Activities in the Capital

To see and experience the most that Abu Dhabi has to offer, there are a number of tours and activities that can be arranged for individuals or groups.  Popular choices include:

Experience the Arabian desert with an exhilarating dune-bashing adventure where you will be driven off-road in a four-wheel drive (4WD) on tricky desert sand dunes. Standard tour packages include camel rides, dune bugging and sand skiing, before concluding in a barbeque dinner on a desert camp under the starlit sky.

Full day safaris include driving through Bedouin villages and camel farms in the desert, mountain climbing and watching traditional falconry demonstrations.

There are plenty of historical and contemporary sites for visitors to explore in order to obtain an understanding of the local culture and heritage. These include several forts and heritage sites where entrance is mostly free or minimal.

Sunset dining onboard a commercial dhow (traditional boat) or luxury yacht is an excellent way to enjoy awesome views of the city skyline, Corniche and Arabian coast.  Most cruise packages offer a-la-carte or buffet dinners as well as welcome drinks.

Traditional and cosmopolitan, Abu Dhabi is a shoppers paradise; visitors can browse the emirate’s traditional markets (souks) or visit designer shops at the modern shopping malls. The largest of the malls in Abu Dhabi are Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall, and home to a wealth of prestigious brand names.

For traditional souks, Al Ain Souk is well worth a visit whilst Abu Dhabi offers the Iranian Souk, the most authentic in the city, and the Al Meena Souk which is a must for visitors looking for carpets.  The modern-day mall of Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre offers an extensive selection of gold and jewellery.

For active visitors, golf, fishing trips and scuba diving are amongst the activities that can be enjoyed around Abu Dhabi.  In contrast, the city has an abundance of spa’s that can provide an option for luxurious rest and relaxation.