- This Monsoon Make Waves In Abu Dhabi -
“ Look around and soak up the view. These top spots around Abu Dhabi give you a great glimpse of this city! Grab Your Camera and Go”
Trip to Abu Dhabi with kids and family will not disappoint you. There is a lot to do to keep you busy and entertain with your little ones. Abu Dhabi is a modern and cosmopolitan city and a cultural center of UAE. Visitors can enjoy its architecture, shopping at mega-malls, beach activities, trips to the desert, and much more. It is the city for adventurers and families alike.
Must See Abu Dhabi Attractions
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
is a cultural landmark for any person living in or visiting the UAE. This is one of the few mosques that welcome non-worshipers. At the entry, Respectful clothing can be hired for free. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is named after the founder of the UAE. You'll be amazed by the intricate artwork on the walls of the mosque. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque dressed in Macedonian marble is a colossal and absolutely stunning place of worship in Abu Dhabi. It is the city's landmark and the most popular sightseeing attraction. Different design elements create the harmonious and modern mosque. Glass-work, mosaic tiling, and complicated carvings are used on both the interior and exterior to celebrate the Islamic architecture.
There is a nice photo opportunity around every corner, and I would recommend going around sunset when it looks at its most majestic.
Qasr al Watan is newly opened in 2019, and it’s the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. When we thought nothing could be more magnificent and stunning than the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi showcases the country’s wealth and houses of power, but also a visual masterpiece that will leave you in awe.
Louvre Abu Dhabi is the Middle East's most spectacular museum. The art on display at the museum is diverse and rich. It dates back to ancient times, but it also houses contemporary pieces of art under its vast silver dome. The museum's unique architecture is another reason to visit it.
Emirates Palace is a five-star hotel, which opened in November 2005. It is a must-see place in Abu Dhabi. The palace is known for its beauty. The design of the hotel is a mix of cherished Islamic architectural elements and hierarchical emphasis to create a unified whole. The color of the building reflects various shades of sands found in the Arabian Desert.
Emirates Park Zoo is a nice out of the routine place in Abu Dhabi. It is well designed and decorated, and it’s one of the most beautiful zoos I have ever visited. As you can see the animals from the Glass barrier clearly, the kids will definitely enjoy seeing the wild lives, and a great play area. The best time to go is in the evening then you will be able to see the sea lion / tropical bird shows. There are many activities for kids you don’t want to miss.
Ferrari World for the love of Ferrari!
Ferrari World Located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, it’s simply the best of the best theme park owing to its structure, it offers thrilling rides and the unique experiences. The most exciting thing about Ferrari World is the Ferrari theme it follows.You will quickly notice that once you get there. It has the world record for the largest space frame structure ever built. The park features several unique rides and attractions you will not find in any other park anywhere else in the world. The most thrilling and exciting part is the roller coaster ride called Formula Rossa, which is the world's fastest roller coaster as it reaches a speed of 240 km/hr. Thrilled? The park has something in store for every age. The Junior GT track is a good way for small children to test out their driving skills. For some more thrill, visitors can take a ride at the Flying Aces roller coaster at the speed of 120 kilometers per hour.
Abu Dhabi Corniche The Corniche is the 8-kilometers Dhabi’s main beachfront and a hub of social activity in Abu Dhabi. One small section is reserved for families only to enjoy the beach, including a grassed lawn and picnic area. The latest addition is A'l Bahar, a family entertainment zone that includes Aqua Fun and a giant kid's playground with many activities.
Jabel Hafeet is the mountain on the border of Oman and UAE. Hafeet is the Emirates highest peak. It’s adventurous to visit this Jabel. There are also Fun city and restaurants on the top of the Jabel.
Mangrove Kayaking . Abu Dhabi has mangroves too, and a Kayak trip to these mangroves is a great activity with kids. There you can hire kayaks (or Paddleboards) and go out into the mangroves alone or with a guide. The marina also has a variety of restaurants to have lunch or dinner.
Yas Waterworld Enjoy the exciting day in the water and appreciate the beautiful views at the same time! Yas Waterworld is a favorite place of Abu Dhabi residents and visitors alike. It is situated in the heart of Yas Island. The best thing about it is that it has something suitable for all ages. There are plenty of rides and slides for your toddlers to bigger kids to enjoy.
Outdoors Kids Activities in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is packed with parks. In the center of the city itself, there is an island too!. Umm al Emarat Park, many playgrounds, and a botanical garden. Seasonally, they have a giant maze.
One of the most popular kids outdoor spaces in Abu Dhabi is the Corniche, that sits along the end of Abu Dhabi Island. Have fun at the Aqua Fun inflatable playground on the water; In Khalifa City, Al Forsan is another favorite for active kids who like adventure sports from Wakeboarding to shooting. On the east coast of Abu Dhabi Island, there is the Eastern Mangroves, a protected national park where you can kayak, stand up paddle, or take an eco-donut boat through this conservation area.
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
In Abu Dhabi, art lovers can enjoy several museums and art galleries including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, the Emirates National Auto Museum, the Zayed Heritage Centre, the Etihad Modern Art Gallery, the N2N Gallery, and the Salwa Zeidan Gallery.
HIDDEN GEMS
Visitors should take a 10-minute drive from central Abu Dhabi to Saadiyat Island with tranquil sandy beaches and turquoise water to have a rest from sightseeing, to refresh and refuel.
It would be a pity not to get out into the desert when in Abu Dhabi. Liwa Desert is the perfect change from the urban jungle of the city. It is an exciting trip where you may even come across wild camels.
Even if you are not into shopping on holidays, Yas Mall is a must-see in Abu Dhabi. With the best shops and restaurants, the largest play areas for kids, and the exceptional architecture, it is just a perfect place for the whole family.
If you want to spoil yourself, you can try a barbershop (for men) or a Moroccan bath (for women). By visiting a Moroccan bath and a barbershop, you can get a more intimate view of Abu Dhabi and a chance to meet the locals.
ACCOMMODATION
Visitors will find many family-friendly hotels with spacious family suites or interconnecting rooms for every budget. The most popular neighborhoods are Downtown Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island.
WHAT TO EAT
In Abu Dhabi, there are countless restaurants with tasty food, but you must try the local dishes like Harees, a simple, traditional dish made of wheat, meat (usually chicken), salt and the secret blend of spices that makes it so special.
Salona is another simple but delicious dish made of meat with onions and fresh, local vegetables like okra, bell peppers, eggplant, courgettes and tomato paste.
Madrooba is a salt-cured fish dish cooked in a pot of water with a spice blend. Flour is added until you get broth into a delicate, savoury sauce.
For dessert, you should try Luqaimat, little fried balls of dough dipped in date syrup.
USEFUL TIPS
• Ladies have to cover shoulders and knees. It is not just because of the local habits, but because you can easily get sunburned.
• In the other mosques, women don't have to keep their heads covered all the time, but they have to do it in the Grand Mosque. Tight clothing is prohibited for women, and sleeveless clothes are forbidden for both sexes.
• During religious holidays many government agencies may be closed, and the sale of alcoholic beverages can be suspended at restaurants and cafes.
• A bargain is a usual way of purchasing things at markets. It can help to reduce the price several times.
• In large restaurants, tips are included in the bill, but in cafes and bars, you can leave about a 10-percent reward to the waiter.
• Drinking alcohol on the streets is strictly forbidden, and you may pay a large fine for disobeying the rule.
• You should carry photocopies of your documents with you as the police can often check them on the streets.
• It is good to stay inside from 11:00 to 14:00 as the sun is then the most dangerous.
• Use your right hand when taking things in shops or giving money to people, as the local etiquette finds it appropriate.
TIME TO VISIT
A good time to visit Abu Dhabi is between April and May or from September to October. The weather is pleasant in the spring and autumn. The city is not overcrowded, and the hotel rates are reasonable.
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is wintertime – neither too hot nor humid.
TRANSPORTATION
Travellers can get a ride on the city bus to get around the city. They have to purchase the Ojra bus pass before getting on the bus. They can also use Uber services, but with 10,000 taxis in Abu Dhabi taxi is the most common way of public transportation.
Although a metropolis, Abu Dhabi is not just a bustling city but also a place for families to enjoy spending time and doing different activities together. It offers a warm welcome to everyone, and especially to the young visitors with plenty of kid-friendly places.
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