With its wealth of cultural sites, beautiful beaches, and world-class theme parks, Abu Dhabi is becoming an ever more popular tourist destination. But away from the bustling crowds, youโll find some lesser-known hidden gems that donโt regularly make it onto a tour guideโs itinerary.
In this post, we will explore some of the lesser-known spots around the emirate that we think you should add to your Abu Dhabi bucket list.
1. Enjoy Breakfast with Giraffes
Emirates Park Zoo in Al Shahama might be known especially to families with smaller children, but did you know they offer overnight packages that include a breakfast with the Giraffes?
Overnight guests can stay in a private chalet or the resortโs main hotel. All rooms are fully equipped with air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. The resort also has an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant serving an array of international cuisine.
As well as breakfast with the giraffes, you might want to sign up for one of the zooโs other โclose encountersโ, such as lunch with the leopards or iftar with the big cats (during Ramadan).
2. Experience a Camel Beauty Pageant
With millions of dirhams of prize money on offer annually, camel ‘beauty’ is big business on the Arabian Peninsula. The Al Dhafra Festival, held annually in the Western Region near the town of Madinat Zayed, is home to the region’s most prestigious camel beauty pageant (known locally as a Camel Mayzana).
The festival runs during the cooler months and has expanded from a two-week event in December to a longer event taking place in multiple locations from October through January.
It’s not just a camel’s looks that are being judged; there’s a mahalib (camel milking) competition, Arabian Saluki beauty contest, traditional Arabian Saluki races, Arabian horse races, and Al Naim sheep beauty contest. Other traditional skills include date packaging competitions, shooting competitions, cooking competitions, sour milk competitions, and camel sitting competitions.
Event dates in 2024/25 for reference:
- Sweihan Mazayna from 21 October to 28 October 2024
- Razeen Mazayna from 14 November to 21 November 2024
- Madinat Zayed Mazayna from 12 December to 19 December 2024
- Al Dhafra Festival Mazayna from 11 January to 30 January 2025
Learn more about attending the Al Dhafra Festival here ~ Official Media coverage from 2024
(We will mention that it’s super hard to get accurate information on the events in English. There is a timetable released in Arabic, but our experience has been that events may not even follow the published timetable. Do your research before heading off into the desert, but you will be deeply rewarded for making the effort off the beaten path!)
3. Search the Skies at Al Sadeem Observatory
Just 10 minutes away from the Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, you’ll find the Al Sadeem Observatory. The Observatory offers private tours for those wishing for a unique stargazing experience amongst the desert dunes.
What visitors see depends greatly on the time of year and weather conditions. The experience also includes a visit to the Cosmic Cube (Cยฒ), a one-of-a-kind space exploration exhibit that takes visitors on an unprecedented journey through the cosmos.
Learn more about the observatory with current prices and times here.
4. Take a Ride at Rahal Ranch
Those who love horses and riding shouldnโt miss the chance to stay at the Rahal Ranch. Located in the Al Wathba desert, the ranch is owned by renowned horse trainer Ali Al Ameri and offers riding lessons for all abilities. It also provides the chance to escape the city and enjoy ranch life for those not quite ready to get on horseback!
Whilst the accommodation here is simple, each chalet or studio is equipped with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, kitchen, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi. Breakfast is also included as part of your stay. Prices start at 350 AED per night.
5. Marvel at the Milky Way
Becoming less of a hidden gem every year by the looks of the traffic now making its way to Al Quaa, the aptly named ‘Milky Way Spot’ is one of the best stargazing spots in Abu Dhabi.
Unless you’re an experienced 4WD driver who knows the terrain well, this trip is best left to experienced professionals. We recommend Arabian Wanderers for this, as they offer both an adults-only and a family tour to Al Quaa with pick-ups that can be arranged from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
** If you use the code ADTP5OFF, you can save 5% on any package booking with Arabian Wanderers.
Our complete guide to visiting the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot is coming soon!
6. Witness the Beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Mausoleum
You’ve almost certainly got the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on your itinerary, right? Well, don’t feel rushed to see all the highlights inside the mosque and forget to explore the exterior of the grounds.
Here, you’ll find the final resting place of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al Nahyan, the country’s founding father. Quran reciters take turns reading the Quran 24/7 at his rather grand Mausoleum.
NB, no photos are allowed here! Take a moment to quietly reflect with phones away.
7. Take a Lap Around the Grand Prix Track
Yas Marina Circuit might get a lot of attention around Grand Prix time, which is held annually at the end of November/early December, but did you know that for the rest of the year, the track is open to the public for exerciseโtotally FREE!
The program has expanded over the years to include an AM training session for weekday riders and Train Yas for runners/walkers and cyclists on Monday and Wednesday. On Tuesday nights, the track is open exclusively for ladies.
You just need to register before you exercise. If you want a free bike to complete your laps, ensure you’re there early, i.e., right at 6 p.m., or come a bit later, closer to 8 p.m., until closing time at 10 p.m.
Professional riders can bring their own bikes or hire a bike from Wolfies or Yas Cycles based at the track
8. Stay in a Luxury Overwater Villa
No, this isn’t the Maldives, but it’s about as close as you’ll get to a little slice of island paradise in Abu Dhabi. Situated just off Hudayriyat Island, minutes from the city, you’ll find Bab Al Nojoum.
They quickly rose to notoriety for opening the first glamping ground in the city, which is still going and continues to grow in popularity for easy, no-fuss staycays and glamping retreats with private pools for small groups.
But the stunning blue waters surrounding your private villa set this new extension apart. There are 12 1-bedroom villas and two 2-bedroom family villas for the ultimate luxury overwater experience, only minutes away from the heart of the capital.
Read our complete review of Bab Al Nojoum, or see how to book your private overwater villa here
9. Enjoy the local culture at Umm Al Emarat Park
For a glimpse of what living in Abu Dhabi has to offer, especially for families, nothing is better than an evening spent at Umm Al Emarat Park. The beautiful park includes magnificent fountains, botanical gardens, a childrenโs petting zoo and splash pad, food stalls, and restaurants.
There are often special events, such as markets and movie nights, as well as yoga sessions and other health and fitness events. There are few better ways to spend the evening than sitting under the swaying palms as the sun sets.
Learn more about upcoming events at Umm Al Emarat Park here.
10. Dine at the Mina Markets
Nowhere do you get a taste of culture as great as where the locals do their shopping! The Mina Markets are a brilliant place to see the interactions between the many people who call Abu Dhabi home.
The vibrant and modern Fish Souq (market), located in the Zayed Port area of the city, reflects the array of locally caught bounty that ends up in homes and restaurants around the city.
The fish market is open from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM daily. Just a short distance from the fish market is the Abu Dhabi Dhow Harbour, where you will see many traditional dhows still used for fishing and pleasure cruises.
Fruit and vegetable markets are located close by and are also worth a visit, especially if you are seeking out the best value dates and dried fruits to take home to your friends.
Heading to Dubai? We’ve uncovered 20 more hidden gems for you to discover across the border!
More Ideas & Inspiration For Your Abu Dhabi Trip
If these ideas haven’t quite filled your bucket list yet, make sure to check out some of our more detailed travel guides next.
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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