A Day in Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
I’m just going to throw it out there, Dubai was cool - really cool and all, BUT…. Abu Dhabi is where its at.
We had the opportunity to spend the day exploring Abu Dhabi before heading home on our way back from Dubai. It’s only an hour drive from Dubai, and I wish I would have spent so much more time there. Abu Dubai is so much more quiet than its sister city Dubai. A little more refined, yet it still has a plethora of things to do. From the marina to the race track, to the Grand Mosque, there is enough to see and do to keep you busy for weeks.
The Beaches of Abu Dhbai
First off, let’s talk about the beaches in Abu Dhabi. They were such a pleasant surprise and a welcome change from the not so great beaches in Dubai. I never would have pegged Abu Dhabi as a beach destination, but the soft white sand and turquoise waters changed my mind quickly.
Saadiyat Public Beach - This one was our top choice. Aside from the soft white sand and gorgeous clear water, it also offers plenty of beach amenities. The promenade that stretches the land side of the beach offers many restaurants including my favorite, Blacktap! There are also beach chairs and shade for rent, a changing room, and lifeguards on duty until sunset. Saadiyat Beach is located on Saadiyat Island (who would have thought?!?), and it is about a 15 minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi, over the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, right after Mina Zayed. There is a beach access fee of 25AED ($7.00 USD) per adult and 15AED ($4.00 USD) per child.
Nurai Beach - When you’re feeling a bit more glamorous and looking to spoil yourself a little, you should head to Nurai Island. It’s a private island resort that resembles more of what you’d find in the Maldives rather than the Middle East. It is a full service resort that offers many water activities including wakeboarding, jet skiing, snorkeling, wind surfing, kayaking, paddle-boarding and fly-fishing. If you’ve got little ones in tow, the resort also recently opened a waterpark with four slides, water buckets, and a splash pool.
The restaurants include Frangipani that serves a mix of Middle Eastern, Asian, and Western dishes. Hooked serves fresh catches of the day that are amazing. The restaurant Dusk serves Mexican plates. They also serve Smokin’ Pineapple and is served with the coolest atmosphere and yummy wood-fired pizza. Day passes start at AED750 ($200.00USD) for the day, with 550AED ($150.00USD) being able to apply towards food, the spa, or activities. The day pass also includes the boat transfer to the island. Booking in advance is mandatory and reservations can be made by emailing dining@nurai.com, or calling +971 2 506 6229.
Corniche Beach - This is the main public beach in Abu Dhabi and is directly in front of Corniche road. It’s really busy with families on the weekend and is a great place to experience the locals. The sand is much more compact, unlike the other beaches around. But it is clean and well maintained. The main part of the beach also has no admission fee and is relatively shallow compared to the other beaches around. So, if you or the little kids in tow are hesitant swimmers, that is a great option.
Yas Beach - This is probably one of the best beach clubs in Abu Dhabi- and even more convenient if you’re staying on Yas Island or near the amusement parks or race track. It has beach loungers and cabanas, water sports, food kiosks, and a pool. If you’re staying at one of the Yas Island hotels or resorts, admission is free. Kids under 12 years old are also free, so it makes a great budget-friendly option for families.
The Grand Mosque
If you’re anywhere in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a must. It’s certainly one of the most breathtaking religious buildings in the world. It’s easy to grab a taxi from anywhere in Abu Dhabi or Dubai to get to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. There are also available taxis waiting outside the grounds of the Mosque for when you’re done. If you do rent a car, there is ample parking as well.
Admission to the Mosque is free, and so is a 45-60 minute guided tour if you’d like. Currently, reservations are required ahead of time, which you can book your time slot here. It’s open to visitors from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, with the last entry time being 9:30 pm, Saturday to Thursday. Friday is considered the holy day in the UAE. The schedule changes during the holy month of Ramadan, so make sure to double check when you’re planning your Mosque visit. It’s certainly best to visit first thing in the morning right when it opens. It’s also a completely different experience at night and worth seeing at both times.
This is a Muslim Religious site, so understandably a dress code is strictly enforced. Women need to have their shoulders, knees, and chest covered. No transparent or tight clothing are allowed. Headscarves are also required for women. You can double check that the outfit you’re planning on wearing is ok on the Mosque website here.
Other Things to do in Abu Dhabi
The Corniche - I mentioned Corniche Beach above, but aside from taking a dip, this 5 mile stretch of meandering walkways is a perfect spot to grab some food to go and watch the sunset. There’s plenty to see along your walk, including scattered art, playgrounds for kids, and gardens. This is also a great spot to rent a bike and grab some food at one of the many cafes and restaurants lining the promenade. Enter at Al Sahil (Gate 4) for adults or larger groups. Gates 2 and 3 are better for families and kids.
Mangrove National Park - If you’re itching to do some outdoorsy activity, this is a must. With more than 60 species of birds, waterways perfect for kayaking, and possible sightings of Dolphins, Dugongs, and Sand Cats, there is plenty to do. You can rent your own Kayak or hire a tour guide. Most tours go through Anantara Eastern Mangroves hotel.
Ferrari World - Abu Dhabi hosts several amusement parks. But if you’re only going to choose one, choose Ferrari World. Its playground is unlike any other you’d find in the world, and not to mention it has the fastest roller coaster in the world, Formula Rossa, on its roster. It also has Flying Aces- the worlds tallest non-inverting loop, and The Ferrari Driving Experience where you can hit Abu Dhabi’s streets in a real Ferrari. Single Day admission starts at 310.00 AED or about $85.00 USD.
Qasr Al Hosn - Originally built in the 1790s for presiding over trade routes and protecting the growing settlement, is now the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. After being under renovation for 11 years, it now serves as a cultural center- with the add on of the Outer Palace which plays host to government and diplomatic meetings, archives, and more. Truly some of the most gorgeous tile and marble work you’d ever see.
Airport: Dubai International Airport | DBX
Time Zone: GMT+4
Language: Arabic, English
Happy and safe travels!
-Kristin
