Things to do · Abu Dhabi
Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
The best things to do in Abu Dhabi, what each is actually like, and how to group them into your days without wasting time in transit.
Updated 2026-07-25
What Abu Dhabi is worth your time for
Abu Dhabi pairs the museum-district ambition of Saadiyat and Qasr Al Watan with beach resorts, Yas Island theme parks and the Empty Quarter dunes — calmer and lower-key than Dubai.
Best things to do in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world's largest mosques; free timed entry with modest dress.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Jean Nouvel's rain-of-light dome on Saadiyat; timed tickets recommended.
Qasr Al Watan
Working presidential palace open for tours — throne room, library, evening light show.
Yas Island
Ferrari World, Warner Bros., Yas Waterworld and Yas Marina Circuit in one hub.
Liwa / Rub' al Khali dunes
Two-hour drive south to the world's largest sand desert — best on an overnight.
Booking tours and experiences
Timed-entry sights and small-group tours in Abu Dhabi sell out first in peak season. Booking the two or three experiences you care most about before arrival usually costs the same and protects the dates you want.
Fitting it into your days
Plan around 2–4 days. Group sights by neighbourhood rather than by ranking — it saves hours of backtracking.
Ready to book your Abu Dhabi trip?
Everything in this guide is bookable through Marhaba's licensed partners.
