Searching for a destination for a long weekend away in the Middle East? We encourage you to visit Abu Dhabi. It has all that you need for a relaxing, rejuvenating and entertaining weekend.
Abu Dhabi’s culture is fascinating, its activities are diverse, and its hotels and restaurants are excellent. The city has good transport links from all over the MENA region so travel will be a breeze. And three nights is more than enough time to see the very best of Abu Dhabi.
Here’s a three-day itinerary for first-time visitors.
This itinerary will give you a taste of what the UAE capital has to offer in a short space of time. It brings you to some of Abu Dhabi’s historically and culturally important sites, whilst giving you the opportunity to see the modern side of Abu Dhabi. You’ll also have plenty of chances to relax and simply enjoy yourself.
Day one: AM
Almost all visitors to Abu Dhabi will want to make sure they have witnessed the incredible beauty and iconic architecture of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This is a sacred and beloved place for the Abu Dhabi community, and a source of immense pride. You’ll soon see why.
The mosque was borne out of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision to create a haven to welcome and inspire people from all backgrounds.
The collaboration between architects and skilled craftspeople from all over the world made the dream come alive and the results are staggering. Marvel at jewel-encrusted columns, towering minarets, vast mosaics, chandeliers, hand-woven carpets, vast mosaics and more.
Emirates Palace hotel is another iconic Abu Dhabi landmark. If it’s not your base for the weekend, it’s still worth a visit to enjoy its fairytale-like setting. Lush gardens, palm-lined drives, silver fountains and the golden, dome-topped building add up to a perfect lunch stop in one of the hotel’s exclusive restaurants.
Day one: PM
After a morning of sightseeing, it’s time to relax.
Yas Beach is one of the city favourites. Yas Beach is set in the mangroves and features white sand, crystal clear waters, and plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you refreshed and entertained. It’s a haven for watersports enthusiasts but is equally loved by those who prefer to lounge. Tranquil spots by the water are plentiful.
For dinner and an evening out, nearby Yas Marina is a vibrant option. The area offers a diverse range of restaurants to suit every appetite, from light bites to fine dining. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy local seafood on the waterside, enjoy sundown drinks and relax late into the night.
Day two: AM
For day two, as a complete contrast to day one, we recommend that you choose a day at one of Abu Dhabi’s many exhilarating and record-breaking theme parks.
Yas Island is the home of several of the city’s favourites. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is a Hollywood-themed park with plenty of rides sampling cinematic and cartoon thrills. It’s the world’s largest indoor theme park.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is the place for water-based thrills and spills. It is a hit with all ages, featuring lazy rivers and rip-roaring slides.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is known for being home to the world’s fastest roller coaster and a host of other adrenaline-pumping rides. If you are a speed or motorsports fan, this is the theme park for you.
Day two: PM
By now, it’ll be getting late after a whole day spent at the theme park of your choice. To rewind after a non-stop day of fun, why not head to the water for a dhow dinner cruise? This leisurely dinner option is hard to beat if all you want is to enjoy a meal in a relaxing setting.
Simply sit back aboard a dhow, which is a local traditional vessel, and enjoy the ever-changing view of Abu Dhabi at night. The city has a spectacular night skyline that is best admired from afar on the water. Dhow cruises leave from the Corniche.
Day three: AM
For your third morning in Abu Dhabi, we present several different options to suit your interests and energy levels.
Art lovers will marvel at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The museum combines an international collection of masterpieces from across the world with one of the largest collections of treasures and artworks from around the MENA region. It’s all housed in a spectacular waterside building also worth the visit on its own.
Alternatively, you might prefer to spend the morning out on the track at Yas Marina Circuit. The home of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix offers a multitude of driving experiences, including both karting and supercars.
You could get physical at CLYMB Abu Dhabi. This adventure hub offers both indoor skydiving and climbing, both of which are unique experiences. Scale the region’s tallest climbing wall or drop from a record-breaking height in the world’s largest indoor skydiving chamber.
Day three: PM
There’s one more activity that modern Abu Dhabi is known for and you can’t leave without giving it a go. It’s shopping, of course.
Abu Dhabi has a range of plush malls, department stores and traditional souks, so you can pick up almost anything while you’re here, with ease. We recommend the Carpet Souk and Souk Al Zafarana for authentic souvenirs and local pieces.
The Galleria is the place to go for designer fashion and luxury goods. It’s also a pleasant, spacious spot for a last relaxing lunch before you head home.
Alternatively, Yas Mall is the largest of Abu Dhabi’s malls with around 370 outlets and eateries to choose from. This is an ultra-modern mall with a range of entertainment options alongside its eclectic dining and brand-name shopping.
If you have time, why not catch a movie at one of the many enormous IMAX screens at Vox Cinemas?
Time to head home
By the end of day three, you will have seen much of Abu Dhabi’s beauty, experienced much of its legendary hospitality, and witnessed just how much this diverse and modern city has to offer.
Abu Dhabi really is a fantastic place to spend a long weekend.
Why not book your travel and accommodation today?
