10 Unmissable Experiences For Your Abu Dhabi Holiday
Experience the magic of an Abu Dhabi holiday with 10 unmissable experiences, from desert thrills to luxury escapes and cultural gems.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits on the Arabian Gulf and is known for its mix of modern skyline, beautiful beaches and rich heritage. From the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the impressive Louvre Abu Dhabi, to the entertainment hub of Yas Island, an Abu Dhabi holiday promises a journey full of unmissable experiences.
During my visit in 2023, I discovered that Abu Dhabi strikes a perfect balance between an exciting city escape and a relaxing beach holiday – so whichever option you seek, you are sure to find it in Abu Dhabi.
I have teamed up with Budget Travel who offer a wide selection of holidays in Abu Dhabi. You can enjoy exclusive deals and discounts, and secure your Abu Dhabi Holiday from just €79 today, by spreading the cost with monthly instalments.
Budget Travel is part of the Irish owned Club Travel Network, Ireland’s largest travel company, offering peace of mind knowing you are booking with a fully licensed and bonded travel agency, who have been operating in Ireland for over 50 years!
How to get to Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways operates daily direct flights from Dublin to Abu Dhabi, with a total of ten services per week. This makes it an ideal choice for travellers visiting the UAE’s vibrant capital or connecting onwards to more than 100 destinations across 40 countries.
Why Choose Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi offers the perfect blend of culture, adventure and luxury. With year-round sunshine and pleasantly warm weather in winter, it’s an inviting destination at any time of year. Just over seven hours from Dublin by direct flight, it’s a convenient choice for both short breaks and longer holidays. Its location in the Middle East also makes it ideal as a stopover destination or part of a two-centre trip, combining easily with destinations in Asia, Africa or even Australia.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family escape, or an action-packed adventure, Budget Travel can design the perfect Abu Dhabi holiday to suit you.
Top 10 things to do and see in Abu Dhabi
1. Marvel at The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The must-see attraction on any Abu Dhabi holiday has to be the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It is without doubt one of the most stunning places of worship I have ever visited. It is hard to put into words the scale of the building and its grounds until you stand there in person, but it will leave you in awe of how special this place is.
Around 50,000 people worship at the mosque each day. Respectful clothing is essential, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered, and women must also cover their hair.
Top tip: If you plan to visit on a Friday the main prayer hall is closed to visitors between 12pm and 3pm during Friday prayers.
2. Visit the Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a striking cultural gem that blends art, architecture, and history in a way that’s unique to Abu Dhabi. Located on Saadiyat Island, the museum’s iconic dome seems to float above a “rain of light,” creating a breathtaking interplay of sun and shadow.
Inside, visitors can explore a collection of artworks spanning many centuries and continents, from ancient artefacts to contemporary masterpieces. Beyond the galleries, the Louvre offers a stunning waterfront setting, world-class exhibitions, and thoughtful spaces for reflection, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers.
3. Desert Safaris
No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without a desert safari. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker keen to try dune bashing or a traveller looking to soak in the serenity of the desert, this experience has something for everyone. I had the best time on the sand dunes, and it’s one of my fondest memories from the UAE.
Depending on the desert experience you’re looking for, you can enjoy camel rides, quad biking, sandboarding, henna painting or even watch some traditional Emirati performances under a starlit sky. A desert safari is packed with unique experiences for every type of traveller.
4. Yas Island
Yas Island is Abu Dhabi’s main hub for entertainment and family fun, with something to suit every taste. Thrill-seekers can dive into world-class theme parks and waterparks including Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World.
Yas Island is a gorgeous place to visit, I loved walking around with an Arabian coffee in hand and enjoying a spot of high-end shopping at the Yas Mall.
Golf lovers can enjoy a round at the par 72 championship Yas Links Abu Dhabi course, while Formula 1 fans can take the driver’s seat in a high-performance car or cycle around the Yas Marina Circuit. For a more relaxed experience, head to Yas Beach to soak up the sunshine or try your hand at water sports. Families looking for adventure can push their limits with indoor skydiving.
5. Fast & Furious at Ferrari World
On your Abu Dhabi holiday, make sure to visit Ferrari World on Yas Island, a thrilling playground of more than 40 attractions. From the world’s highest loop ride to super-human speed rollercoasters, every adventure takes place beneath the tallest space-frame structure on the planet.
Beyond the rides, you can explore interactive experiences, immersive shows, and Ferrari-themed exhibits that bring the excitement of the track to life, making it a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts alike.
6. Check Out The Luxury Resorts
Make the most of your Abu Dhabi holiday by choosing one of the city’s high end luxury hotels. Depending on the location and amenities you are seeking, consider options such as the Al Raha Beach Hotel, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal or the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island, which are all fantastic luxurious options.
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant beachfront experience, a family-friendly all-inclusive resort, or a serene escape, these properties offer world-class service, stunning architecture and unforgettable experiences. Let the team in Budget Travel select the perfect hotel to suit you or search online here.
7. Corniche Beach & Boardwalk
The fantastic Corniche Beach is one of the best places to soak up the year round sunshine. This beautiful beach isn’t just clear turquoise water and soft, white sand, it also has a beautiful seaside boardwalk, with well-kept walkways home to stunning gardens and benches overlooking Arabian Gulf.
Check out the cycle and pedestrian pathways and free sports facilities, including volleyball courts, football pitches and playing fields. Explore the beautiful ocean with a snorkelling experience and discover the underwater world. If all that activity works up an appetite, you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby.
8. Mangrove Kayaking
Try something different on your Abu Dhabi holiday. Mangrove kayaking offers a serene and immersive way to explore the emirate’s unique coastal ecosystems. The Eastern Mangrove Lagoon National Park is a prime location for this activity, providing tranquil waterways surrounded by lush mangroves. Several operators offer guided and self-guided tours, catering to various skill levels.
9. Check Out Saadiyat Beach
With its pristine white sands and wide shoreline, Saadiyat Beach is often ranked among the UAE’s most desirable stretches of coast. The perfect backdrop of natural dunes and turquoise waters makes it just as appealing for a lazy day in the sun as it is for sunrise yoga or eco-friendly watersports like windsurfing and sailing.
Attentive staff and excellent facilities make it easy to unwind, while those seeking a luxury beach club experience can head to Kai Beach Club or Saadiyat Beach Club. You may even spot dolphins or hawksbill turtles, which are known to frequent the area.
10. Enjoy Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi is one of the city’s most luxurious places to stay. Set on a private beach with gardens, fountains and over 100 domes, it opened in 2005 and is known for its gold décor, crystal chandeliers and marble interiors.
With just under 400 rooms and suites, pools, a spa and fine dining, it has hosted royalty and celebrities, but it’s also a popular spot for visitors who come to see its stunning architecture or enjoy the famous afternoon tea.
Whether you are looking for cultural wonders, luxury beach stays or exciting outdoor adventures, an Abu Dhabi holiday has it all. Contact Budget Travel to tailor the perfect holiday to match your style.
While every effort it made to ensure accuracy, descriptions and prices are subject to change. This post was sponsored by Budget Travel.
