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Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island has been the capital’s home of leisure and entertainment for over a decade and is one of the most exciting destinations you need on your UAE itinerary.

Bringing together an exciting mix of family theme park entertainment, adrenaline sports and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, we’re going to share with you everything there is to know about Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.

Situated immediately adjacent to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and less than an hour from Dubai, it’s no wonder it’s a favourite stopping point for international stopover passengers, theme park fans, and adrenaline junkies – even if you’ve only got 1-day to explore Abu Dhabi.

Let’s take a look at exactly what you can experience on Yas Island

The Yas Island Theme Parks

The major focal attractions for visitors to Yas Island are the lineup of four award-winning theme parks.

• Yas Waterworld
• Ferrari World
• Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
• SeaWorld Yas Island
• Disney Abu Dhabi Coming Soon!

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Here’s a high-level overview of what you can expect to find at each:

Yas Waterworld

Voted as the Middle East’s leading water park for the past four years^(1), this Emirati-themed water park includes a sensational 40+ rides and attractions. We love that it caters to all age groups, from tots with covered play areas and slides to some serious adrenaline-pumping rides.

There are water park favourites to be found, from the wave pool to the lazy river with several slides and rides unique to Yas Waterworld. Thrill-seekers will love the Slithers Slides, the Sebag racing lanes, Jebel Drop, and a straight drop down in the Liwa Loop.

There are family and group rides, too, like the Falcons Falaj and Dawamma, the world’s largest tornado water coaster! Don’t miss the 5D Cinesplash show to top off your water-based experience – ideal whatever the season, even in the peak of Abu Dhabi summer, it’s bearable in the water!

NB do expect Yas Waterworld to close temporarily for 2-4 weeks for annual maintenance in January/February.

• Yas Waterworld has announced expansion plans in 2025; 18 more rides and attractions will be added to the award-winning Abu Dhabi water park—you’ll see the construction is moving along at lightning speed and should be open before year end!

Check ticket pricing for Yas Waterworld here

Ferrari World

Home to some of the most thrilling rides in the world – including the World’s Fastest Roller Coaster, Formula Rossa and the highest rollercoaster loop on Flying Aces – this is where the adrenaline junkies are headed.

It’s a great place to enjoy endless hours of rollercoaster fun and simulator experiences, as well as live shows and plenty of themed dining options.

Since opening in 2010, the lineup has included additional adrenaline activities, including a rooftop walk and a zipline experience (additional costs apply).

The park was extended in 2020 to include a Family Zone, making Ferrari World accessible to a much wider age group. Several replica rides are made just for children under 1.2 metres tall, so they are no longer left out on thrills (but we’d still argue this park is better suited to your tweens/teens+).

Everything is, of course, Ferrari-themed in this entirely indoor action theme park, attached to the Yas Mall complex in the centre of the island.

Check ticket pricing for Ferrari World here

You can read a full review of what to expect at the Ferrari World Family Zone here, plus to help allay fears about height limits, we have created this detailed guide to ride restrictions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi

Boasting 29 rides, attractions, and entertaining shows, this entirely indoor theme park is the largest in the Middle East region, but no longer the largest in the World! It is an absolute family crowd-pleaser.

You will find cartoon favourites from your childhood, from the Jetsons to the Flintstones and Scooby-Doo to DC comic book heroes wandering the streets of Metropolis and Gotham City.

Throughout the day, you can grab autographs and photo ops with your favourite characters, see live performances, and enjoy endless rides as the park remains largely crowd—and queue-free.

Warner Bros will best suit kids 4 years or older or over 1.1 metres tall, though there are a handful of attractions little ones can enjoy.

• You can read a detailed review of what to expect at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi here – plus our thoughts on when the recently announced Harry Potter addition will open

SeaWorld Yas Island

The region’s first marine life theme park (oddly not built next to the Gulf or any waterway surrounding the city) opened its doors to the public in Spring 2023.

Explore eight exciting realms from the Arctic to the tropics in this immersive theme park experience telling the story of “One Ocean” that connects us all. You’ll find over 100 animal experiences, presentations, up-close animal encounters, and expeditions.

The centrepiece is the world’s largest aquarium tank, which towers over five floors and holds an incredible 58 million litres of water.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is home to over 15 interactive experiences and rides, more than 20 live characters and performances, 17 dining options, 13 retail outlets, and roaming entertainment across all realms.

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, this fabulous new theme park has something for all ages to enjoy, from the tiniest tots to thrill-seekers (though note that the emphasis is not on the rides). If you’re travelling to Abu Dhabi with toddlers, this should be your first choice.

Disney Abu Dhabi

Hot off the press is the news that Disney has partnered with local developer Miral to bring its seventh International Disney resort to Yas Island.

The when and what is still at the ‘imagineering’ stage, but you can expect it to be at least 2030 when doors open. Which themed lands and what the resort will look like is still a distant dream in 2025, but it is well worth getting on your UAE bucket list in the future!

• We are updating this guide to Abu Dhabi Disney as we receive local press releases.

Looking for more Theme Parks in the UAE?

The theme park fun in the UAE doesn’t stop at Yas Island. You are only about 45 minutes away from Yas Island, at the border with the Dubai Emirate, where you will find the extensive Dubai Parks & Resorts theme park complex. Home to a further four exciting adventure parks for families and thrill-seekers:

• LEGOLAND Dubai
• LEGOLAND Dubai Water Park
• Motiongate Dubai
• Real Madrid World

You could easily tackle the Dubai theme parks on a day trip from Yas Island. Check out pricing for a 2-park pass here. (NB Bollywood closed in spring 2024; it has recently been replaced by Real Madrid World in a rather strange rehash of the existing rides and attractions).

Further afield in Dubai, a bit over an hour’s drive away, you may also be interested in

• IMG Worlds of Adventure
• Wild Wadi Water Park
• Aquaventure at Atlantis

These are all reviewed in much more detail on our partner Dubai Travel Planner website, where you’ll find a detailed comparison guide to the best water parks in Dubai.

Motor Sports on Yas Island

The first integral part of Yas Island that opened was the Yas Marina Circuit (YMC).

Abu Dhabi’s YMC has been hosting the season-closing Grand Prix since 2009. It’s always a spectacular event for the city with a huge party atmosphere; it’s the biggest annual event hosted on Yas Island and in the Abu Dhabi Emirate.

Attracting tens of thousands of international visitors each year in December, it’s truly an event no motorsports fan will want to miss.

• You can learn more about 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket packages here (Official Site).
• Learn more about all the exciting Grand Prix Brunches, after-parties and events around town (we’ll update this later in 2025 as events are announced but last year’s guide is a great reference starting point to make your GP plans!).

Other Experiences at Yas Marina Circuit

Outside of Grand Prix season, plenty still takes place at the track year-round and ways you can get involved, even test your motoring skills. For just a taster, we suggest:

• Our favourite way to simply experience the Grand Prix track is to take part in TrainYas.  Entry to the track is free every Monday and Wednesday evening from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. You can cycle, jog or walk, with some free bikes being provided, first-come-first-served. Bring your own or pay a little more for a better-quality hire bike.

• Test your own driving skills; you can do a lap of the track with Formula 3000 Driving Experiences (over 18s and need to be between 160cm and 188cm).

• If you’re after something for the slightly younger ones or not quite ready for the full track experience, try the Yas Marina KartZone at Yas Central? Not quite GP level but definitely enough to get your heart pumping.

• Even more sedate? Then try a behind-the-scenes tour of Yas Marina Circuit will certainly pique your interest if you’re travelling out of season.

What Other Attractions Are on Yas Island?

Now, let’s look beyond the race track and theme park to see why it’s worth staying on Yas Island for far more leisure and entertainment.

Yas Bay

The new kid on the block opened in December 2021 and has brought a whole new array of dining and nightlife options to Abu Dhabi. Yas Bay waterfront offers over a dozen dining venues, including Café Del Mar Beach Club and the state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue Etihad Arena – see the lineup of events here.

They’ve also begun construction on two new beachfront parks designed for families and adults. This will undoubtedly be a great addition to this top city attraction (this does mean at present there’s some fairly unsightly hoarding erected along the waterfront, significantly impacting the area’s aesthetic).

Yas Bay is still absolutely worth a stop on your itinerary, especially if your trip aligns with a show at the arena. Families should check out Central for some of the city’s best family dining, and plentiful other venues offering casual to fine dining. EL&N London is popular with the Instagram crowd, while Paradiso is known for its casual weekend brunches.

Yas Marina

Nestled amongst the race track, you will find the exclusive Yas Marina. Not only berths for luxury yachts, but plenty of dining and nightlife options can also be found here.

A popular launch spot for cruises and private charter yachts, it’s a real hub of activity on evenings and weekends with al fresco dining options as far into the summer as they can manage!

The main event of the winter is, of course, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will take place from 4-7 December this winter.

Check out our guide to brunches and events on Yas Island where you can catch all the racing action and the incredible after parties the city has become famous for as the finale event of the GP season.

Yas Links

This 18-hole links golf course can be found between the hotel plaza and the theme parks. With a spectacular waterfront setting, Yas Links is the new home to the European Tour HSBC Golf Championships, which are now held in November.

Villa Sélène restaurant (replacing Hickory’s) brings a touch of the Mediterranean to Abu Dhabi, and with access to the rolling lawn area, it makes for a great family day out. This is accompanied by the relatively new Crafty Fox Tapas & Sports Bar (adults only), and a 9-hole par three-course if you’re short on time.

Yas Acres Golf & Country Club

The latest entertainment addition to Yas Island, the Yas Acres Golf and Country Club offers visitors sporting opportunities and fabulous new leisure facilities, including padel courts and a lap pool, alongside several new restaurants joining the Abu Dhabi dining scene.

Yas Beach

Often rated as one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi for its extensive facilities, the inland beachfront provides the perfect spot to relax in the sun.

Free to guests staying at any Yas hotel, it can easily be accessed by shuttle bus from key locations around the island. Day guests can also pay for using the facilities of Yas Beach, or even book private cabanas.

CLYMB Abu Dhabi

Proudly holding the title of the largest indoor sky diving chamber in the world and home to the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, SUMMYT, CYLMB Abu Dhabi is a real treat for adrenaline junkies and visitors who like to stay active even over the summer months.

Parks and Recreation on Yas Island

In addition to the open night at the track, several spots around the park have been designed for recreation.

• Yas Gateway Parks (North & South) are set aside for Grand Prix parking just once a year. For the remaining 51 weeks, they’re open park venues with play park facilities, BBQs and sports tracks.

• You’ll find The Waves and The Sands recreation areas close to Yas Bay, including a skatepark, sports courts, grassed areas and a waterfront promenade.

• West Yas Community Park is another beautiful community playground, including a skate park.

Shopping, Dining & Entertainment at Yas Mall

Last but not least, Yas Mall is located at the very centre of the island. Abu Dhabi and the UAE certainly know how to do shopping malls and indoor entertainment, and Yas Mall is no exception.

With 370 stores, from hypermarkets to high-end luxury boutiques, shopping abounds. There’s also plenty of indoor entertainment here, particularly for families, with a vast VOX cinema, Fun Works, Kidzania Abu Dhabi, AirManiax, and a Pop in & Play LEGO centre.

Some newer attractions for your older kids include Man City Challenge and NIGMA Galaxy for your e-gamers in the freshly opened Sporting Boulevard. As we mentioned earlier, Ferrari World and CLYMB Abu Dhabi are also attached to this end of the mall, making it a brilliant indoor venue in Abu Dhabi.

Dining is a big deal here, too; it is home to Black Tap, Cheesecake Factory, Rainforest Cafe, Al Fanar, and P.F. Chang’s, to name but a few. In addition to your traditional fast food court, the Yas Food Hall is packed with international cuisines and unique dining concepts, a must for foodies seeking something new.

(NB, Restaurants in Yas Mall are not licensed to serve alcohol, but Yas Marina and Yas Bay are, as well as all the hotels)

How to Get to Yas Island and the Yas Theme Parks

There are a few ways to get to Yas Island, depending on where you’re setting out from:

Dubai to Yas Island

Yas Island is around a 50 to 90-minute journey from Dubai, depending on your starting point.

Free Yas Express shuttle

If you hold theme park tickets to any Yas theme parks, you can take your place on board a free daily shuttle service from Dubai.

The two daily services depart at 11:00 AM from

• Y6 Route Deira City Centre (entrance beside Aloft Hotel) – Journey time approximately 2 hours
• Y7 Route Ibn Battuta Mall (entrance beside Aloft Hotel) – Journey time approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes

The return buses leave from Ferrari World, then make a pick-up at WB World/Yas Waterworld 10 minutes later:

• Y6 Route back to Deira City Centre 8:00 PM
• Y7 Route back to Ibn Battuta Mall 7:30 PM

Public Bus from Dubai to Yas Island

If you are solely dependent on public transport, you can take a combination of Metro and buses from Dubai to Yas Island. 

• First, get yourself to Ibn Battuta on the red line metro.
• The intercity bus Route 101 from Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Al Wadha) leaves every 30 minutes and takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. This costs 25 AED per person, payable on Nol.
• From Al Wadha, take the Abu Dhabi Bus Route 190 to Yas Island, which departs hourly. This costs 6 AED per person; you will need a local Abu Dhabi transport card, Hafilat, not Nol.

You can see our full guide on getting between Dubai to Abu Dhabi here.

Taxies and Transfer Services to Yas Island

If Dubai’s public and shared transport options don’t work with your schedule, consider taking a taxi or hiring a driving service—some can even include your theme park tickets!

• Depending on where you set out from, a metered taxi from Dubai to Yas Island can cost around AED 250.
• This private driver option from Dubai includes your entry tickets to your choice of theme park
• This transfer service includes a full-day tour of Abu Dhabi before visiting Ferrari World

Self Drive & Park on Yas Island

Do you have your own wheels, or are you happy to hire a car? Driving is the easiest way to get to Yas Island. Free parking is available at all the theme parks and venues we’ve listed here.

• WB World has a multi-deck car park, but it’s a bit of a hike to the entrance. If you are also visiting Yas Waterworld, we suggest following the parking signs for Yas Waterworld, and you can easily zip between the two theme parks on foot.

• For Ferrari World and CLYMB, you can park in any of the Yas Mall car parks, like for signs to the dedicated Ferrari World parking for the closest spots.

• If you visit other parts of Yas Island, you will have no problems self-parking at Yas Bay. There are plenty of free public parking spots available at The Waterfront, undercover car parks 1 and 2, and the new multi-deck Yas Bay P2 Parking. (Do be mindful if there are any large events at Etihad Arena; they may put you in overflow parking much further away to ease traffic congestion. Undercover parking will be restricted to VIP ticket holders only.)

• Likewise, for the Grand Prix, you can only self-park near the venue if you have arranged parking with your Grand Prix tickets. Most patrons park in Yas Gateway parks North and South and then take a shuttle into the venue.

Getting Around Yas Island

Getting around Yas Island is easy for guests without their own vehicles with complimentary shuttle services. Five Abu Dhabi routes run between key locations, including the hotels, Yas Bay, Yas Marina, Yas Mall, and the theme parks.

Click here to see the latest published timetable for the Yas Express service.

How to get to Yas Island by bus from Abu Dhabi

Just as above, from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, you can catch the 190, which will loop around Saadiyat Island and drop you to the front of Ferrari World.

If you are coming from the Airport, local bus service A19 leaves once an hour and stops at Ferrari World/Yas Mall and Yas Waterworld.

Alternatively, a taxi is an easy way to get a group there. You are looking at AED 45 coming straight from the AUH airport (as there is an AED 25 airport taxi flag fall) or approximately AED 60-80 coming from the Corniche. We recommend you book your AD taxi using the Yango App.

Al Raha Beach to Yas Island – Yas Bay Water Taxi

A water taxi service has been launched for visitors to Yas Island from the nearby Al Raha Beach neighbourhoods.

In the spring of 2022, Yellow Boats ran the initial pilot stage, which was later replaced in late 2022 by a water taxi operated by Abu Dhabi Maritime.

This new water taxi service now has stops at Al Bandar, Al Muneera, and Al Zeina (every hour), with a separate service connecting Yas Marina and Waters Edge (every 2 hours). Services run from 4:00 PM on weekdays and 3:30 PM on weekends.

You can now check timetables and advance book online, or use the AMDT Al Nalia App (AED 10 for a one-way trip, Kids AED 5, or AED 20 for a return trip.

Where to Stay on Yas Island

Yas Island offers visitors a great range of hotels to suit budgets across several key locations. These are all connected by the Yas Express shuttle bus service, free to guests on the island.

There is a main hotel plaza within walking distance of the Grand Prix track, then three standalone hotels at key locations; these are:

• The WB Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton – this hotel is ideal for theme park fans visiting Yas Island. It is situated immediately between Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld. Offering a pool and themed Sidekicks restaurant as well as suite rooms for larger families, you’re in for a real treat. (If you’re staying on a weekend, check out the awesome family-friendly Sidekicks Brunch)

• Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island – with a commanding view over Yas Bay, this 5-star offering will put you right in the centre of the action for Yas with a great pool and plenty of dining and entertainment options right on your doorstep.

• W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island – (previously known as the Yas Viceroy and then Yas Hotel) is a unique hotel for the city, sitting straddled over the Grand Prix track. It offers sensational race track and marina views with a swanky rooftop pool, one of the city’s coolest hotel offerings.

Yas Plaza Hotels

The original Yas Plaza hotels were built alongside the Yas Marina Circuit construction, so they’re a little older than the shiny new offerings. Nonetheless, they offer excellent accommodation with several budget choices that allow access to the other hotels’ great facilities.

• Yas Island Rotana
• Centro Yas Island – by Rotana
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island
• Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island
• Crowne Plaza Yas Island 
• Staybridge Suites Yas Island Abu Dhabi

Find all nearby accommodation choices here:

All Yas Hotels come with complimentary access to Yas Beach Club.

When considering where to stay in Abu Dhabi, keep in mind that frequent theme park deals are often available with your hotel booking. The WB Hotel automatically includes your theme park tickets; at other Yas hotels, it would be an optional extra to consider, giving you reduced-priced tickets.

Touring Abu Dhabi Beyond Yas Island

Abu Dhabi is a very spread-out city over a series of islands. You’ll find Zayed International Airport on the “mainland”, and then bridges seamlessly connect the main Abu Dhabi Island and outlying islands.

Yas Island may not be considered “central”, but it is still a great place to base yourself for exploring more of Abu Dhabi. You can use the Visit Abu Dhabi shuttle bus from Yas to explore further attractions around the city, such as:

• The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Louvre Abu Dhabi
• Qasr al Watan

Or use taxis/Careem to self-explore across town. We have a much more detailed guide to all of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions and places to visit over here.

We hope this detailed guide to exploring Yas Island helps you plan your trip to Abu Dhabi. It is undoubtedly the number one spot we’d recommend for most tourists visiting Abu Dhabi—especially with kids—to base themselves on an active holiday in the capital.

If your sole purpose of heading to the UAE is to enjoy some time in the sun, check out our next detailed area guide, the best resorts on Saadiyat Island.

Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

Abu Dhabi Island

The main Abu Dhabi island has always been punctuated by numerous green spaces, which have slowly changed shape and purpose over the decades. Keeping up with community demand, popularity of recreational pursuits, and advancing technologies, we have seen many changes in the use of these parks over the years.

Here, we share the best parks in Abu Dhabi worth a visit, especially travelling with children.

The Abu Dhabi Corniche

The city’s famous eight km-long waterfront runs all the way along the north-western end of Abu Dhabi Island.  A beautiful white coral sand beach flanks one side of the road, the other a string of green parks and picnic areas.

Some of the popular parks and attractions along the Corniche include:

• The Corniche Beach Playground (immediately adjacent to the Beach Plaza) – this includes a pirate ship and other wooden play apparatus.
• The Family Park (in fact, several small playgrounds for different age groups here, including the popular ‘pirate ship playground’)
• The Family water park, skate park, and basketball courts
• Urban Park – this includes water features and a cafe, but not so much for children
• Lake Park – a couple of playgrounds and an exercise area, as well as the lake from which the park takes its name
• Formal Park (including the Corniche Labyrinth)
• Heritage Park (towards the Mina Port end)
• A’l Bahar dining and entertainment area – a variety of food and beverage outlets and pop-up shops with multi-use sports courts and a well-designed covered playground.
• Bike hire along the corniche

Parking is located on the park/city side of the Corniche and must be paid for at one of the Mawaqif pay stations. To get to the beach/seaside of the Corniche, you must cross at a pedestrian crossing or use the underpass (jaywalking, or crossing the road anywhere other than at a crossing, is a crime in the UAE – on-the-spot fines will be given!). 

Popular spots to park are at the end of 30th – in front of the ADNOC Building and at the Family Park, or further east near Lake Park.

You can find our complete guide to exploring the city’s Corniche area with map over here

Umm al Emarat Park (previously known as Mushrif Park – map)

Situated in the centre of Abu Dhabi Island, in the Al Mushrif area, this huge formal park is a highlight of any Abu Dhabi Itinerary. The park includes beautiful water features, botanical gardens, and open spaces for sports and relaxation.

There’s even a separate children’s park with a splash pad, wadi splash area, and a petting zoo. There are also several play areas within the main park, as well as a large outdoor cinema screen that screens films on weekend evenings.

You don’t need to worry about packing a picnic for this park; in fact, large picnics are not allowed (small snacks for children are permitted), but there are plenty of places to buy snacks and larger meals around the park. During the cooler months, you will also find winter markets and food trucks.

Cost & Opening Hours: 10 AED per person aged 3 and over. Train rides, pony rides, and animal feed all incur additional costs.  The park opens at 8.00 am and closes at midnight (last entry 11.00 pm).

See our complete guide to Umm Al Emarat Park here

Sheikha Fatima Park (map)

Set back from the Corniche in the area of the city, the 46,000 sqm Sheikha Fatima Park reopened in 2022 after extensive renovations.

The park is divided into 3 ‘zones’ – Experience, Adventure, and Discovery, and offers everything from a skatepark to movie screenings to outdoor yoga classes.

There is a beautifully designed children’s playground, including a splash area and imaginative play zones, as well as thoughtfully planted flower gardens and a designated dog park. In addition, you’ll find well-maintained panel courts, basketball courts, and a skate park.

At the bustling heart of the city, Sheikha Fatima Park offers the perfect urban escape. On the edges of the park are a number of food and beverage outlets, including a Starbucks and a Board Game Cafe.

Cost & Opening Hours: The park is free to enter and is open from 7.00 am until Midnight.

Learn more at sheikhafatimapark.com or check their Insta @sheikafatimapark

Al Ghaf Park (map)

Previously relatively unknown in the suburban Al Mushrif area of the city, Al Ghaf Park has become a social media star since reopening in late 2025, featuring over 1,000 ghaf trees and unique air-conditioned walkways.

The park (also known as King Hamdan bin Isa Al Khalifa Park) also features picnic areas, bike trails, and bathroom facilities. A truly suburban hidden gem that can now be enjoyed year-round.

Cost and opening times: Entry to the park is free. Gates are open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Masdar City

Let’s shift our focus from the central Abu Dhabi Island to some of the best locations in the outer city areas, where you can find the perfect patch of greenery and playground equipment!

City Central Park (map)

At the centre of the world’s most sustainable community, this futuristic children’s playground features an undulating playscape with ample shade and integrated solar panels. There’s also a horizontal farm garden, a medicinal maze, and lots of water features for visitors to enjoy.

In addition to their beauty, these all contribute to Masdar City’s sustainable ethos and help visitors understand how we work with our environment.

Cost & opening times: Free. Open 9.00 am until 10.00 pm

Learn more about Masdar City Central Park here

Masdar Park (map)

Opened in late 2017, the park underwent an overhaul and reopened in 2023, revealing a variety of new features and a revitalized splash area. The playground has several climbing frames, is shaded, and has a wonderful spongy surface.

Facilities also include a 2.5km running track and basketball courts, but these must be booked in advance.

The revamped park sits beside The Hub By Social. A new addition in 2025, this food hall and creative space includes a co-working zone, gaming area, and retail pop-ups, as well as several new eateries, which are well worth exploring after your time in the park.

Cost & opening times: No entry fee. Open 9.00 am to 10.00 pm daily – floodlit in the evenings.

Yas Island

Yas Bay (map)

Yas Bay Waterfront is one of Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment venues, with a range of Al Fresco dining options and a high-end beach club (Cafe Del Mar). There will soon be two new beach parks here to explore (one for families and one adults only – more to come on these soon!)

The area is now also home to Abu Dhabi’s biggest skate park (referred to as South Yas Skate Park). Located a short walk from the Yas Bay development, the shaded park has a range of ramps and obstacles for skaters of all ages.

Fairly close by, there is also a lovely shaded play park (known as Crest Park) suitable for younger children and a waterside promenade, known as The Waves Park, which is great for a Sunday morning stroll or bike ride.

Costs and opening times: The parks are free to enter and open from 8:00 am until 11:00 pm.

You can find out more about what Yas Bay has to offer here.

Yas Marina Circuit (map)

Want to pretend you’re a Grand Prix legend? Open nights at the Yas Marina Circuit are a great way to get out and exercise. It’s not quite the same greenery as some of the parks on our list, but it is a brilliant spot to walk, run, or cycle either the 5.5 km complete circuit or the shortened 3 km North Circuit.

Cost and opening times: Free! Visitors must register and attend a safety briefing on their first visit to the track.

The track is open to all on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm.  Tuesdays are reserved for ladies only from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on a modified 3 km track. TrainAM cycling only sessions are also held Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 6:00 am to 8:00 am

There are limited bikes available to hire for free, as well as several outlets stocking professional bikes for hire (Top Tip: if you come after about 8:00 pm, there is better availability of the free bikes as the early birds finish up).

Click here to find out more about Yas Marina Circuit fitness sessions and check out @ymcofficial for the monthly events calendar

If you’re looking for more places to grab a bike and see the city on two wheels, check out our guide to cycling in Abu Dhabi

It is also great to walk around the Yas Marina Promenade. Here you’ll find water sprinklers on weekends as well as restaurants and leisure facilities (unfortunately, the small and convenient playground here was replaced with padel courts). Most weekdays, you’ll have this gorgeous little spot to yourself, but weekend evenings can get very busy.

Yas West Skatepark (map)

This small skatepark, located behind Waitrose, is great for little ones learning to skate. The undulating concrete pump track is suitable for both bikes and skateboards. Also in the West Yas area, you’ll find a number of small parks and green spaces, great for family picnics.

Cost and opening times: Free. Open from 8.00 am until late.

Reem Island

Reem is a growing high-rise residential community off the northeastern coast of the main Abu Dhabi island. Spotted amongst the skyscrapers, however, are some of the city’s best urban parks.

Reem Central Park (map)

This extensive urban park serves the growing community on Al Reem Island, but is great for visitors too. The waterfront park covers 1 million square feet and includes children’s play areas, basketball and volleyball courts, and a skate park.

There are also local art installations and a canal walk offering stunning sunset views of the city. There are plenty of places to have a picnic and multiple food trucks on site, should you be looking for a tasty local bite.

Cost and opening times: Free. Open from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Al Fay Park (map)

Located on Reem Island, this small park is awe-inspiring for its design, which focuses on biodiversity and microclimate optimization. The park is home to 2000 different types of local flora, and the high density of trees and modern irrigation system make the Al Fay Park a particularly cool and tranquil place to spend some time.

There is still an impressive array of recreational opportunities available, including a children’s playground, sand volleyball courts, badminton courts, and table tennis tables.

Cost and opening times: Free. Open from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Hudayriyat Island

An outdoor active paradise… (map)

Hudayriyat Island is a sporting and outdoor hub, featuring multiple sports facilities, playgrounds, splash parks, and beach access.

At the centre of the island is the new Abu Dhabi Velodrome, offering a venue for a variety of sports and events as well as cycling tracks. Cyclists might also enjoy Trail X, a rough terrain mountain bike trail, just a stone’s throw from downtown Abu Dhabi.

For those wanting a gentler cycling option, there is a network of cycling paths around the island that you can enjoy at a leisurely pace. Bikes can be hired from Yas Mena Cycles or Wolfis.

As well as Trail X, you’ll find Circuit X offering a high ropes course, a skatepark, a BMX park, and so much more. A great spot if you’re travelling with older children and teenagers.

The main attraction for many visitors to Hudayriyat is the long sandy beach, which is split into sections. At Marsana West, you’ll find simple sun-loungers and sun shades, as well as an on-demand food and beverage service, for just AED 50 at weekends and AED 25 on weekdays.

Marsana East offers a slightly more luxurious setting, with complimentary towels and water included in the price of AED 50 on weekdays and AED 100 on weekends and public holidays. Marsana East is also open until 10.00 pm in summer, as Abu Dhabi’s first night beach.

Adjacent to the beach is the Marsana waterfront leisure and entertainment area. Here you’ll find a splash park, play area, pool, and outdoor gym, as well as a small marina with water leisure crafts in varying sizes for hire.

Surfers can also find fun on Hudayriyat Island at the new Surf Abu Dhabi world-class artificial wave pool – among the best in the world!

If you’re staying in Abu Dhabi long term or travelling with a big group, 321 Sports, a state-of-the-art sports village, offers a variety of health and fitness opportunities, including indoor and outdoor basketball courts and a football pitch, as well as an Olympic-length running track.

Not just a sporting hub…

In addition to offering a variety of land- and water-based sports, Hudayriyat Island provides opportunities to connect with UAE culture.

The Hudayriyat Heritage Trail was established to protect significant archaeological remains (shell middens) on the island, which provide insight into the activities of fishermen and pearl divers who previously lived there. Guided tours are available for a small fee.

The island also provides the opportunity for overnight camping in the Bab Al Nojoum campsite, and more luxurious stays at the Bab Al Nojoum Villas.

You can read our complete guide to everything there is to enjoy on Hudayriyat Island here

Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful beach

Home to Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful beach, access to the sand and sea is via 5* hotel day pass, or paying to enter one of the 8 km stretch’s beach clubs. You can find out more about how to enjoy Saadiyat beach by reading our extended article, available here.

Mamsha Promenade (map)

You can enjoy views of the beach from the waterfront lifestyle destination of Mamsha. With a range of cafes and restaurants, all with outdoor seating, this is a great place to start or end the day outdoors.

The paved promenade is ideal for walking or scooting, offering a chance to enjoy the sea without getting sandy feet!

If you want to take a splash, there is a paid beach here, Mamsha Beach (previously Soul Beach), where you can pull up a parasol and sun lounger for the day.

The Louvre Promenade

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is set in verdant gardens. There’s no play equipment for children in this 3.8-hectare waterfront park, but it’s a nice bit of green space that can be enjoyed before or after a visit to the museum.

Find out all the latest on Saadiyat Cultural District here

Al Masar Garden

New for 2026, this garden sits outside the grounds of Zayed National Museum. While free entry is available, 90-minute guided tours ‘A Walk Through our Garden’ are also available seasonally to understand more about the UAE’s native flora and fauna.

Other Abu Dhabi Parks & Outdoor Spaces

Jubail Mangrove Park (map)

A slightly different park space, Jubail Mangrove Park offers a unique environment for enjoying nature. A network of wooden walkways leads through a mangrove forest that supports a wide variety of birds and marine wildlife.

There is an entry fee, but you’ll find some play features along the boardwalk walk, seating areas, kayaking, and paddleboard options, as well as the option for guided tours. There is also an on-site cafe, toilets, and a selection of food trucks in the car park.

Cost and opening times: From AED 10 for the boardwalk walk, with additional tours and activities available. Open daily from 7:00 am until 9:00 pm (last entry 8.00 pm). NB, well worth checking tide times for best photos at high tide!

You can find our complete guide to Jubail Mangrove Park here

Eastern Mangroves & The Al Gurm Corniche (map)

Flanking the E10 freeway, the Al Gurm Corniche and Mangrove National Park form an enhanced area of outstanding natural beauty. The Mangrove National Park covers approximately 5,000 hectares and supports 74 bird species, as well as a variety of juvenile fish and crustaceans.

The 3.5 km stretch of parkland known as the Al Gurm Corniche runs adjacent to the mangroves. It contains lots of little playgrounds, gym equipment, and picnic nooks to keep everyone happy, whilst taking a stroll in the Abu Dhabi sunshine, and provides the perfect opportunity for spotting flamingos between September and April.

Learn more about Al Gurm Corniche here, and if you’d like to continue you journey into the water, learn more about the Mangroves National Park here.

Cost & opening times: Free. Open 24/7.

The Flower Farm, Ajban (map)

Another place that’s not a park per se but has certainly gained some Insta fame this winter for its inviting and utterly Instagrammable backdrop. It’s quite the drive out there from town, but you’ll be rewarded with 1000s of magnificent blooms, even some resident bunnies, chickens, and peacocks!

There’s a small coffee shop on site, and blooms can be picked at a small additional cost.

Cost and opening hours: Open weekdays 7:00 am – 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Weekends 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Entry to the garden is AED 5 for children/AED 10 for adults weekday/AED 15 on weekends.

It’s important to note that professional photography here requires a permit (AED 100). Smartphone photos are permitted. You can also hire a professional photographer.

The Desert

When discussing parks and open spaces in Abu Dhabi, it’s impossible to overlook the fact that the city is surrounded by desert. The desert is itself one huge playground!

From desert safaris to camping, sandboarding, or dune biking, the desert offers a wide range of fun activities for the whole family.  Far from being “just a big pile of sand”, it is a truly magical place for the whole family to run wild.

In addition to the rolling dunes so frequently seen in Hollywood blockbusters, you’ll find surprises like the Al Wathba Nature Reserve and Salt Lake, and Abu Dhabi’s famous Fossil Dunes.

If you’d like to explore deeper into the UAE desert, we have a detailed guide on how to get out and enjoy desert camping in the UAE here.

If camping isn’t your thing, though, how about trying some of these luxury desert resort options instead? They include extensive outdoor sports options, swimming pools, cultural activities such as camel riding and nature treks, and, most importantly, wide-open spaces and tranquillity away from the city.

Note, any trip to the desert needs to be well planned. Always carry water and a sunshade in case you break down, check weather forecasts, and don’t go off the beaten track without a guide.

Additional Abu Dhabi Outdoor Guides

If you’ve still not found just what you’re looking for, continue your outdoor adventures within Abu Dhabi with one of these guides:

• The Best Golf Courses In Abu Dhabi
• Desert Islands Escapes – Visiting Abu Dhabi’s Many Islands
• Where To Go To Enjoy The Desert In Abu Dhabi
• Camping And Glamping Opportunities In Abu Dhabi Emirate
• Enjoy the Liwa International Festival in the Empty Quarter

Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

Best Desert Spas in Abu Dhabi

Anantara Spa, Qasr al Sarab

Qasr Al Sarab, or The Palace of the Mirage, as its name translates into English, is just that. Everything you could possibly want in the arid, peaceful, otherworldly wilderness, the Liwa desert. This includes some absolutely stunning spa facilities.

Spa treatments include everything from simple full body massages to multi-day wellness retreats which feature a variety of Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, and sound healing therapy, as well as locally inspired signature rituals.

The spa brochure is extensive, but we recommend the Arabian Desert Rose ritual – a half-day experience which includes a floral foot ritual, a rose desert sand body scrub, followed by a rhassoul body mask, a rose milk bath, and a sensual rose body massage. The experience also includes a Biologique Recherche facial and refreshments.

If you’re itching to try a traditional Hammam, Qasr Al Sarab is definitely the place to do it.

• Click here for more information and bookings

Saray Spa, Al Wathba – A Luxury Collection

Another desert retreat that shouldn’t be underestimated is the beautiful Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection. Less far off the beaten track but with beautiful spa facilities, the Al Wathba resort is ideal for a day trip or overnight stay (although you may want to stay much longer)!

You’ll find the resort around a 45-minute drive from the city and only 30 minutes from the airport.

The spa includes 11 treatment rooms, tranquil relaxation areas, saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, salt rooms, snow caves, an ice room, and a traditional Turkish Hammam.

Book classic treatments from their extensive spa menu, which includes everything from Balinese or Swedish massage to body wraps, or try day access to the picturesque luxury spa for just AED 200.

• Click here for more information and bookings
• NB Marriott Bonvoy members can receive 20% off at this desert venue

Best Spas on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Island is famous for its string of ultra-luxurious resorts that line the glistening white sands of Saadiyat Beach. It’s arguably the best place to come in the UAE for a luxury beach vacation suitable for couples and families. Each resort offers something unique, and each has an incredible spa!

Best Spa for Couples

Atarmia Spa at the Park Hyatt is great for couples and is one of the top spas in Abu Dhabi.

The beautifully presented couples therapy room has a large jacuzzi bath and double shower. There are separate steam rooms, sauna and jacuzzi facilities in the changing rooms and a private outdoor swimming pool for spa guests outside.

For those wanting to make a weekend of it, the hotel has truly beautiful facilities, including beach access to the stunning white sand of Saadiyat Beach. The Beach House restaurant comes highly recommended during the cooler months for rooftop dining.

• For more information and bookings, click here.

Another romantic Abu Dhabi spa option is the Spa at The St Regis Saadiyat Island. Whilst there are some great healthy cuisine options for after your massage, there is no private pool for spa guests; a pool pass must be purchased separately if you wish to use the hotel’s main facilities.

After your treatment, dining options are plentiful, making it the perfect place for a romantic date. We recommend dinner at Sontaya or Buddha Bar to round out the day with views of the Arabian Gulf.

• To find out more or make a booking, click here.

Best Spa for a Girls’ Day Out

The luxurious Talise Spa at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort has comprehensive open-plan facilities, including a large jacuzzi, plunge pool, and Himalayan salt room. It’s a great place to chill with friends before or after your treatment, which can take place in an airy couples room or outdoor terrace if you want to chat with your besty.

Look out for special offers that include beach and pool access and food and beverage vouchers. They exist and help you economically turn your morning or afternoon catch-up with a friend into a full-day experience.

• Click here for more information and bookings

Best Spa in Abu Dhabi to Visit Alone

To be honest, you really can’t go wrong with any of the Saadiyat Island resorts or Saadiyat Beach Club; you’ll be in for an indulgent, luxurious treat wherever you go, but priced accordingly for the premium location and brand names.

Look out for special offers, and don’t be afraid to ask if there are any deals when you make your booking (in our own experience, many will let you use a 2-4-1 voucher on a return visit!).

• You can learn more about all the best resorts on Saadiyat Island here

In town, Conrad Spa Etihad Towers is brilliant for a special treat for yourself, including their unique Middle East mud chamber and Hammam treatment suite.

Best Ladies’ Only Spa

The exclusive, award-winning Kintsugi Space offers a female-only holistic club located on Reem Island. This urban retreat offers a range of face and body treatments as well as yoga and sound healing in a truly beautiful setting. Guests can enjoy the body-sculpting slim pod and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, or indulge in a variety of massages from around the world.

After your treatment, sit in the Japanese garden or relax in the library before enjoying a light plant-based dish or herbal tea prepared by the centre’s all-female staff. Note that to attend this spa, you must sign up for a membership package – the shortest of which is a 6-day retreat and costs 25,000 AED!

Best Spas in Abu Dhabi City

There are still plenty of pleasant 5-star options to enjoy on Abu Dhabi’s main island, considered the city centre. Some favourites include:

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

If you love a Moroccan Hammam and aren’t up for heading out to the desert, this Abu Dhabi hotel spa should be top of your list. The Emirates Palace has some of the best spa facilities in the world, but treatments are a little expensive, with a signature massage costing AED 990 at the time of writing.

This is, however, no bog-standard hotel massage. Therapists are highly trained, and the facilities really are exceptionally regal. Treatment brands include MarocMaroc, OTO CBD, and Miriam Quevedo.

The variety of experiences on offer is quite different from what you will find elsewhere in Abu Dhabi. This includes a 30-minute Cleopatra milk bath and a Himalayan singing bowl experience, alongside the more standard hot stone massage and aromatherapy massages that you will find elsewhere.

• For more information and bookings, click here.

The Spa at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi on the Corniche

Another favourite spa recommended by our team on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche is The Spa at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi (formerly Remède Spa).

Committed to creating an exceptional experience for every guest, the spa offers a variety of high-quality treatments in a tranquil environment. Alternatively, you can opt for the unique ‘Spa in the Sky experience’, which costs 5500 AED for two people and includes:

• A 60-minute customized massage
• A 60-minute customized body polish
• A 3-course dinner at the Grand Majlis Suite
• Exclusive use of the sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi
• A VIP luxury limousine transfer to and from anywhere in Abu Dhabi

All of this takes place high up in the sky in the world’s highest suspended suite!

• For more information and bookings, click here.

Sense Spa at The Rosewood, Al Maryah Island

A beautiful spa in a chic hotel with lots of good dining options. Senses Spa frequently runs specials for events such as Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. A 60-minute relaxing massage is currently on offer for AED 650, and believe us, it’s worth every dirham!

• For more information and bookings, click here.

Are you also headed to Dubai? You may want to check out all our favourite spas in Dubai

Best Value Spas in Abu Dhabi

Several hotel spas offer two-for-one deals via The Entertainer. These are great if you want to spend the day with a friend or loved one, but can also be used by an individual on two separate days.

Often, a voucher will be presented at the end of your spa session, or the receptionist will take a new booking and record that you plan to redeem the ‘free’ massage on your next visit. Some even offer special discounts if you’re registered in their loyalty program and it’s your birthday month.

Currently, the following hotel-based spas are included in the Entertainer (2026 Edition):

• Saray Spa at The Marriott Al Forsan
• Bodylines at the Park Rotana/Yas Island Rotana/Pearl Rotana
• The A-List Spa at The WB, Yas Island
• Cherish Spa at Andaz, Capital Gate
• Zayna Spa, Grand Millennium Al Wahda
• The Spa by Vogo, Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
• Wellbeings Holistic Healing, Al Raha Beach Hotel
• Soul Senses Spa, at Abu Dhabi Pearl Rotana, Al Maha Arjaan, Novotel Al Bustan, Marriott Hotel Downtown
• Sofitel Spa, Sofitel Hotel
• Alba Spa, Royal Rose Hotel
• Ayana Spa, Bab Al Qasr Hotel

Whilst some hotels feature their spas on The Entertainer, others have periodic deals and special offers, so do check directly with the spa of your choice when making your booking.

Where is The Best Place For a Facial in Abu Dhabi?

You’re guaranteed a good facial treatment at pretty much all of Abu Dhabi’s 5-star hotels. Each hotel uses different products; The Spa at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi on the Corniche, for example, offers Elemis, whilst Atarmia Spa offers facials using products from Natura Bisse and HydroPeptide.

Facials are also available at many spa centres and beauty salons outside hotels and are usually less expensive than those offered in the more glitzy spa resorts. Some of the best are available at:

• Freya’s House of Beauty in the Capital Gate Tower
• Beauty Touch Ladies Salon in the Mushrif area
• Vesna Beauty Lounge in the Al Nahyan area
• Tara Rose on Saadiyat Island and in Khalifa City
• The Elixir Clinic in Abu Dhabi Marina
• House of Skincare on Yas Island

The Cure Clinic also offers highly regarded, professional facial treatments in a medical setting.

As you can see, the choice of wonderful spas in Abu Dhabi is quite extensive. It makes a wonderful treat to add to your holiday time in Abu Dhabi, and the opportunity to try some treatments that are unique to the Middle East region.

You may also be interested in: The Best Luxury Beach Clubs in Abu Dhabi

Breaking perceptions that Abu Dhabi is expensive, we have been on a mission to find every place you can visit and activity you can do around the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and the entire emirate of Abu Dhabi that is FREE (or really cheap!)

Our benchmark for “cheap” is anything a family of 4 (2 adults, two kids under 12) can do for under AED 100 (Around $27 USD).

You’ll be surprised just how many fun things to do in Abu Dhabi at little or no cost we’ve found!

Let’s see how many of these places to visit in Abu Dhabi for free you can fit into your Abu Dhabi itinerary!

Cultural & Sightseeing Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi for FREE

You may be excited to learn that nearly all of the best cultural places to visit in Abu Dhabi are FREE or really cheap!

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The country’s most beautiful building is a mustn’t-miss attraction for residents and visitors alike and is completely FREE to enter; you can even join a guided cultural tour, completely FREE!

If you are not appropriately dressed, you may need to buy a cheap abaya or kandura from the small souk (these used to be borrowed for free, but this changed over COVID).

Open Sat – Thu 9:00 am – 10:00 pm, Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm to 10.00 pm.

You can learn more about visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque here.

Wahat al Karama

Immediately opposite the Grand Mosque, you will find the Wahat Al Karama War Memorial – “Oasis of Dignity”. There is a visitor centre to explore, the Pavilion of Honour, and the memorial itself, which features 31 aluminium-clad tablets representing Emirati lives lost in conflict.

You can also get beautiful photos of the Mosque from the reflective pond. Open daily 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. FREE.

Qasr al Watan

The stunning Presidential Palace is one of the city’s modern wonders and most beautiful landmark buildings.

Entry to the palace itself may blow the daily budget just a little (AED 65 per adult,) but a trip to the Palace in Motion evening sound and light show is just AED 25 per adult / AED 12 for juniors.

Palace in Motion times do vary so be sure to check show times and book in advance, last entry is 30 minutes before show time.

Learn more about Qasr al Watan here.

The Abrahamic Family House

Opened in 2023, the Abrahamic Family House is an interfaith complex comprising a mosque, a church, and a synagogue located on Saadiyat Island. The aim of the complex is to welcome people from all walks of life to exchange knowledge and practice faith. Visitors of all faiths are invited to learn about the three Abrahamic faiths and their rituals.

Open to visitors Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5.00 pm.

The Abrahamic Family House is FREE to enter, but visitor tickets must be booked in advance and follow the dress code for religious buildings in Abu Dhabi.

You can find out more here.

Emirates Heritage Village

Based on the breakwater near Abu Dhabi Marina Mall, take a step back in time to experience traditional desert life in the heart of the city. Learn about traditional crafts, Bedouin housing and falconry.

Open Thu-Sat 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Fri 7.30 am – 12.00 pm & 3.30 pm-9:00 pm. FREE entry

To find out more, click here.

The Founders Memorial

Situated near Emirates Palace, before the breakwater, this exhibition is a visitor information centre as well as The Constellation, a giant artwork that lights up at night in the image of Sheikh Zayed.

The visitor centre is open 9:00 am – 10:00 pm daily, and FREE tours are possible.

Learn more about the Founder’s Memorial here.

Emirates Palace

No need to have an extravagant booking; at most times, visitors are free to come and admire the front steps and inside Emirates Palace. You can take your photos, but remain respectful; covered knees and shoulders are required for ladies and gents, no shorts.

Staying for gold flake coffee, afternoon tea, or a camel burger is, of course, recommended, but anything beyond admiration and a few photos to mark the occasion will likely break the AED 100 daily budget!

For reservations and more information, click here.

Al Maqta’a Museum

Freshly renovated and reopened in May 2025, this former Customs House was built in the 1950s to monitor entry to Abu Dhabi when the first causeway was constructed to Abu Dhabi island (Now dwarfed by the much larger Sheikh Zayed Bridge).

The building has been preserved for its socio-cultural importance as a shared effort between the Department of Culture and Tourism and the Abu Dhabi Police. The free exhibits here focus on policing throughout the decades.

Learn more about Al Maqta’a Museum here

Warehouse 421

A cultural destination in Abu Dhabi’s port area of Mina Zayed. Warehouses have been transformed for artistic expression, understanding, and further development of the UAE’s creative community.

Keep your eye out for FREE workshops and revolving exhibits.

Learn more about Warehouse 421 here.

Manarat al Saadiyat

Enjoy many FREE art exhibitions, film screenings, and paid workshops in this creative space and cultural hub on Saadiyat Island. Shows can book out, so reservations are still required.

Open 10:00 am – 8:00 pm.

Learn more about Manarat al Saadiyat here.

Etihad Modern Art Gallery

Housed inconspicuously in a villa in Al Bateen (Behind Al Bateen Mall), this contemporary art space and café is FREE to visit and enjoy works from Emirati and UAE-based artists.

Opening hours are advertised as 8.00 am until 9.00 pm daily, although seasonal variations may apply.

Learn more about Etihad Modern Art Gallery here.

New York University Art Gallery

Offering seasonal exhibitions from both local and international artists, the New York University Art Gallery is completely FREE to visit.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon until 8.00 pm.

Learn more about New York University Art Gallery here.

Salwa Zeidan Gallery

A real hidden gem, the Salwa Zeidan Gallery, located at the Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel, champions local and regional artists. Exhibitions rotate regularly and include painting, photography, sculpture, and the performing arts.

Open Monday to Friday 10.00 am until 6.00 pm – timings may vary. Entry is FREE!

Learn more about the Salwa Zeidan Gallery here.

Abu Dhabi Children’s Library

Abu Dhabi’s stunning children’s library is well worth a visit. You can spend hours looking at books in the comfortable and quirky reading spaces around the 5,250-square-meter site, and it’s all completely FREE!

Located at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation in Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street in the Al Hosn area of Abu Dhabi.

Open 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Saturday – Thursday, and 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm Friday.

Learn more about the Children’s Library and Cultural Foundation here.

Camel Racing

No trip to the UAE is complete without taking in a dose of camels, and what better way to do it than watching them race at the Al Wathba race track? Sure, there might be more 4WDs than camels… It’s all part of the fun.

Held weekends and public holidays during the cooler winter months around dawn. (Exact timetables and information are hard to come by). An amazing place to experience the heart and soul of Abu Dhabi, and one of the best things to do for FREE in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Fish Market

Visiting a local market is an interesting addition to any trip, and the most interesting market in Abu Dhabi is undoubtedly the fish market. The new Fish Market, opened in 2022, has 104 fresh fish stalls and 44 cleaning stations.

Whilst it’s missing some of the charm of the old fish market, it has the same bustling atmosphere and is a great place to see the variety of fish and seafood caught locally.

Open daily from 7:00 am until 9:00 pm (10:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays).

The market is completely FREE to enter.

Enjoy a ladies’ night!

Not for families, but we thought we should mention the FREE and very cheap ladies’ nights around the city.

Often these involve a small cover charge, which entitles ladies to a small plate of food and unlimited alcoholic drinks for the evening; sometimes the requirement is that food must be purchased for ladies to drink for free.

Some ladies’ nights are totally free and provide a limited number (usually 3) of free drinks. Offers change regularly, but we’ve rounded up some of the best Abu Dhabi Ladies Night deals available right now below:

• Pacifico Tiki – Al Bandar – Every Monday, ladies get unlimited house beverages while dining from 7.00 pm until 11.00 pm.
• Warehouse- Pearl Rotana, Capital Centre – Enjoy one food item and five house beverages for just AED 120 every Wednesday from 5.00 pm.
• Bla-Bla Bar – Yas Marina – currently offering unlimited house drinks for ladies between 8.00 pm and 11.00 pm on Thursdays – completely FREE!
• Lock, Stock & Barrel – Yas Bay Waterfront – currently offering unlimited house drinks for ladies between 8.00 pm and 11.00 pm on Thursdays – completely FREE!
• Siddharta Lounge – Yas Bay Waterfront – currently offering unlimited house drinks for ladies while dining from 7.00 pm on Thursdays.

Outdoor Family Fun in Abu Dhabi for FREE

There are so many great outdoor spaces and beautiful beaches in Abu Dhabi that can be enjoyed totally FREE (or with a very small entry fee).

The Corniche and Al Bahar

The Corniche Beach has been one of Abu Dhabi’s highlights for years, whilst A’l Bahar opened in 2018 as a new family entertainment district on the beachfront near to Nation Towers.

Much of the beachfront has been rejuvenated and is FREE to use during daylight hours. The family beach area charges AED 10 per adult for access to clean, relatively private facilities.

You could optionally spend money on some extras, including bike hire and activities within the Al Bahar complex, such as ropes courses and the inflatable obstacle course that may blow your daily budget.

Several play parks, splash areas, and skate parks all along the Corniche, though, are completely FREE.

Public beach areas have lifeguards on duty during daylight hours, and the Corniche footpath stays open 24/7 for recreational use.

Umm al Emmarat Park (formerly Mushrif Park)

You will find this beautiful family park in the centre of Abu Dhabi island. Its botanical gardens, play parks, wadi, petting zoo, and extensive lawns make it the perfect urban escape.

A cover charge of AED 10 per person applies. Additional activities, such as feeding the animals and using the train, cost extra.

You will also find the RIPE food & craft market on a Saturday afternoon (3:00 pm – 9:00 pm) during the cooler winter months.

Open 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight – learn more here.

Reem Central Park

Reem Central Park on Al Reem Island is another new public park, featuring food trucks, play grounds and recreation spaces for all ages to enjoy, all free.

Learn more about Reem Central Park here (our full guide coming soon)

Yas Gateway Parks

For one week of the year, they are car parking for the Grand Prix – the other 51 weeks, two superb free parks for families to enjoy!

Grab bikes or scooters, or enjoy the play parks and barbeques in Gateway Park North and Gateway Park South. FREE.

Sheikha Fatima Park

Spanning 46,000 square meters of reimagined urban space, the beautiful oasis that is Sheikha Fatima Park is a stunning feature. Set back a block from Abu Dhabi Corniche, Sheikha Fatima Park is split into three zones.

Zone 1 contains winding pathways through landscaped gardens. Zone 2 features a skate park, splash park, a beautiful outdoor playground, and an indoor play area, as well as Abu Dhabi’s only pet park.

Zone 3 comprises a large grassed area suitable for sports, concerts, and outdoor cinema, as well as numerous cafes and restaurants. There are various murals around the park that also shouldn’t be missed!

The park is open daily, 6:00 am -10:00 pm – Seasonal variations may apply.

Entry to the park is FREE. Some activities attract a small charge.

Learn more about Sheikha Fatima Park here.

Explore Abu Dhabi’s Other Parks and Playgrounds

There are lots of other parks, playgrounds, and green spaces around Abu Dhabi that are worth a stop between your other sightseeing activities. To find a comprehensive list click here.

Al Bateen Beach

On the west side of Abu Dhabi Island, the low-key Al Bateen Beach is a family winner. Safe patrolled swimming with an adjacent play park, lawn, and a women-only section (Paid, 25AED adults, 5AED kids).

Open 10:00 am to 10:00 pm; swimming allowed until sunset.

Learn more about Al Bateen and Abu Dhabi’s other beaches here.

Al Hudayriat Island

Located to the west of Abu Dhabi island (continue along 19th, beyond Al Bateen Beach), Al Hudayriat Island is a sports and recreation paradise!

Some sections of the beach attract a charge, but there is still a beautiful stretch of sand that’s free to use (a fee for sun loungers and umbrellas applies). You’ll find everything you need here, including changing rooms and public toilets.

Put together your own basketball or beach volleyball games, play on the pristine white sandy beach, or let the kids run off some steam at the playground.

There are numerous food trucks as well as a handful of permanent restaurants.

The bike tracks around the island can be used for FREE, but you will have to pay extra if you choose to participate in other sporting activities like those run by Circuit X for kids, and to hire sports pitches and courts.

You’ll also find the Hudayriyat Heritage Trail, which explores the island’s past, for free.

Saadiyat Beach

The most stunning stretch of white sand beach in the Middle East, facing the Arabian Gulf, is home to a string of luxury beach resorts and beach clubs.

Whilst you’ll need to play for any of the club and resort facilities, Saadiyat Beach itself is public property and is technically free to walk along and splash in the water.

Eastern Mangroves National Park

Enjoy a view of the mangroves from the Eastern Mangroves hotel complex. For an extra cost, you can hire kayaks or eco donut boats to enjoy the mangroves close up, or take a stroll along the 4.5 km-long Al Gurm Corniche, stretching to 19th Street.

NB – this area is currently undergoing major rejuvenation works as at early 2026 so many of the recreation services available here have relocated.

You can read a more detailed review on kayaking the Eastern Mangroves here.

Jubail Mangrove Park

Head to Jubail Mangrove Park, just off the Saadiyat highway, for a longer walk through the mangroves. Explore the mangroves from elevated boardwalks.

Entry to the boardwalk costs 20 AED for adults and children over the age of 11, while children under 11 pay 10 AED. This makes the activity fairly affordable for a family of four.

You can opt to pay more to enjoy your experience with a park ranger as a guide, or perhaps you might like to book one of the many kayaking experiences that take place on the site.

Open daily 7:00 am -9:00 pm.

For more details, click here.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

Based just outside of the city, heading towards Al Ain on the Truck Road, you’ll find this protected wetlands area, home to over 250 species of birds, including Flamingos.

Limited operating hours, Thu & Sat 8:00 am – 4:00 pm from September to April only (Temporarily closed- January 2026). FREE.

You can learn more about visiting Al Wathba Wetlands here

FREE Sports & Recreation Activities in Abu Dhabi

If there’s one thing the city really excels at, its providing opportunities to access recreation activities for free, helping the community stay fit and active.

Yas Marina Circuit

Whilst attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will set you back a packet, you can exercise almost year-round on the Yas Marina Circuit track for FREE.

The 5.5km Yas track is open to the public 3 nights a week for TrainYas (running, walking, and cycling), plus several mornings for cycling only (TrainAM 6:00 am to 8:00 am).

Pre-registration is required, but entry is free. Those without a bike can hire one of the limited number of FREE bikes, or more experienced riders can hire a professional track bike from on-site vendors.

Every Monday, Tuesday (ladies only), and Wednesday from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

Learn more here – follow the exact monthly schedule via they’re Instagram@ymcofficial

Al Wathba Cycle Track

Those who like to get some distance in their ride should head just beyond Mussafah to Al Wathba, near Endurance Village. The Al Wathba Cycle Track is open 24/7 (floodlit at night) and has 8km, 16km, 20km, 22km, and 30km options, completely FREE.

Khalifa International Bowling Centre

You can never go past bowling for some indoor family fun! Prices at this ZSC venue start from just AED 25 a game (plus look out for 2-4-1 vouchers). Don’t miss the awesome Chinese restaurant upstairs!

Learn more about all the sports on offer at ZSC here.

FREE Places to visit in Al Ain

There are many fun and free (and very affordable) things to do in the cultural capital, Al Ain, which is 1.5 hours from Abu Dhabi, making it a great day trip destination.

• Jebel Hafeet – a great experience to road trip to the tallest peak in Abu Dhabi emirate for spectacular views over Al Ain and the border to Oman. FREE.

• Green Mubazzarah – picnic or dip your feet in the natural hot springs at the foot of Jebel Hafeet. FREE (The little train is an extra AED 20 per adult/10 AED per child, and camping in one of the chalets comes with an overnight fee).

• Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Sites – which include the Al Ain Oasis (FREE) Hili Archaeological Park and the Hafeet Tombs in Jebel Hafit Desert Park (some experiences paid).

• Al Ain Palace Museum – the birthhome of the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed, is a beautifully restored example of traditional Bedouin architecture. Open 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Temporarily Closed). FREE.

• Qasr al Muwaiji – the birthplace of Sheikh Khalifa, historic fort and exhibit. Open 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. FREE

• Al Ain Classic Car Museum – cover charge of AED 15 adults, AED 5 for Children 5 – 15 years

• Al Jahili Fort – historic building and photography exhibit, also stroll the beautiful Al Jahili Park next door. FREE

• Al Ain Zoo – arguably one of the Emirate’s top tourist attractions, including the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre. Adults AED 30, kids AED 10.

• Souq Al Qattara – shop at the handicrafts market on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays during winter. FREE (but bring your spending money for some unique souvenirs!)

• Camel Souk – you don’t get a more real and interactive experience than the heart of a camel market in Al Ain! FREE.

Abu Dhabi Emirate – FREE Places to Visit Beyond the City

If you’ve got your own set of wheels and you’re confident driving in Abu Dhabi, there’s a huge, big sandpit out there to explore! Once you’ve accounted for the cost of fuel, why not try:

• Dune Bashing in the Empty Quarter (or almost any patch of the desert!
• Explore the forts of the Liwa Desert. The Liwa Oasis is the ancestral home of the Bani Yas tribe and contains many forts and watchtowers that are FREE to visit. The best place to start your discovery of Liwa’s forts is at the Al Dhafra Fort museum (open daily 10.00am until 6.00pm), before moving on to the Mezairaa Fort and Khanoor Fort (note that these forts are only open to the public at certain times of the year, for example during the Liwa Festival), but they’re still worth a drive-by on your way into the desert for camping (or a stray at a desert resort). Another land mark that has no admission fee is the Tal Moreeb – one of the world’s biggest sand dunes standing at a massive 300 metres.

• Explore the Fossil Dunes (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM) and the unique salt lake near Al Wathba – FREE
• Visit the Emirates National Auto Museum (adults AED 50, kids free)
• Explore Dalma Island and Al-Meraikhi Old House – a historic pearl diving home (Ferry charges apply, but entry to the island and the museum is FREE).
• Stroll the Mamsha al Mugheirah boardwalk- the Western Region’s answer to the stunning mangroves; here, you’ll find a beautiful and educational boardwalk experience, food trucks, and much more in this rejuvenated beachfront location.

And at night time…

• Another place that’s free to visit and has gained a lot of popularity in recent years is the Al Quaa Milky Way viewing spot out in the desert. 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.
• Go camping at the beach or in the desert (sand driving experience and equipment necessary)

FREE Transport in Abu Dhabi

Some more money-saving tips in Abu Dhabi you may not be aware of:

• Getting around Yas Island is made easy with FREE Yas Express minibuses. These operate between the hotels and key theme park and tourist attractions on Yas Island, as well as services that run from Saadiyat Island to Yas and from Dubai to Yas Island daily.

• If your timings are flexible, take advantage of the Vist Abu Dhabi courtesy bus system to get between major city attractions and hotels.

• Are you transiting between Dubai or Abu Dhabi for a flight? You may be able to use the Free airline buses operated by Emirates and Etihad to get across the UAE

Staying in Abu Dhabi for FREE

Now, what could be better for saving money on your city stay than getting your accommodation for free?

Etihad is offering transit passengers through AUH an appealing option to stay in one of their designated hotels free of charge for 1 and 2-night stopovers.

There are a few catches to being able to utilise the free night(s) – namely, your flight must be with Etihad (or Etihad-operated codeshare), and you must stay at least 24 hours. Your transfers and meals are NOT included – but as we’ve shown you above, there are so many ways you can see Abu Dhabi on a budget.

We go into a lot more detail here on how to claim your Free Etihad Stopover in Abu Dhabi.

If you’re looking for luxurious fun in the sun, then Abu Dhabi has you well looked after, with 30+ beach clubs and pool resorts across the city.

This post will take you through our 16 Favourite Abu Dhabi Beach Clubs in 2026.

Most of Abu Dhabi’s glorious beach clubs are connected to luxury resort hotels, but there are a number of stand-alone beach club facilities, too, ranging from luxury beach loungers with refreshment services to full club facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and gyms.

Day pass prices vary significantly; signing up for an overnight package for the best value is often cheaper. Beach club passes in Abu Dhabi are usually significantly more on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) than on weekdays, so nab yourself a bargain by coming mid-week or join the party crowd on the weekend.

Another option if you are longer-term in Abu Dhabi is to nab yourself a Privilee Membership which grants you multiple access to many of the city’s best beach clubs (and in Dubai too), plus discounts on food and beverages. We highlight below those clubs that participate in Privilee.

Prices have been updated to the best of our knowledge for winter 2024/25. They should all include VAT, & tourism taxes where applicable.

The 16 Best Beach Clubs in Abu Dhabi to try this year

1. Saadiyat Beach Club

From the breathtaking infinity pool to the stunning cabanas, enjoy the best of Saadiyat Island’s remote luxury without the price tag attached to most of the island’s luxury hotels.

Saadiyat Beach Club is a full-service club with spa and gym facilities, an all-day dining restaurant Safina, intimate evening dining at La Salle, and casual dining at Cabana 9.

Beach open hours: 8:00 am to sunset

Day Rates (as of December 2025)

• Ladies: 225 AED on Monday, Wednesday & Thursday Arrive before 9.00am to anvail of the early bird offer – 100 AED entry. Ladies pay AED 325 on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Gentlemen: 295 AED during the week & 375 AED at weekends.
• Couples: 399 AED during the week and 599 AED at the weekend.
• Junior (7-17 years old): 100 AED during the week and 150 AED at weekends
• Under 6-years-old FREE
• Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children under 12) 559 AED during the week and 759 AED at weekends.
• Tuesday Ladies’ Day: 199 AED, including 4 hours of free-flowing bubbly, white and rose wine and selected cocktails and a snack.*
• Friday Ladies’ Day: 150 AED*
• Guests under 21 must be accompanied by a parent.

*Note that men are still able to attend on Ladies’ days but need to pay the full-day pass rate. All guests must present a physical, original, and valid ID when checking in.

Spa & Treatments at Saadiyat Beach Club

1847 for Men is the region’s leading Executive Grooming Lounge for men.

Learn more at saadiytabeachclub.ae or call +971 56 219 2699

2. Cafe Del Mar

Cafe Del Mar on Yas Island has everything that you could expect from a beach club (except a natural sandy beach!) The landscaped pool area features sand and water views, but there is no direct access to the sea. Despite this, Cafe Del Mar has real beach club vibes and has made a name for itself as one of the hottest places to be seen. 

Affiliated to the Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Bay, Cafe Del Mar boasts an excellent restaurant and a poolside bar serving up all manner of delicious cocktails. 

Modelled on the Ibizan beach club of the same name, one of the main draws to Cafe Del Mar is the music, but the combination of music, setting, and chilled-out vibes makes this beach-less beach club a great place to relax with friends…And the best thing about it is that on weekdays, Ladies can access the club for free! 

Open Daily from 10:00 am until 11:00 pm (12 midnight on Saturdays and Sundays).

Cafe Del Mar Day Rates (as of December 2025)

• Monday-Thursday: Ladies enter for free and men pay 100 AED.
• Friday-Sunday: Ladies pay 100 AED and men pay 200 AED.
• Cabin Crew and UAE-based teachers receive free entry and complimentary drinks.
• Children under the age of 12 enter for free during the week. Children are not permitted at the beach club at the weekend.
• Cabanas are available at a minimum cost of 250 AED.
• VIP Villas are available with a minimum spend of 500 AED and a minimum of 4 people.

Learn more at cafedelmarabudhabi.com or call +971 50 402 2283

3. Nation Riviera Beach Club

Sitting along the city’s Corniche beachfront, Nation Riviera occupies its own 200m stretch of private beach. With a distinctively Mediterranean feel, it is part of the 5* St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel in Nation Towers, attached via a luxurious underground tunnel to take you safely under the Corniche Road.

As well as offering a sensational temperature-controlled pool flanked by sunbeds and cabanas, there’s an outdoor jacuzzi and a toddler pool with a water slide connected to Treasure Island Kids Club – making this one of our favourite family-friendly hotel choices on the Corniche.

The club also has a gym and steam room facilities in the clubhouse, with beachfront drinks and dining provided at Cabana Beach Bar & Grill. Those who love a swim-up bar will also be well looked after!

• Pool open hours: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Kids Pool: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Beach open hours: 8:00 am to sunset
• Gym open hours: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm

Nation Riviera Day Rates (as of December 2025)

• Single (Monday to Friday): 345 AED with 150 AED redeemable on food and beverages.
• Single (Saturdays and Sundays): 415 AED with 150 AED redeemable on food and beverages.
• Couple (Monday to Friday): 625 AED with 300 AED redeemable on food and beverages.
• Couple (Saturdays and Sundays): 685 AED with 300 AED redeemable on food and beverages.
• Additional child (4 to 16 years): 95 AED
• Under 4 years old FREE

Those who love activities at your beach club won’t be disappointed with an extensive offering from a fully equipped gym with cardio and weight range to squash and tennis courts.

NB Day Passes exclude use of Gym & Kids Club.

Learn more at nationrivierabeachclub.com or call +971 2 694 4780

4. Yas Beach

Located on the soft white sands of Yas Island, Yas Beach offers stunning mangrove views in a hip and relaxed beachfront setting with water sports on offer, dining options, and simple relaxation. There is also a family swimming pool flanked by cabanas on offer, along with five luxurious beachfront chalets for rent if you like a cool escape during your day at the beach.

Yas Beach Club is equally popular with the family crowd as it is with singles and couples, though weekends at the infinity pool are reserved for adults only.

There’s plenty on offer nearby for water sports lovers, from kayaking to windsurfing, sailing, paddle boarding, and great beach volleyball facilities. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy an activity centre and a kids’ splash pool.

The grown-ups are well taken care of in the refreshments department with The Hops Bar, Tiki Bar, Mixed Drinks Bar, and The Lounge – all open from morning to the early hours who want to kick on from their day at the beach well into the evening.

Yas Beach Day Rates (as of December 2025)

• Monday to Thursday Day Pass: 80 AED
• Friday to Sunday Day Pass: 150 AED (50 AED redeemable on food and beverages)
• Free for children under 12 years of age with a parent
• Saturday and Wednesday over 21s only.

NB Sun loungers and parasols are subject to availability. Guests staying at Yas Island Hotels have free access and free lockers with a hotel voucher.

Yas Beach Cabana & Chalet Charges

• Beach Cabana Weekdays: 210 AED (incl. 2 entrance fees)
• Beach Cabana Weekends: 420 AED (incl. 2 entrance fees)
• Pool Double Beds Weekdays: 100 AED
• Pool Double Beds Weekends: 150 AED
• Pool Cabana Weekdays: 500 AED (incl. 2 entrance fees)
• Pool Cabana Weekends: 700 AED (incl. 2 entrance fees)
• Chalet Weekdays: 550 AED (incl. 2 entrance fees)
• Chalet Weekends: 900 AED (incl. 2 entrance fees)

Learn more at yasbeach.ae or call +971 2 565 1100

5. Emirates Palace Beach Club

This is one of the most incredible beach resorts in Abu Dhabi, and we’d argue in the world! It’s certainly worth the splurge if your budget permits; you won’t regret it!

One of Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious beachfront settings, Emirates Palace enjoys its own stunning 1.3km long beachfront, two fitness centres, two lavish resort pools, tennis and padel courts along with a water sports centre, or you can make use of their complimentary bikes to enjoy the 6km+ of internal bike tracks.

Emirates Palace Week Day Rates (as of December 2025)

• Adults: 400 AED (200 AED in F&B credit)
• Kids (4 to 15): 200 AED (100 AED in F&B credits)
• 3 and under FREE
• Family group discounts are available

Weekend rates

• Adults: 450 AED 
• Kids (4 to 15): 250 AED 
• 3 and under FREE
• Family group discounts are available

Learn more at mandarinoriental.com or call +971 2 690 7311

6. Bayshore Beach Club

This Al Bateen beachfront has become somewhat overlooked in recent years as flashy alternatives open nearby and on Saadiyat Island. However, it is still very worthy of a mention as a great all-rounder beach club with a superbly relaxed setting in one of Abu Dhabi’s classic hotels, the InterContinental Abu Dhabi.

The main features include a 300-meter-long sand beach, an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, a children’s pool with a spa, and a jacuzzi and spa in a wonderful garden setting.

Bayshore Beach Club Day Rates (as of December 2025)

• Weekday adults: 170 AED (100 AED redeemable on food and beverages)
• Weekend Adults: 250 AED (150 AED redeemable on food and beverages)
• Weekday Couples Cabana: 500 AED (250 AED redeemable on food and beverages)
• Weekend Cabana: 600 AED (300 AED redeemable on food and beverages)
• Kids Weekday: TBC
• Kids Weekend: TBC

Learn more at abudhabi.intercontinental.com/the-bayshore-offers or call +971 2 697 2317

7. Ilios

A luxurious Greek-style beach escape awaits you at Ilios. Located on the beautiful Hudayriat Island, just by Surf Abu Dhabi, this beautiful beach club offers a unique blend of sophistication and tranquility. With pool and beach access, as well as a delightful restaurant offering Greek and wider Mediterranean flavours, this is the perfect place to chill out by the sea.

Why not team up your beach day with a surfing lesson at Surf Abu Dhabi, or indulge in unlimited food and drink on Fridays*!

• Adults: 200 AED per person (fully reedemable on F&B)
• Children under 5: Free
• *Ilios Surf Break include surf sessions and food and drink for 550 AED. The Friday Ladies Day package includes food and soft drinks for 125 AED.

Learn more at surf Abu Dhabi.com, or call +971 2 419 8508

8. Fahid Beach Club

Situated on Fahid Island (accessible by road), a little-known gem between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, this newcomer is a seasonal offering for the cooler winter months. Offering boho vibes and a fully redeemable entry fee starting from AED 150 (closed in summer)

Overnight accommodation is also available.

• Open Wednesday to Sunday
• Weekday entry: AED 150 for a single bed, AED 250 for a double bed, AED 350 for a cabana – Fully redeemable on F&B.
• Weekend entry: AED 259 for a single bed, AED 350 for a double bed, and AED 350 for a small cabana – Fully redeemable on F&B.
• Ladies’ day on Fridays with free-flow drinks 149 AED

9. West Bay Beach Club

Located at the western end of the Corniche, just before the marina Breakwater, you will find the extensive facilities of West Bay Beach Club (attached to the Radisson Blu Hotel, formally known as the Hiltonia, then the Blu Beach Club, then the Cove at West Bay – we think the name has settled as at September 2021!).

One of Abu Dhabi’s original hotel beach clubs, dating back decades, it’s had many facelifts over the years! West Bay brings a fun new vibe from the beach resort to the spa, fitness club, water sports, and Mediterranean dining.

This large beach club spans 12,000 sq ft of lush grounds; expect a wave pool, water slides, kids’ and adults’ pools, a swim-up bar, play areas, and plenty of activities. Weekends include a relaxed beach brunch.

Day rates (as of December 2025)

• Weekdays (Ladies and gents): AED 200 (with a voucher of AED 100 to be spent on F&B)
• Weekends and public holidays (Ladies & Gents): AED 300 (with a voucher of AED 100 to be spent on F&B)
• Children aged 5-15: 95 AED

Learn more at westbayabudhabi.com or call +971 2 692 4375

10. Shangri-La Beach Club

It is one of the smaller and lesser-known beach clubs of Abu Dhabi, but also, for this reason, one of the more peaceful. The small beachfrontage at the Shangri-La Qayrat al Beri overlooks the Grand Canal and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, providing one of the city’s best sunset views.

Sadly, development in front of the mosque has obscured the view slightly, but it’s still a wonderful place to spend a lazy day at the beach.

There’s also an infinity pool to enjoy, the Spa CHI and plenty of spots to grab a drink or a bite – with deals including Food and Beverage vouchers.

• Outdoor Pool: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Children’s Pool: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Lap Pool: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Sauna: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Spa: 10:00 am to midnight

Shangri La Day Rates (as of December 2025)

• Day Pass 250 AED – Fully redeemable.

Learn more at Shangri-La.com or call +971 2 509 8555

11. Fairmont Bab al Bahr

Whilst the beachfrontage at the Fairmont Bab al Bahr isn’t huge, it does provide one of the city’s longest temperature-controlled swimming pools. Flanked by cabanas, sunbeds, and palm trees, there’s plenty of room for relaxation, along with a kids’ splash pool and jacuzzi.

Look out for their 36-hour weekend packages, including brunch, stay, and complete use of all the hotel’s pool and beach club facilities.

Beach open hours: 9:00 am to sunset.

Fairmont Day Rates (as of December 2025)

• Weekdays 150 AED (100 fully redeemable on F&B) or 120 AED with no F&B credit.
• Children below 12 enjoy free access with an adult
• Weekends 200 AED (fully redeemable on F&B) or 150 with no F&B credit.

Privilee: Free access plus free access for up to 3 children aged 5 to 17 years and 2 hours free access to the Little Flamingoes kids’ club as well as 25% off in the resort’s restaurants.

Learn more at Fairmont.com or call +971 2 654 3160

12. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

This is a real surprise packet sitting in the Al Ras al Akhdar corner of the city, across the road from the Emirates Palace. Formerly known as Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, same deal, different name.

The Conrad Daycation Packages offer outside guests complete access to their beachfrontage looking towards Al Bateen as well as access to their three hotel pools.

Another way to enjoy the pool and beach here is to join the popular Saturday brunch at Nahaam.

• Weekdays: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Weekends: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Conrad Day rates (as of December 2025)

• Weekdays 250 AED per adult (with 150 AED redeemable on food and beverages).
• Weekends 350 AED per adult (with 200 AED redeemable on food and beverages).
• Children 6 to 12 years 75 AED (with 50 AED redeemable on food and beverages) during the week and 100 AED at weekends.
• Children 5 and under FREE
• Daycation packages with access to a room start at 400 AED.

Learn more at hilton.com or call +971 2 811 5888

Privilee: Members enjoy free access and free access for up to 3 kids aged 6-12, free nanny access, access to the fitness centre and 20% off food.

Looking for the best beach clubs in Dubai? Pop over to this article.

13. Eden Health Club and Spa – Le Meridien

This oldie but a goldie in al Zahiyah (Tourist Club Area) of Abu Dhabi has been a stalwart of entertainment and relaxation in the city for decades. The hotel itself, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, has recently gone through some major upgrade work, and the leisure club continues to deliver as one of the best value options in the city.

The health club facilities include Hamman pools, an aquamedics pool, tennis, squash and volleyball courts, a fitness centre, a private beach and a pool.

Although it is certainly not as fancy and modern as most of the others we have listed here, Eden Health Club and Spa does provide patrons with the perfect place for a wonderful urban oasis at a very affordable rate.

Le Meridien Day Rates (as of December 2025)

• Day pass weekdays: 90 AED (fully redeemable on F&B).
• Day pass weekends: 150 AED (100 AED redeemable on F&B).
• Wednesdays are free entrance for ladies
• Child pass weekdays: 50 AED
• Child pass weekends: 70 AED
• Weekend brunch at Latest Recipe can be upgraded for pool and beach access for AED 50.

Learn more at marriott.com or call +971 2 644 6666

14. Mamsha Beach, Saadiyat

Formerly known as Soul Beach, Mamsha Beach is set on a ‘public beach’. There is no pool, and the facilities are somewhat limited, but its prime location makes it well worth including on this list.

Situated within the Mamsha Al Saadiyat community, at the heart of Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District, Soul Beach is a wonderfully pristine 1km stretch of white sandy beach offering uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf.

Mamsha Beach includes a lifeguard-patrolled 400m strip of swimming beach and 400 parasol-covered sunbeds. Refreshments are available to order by WhatsApp and are delivered to your sunbed by golf buggy.

Please note that you need your own towel and toiletries for the showers. The beach is open from 7:00 a.m. until sunset.

Mamsha Beach Day Rates (as of December 2025)

• Weekday Adult: 125 AED
• Weekday Child: 60 AED
• Weekday Family: 350 AED (2 adults & 2 children up to 12 years old)
• Weekend Adult: 200 AED
• Weekend Child: 100 AED
• Weekend Family: 500 AED (2 adults & 2 children up to 12 years old)
• Children aged 5 and under enter for free.
• Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

We won’t lie; this one feels pricey for what it is. A shame they couldn’t have opened a more affordable family location here, but they always seem to be full at weekends, so obviously some are willing to pay for what they offer.

15. Kai Beach

Kai Beach is also affiliated with Saadiyat Beach Club. The advertising tagline for this beach is ‘Barefoot Luxury,’ and boy, does it deliver!

The elegant parasols and driftwood furniture give the beach a bohemian feel, while its slightly more secluded location allows visitors to be just that bit closer to nature.

There are sun beds and umbrellas, toilets, showers, and changing rooms, which are accessible via boardwalks behind the dunes at the top of the beach. The MLT food truck offers delicious bites and a variety of beverages, including alcohol. Shisha is also available and can be ordered to your sunbed.

Open 7:00 am until sunset.

Kai Beach Day Rates (as of December 2025)

• Weekday Adults (Mon-Wed): 150 AED (50 AED redeemable)
• Friday Miss Kai Day (Ladies Only): 150 AED
• Weekday Child (6-12 years): 75 AED (25 AED redeemable)
• Weekday Family: 375 AED (150 AED redeemable) – 2 adults and 2 children under 12.
• Weekends & Public Holidays Adult: 225 AED (100 AED redeemable)
• Weekends & Pubic Holidays Child: 100 AED (50 AED redeemable)
• Weekend & Public Holidays Family (2 adults and 2 children under 12): 500 AED (150 AED redeemable)
• Under 5: Complimentary entry
• Boys over 4 are not permitted on Fridays
• Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Learn more at kaibeachsaadiyat.com.

16. Al Maya Island

Another hidden island beach getaway, Al Maya is where you go to relax during the week and party on the weekend!

A 10-minute boat trip takes you to the chilled-out island resort. Live entertainment, DJs, and pool parties make Al Maya stand out for fun-loving crowds, especially on Saturdays, which are strictly for people aged 21 and over.

During the week, however, the island is a great place for families to pass their time. Most visitors to the island book a day pass, but it is possible to stay overnight.

See our complete guide to Al Maya Island over here.

Al Maya Island Day Pass Rates (as of December 2025)

• Maya Saturdays (Live DJ) Day Pass: 250 AED (100 AED redeemable on F&B), ladies enter for free until 3 pm.
• Sunday Adult: 250 AED (100 redeemable on F&B). Ladies enter for free until 3 pm.
• Sunday Child: Complimentary for children under 6. Children aged 6-12 pay 100 AED with 50 AED redeemable on F&B.
• Weekday Adult: 200 AED (fully redeemable on F&B) – Free entry for ladies until 3pm, Monday to Thursday.
• Weekday Child: Complimentary entry for two children up to the age of 18 with a full fee-paying couple, additional children 50 AED.

Learn more at almayauae.com or call +971 2667 7777

Soho Beach Yas Island

A brand-new addition opened in April 2025. This new Yas hotspot (adjacent to Yas Beach Club) is open only on Fridays to Sundays, 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, but it is already proving popular with the beachside party crowd. Laid-back Luxury is the vibe with stylish day beds and the promise of barefoot dancing alongside tempting Mediterranean Cuisine.

• Entry is free for ladies and couples, but there is a minimum spend of 250 AED for sun beds.
• Yas residents, UAE-based teachers, or airline crew receive a 20% discount.
• Drunch on Fridays and Sundays includes food and drink for 250 AED.

Cala 399 – Opening soon!

Cala 399 – This one is quite a bit further out of town, in the Ghantoot area, which is just before the Dubai border. Taking over the site previously run by Blue Marlin (which closed back in 2019), we’re excited to see what will be on offer at this mini daycation venue. We’re expecting plenty of live entertainment, dining , and chilled weekend vibes.

You May Also Be Interested In

• The best weekend brunches in Abu Dhabi that also allow pool access
• Relaxed Sunday breakfasts, roasts, and brunches in Abu Dhabi
• Taking to new heights, these are the city’s best rooftop bars with a view
• Enjoy these public beaches in Abu Dhabi

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

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teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi brings one of Japan’s most innovative digital art collectives to Saadiyat Island, offering a fully immersive world of light, sound, and interactive installations. Blending technology, nature, and creativity, this new cultural landmark invites visitors of all ages to step into ever-changing environments that react to movement and touch.

Whether you’re exploring with curious kids or enjoying an adults-only evening session, it’s a memorable addition to any Abu Dhabi itinerary.

What Is teamLab?

teamLab is a Japanese interdisciplinary art group founded in 2001. Known for its boundary-pushing use of digital technology, teamLab creates interactive art that blurs the lines between the physical and virtual. Their installations encourage exploration through movement, inviting visitors to become part of the artwork as spaces shift, respond, and transform in real time.

Originating in Tokyo, teamLab’s exhibitions now span the globe, but each venue has its own character—rooted in the idea of “co-creation,” where the visitors’ presence shapes the art itself.

What to Expect at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

teamLab’s new permanent home on Saadiyat Island amplifies this creative vision with vast, open environments designed specifically for Abu Dhabi’s cultural district. Expect large-scale immersive rooms, ever-changing natural simulations, environments reacting to touch, and dreamlike spaces that children and adults can explore freely. No two visits are the same, making it feel like a living, breathing digital ecosystem.

The experience is self-guided, family-friendly, and designed to encourage slow wandering rather than following a fixed route.

What Makes the Abu Dhabi Experience Unique

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is one of the collective’s most ambitious spaces to date. Built from the ground up in partnership with Miral and DCT Abu Dhabi, it is designed as a long-term cultural anchor alongside glocal icons such Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Its scale allows for monumental rooms and future adaptability—the installations will evolve over time rather than remain static.

The venue also incorporates regional themes, from desert-inspired forms to shifting environments that echo the UAE’s landscapes and biodiversity. Cooling temperatures, wide pathways, and quiet reflective zones make it particularly suitable for families, including younger children who often find the responsive elements fascinating.

Main Exhibits to Experience at teamLab Phenomena

Spanning over 17,000sqm, we’ll walk you through some of the most awe-inspiring exhibits presently open (note we’ve tried to simplify our explanations as those given in the teamLab app can be rather technical and don’t always align to what you’re experiencing, as some rooms have multiple rotating experiences – nothing is really signposted!)

Circulating Universe of Water Particles

This is where your journey into the darkness starts, in what feels like a phenomenal giant forest. Instantly slideable for kids (they’re apparently not allowed to, though), the display will then morph into the next exhibit, Flutter of Butterflies.

Morphing Continuum

The technical explanation is rather lengthy for this exhibit, but in short, there are many floating balls, and even if people disturb them, they will return to their original shape.

Biocosmos

Biocosmos is housed inside a giant sphere, where visitors walk across a suspended net through the center. You might have a small wait here as they control how many can enter at a time.

Those with acrophobia (and ornithophobia!) may prefer to skip this exhibit, or at the very least, cling to the edges! If you’re willing to brave the walk, expect to a 360-degree experience as flocks of birds fly past and elements completely surround you.

Graffiti Nature and Beating Earth

Back on planet Earth, let your little Picasso loose. This is the most interactive exhibit for your littles, where they can see their coloring creations come to life. The creatures they create will crawl into the earth, eventually multiplying when the environment is right, or they could consume one another.

Floating Microcosms

This is the main water exhibit, saved for the end of your journey! Be prepared to roll up the paints or skirt as giant Ovoids rise and fall around you. They repsond to touch and to one another, emitting colour and sound. Wade slowly and be at one with this incredible environment.

As mentioned, there is an app you can download in advance of your visit that provides more detail on the exhibits. But honestly, these explanations flew over the kids’ heads; just step into the darkness, and the staff will guide you on which way to walk and enjoy the immersion. Give each room plenty of time, as the exhibits can change within the same space.

Need-to-Know Visitor Facts

Where to Find teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is located on Saadiyat Island, part of the Saadiyat Cultural District and within a short drive of Louvre Abu Dhabi and Mamsha Al Saadiyat.

Saadiyat Island is mere minutes from Downtown Abu Dhabi, approximtely 25 minutes from other attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr al Watan.

Opening Hours

• Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Note from Monday to Thursday, the last entry for children under 18 is 4:30 PM; Art Undistracted (18+) takes place from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Last entry on weekends and for Art Undistracted is 8:00 PM

We’d recommend allowing at least 1.5 to 2 hours in your itinerary to experience everything fully.

Timed Entry

Visits are based on timed slots, so booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and school holidays. You can turn up without a booking, but you may have to wait if a timeslot is full.

Tickets & Cost

Pricing varies by age group, with discounts sometimes available online.

• The base rate for adults and kids 13+ is AED 150
• Children 4 to 12 years AED 50
• Children under 4 years old are free.

You can buy tickets in advance on Platinulist here.

Platinumlist also offers combo tickets, including teamLab + Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace), or teamLab + Yas Waterworld would make a great family day out.

Public Transport

Bus routes serving Saadiyat Island stop in the Cultural District. The Cultural District is also well serviced by taxis, Careem, and Uber, as well as the free Visit Abu Dhabi shuttle – stopping at the nearby Louvre (allow up to a 15 minute walk).

Read more about Abu Dhabi’s public transport options here.

Parking

Free parking is available at the venue, with accessible spaces near the entrance and designated EV charging spots.

Other Facilities at teamLab

There is a new dining option at teamLab, Anko: Japanese Patisserie.

We’ve not given it the taste test yet but heard great things from handcrafted Wagashi sweets to savoury ‘Pan’ nibbles and ice cream.

Important Sensory Notes

Most of the experience is undertaken in the dark, there’s very little lighting! If children are somewhat afraid of the dark, this is not an appropriate experience for them.

Its also important to note that one of the best experiences at the museum is in water. You can skip it if you really don’t want to get wet, but expect for adults you’ll get wet up to around knee height, make sure jeans etc can be rolled up to your knees.

Lockers and towels are provided, but if you think children will become submerged (discouraged; its an art exhibit not a splash park, but we all know it can happen!) then bring them a change of clothes.

Is teamLab Phenomena Worth the Visit?

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is an inspiring addition to the city’s cultural offerings—an interactive art experience that captivates toddlers, teens, and adults alike.

Its playful yet calming environments make it a standout activity for families, while adults-only sessions offer a chance to enjoy the installations without little ones underfoot.

We’d recommend only bringing younger children who are good at following directions. Although it’s kid-friendly, there are many instances where they must remain quiet, not splash, etc., which can sometimes be challenging with littles.

We’d definitely pair a visit to teamLab with any of the other cultural attractions on Saadiyat Island. The newly opened Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is immediately adjacent, as well as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum not far away – see the new combined Saadiyat Cultural District Museum Pass to save on these nearby attractions (under 18s FREE at these venues!)

Check out our itineraries section for how to completely plan out your Abu Dhabi experience

You may also want to more thoroughly explore our guides to indoor activities in Abu Dhabi and activities for teens across the capital.

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

Navigating your way around Saadiyat

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The first internationally recognised museum to open in Abu Dhabi, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, takes visitors on a journey through humanity, with carefully curated collections providing an overview of global civilisation across the ages.

In addition to the permanent galleries that link cultures through specific aspects of development, temporary exhibitions often have a regional focus. There is also a thoughtfully designed children’s museum, with hands-on activities perfect for younger visitors.

The building itself is also an architectural phenomenon. It has an enormous aesthetic appeal, which drives photographers and influencers to visit.

Note that a dress code is observed in respect of local decency rules and that photos should not be taken of individuals without their permission.

Entrance Fee: AED 70 for adults (under 18s free, various other discounts apply)

You can find our complete guide to visiting Louvre Abu Dhabi here

Abrahamic House

Although not actually a museum, the collection of religious buildings here is well worth a stop on the itinerary of culture-seekers traveling through Abu Dhabi.

Abrahamic House brings together the Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, and St Francis Church. Each is a cubic building of the same size but exhibits the architectural characteristics characteristic of its building type.

Entrance Fee: It’s free to take a group tour (though this should be pre-booked; walk-ins may not be accommodated)

You can find our complete guide to the Abrahamic House here

Guggenheim (coming soon)

The country’s first modern and contemporary art museum will feature artists from across the globe with an emphasis on West Asia, Northern Africa, and southern Asia.

Surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Gulf, the building will also serve as a man-made breakwater and stand out as a work of art in its own right.

Originally intended to open alongside the Louvre nearly a decade ago, the project was delayed by substantial cutbacks in 2010, and it’s now scheduled to open in 2026.

Entrance Fee: TBC upon opening

Learn more about the new Guggenheim and opening news at abudhabiculture.ae

Zayed National Museum

The National Museum of the UAE honors the legacy of the country’s founding father, Sheik Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It will have six permanent galleries, temporary exhibits, and the Al Masar garden.

This section will cover the country’s archaeological heritage, its coastal connections to pearling, fishing, and trade, its role in national identity, the spread of Islam, and the impact of new technology.

Entrance Fee: AED 70.00 for adults, free for children under 18, people of determination, and citizens/residents over 60. Students attending university in the UAE and teachers working in UAE schools pay 35 AED.

Learn more about the Zayed National Museum at zayednationalmuseum.ae

Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum

Open in November 2025, this museum features Stan, the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. The brand-new Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi is a great place for budding naturalists and adult explorers alike to explore the 13.8-billion-year story of our universe.

Entrance Fee: AED 70 for adults, free for children under 18, people of determination, and citizens/residents over 60. Students attending university in the UAE and teachers working in UAE schools pay 32.5 AED.

Our complete review of the Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum is coming soon!

Visit nhmad.ae for more information and to plan your visit

Manarat Al Saadiyat

The first building in the Saadiyat Culture District has long served as a showroom for the island’s development, but it now stands for so much more.

Entrance Fee: Can vary by event, but most are free public events

Learn more and see current exhibitions at Manarat al Saadiyat here

TeamLab Phenomena

Home to 25 immersive digital works, this modern museum offers the chance to walk through art in a sensory experience like no other.

Entrance Fee: Adult tickets cost 150 AED; children ages 4-12 pay 50 AED; children under four enter for free. Weekday evenings are open to adults only from 6:00 PM.

Learn more and see our full review of teamLab here

Museums in other areas of the city of Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Hosn

Often referred to as the birthplace of Abu Dhabi, this historic fort and museum is located in downtown Abu Dhabi, on the same block as the Cultural Foundation and the House of Artisans (both included in your entrance fee).

Entrance Fee: AED 32, which includes the fort and House of Artisans

You can find our complete guide to Qasr Al Hosn here

Falcon Hospital

As well as getting the chance to see behind the scenes at this internationally renowned avian hospital, there is also a small museum of artefacts showcasing the history of falconry that you can see as part of a guided tour of this fascinating cultural attraction.

Entrance Fee: 170 AED per adult plus VAT for a 2-hour tour. Tours must be booked in advance via the website.

You can find our complete guide to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital here

Qasr al Watan

The presidential palace is not really a museum, but it does contain collections of gifts presented to the rulers of the UAE by foreign dignitaries. It provides a unique record of the recent history of the UAE, and is a beautiful building to visit in its own right. It is also the venue for many international diplomatic receptions and as such, a place where history is literally being made.

Entrance Fee: From AED 65 for adults and from AED 30 for children.

You can find our complete guide to visiting Qasr Al Watan here

Heritage Village

Situated on the marina breakwater, this small village is run by Abu Dhabi Culture. Built in the traditional style, the village includes houses and workshops featuring a wide variety of exhibits from Abu Dhabi’s past. There’s also a small-holding area with livestock, a few market stalls and a great view back over the water to Abu Dhabi Corniche.

It’s now a little dated and often overlooked in favour of the larger, newer developments around the city, but it is still worth a visit for those who want to experience aspects of the local culture firsthand without the gloss.

There are honestly better spots these days to get your cultural fix, but since many tours still stop here, we think it’s important to still include this little slice of UAE history.

Entrance Fee: It’s free to enter the Heritage Village

Learn more about the Heritage Village here

Al Maqta’a Museum

Freshly renovated and reopened in May 2025, this former Customs House was built in the 1950s to monitor entry to Abu Dhabi when the first causeway was constructed to Abu Dhabi island (Now dwarfed by the much larger Sheikh Zayed Bridge).

Although there were no further customs checks upon unification, the building has been preserved for its socio-cultural importance as a shared effort between the Department of Culture and Tourism and the Abu Dhabi Police.

The exhibits focus on policing across decades and will, in due course, feature seasonal activations.

Entrance Fee: It is free to visit Al Maqta’a Museum.

Learn more about Al Maqta’a museum here or email enquiries to info@almaqtaamuseum.ae

Other Historical Places of Interest in Abu Dhabi

Not all museums per se, but other buildings and monuments of interest include:

• Look for the modern heritage plaques at about 60 sites across the city.
• Wahat Al Karama is opposite the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. This small memorial contains not only a monument to the UAE’s martyred soldiers but also a small information centre well worth a stop on an Abu Dhabi city tour.

Museums in the Abu Dhabi Emirate

Beyond the city, there are several other places of interest that history buffs will want to look out for. Many are located in Al Ain, which we cover in more detail here. The highlights include:

• Al Ain Museum recently reopened after a closure spanning many years. This museum houses many of the artefacts found in the Hili Archaeological site (part of the UNESCO sites of Al Ain), dating back to the Neolithic period.
• Al Ain Palace Museum (temporarily closed) – the former residential home of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed. This museum offers a fascinating look at the Al Nayhan family tree and insight into what it would have been like to grow up as part of the royal family.

• Qasr al Muwaiji – a closer look at the childhood home of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, 2nd President of the UAE, and the previous administration office for the Ruler’s Representative of Al Ain. Walk through both the historic fort and visit the modern exhibition centre telling the story of the fort and its inhabitants,
• Al Jahili Fort – one of the largest forts in the UAE. Built in 1891, the fort was built by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan to protect local date farmers. The building now houses a photographic collection by British Explorer Wilfred Thesiger, which is well worth a look.
• Zayed Desert Learning Center –This multi-floor learning centre is found within Al Ain Zoo. It covers a fascinating journey from the country’s geology to present-day sustainability.

Emirates Auto Museum

A genuinely unique experience housed in a pyramid-style structure, around 45 minutes from the city as you head into the Liwa Desert. Explore Sheikh Hamdan’s quirky collectibles, including the world’s largest SUV (housing a 4-bedroom apartment!) and the World’s largest caravan!

You can combine a trip here with a drive to Al Dhafra/Western Region or make it a simple half-day trip from the city, though you’ll need access to a car.

Entrance Fee: AED 50 for Adults, Free for children under 10.

Learn more about the Emirates Auto Museum here

Delma Museum

Tucked away on the remote Delma Island in the country’s Western Region, approximately 2 hours west of the city, is the small but historically significant former pearl merchants’ home. Also known as Bait Al Muraikhi, it has been transformed into a treasure trove of finds from the 19th and 20th centuries.

It is open daily, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm (Sun-Thu) and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays.

Entrance Fee: Free

Learn more about Delma Museum at abudhabiculture.ae or email infoDM@dtcabudhabi.ae

Al Dhafra Fort Museum

The Al Dhafra Fort museum honours the 20 or so nomadic and settled tribes that once defended the region. The local area is dotted with the remains of forts and guard towers built by these tribes, some of which can be visited after a trip to the museum; note that most offer no facilities.

Open daily from 9.00 am until 2.30 pm (12.00noon on Friday)

Entrance Fee: Free

Museums in Dubai & The Northern Emirates

Many visitors likely pair a trip to Dubai with one to Abu Dhabi. If you’re looking for some of the more cultural aspects, pop over to our Dubai Travel Planner site, where we discuss in much greater detail all the museums in Dubai, including:

• Al Shindagha Museum – Located by Dubai Creek, this museum offers insight into the city’s development and the lives of local people over the years.
• Etihad Museum – a look at the Unification of the seven Emirates of the UAE, also home to Union House, where the constitution was signed in 1971
• Naif Museum – a museum showcasing the history of Dubai’s police force and security services.
• Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili – discover the home of the Saudi-born poet Al Oqaili.
• Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort Temporarily Closed – offers an immersive journey through Dubai’s culture and traditions within the walls of Dubai’s oldest existing building.
• Coin Museum – this little gem of a museum holds more than 470 rare coins from across the Middle East.
• Coffee Museum – a lovely little museum within the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where you can learn about different types of coffee and coffee-making apparatus.
• Museum of the Future – An iconic building that houses a unique living museum dedicated to the future.

You may also be interested in art galleries in Dubai & our guide to Mosques you can visit in Dubai

Other Dubai’s Heritage Sites

In addition, if you’d like to dig below the glossy surface of Dubai, you could also work in stops in your itinerary to:

• Al Ahmadiya School – Dubai’s oldest formal educational institution.
• Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif – The former home of Sheikh Rashid bin Saaed Al Maktoum
• Heritage House– Traditional house in an old neighbourhood that gives an insight into life in times gone by.
• Jumeirah Fishing Harbour – a unique and tranquil coastal setting in a suburban area of the city with some of the city’s best underrated seafood dining.
• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood – Stunning historical district full of traditional houses and winding alleyways. Many of the houses have been converted into art galleries, museums (as mentioned above), and cafes.

Note that you are highly unlikely to find a commerical tour that will encompass these sites of interests; you’ll need to self-plan your own guided tour with a private driver or hire a car in the UAE and create your own itinerary.

Sharjah

Sharjah is often referred to as the cultural capital of the UAE. If you are interested in learning more about Islamic culture, consider dedicating a day or two of your trip to the UAE. The most notable stops in Sharjah include:

• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization – A comprehensive collection showcasing Islamic art, science, culture, and history from across the Muslim world.
• Sharjah Natural History & Botanical Museum – An educational centre where families can explore the UAE’s wildlife, geology, and desert ecosystems through interactive exhibits.
• Sharjah Classic Car Museum – A nostalgic gallery featuring vintage and rare automobiles dating from the early 20th century to modern classics.
• Sharjah Archaeology Museum – A fascinating look at Sharjah’s ancient past, with artefacts spanning thousands of years of human settlement in the region.
• Sharjah Art Museum – One of the UAE’s leading art institutions, home to modern and contemporary works by regional and international artists.
• Sharjah Maritime Museum – A tribute to the emirate’s seafaring heritage, highlighting traditional boats, pearl diving, and life along the Gulf coast.

We have a complete guide here to the museums of Sharjah

Other Northern Emirates

Not to be forgotten, each of the Emirates (there are 7 Emirates in total) has a museum of varying quality. If your UAE travels take you further north, you may also be interested in checking out:

• Ras Al Khaimah – also worth a visit are Al Jazeera Al Hamra traditional neighbourhood, the Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque, and the Al Dhayah Fort
• Fujairah – home to a fort, heritage village, and the oldest mosque in the UAE.
• Ajman – the smallest of all the emirates, still has the notable restored Ajman Museum
• Umm Al Quwain – Falaj Al Mualla Fort is another interesting place to visit on your northern road trip.

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

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What to expect at Fontana Winter 2025-26

After delighting audiences across the UAE in recent years — including at Dubai Festival City in 2022, Abu Dhabi Marina Mall in 2023, and Yas Island in 2024 — the travelling water-theatre sensation Fontana is back for 2025. This season, the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top returns to Abu Dhabi, now set beside Marina Mall for another round of spectacular family entertainment.

Created by the Lebanese troupe Cirque Du Liban, Fontana blends aerial artistry, high-energy performances, dancers, and its signature Dancing Musical Fountain to deliver a captivating aquatic show unlike any other.

The Abu Dhabi 2025 season will run from 13 November 2025 through to January 2026. Performances are scheduled for:

• Thursday 7:00 PM
• Friday 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM
• Saturday 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM
• Sunday 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM

What To Expect at a Fontana Show

This two-hour spectacular takes place under a traditional Big Top, with the water stage as the show’s dramatic focal point. Expect clever clowns, daredevil motorcycle stunts, enchanting vocals, vibrant dance numbers, and impressive acrobatics.

Vibrant, loud, and colourful, you’re in for a breathtaking and entertaining evening of fun. Without giving too much away, here are some photo highlights from the winter 2025 show:

It’s loud, colourful, and full of energy — the perfect mix for a memorable family night out. A minimal splash zone may reach the first few rows (from the clowns, not the water stage!), but you won’t need a poncho.

For families who’ve seen Fontana in previous years, the 2025 edition follows the same much-loved format, with most acts returning; while the archery segment is absent this season, the show still delivers two breathtaking hours of high-energy, family-friendly entertainment.

How Much Does Fontana Cost?

Ticket prices range from AED 90 for restricted-view Green seats (you’re under the trapeze net; this was the only part we thought looked truly obscured) to AED 300 for premium Gold seats in the front three rows.

Silver seating, at AED 200, offers an excellent vantage point close to the action (and you’d get, I would argue, a better view of the motorbikes!)

Doors open 30 minutes before showtime, though arriving around 15 minutes prior is typically sufficient. A refreshments stall inside the tent offers popcorn, candy floss, and snacks before the show and during intermission.

Where to Find Fontana Circus in Abu Dhabi

For 2025, the Big Top is located at Marina Mall, set up in the large outdoor parking area. You can easily reach it by taxi or car (Hopefully they will update “Fontana Circus Tent” on Google Maps as it’s still presently showing the location as Yas Island, which is incorrect for winter 2025/26!)

Other Key Facts You’ll Want to Know About Fontana

• The minimum age to attend is 2 years old (you may see younger children, but note that the loud sound effects and bright lights are not suitable for infants).
• Only snacks purchased at the concessions can be taken into the Grandstand.
• The tent is comfortably air-conditioned, though a cardigan or shawl may help if you’re prone to feeling chilly.

For more information and scenes from the show, tune into @cirqueduliban and @Fontanashow

Some images supplied. We received complimentary media access to the Abu Dhabi show for the purposes of this review.

Find more of the latest news and events in Abu Dhabi for 2025

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

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Abu Dhabi’s public light art exhibition, Manar Abu Dhabi, returns for its second edition this winter, illuminating the capital and Al Ain with a dazzling collection of large-scale light sculptures and immersive installations.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the new edition builds on the success of its 2023–24 debut, which transformed the city’s beaches, islands, and mangroves into glowing works of art.

This year’s theme, The Light Compass, draws inspiration from the Gulf’s historical relationship with light as a guiding force — both as a tool for navigation and as a symbol of hope and discovery.

Running from 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 in Al Ain, and 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 in Abu Dhabi, Manar Abu Dhabi 2025–26 brings together 15 Emirati and international artists and collectives from 10 countries, featuring 23 site-specific light sculptures, projections, and installations.

A Celebration of Art, Light, and Nature

This year’s exhibition will span four key locations — Jubail Island, Souq Al Mina, and, for the first time, Al Ain’s Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases. Each site offers a unique encounter with light art, connecting natural landscapes with creative innovation.

Jubail Island serves as the exhibition’s anchor, where large-scale light sculptures and interactive works by Pamela Poh, DRIFT, Shaikha Al Mazrou, and Montreal-based studio Iregular will merge art, technology, and nature. The installations are designed to respond to the island’s tranquil mangrove ecosystem, reflecting the exhibition’s commitment to sustainability and the environment.

In Al Ain, the lush Al Qattara and Al Jimi Oases will glow with illuminated art trails exploring the theme of water as life’s source. Emirati artists Ammar Al Attar, Khalid Shafar, Maitha Hamdan, and Abdulla Al Mulla will present new works alongside internationally acclaimed names Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Christian Brinkmann, creating a dialogue between heritage, ecology, and contemporary expression.

Meanwhile, Souq Al Mina promises one of the season’s most anticipated highlights — KAWS:HOLIDAY Abu Dhabi, presented by renowned artist KAWS in collaboration with AllRightsReserved. The monumental illuminated sculpture depicts KAWS’s signature COMPANION figure gently lifting a glowing moon, a poetic symbol of reflection and connection under the night sky.

Grab a fabulous preview here (press to play):

Timing and Locations for 2025-26 Manar Abu Dhabi

Daily from 5:30 pm to Midnight at the following locations/dates:

Connecting Communities Through Public Art

In addition to the installations, Manar Abu Dhabi will host a series of public talks, workshops, and performances, inviting residents and visitors to engage directly with the artists and their creative processes. Full programme details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Curated by Khai Hori, with co-curators Alia Zaal Lootah, Munira Al Sayegh, and Mariam Alshehhi, Manar Abu Dhabi: The Light Compass continues to expand the reach of Public Art Abu Dhabi, a DCT initiative dedicated to integrating art into the city’s public spaces and celebrating the UAE’s creative spirit.

By lighting up some of Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful natural and urban settings, Manar Abu Dhabi offers an inspiring way to experience the capital this winter — where art and environment meet under the guiding glow of “The Light Compass.”

Pop back here if you want to see some of the standout exhibits from the last event in 2023-24!

More Art & Culture in Abu Dhabi this Winter

The city is rapidly transitioning from summer mode to the brisk pace of winter, with a multitude of events taking place across the city over the next few months, ranging from food festivals to motor sports and everything in between. If you’d like to do more exploring, we suggest you read next:

Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner