing: Daily from 10:00 am to 12 am
3. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
When we think about Abu Dhabi, the one thing that comes to our minds is an image of the enormous red exterior, which is almost as famous as the automobile brand with the same name. The world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, is located inside Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, offering a heart-pounding experience. Reaching an incredible speed, this adrenaline ride is a must-try and one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have.
- Location: Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Timing: Opens daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4. Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree and is one of the incredibly made artificial islands in the UAE. Known for its variety of luxurious hotels, dining, and shopping centres, it is a popular spot for tourists and residents. People often visit Plam Jumeritah’s beaches to experience comfort and luxury. Additionally, Palm Jumeirah has become an iconic symbol of Dubai’s innovative and ambitious urban development.
- Location: It is located at Financial Centre Road, Dubai
5. Dubai Miracle Garden
Discover the magnificent world of flowers, where millions of beautifully arranged blooms will encircle you. The Dubai Miracle Garden features 250 million plants and 50 million flowers and captivates visitors with its stunning designs. Other attractions include the Floral Clock, Butterfly Area, Disney Avenue, and Lost Paradise, to name a few. Explore the attractions on your own, or take your family or friends on this exhilarating funfair rides, street shows, and concerts. This encounter lasts for six hours.
- Location: The Miracle Garden is on Street 3, Al Barsha South, Dubai.
- Timing : Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
6. Dubai Fountain
Well, as you decide to spend your time at the iconic mall, it welcomes you with its spectacular dance. The dancing fountain outside the mall will be a pleasing moment for you and an energy booster for more shopping and fun. The magical water, using 6,600 lights and 25 illuminating projectors, swirls for all 30 minutes. The stunning dance is a truly mesmerizing display that will leave you in awe. On weekends, the fountain will be activated from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Location: Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Timing: Daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily
7. Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is a unique attraction situated in the Mall of Emirates, offering visitors the opportunity to experience winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding in a desert city like Dubai, where natural snowfall is nonexistent. The Ski Dubai includes a Snow Park with various activities where you can experience all activities of the winter season, such as Tobogganing, snowball fights, and building snowmen, making it the perfect destination for families and kids to have fun.
- Timing: The park is open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Location: the Mall of the Emirates, UAE
8. Emirates Palace
Nestled in the heart of Dubai, the Emirates Palace is not an ordinary hotel; it is a modern masterpiece of luxury and stunning grandeur. Boasted with its excellent accommodation and intricate design, it embodies Arab elegance. Set against the backdrop of a private beachfront, guests can indulge in a unique dining experience, including a gold ATM. Apart from its luxurious amenities, the Emirates is also a centre for recreational activities, making it a symbol of grandeur and sophistication.
- Location: West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Timing : . The opening hours for the tour are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily
9. Dubai Opera
The cultural architectural gem is nestled in the heart of Dubai Downtown. The Dubai Opera is a magnificent art and cultural centre that hosts a variety of programmes, from Phantom of the Opera to ballet, from classical music concerts to contemporary art exhibitions. If you want to make your hours in Dubai worthwhile, attending a Dubai Opera show is the perfect highlight.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd., Downtown Dubai
- Best time to visit: After sunset, the view of the surroundings is amazing too.
10. Dreamscape
Dreamscape in the United Arab Emirates is an extraordinary virtual reality experience that transports you to places beyond imagination. Unlike traditional VR, Dreamscape offers free-roaming adventures. You’re not confined to a small space; instead, you can move around and interact with the environment. Dreamscape achieves a level of artistry, storytelling, immersion, and presence that sets it apart. It’s like stepping into a Disney theme park experience.
- Location: You can find Dreamscape at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.
- Timing: Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
11. Magic Planet
If you are searching for endless entertainment and adrenaline-pumping rides, this renowned family entertainment centre will quench your hunger. Enjoy the arcade and games area with various interactive games and virtual reality experiences, such as exciting racing simulators, amazing rides, pool tables, and a 4XD movie screening. Magic Planet also offers a range of dining options, ensuring that visitors can refuel and recharge before continuing their adventure-filled day.
- Location: Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha
- Timing : Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
