Ras Al Khamiah is one of the fastest growing destinations in the world. Last year was a record breaking year which saw a 24% year-on-year rise in international visitors to reach an incredible 1.2m.
14.02.2024 - 01:43 / lonelyplanet.com
Often synonymous with glitz and glam, Abu Dhabi might seem like a destination tailored exclusively to upscale travelers. However, beneath its futuristic facade lies a treasure trove of free things to do, catering to even the most budget-conscious travelers.
The United Arab Emirates' capital has a plethora of sights and outdoor attractions that don't demand a hefty price tag. From strolling along the picturesque Corniche at sunset to exploring Emirati art at the Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi presents an array of activities that allow visitors to soak in its charm without breaking the bank.
Here's our guide to the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
A journey through downtown Abu Dhabi is best experienced on foot. Free self-guided audio tours offer a deep dive into the history of the city's urban fabric and its hyper-rapid growth over the past five decades. Meander through the lively city streets, where each corner reveals a blend of global architectural styles, a testament to the multicultural nature of the country at large.
Highlights include the iconic Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest stone building in the capital, the bustling souq and the iconic late-night cafes that continue to make some of Abu Dhabi's most cherished street foods.
Opened in 2023, the Abrahamic Family House is a unique complex built to symbolize religious harmony and the country's commitment to fostering a multicultural and inclusive society. Each religious space – there's a mosque, a synagogue and a church – while distinct in its religious symbolism and architectural style, harmoniously aligns with one another to create a unified but diverse complex.
The Abrahamic Family House is not just a place of worship. It's also a center for learning and dialogue with regular interfaith events, cultural programs, and public talks to foster understanding and respect among different communities of faith.
Planning tip: To fully appreciate each space's intricate design and significance, consider booking a free guided tour.
An architectural wonder, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was completed in 2007 and houses the mausoleum of the founding father of the United Arab Emirates and the mosque’s namesake, Sheikh Zayed I. While entry to the mosque is free, visitors must pre-book their entry tickets online. A 45-minute guided tour unravels the mosque's intricate architectural details and historical significance.
As sunlight dances on the pristine white marble exterior, the mosque's 82 domes and over 1000 columns – many of which feature intricate floral filigree inlaid with amethyst, lapis lazuli, abalone and other semi-precious stones – and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, unfold a story of artistic genius. Pay particular attention to the seven stunning
Ras Al Khamiah is one of the fastest growing destinations in the world. Last year was a record breaking year which saw a 24% year-on-year rise in international visitors to reach an incredible 1.2m.
Valuedynamx, a Collinson Company, gives Emirates Skywards members more redemption options across hundreds of global retail brands
The airline offers Custom Benefits letting members shape rewards to match their lifestyle ; Allows members to select their own, personalised membership number.
The accommodation boasts soft furnishings in neutral colours in a soothing style which is reflected throughout the public areas of the resort.
New routes to Antalya and Jaipur set for mid-June, ahead of wider expansion in Etihad’s global network.
Dubai’s booming restaurant sector has its own 50-minute episode in a Netflix show out Friday: The seventh season of ‘Somebody Feed Phil,’ a travel show where Philip Rosenthal (creator of the sitcom ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’) tours restaurants across major global cities.
With the release of Dune: Part Two, audiences will return to Arrakis and find it largely unchanged. As in the first film, the desert planet is compiled largely of plots of Earth we know as Jordan’s Wadi Rum and Abu Dhabi. This time around, however, we get to go deeper. As Paul Atreides and his mother Lady Jessica (Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson, respectively) assimilate to life amongst the Indigenous Fremen people, they unlock access to parts of the planet previously unknown to outsiders.
Abu Dhabi hotel group Rotana has a casino project in the works, and investment in the resort is open to anyone, starting at US$89,400 for a hotel room.
Many long-haul flights make pit stops in another city or country before reaching the final destination—so why not turn your layover into a mini vacation? Through offerings known as “stopover” programs, some international airlines allow passengers to add a free stop to their flight itinerary in order to do just that.
Miral, in collaboration with The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Airport and OACIS ME LLC, a cutting-edge off-airport baggage processing solutions provider, proudly introduces remote airport check-in services to The Fountains at Yas Mall. This collaboration allows guests and their families the opportunity to explore the diverse dining experiences, offerings and boutiques at Yas Mall as well as the award-winning theme parks Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and CLYMB™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi prior to their departure, effectively optimising their time to explore the exemplary retail and leisure experiences before takeoff. Available exclusively for Etihad Airways and Air Arabia flights, prepare for a new era of hassle-free travel – where convenience meets innovation as this exciting initiative aims to elevate the overall travel experience for guests and their families. The seamless and user-friendly process not only simplifies but also saves precious time for UAE residents and international visitors before embarking on their travel plans with two of the country’s most prominent airlines.
Katerina Giannouka has left Jumeirah Group one year into her time as CEO, confirms an internal document seen by Skift. The document is attributed to Jumeirah’s owning company Dubai Holding group CEO Amit Kaushal and was circulated to leaders in the organization.
Solo traveling isn’t exactly a new concept. In fact, according to results from the Visa Global Travel Intentions Study, an estimated 24 percent of those who travel tend to jet off on solo vacations instead of planning trips with friends or family. Solo traveling is an excellent way to get to know yourself, to focus on problem-solving, and of course to see the world without waiting on anyone else or making compromises.