Unique Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

The enchanting Masdar City, known as the world’s most sustainable eco-city, combines modern technology, renewable energy, ancient Arabic architecture and design to present you with the emirate’s revolutionary vision. The city has a mix of beautiful structures, offices and residences and you can opt to explore them on a guided sightseeing tour. Learn more about the city while visiting its popular attractions such as the Louvre and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Opt for some fun time at Masdar Park, riding on the world’s first on-demand driverless vehicle. 

It’s time for some fun and a fantastic place which will fulfil your desires is the iBattle, a unique yet recreational combat gaming activity. Enjoy an immersive and once-in-a-lifetime experience in unlimited game scenarios and hunt down your enemies with your gun. The game is connected to online software and servers to enhance your experience. Select from one of the 2 ticket options - one for 45 mins of gameplay and another for an hour.

Feel captivated looking at the tall contemporary glass building at Khaleej Al Arabi Street that rivals the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The 160-metre tall building with 35 storeys leans at 18 degrees westwards and has been listed by the Guinness World Records as the World's Furthest Leaning Man-made Tower. Climb up to the Andaz Capital Gate hotel, a five-star property situated in the tower, to get the stunning view of the city from inside the building.

If you are wondering what are some of the unique things to do in Abu Dhabi, you can check out Heritage Village, located next to the breakwater of Abu Dhabi. While exploring this walled village complex, you will be able to experience various elements of Bedouin life. Get an insight into the Emirati culture while watching traditional goat hair tents, the Falaj Irrigation system, and others. Participate in activities such as metalwork, pottery, weaving and spinning at the village museum to make your visit more delightful.

Your trip to Abu Dhabi will remain incomplete if you do not enjoy a desert camping experience. Marvel in spending the night at a desert camp, enjoying barbecue dinner and shisha while watching Fire show and Tanura show performance around the campfire. There are several desert areas where you can camp such as Liwa Oasis which is located at the edge of Rub’ al Khali and has gained fame as the largest area of uninterrupted sand in the world. You can also go for an authentic desert camping experience at Nujum Camp or choose other desert camping sites such as AGBS Fossil Dune Camping, Al Wathba Desert, and others.

Suggested: Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi

Shopaholics must pay a visit to the Marina Mall, located in one of the popular backwater regions near the Emirates Palace. Explore the mall with over 400 retail stores selling several high-end local and international brands at the retail outlets selling apparel, accessories and electronics. The mall also has exciting activities such as zip lining, slacklines, 18-metre free-fall, trampolines, video games, shooting and others which you can enjoy. You can also opt to catch a film at the 9-screen multiplex here with your family and friends. 

Spending a relaxed day at the Saadiyat Public Beach is one of the unusual things to do in Abu Dhabi. Covering about 400 metres, the beach is set on Saadiyat Island’s natural shores. Grab a lounge and an umbrella and admire the white sandy shores and clear blue waters. Make your day more enjoyable by going for various activities such as kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. You can also enjoy a leisure stroll and spot some of the endangered hawksbill turtles, resting on the shores of the beach.

Pay a visit to the Al Ain Palace Museum that has once been the home to the first President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Stroll across the museum to take a look at its collection of historical artefacts, which will give you a glimpse of the culture and lifestyle of the ruling family of the country. Admire the modern design and architecture of the beautiful palace that is a merge of rooms and courtyards, creating one single complex. 

Recommended: Al Ain City Tour