Things To - Do in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates gathers less worldwide attention than its neighbor, the flashy and rapidly developing city of Dubai. Actually, Abu Dhabi is richer than Dubai and has monitored its growth carefully, with an emphasis on the arts and preserving the city’s heritage. The city has streets, mountains and green space around which really attract the visitors. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi also has its share of beaches, gold souks and international restaurants. The city upholds international level of lifestyle.

Abu Dhabi has much more activities and places which you can add to your To-Do list.

Light Tower Events lists 10 of them here.

Dune Bashing in the Desert

A trip to Abu Dhabi should include a visit to see the desert just outside the city, where some of the tallest sand dunes in the world loom against a bright blue sky. Watch people sand-board down the dunes or enjoy a ride weaving in utility vehicles up and down the dunes. Desert farms house racing camels, and Bedouin tents set up in the desert host barbecue dinners at night.

Abu Dhabi Corniche

The Corniche, along Abu Dhabi's waterfront, features elegant walkways used by walkers, joggers and cyclists. Lots of green space hosts families picnicking and restaurants and cafes serve international foods, Arabic specialties and Turkish coffees. The green spaces as well as outdoor cafes make ideal spots for sitting and enjoying a concert or marveling at the city's architecture or evening sunset.

Abu Dhabi Heritage Village and Women's Handicraft Center

Two must-see places depict the cultural life of this Middle East city. The Heritage Village, near the giant flagpole on the breakwater, recreates a Bedouin village, complete with goat-hair tents, a souk and a simple mosque representing Abu Dhabi's former life. The Women's Handicraft Center, in the Women's Union, hosts women weaving traditional baskets, making textiles, doing embroidery and applying the traditional henna. You can ask for your own henna tattoo.

Al Hosn Palace and Emirates Palace Hotel

Two impressive structures in Abu Dhabi lure visitors to the city. The Al Hosn Palace, Abu Dhabi's oldest building dating back to 1761, was the residence of the ruling family until the mid-1990s. The Emirates Palace Hotel features Swarovski crystal chandeliers throughout, intricate domes and gold plating, all representing Abu Dhabi's wealth. The hotel plays host to famous music stars in town for concerts held in the hotel's auditorium. Ordinary guests can enjoy the sumptuous trappings of the hotel's main rooms and have afternoon tea in the cafe.

Saadiyat and Lulu Islands

Lulu Island, a man-made island with peach-colored dunes, can be reached easily by ferry boats, and visitors can swim, ride camels, take a train around the island or just enjoy the view of the city skyline. Saadiyat Island, dubbed the "island of happiness" by local residents who enjoy weekends there, now has branches of the Louvre and Guggenheim museums, as well as a performing arts complex. Both islands are very close to the shore.

Souks for Gold and Carpets

Whether you're a shopper or not, don't miss a visit to an Arab souk market) -- such as the Madinat Zayed Gold Souk for gold and jewelry -- near the Madinat Zayed Shopping Center, or for the renowned Persian carpets at the Iranian Souk and Al Meena Souk. The experience is further enhanced by the price-haggling that goes on in all souks, a cultural experience in itself.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque 

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the third largest in the world, boasts the largest Persian carpet in the world in its interior. From the outside, the mosque sits gracefully in a classic architectural style. Some of the world's best materials were used in building the mosque, such as Italian marble, semiprecious stones, crystals and fine ceramics. Non-Muslims must tour the mosque in the company of an Emirati guide and dress modestly.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 

If you want bragging rights to having ‘done’ Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, visit this temple of torque and celebration of all things Ferrari in a spectacular building on Yas Island.

Dhow Harbour 

There's nothing quite so fascinating as sitting by the harbor side watching these beautiful old wooden boats slip off to sea. At any time of day there's work going on as fishermen mend their nets, pile up lobster pots, hangout colourful sarongs to dry, unload fish and congregate for communal chats about the weather. Surveying the resting dhows strung together, five abreast, Abu Dhabi's modern backdrop can be almost forgotten and it's ancient past as a pearling village is revealed.

Yas Marina Circuit

While this circuit explodes into life during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix every November, it's an interesting place to explore at any time of year. Visitors can go behind the scenes of this marina-side track, with stops at the support pit garages, the media centre and the paddock area included in the tour.

Tours are arranged through Yas Central , the gateway to the Yas Marina Circuit. You can also drive and cycle on the track in various guided and solo experiences, and jogging enthusiasts can trot along the circuit from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesdays.