Summer is a season for exploration. If you’re looking for an eventful summer holiday, Abu Dhabi is the place to be. Offering a beautiful mix of culture, adventure, and inspiration, the UAE capital is an ideal destination to experience tons of things. In fact, Experience Abu Dhabi has introduced its 101 Abu Dhabi Do’s program just in time for the summer season.
As its name implies, the campaign turns the limelight on 101 experiences. From driving on an F1 track at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit to appreciating art at Louvre Abu Dhabi, these experiences offer excitement, relaxation, and discovery.
Still planning your upcoming summer holiday? Consider 101 Abu Dhabi Do’s as a good starting point. Beyond a list of experiences, this well-curated program puts world-class Emirati hospitality to the fore. Here are 10 experiences to spark your itinerary inspiration.
Kayak tours at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre is an iconic museum. In Abu Dhabi, it has become an architectural gem that blends art, history, and adventure. Located on Saadiyat Island, it is considered the first universal museum in the Arab World. The intricately designed dome houses various important art pieces, and one unique thing about it is that it’s surrounded by water. You can go kayaking around the dome and embark on art tours from a new perspective. Pro tip: Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi before sundown and catch the best sunset views while on the water.
Inside the museum, you can explore 9,200 square meters of galleries, including a Permanent and a Temporary one. You can also find loaned pieces from notable French museums, such as the Musee du Louvre itself.
Aquatic adventures at The National Aquarium
Want more aquatic adventures? The National Aquarium, one of the largest of its kind in the Middle East, is the spot to visit. This Al Qana-situated aquarium lets you dive into the underwater world. Here, you and your loved ones can go on an exhilarating swim with sharks and rays among thousands of underwater animals.
The National Aquarium boasts 10 thematic zones, over 330 unique species, and more than 46,000 animals. It’s a prominent entity that’s also dedicated to preserving the UAE’s wildlife. Here, a team of sea-life experts looks after the animals it houses. Education is also at its core, with the museum having the capacity to welcome 50,000 students annually.
Breakfast with a giraffe at Emirates Park Zoo
For a one-of-a-kind encounter with wildlife, consider adding the Emirates Park Zoo to your itinerary. A popular tourist spot in Al Bahya, this zoo offers several memorable experiences, including sharing a breakfast with a giraffe.
This experience already includes a full-day free admission into the zoo. You also get to enjoy exclusive interaction and photo opportunities with the zoo’s gentle giants. Apart from giraffes, you can have a close encounter with donkeys, hippos, camels, and lamas through a herbivore feeding session. To top it all off, you can have an African drumming experience and a question-and-answer portion with the zoo’s giraffe trainers. There’s also a complimentary environmental tour guide for an added touch of personalization.
Emirati handicrafts at the House of Artisans
If your goal is to immerse yourself in the Emirati culture, head off to Al Hosn and visit the House of Artisans. The center has been keeping vibrant traditions alive for several generations now. When you visit this House, you can browse through various Emirati crafts. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs. And they’re not just any other souvenir — they are handmade mementos that showcase top-notch craftsmanship.
You can also go the extra mile and participate in living traditions. Learn centuries-old skills and try your hand at creating Sadu, Khoos, and Talli handicrafts.
Mind-bending tricks at the Joker’s Funhouse
Yas Island is home to many exciting tourist spots, one of which is Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. The theme park has various exciting features, including the Joker’s Funhouse. Named after Batman’s arch-nemesis, this interactive walkthrough experience tests your mental and physical limits.
The funhouse resembles a traditional carnival, but what sets it apart is the mind-bending tricks, tests, and surprises it offers. Here, you’ll encounter some of Gotham City’s most infamous residents, including The Riddler, Mr. Freeze, Penguin, and many more.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park, is filled with other awesome attractions. These attractions highlight many well-loved characters — from Superman and Wonder Woman to Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, and Bugs Bunny.
Aural spectacle at Qasr Al Watan
One of the standout attractions in Abu Dhabi Corniche, Qasr Al Watan (Palace of the Nation) is a stunning place to learn more about the country’s history. You can wander through the palace’s majestic halls and take in the best of Arabian craftsmanship.
Apart from knowing about Emirati culture through an enriching interactive journey, you can also treat yourself to a gorgeous audio-visual spectacle. Qasr Al Watan hosts a nightly light show wherein over 50 projectors light up the exterior of the palace’s walls. The display depicts a story told in three acts, representing the UAE’s past, present, and future. Orchestrating it is a dedicated Show Technology team that ensures the projection is made with the utmost accuracy.
A 120-mph road trip at a F1 circuit
Into driving? A huge F1 fan? Make sure to make a stop at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island. The venue is known for hosting the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. And if you want to power around an F1 circuit, add the Formula Yas 3000 experience to your summer to-do’s in the UAE capital.
In this experience, you can drive a real single-seat racing car. The car is powered by a V6 Jaguar engine and is the closest thing to an F1 car that you could ever drive. Hop on this car, hit the top speed of 120mph, and enjoy a 15-minute drive of a lifetime. Note that to avail of this experience, you must be at least 19 years old and hold a driver’s license in the UAE or from your home country if you’re a non-resident.
World’s largest hand-woven carpet in UAE’s largest mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the UAE’s largest mosque and one of the few that welcomes non-Muslims. Apart from being a place of worship, it’s a majestic place where you can journey through the history of Islamic arts and culture.
One of the most interesting things to find here is the largest hand-woven carpet in the world. The single-piece carpet measures 5,400 square meters and is in the main prayer hall. The carpet, primarily made of wool, was crafted by around 1,200 artisans. It’s two years in the making, with eight months dedicated to designing and a year for knotting. The carpet’s most prominent color is green — Sheikh Zayed’s favorite color, the first color of the Islamic flag, and a color symbolic of life in the desert. Meanwhile, the yellowish beige found on the perimeter symbolizes the sand.
World’s biggest indoor flight chamber at CLYMB
CLYMB Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is certainly not for the faint-hearted. After all, it has the world’s biggest indoor flight chamber, where you can skydive from a height of 104 feet. The width of the flight chamber measures 32 feet.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert at skydiving, you will have a thrilling time. You’ll be guided by dedicated instructors who will help you hone your flying skills depending on your level of expertise and comfort. Visitors as young as three years old are welcome to try this experience.
CLYMB is also home to the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, towering at 141 feet. If this feels too overwhelming, you can opt for four other walls with a height of 72 feet, 33 feet, 18 feet, and 9.8 feet.
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Become a ninja warrior at Air Maniax in Yas Mall
Want to test your balance, strength, speed, and agility? Channel your inner ninja and take on the popular inflatable arena at Air Maniax in Yas Mall. The arena has a huge variety of obstacles. You can jump and swing your way around the course — all while making fun-filled memories with family and friends.
Try the new Donut Ride — a fast, fun, and exhilarating tube slide — in the Warrior Assault Area. In the Meltdown feature, you can jump, duck, and dodge a rotating arm. Meanwhile, the Warrior Run is a testing ground for speed and strength. Zip Zag takes you on an exhilarating flight, complete with twists and turns. On the other hand, the adventure-filled Warrior Assault zone boasts foam pits, obstacles, tunnels, and the epic warped wall.
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