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The Complete Abu Dhabi Experience tour offers a three-day package covering key landmarks across the capital as well as the garden city of Al Ain.
Start the day with an awe-inspiring visit to the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel. Top tip: capture photos of its gold, mother-of-pearl and crystal-encrusted central dome. Next, see the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an open and welcoming place of worship and an iconic landmark. Finally, take a tour of Louvre Abu Dhabi, a universal museum that celebrates world cultures and houses hundreds of the globe’s most priceless works.
On day two, head to Abu Dhabi’s garden city of Al Ain to gain insights into UAE heritage. Enjoy a visit to the 4,000-year-old Al Ain Oasis, see historic structures like Al Jahili Fort, built in the 1890s, and Qasr Al Muwaiji, featuring a picturesque structure that’s a fine example of early 20th-century mud-brick architecture.
Drench yourself in adventure on day three at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, a waterpark with Emirati heritage at its heart. Next, explore Yas Marina, one of Abu Dhabi’s finest marinas and a vibrant leisure venue. Finally, try out the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the Formula Rossa, at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Stop 2
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Read MoreEmirates Palace
Recommended Time: 2 hours
Emirates Palace is a world-famous hotel known for its enchanting Arabesque style, award-winning five-star hospitality and wonderfully unique and authentic local experiences. The hotel's main building stretches over one kilometre from wing to wing, with the gardens spread across 100 hectares.
Although located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the hotel is truly in a world of its own, with a pristine 1.3km private beach for guests, landscaped pools, a private marina overlooking a natural bay, a luxury spa and some of the world's most highly-rated restaurants.
And then there's the architecture. Emirates Palace features 114 domes, with the central dome being a striking 72.6 metres above the ground, meticulously crafted with gold, mother of pearl and crystals. The building also boasts 1,002 chandeliers — the largest weighing 2.5 tons — with other photo-worthy features including two handmade wall displays portraying the palace.
During the day, the palace's golden exterior contrasts with the lush greenery, silvery water fountains, and crisp blue sky. At night, the hotel’s lighting changes ever so subtly, with an ethereal rainbow effect displayed on the main dome.
Emirates Palace is one of the most luxurious hotels in Abu Dhabi, but you don’t need to stay here to enjoy its breathtaking facilities.
Al Jahili Fort
Stop 2
Recommended Time: 2 hours
Since opening its gates in 2008, Al Jahili Fort – set about an hour and a half away from Abu Dhabi in the lush garden city of Al Ain – has been a focal point of activities associated with the philosophy, culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi. Al Jahili is one of the largest forts in the UAE, built in the 1890s on the orders of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, also known as Zayed the First, as the home to members of the ruling Al Nahyan family.
Built of sun-dried mud brick, early restoration work was done on the fort in 1985, followed by a major rehabilitation project by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi between 2007 and 2008. Surrounded by a lush park, the enchanting fort has received the prestigious Terra Award for Internal Design and Layout in 2016.
Transformed into a cultural centre and tourist attraction, it now houses a temporary exhibition gallery as well as a permanent exhibition devoted to Sir Wilfred Thesiger. He was an intrepid explorer, travel writer and photographer who, with his Emirati and Omani companions, crossed the world's largest sand mass, the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali), twice in the 1940s.
Nearby must-visit attractions include the historical Jahili Mosque, built around the same time as the fort.
Qasr Al Muwaiji
Stop 3
Recommended Time: 2 hours
There is an old saying that 'walls have ears'. Imagine what stories the walls of Qasr Al Muwaiji would tell, if they could, from more than 100 years ago. Add this historical stop to your itinerary for a deeper insight into the UAE's intriguing past. Situated in Al Ain, a lush garden city just an hour and a half away from Abu Dhabi, you will be amazed as you enter this simple yet striking structure at how the country has evolved from its humble beginnings.
Al Ain Oasis
Recommended Time: 3 hours
Al Ain Oasis covers 1,200 hectares and provides a unique insight into the region's inhabitants who began taming the desert 4,000 years ago. Located in the centre of Al Ain, the oasis is a 90-minute drive away from the capital and free to enter. Here, visitors can get up close to a traditional falaj, an ancient irrigation system that today nourishes local grasslands and over 147,000 date palms and fruit trees.
Yas Marina
Stop 2
Recommended Time: 2 hours
Yas Marina is not only one of Abu Dhabi’s finest marinas, but also a vibrant venue offering dining, fitness and leisure facilities for the whole family. Situated at the heart of Yas Island, alongside Yas Marina Circuit’s Formula 1™ race track, the 227-berth marina caters to vessels from eight to 150 metres, with competitive packages and track and non-track views available during the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Casual berthing rates with complimentary visitor berthing for up to four hours allow boat owners to dock, dine and discover Yas Marina’s many outlets.
Speaking of which, Yas Marina features several licensed restaurants and lounges that cater to travellers of all tastes and budgets. Every outlet along the waterside promenade boasts iconic views of the W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, the only five-star hotel built next to a Formula 1™ race track.
As the sun sets, this family-friendly destination transforms into a bustling dining and nightlife entertainment hot spot. But it doesn’t only come alive after the sun goes down. From premier fitness facilities and physiotherapy services to watersports, boat charters, a children’s playground, musical water fountain, promotions and events, there’s something on offer for all ages throughout the day.
Stop 3
Recommended Time: 3 hours
Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi's rides. It's one of the more popular theme parks - and with good reason! Feel the exhilaration as you speed through roller coasters and soar high in the air.
The whole family will find an adrenaline-fueled ride just for them, everyone can join in the thrilling fun. The Ferrari-branded theme park on Yas Island is home to more than 40 record-breaking attractions, including the highest loop ride, and it all happens underneath the tallest space-frame structure on the planet. Who's ready for an adventure at Ferrari World Yas Island?
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Recommended Time: 3 hours
Basking under the Abu Dhabi sunshine, rushing down water slides, and getting that sun-kissed, happy glow is a sign of an incredible day. That is what it feels like after you’ve spent an entire day splashing up a storm at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, one of the city’s most incredible attractions. Located on Yas Island, just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi city and with an area spanning 15 football pitches, this enormous waterpark has an Emirati theme. It follows the story of a young local girl on a quest to find a legendary pearl.
For those wondering, the pearl does exist, and you can spot it at the top of Jebel Dhana, the park’s towering centrepiece. It is pretty massive, so there is no way you can miss it.
Firstly, use this website to get inspired and save your favourite destinations. From laid-back cultural icons to high-octane activities, Abu Dhabi has it all. The best way to get around Abu Dhabi is by taxi otherwise you can use the Experience Abu Dhabi shuttle bus to get to the main landmarks and attractions. There is also a public bus network in place across the emirate.
Abu Dhabi is well known for its rich heritage and extraordinary landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. It's also known for its vast deserts where you can enjoy many activities!
Abu Dhabi has a uniquely diverse landscape and rich culture. From the rising towers of the city to the vast desert dunes you can find pockets of heritage everywhere you go.
Finding somewhere to stay in Abu Dhabi all depends on what you're looking for on your trip. Choose Yas Island, home to many theme parks for a family-friendly vacation. For tranquillity, choose Saadiyat Island or a desert retreat or for a cultured trip stay in the city nearby to iconic landmarks.