Sunrise on the beach at Perian Gulf in Abu Dhabi; Shutterstock ID 228261805

Abu Dhabi Weekend-Trip Guide

What to Do and See in Abu Dhabi

Looking to include Abu Dhabi on your next holiday? Find out the best things to do in Abu Dhabi in this guide.

Abu Dhabi—This enchanting oasis in the Arabian Gulf started as a pearling settlement before blossoming into a desert metropolis. If you seek a luxury vacation without a long plane ride, Abu Dhabi offers the perfect blend of sophistication and scenery.

Overlooking the crystal blue coastline, the capital city welcomes you to explore its cultural attractions, sandy beaches, and family-friendly amusements. Whatever your preference, don’t miss these things to do in Abu Dhabi during your weekend.

The Galleria Mall

The Galleria on Al Maryah Island is any shopaholic’s playground. Start your day by exploring this titan of a shopping centre with its 400+ retail and entertainment brands and 100+ eateries. The mall comprises three parts: the Luxury Collection and the Dining Collection, plus the newly-openend Galleria Expansion. The Luxury Collection brings together an impressive mix of high-street fashion, lifestyle and jewelery brands as well as fine dining experiences. The Dining Collection features 16 world-renowned restaurants to enjoy. And the Galleria Expansion brings entertainment and play into the mix, with cinemas, parks and kids activities.

Duration: 3 hours Insider

Insider Tip: Many of the restaurants also offer home delivery so you can order delicious meals straight to your hotel room.

Presidential Palace – Qasr Al Watan

Tour the Presidential Palace during your stay in the nation’s capital. Mandarin Oriental operates this 5-star luxury hotel, constructed of white marble and limestone.

The stunning landmark opened to the public in 2019. Each color of the mosaic hallways represents a part of our nation’s heritage: blue for the Arabian Gulf waters, yellow for the Arabian sands, and white for purity and peace.

The great hall boasts one of the largest domes in the world. Make sure to stop by the House of Knowledge and lending library, which contains 50,000 books exploring the political, social, and cultural history of the UAE.

Duration: 4 hours

Insider Tip: The palace has an excellent restaurant for lunch. Just make sure to wear something nice as the dress code is fancy.

The majestic UAE Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, overlooking the Persian Gulf, United Arab Emirates

In the city Abu Dhabi there's more to see than just the Grand Mosque. The Qasr Al Hosn is a good example for another impressive sight in the city.

Qasr Al Hosn and the House of Artisans

Built in the 1790s, Qasr Al Hosn is the city’s oldest and most significant historical building. In one of our country’s greatest landmarks, you’ll discover the story of Abu Dhabi through educational workshops, art installations, musical performances, and guided tours.

The building first served as a fortress and later the seat of government until the 1960s. It underwent renovations before becoming the House of Artisans, a museum dedicated to the unique local history and culture.

Duration: 2 hours

Insider tip: Visit during December to partake in the annual Al Hosn Festival, an eight day festival celebrating Emirati music, film, and art.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi tells the chronological history of the arts with 600+ pieces from around the world. Explore art from the first villages to the great civilisations of Egypt, Persia, and beyond. Observe how international trade routes and religions impact art, study the art of the modern world and much more. Afterwards, head to nearby Mamsha Al Saadiyat for a coffee.

Duration: 3 hours

Insider Tip: Sea Hawk Water Sports & Adventures offers night kayaking tours around the museum, which is surrounded by water.

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

“The Jewel of the Crown” of Abu Dhabi, the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers epitomizes the modern architecture of the region. The contemporary hotel is recognizable for its five blue and silver spires jutting into the sky.

Enjoy an afternoon high tea, English or Arabesque style, from the Observation Deck while admiring unforgettable 360 views of the city. A standard afternoon tea package costs AED 635 per person. Although the tea is by reservation only, you can still order menu items like teas, coffee, and cake, which can cost less per person.

Duration: 2 hours

Insider Tip: Tables fill up fast, so book your reservation in advance.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

The Yas Waterpark on Yas Island has attractions for all ages including waterslides, static surfing waves, shopping, and dining. Or, if you prefer, head to one of the Abu Dhabi beaches, like the tranquil Corniche Beach.

Duration: 2 hours

Insider Tip: Skip the lines and purchase your tickets in advance through the Yas Waterworld website.

Ferrari World & Yas Mall

Experience the park dedicated to this legendary racing marque, which features high adrenaline rides for the whole family including the world’s fastest roller coasters and go-karting. Split your day by also heading over to the nearby Yas Mall, full of shopping, entertainment, and dining.

Duration: 4 hours

Insider Tip: For a truly unique memory, cruise the streets of Abu Dhabi in a luxury sports car with The Ferrari Driving Experience.

Indoor Skydiving @CLYMB

At Indoor Skydiving at CLYMB Abu Dhabi, you’ll enjoy a gravity defying experience in a 32-foot-wide flight chamber, the widest of its kind in the world. Then head to the gym to test your agility at the world’s largest rock climbing wall.

Duration: 2 hours

Insider Tip: New to skydiving and climbing? CLYMB Abu Dhabi accommodates all experience levels and ages.

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi for every budget

High End

St. Regis Saadiyat Hotel

High End

Emirates Palace

Mid Range

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

Budget

Park Inn Abu Dhabi, Yas Island

Where to eat in Abu Dhabi for every budget

High end	Li Beirut in Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Mid range	High Tea at the Observation Deck at Etihad Towers
Budget	Bu Tafish Seafood or SALT

Organize your weekend stay in Abu Dhabi

2 Days Weekend in Abu Dhabi

Day 1

Morning: The Galleria Mall

Mid-day: Presidential Palace (Stop for lunch onsite)

Afternoon: Indoor Skydiving at CLYMB Abu Dhabi

Evening: Dinner at Li Beirut

Day 2

Morning: Louvre Abu Dhabi

Afternoon: Afternoon Tea at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

Evening: Dinner at SALT

3 Days Weekend in Abu Dhabi

Add this schedule for your 3-day stopover in Abu Dhabi

Day 3

Morning: Qasr Al Hosn and the House of Artisans or Indoor Skydiving

Afternoon: Waterpark or Abu Dhabi Beaches

Evening: Dinner at Bu Tafish Seafood

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