How to Spend 4 Days in Abu Dhabi
Gone are the days when Abu Dhabi was simply considered a day-trip destination from Dubai. Despite being the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, it was often overshadowed by Dubai’s reputation as the main tourist hub. However, over the last decade or so, Abu Dhabi has built itself into a holiday destination that can stand up for itself. From religious and cultural attractions to adventurous and entertaining ones, Abu
Dhabi is an ideal destination for a family holiday.
Here is how you can spend 4 days in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.
Day 1 – Explore Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Attractions
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi is home to the largest mosque in the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This stunning example of Islamic architecture showcases white marble, columns adorned with precious stones, intricate mosaic artwork, gold-leaf calligraphy, and Swarovski crystal chandeliers. Visitors can deepen their understanding of the mosque and Islam through a free guided tour of the Grand Mosque.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The first universal museum in the Arab world, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a part of the cultural district in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. Before you explore the various exhibits of the museum, you will be mesmerized by the architecture of the place, which is nothing less than a masterpiece. Spread around an area of 24000 square meters, the museum houses masterpieces and artefacts from all over the world, right from the ancient times to the modern ones.
Emirates Heritage Village
If you want to know more about the cultural heritage of the Arabs, a visit to the Emirates Heritage Village is a must. Situated on a beach, this heritage village is a time capsule that will give you a glimpse of the Bedouin life of the Emiratis. Here, you will find the replica of Bedouin-style tents, souks, and mosque. You will also find artists displaying traditional skills like pottery, metalwork, spinning, and weaving.
Day 2 – Indulge in Adventure
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island, is the only F1-inspired theme park in the Middle East. If you love speed and thrill, this is an indoor amusement park you must visit. With the Ferrari World tickets, you will get access to different zones like the Family Zone, Adventure Zone, Italian Zone, and Racing Zone. While there are an amazing array of rides and rollercoasters here, the Formula Rossa is the best, as it is the fastest rollercoaster in the world.
Desert Safari
After spending half a day in Ferrari World, head to the desert for more adventure and fun. The desert safari in Abu Dhabi is usually an evening affair that begins with adventurous activities like camel riding, dune bashing, quad biking, and sandboarding. After you witness a beautiful sunrise, you will get to enjoy entertainment programs like fire dance show, belly dance show, and Tanoura dance show. The desert safari ends with a 3-course BBQ dinner. If you do not want to go on a desert safari, a trip to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi would also be a good idea.
Day 3 - Modern Attractions
Marina Mall
One of the best modern attractions here is Marina Mall. This is the perfect place to spend your time shopping, eating, and enjoying some fun and entertainment. There are about a hundred stores here, belonging to local and international brands. Apart from shopping, you can enjoy a gourmet experience with a variety of restaurants, food stalls, and cafes available here. In the form of entertainment, you have Air Maniax, Bounce, Crazy Car, Just Padel, and Crazy Riders for people of all ages.
Emirates Palace
One of the five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace stands out for its sheer size and grandeur. Including a hotel building that stretches for more than 1-km followed by verdant gardens, a private marina and natural bay, a private beach, and water fountains, this hotel is a beautiful sight to behold. Similarly, the interiors of the hotel are rich and opulent. To enjoy the hotel, you either need to stay here or reserve a table at one of its restaurants or cafes for breakfast, lunch, high-tea, or dinner.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Abu Dhabi Corniche is the perfect place to relax and spend time with your family in this city. Stretching 8-km, the Corniche is a manicured waterfront that is home to a white sand beach, children’s playgrounds, cycling and jogging pathways, restaurants, and cafes. It will give you an incredible view of the Arabian Gulf as well as the stunning skyline of the city. The Corniche is usually a part of most Abu Dhabi city tours.
Day 4 - Wildlife Attractions
Emirates Park Zoo
Spend time with over 1500 wild animals at Emirates Park Zoo. Here, you will find over 200 species of jungle animals, including carnivores, herbivores, reptiles, primates, and birds. Apart from viewing the animals, the Emirates Park Zoo offers some interesting experiences like feeding the animals, animal encounters, animal and bird presentations, and fun activities like ziplining, climbing, camel riding, horse riding, etc.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
An attraction on Yas Island, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi unravels the beauty and mysteries of the underwater world. This aquarium has eight immersive zones, including One Ocean, Rocky Point, Microocean, Abu Dhabi Ocean, Tropical Ocean, Arctic, Antartica, and Endless Ocean. You will get to see sea animals like dolphins, sea lions, otters, pelicans, harbor seals, cormorants, walruses, African foxes, etc.
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
The falcon is the national bird of the UAE, and Abu Dhabi is home to a hospital that is dedicated to this regal bird. Opened in 1999, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital treats more than 6000 birds every year. During the tour of the hospital, you will get to know about falcons in depth and also learn about falconry. You will also get to see its different treatment rooms and may also get the chance to see a falcon getting treated.
The Abu Dhabi itinerary provided here is just an example of the things you can do here. You can interchange and even replace these attractions with the ones that interest you. Whatever you do, you are sure to have an epic four days exploring the emirate of Abu
Dhabi.
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