Abu Dhabi is known for its culture, luxury and adventure. The capital of the United Arab Emirates offers a unique blend that has its own historical charm and modernity marvels. Regardless of what type of traveller you are, Abu Dhabi has something for everyone.
Well, are you planning a getaway trip with your family or with your partner for a romantic experience? Not only does the place offer you a wide range to explore, but it also makes it unforgettable.
To plan your trip to Abu Dhabi, here is an Itinerary plan, including tips and more to ensure you and your partner experience all unique exploration, luxury, and adventure.
Tips To Make Your Abu Dhabi Trip Unforgettable & Hassle-Free
The best way to explore the city is to blend in with the locals. However, when you are travelling for the first time, it does get daunting if you are not familiar with the etiquette and culture of the Middle East.
Here is a list of a few tips that might help!
- Having proper clothing is crucial. However, you don’t have to buy a Kandura or Abaya but do dress appropriately.
- To save yourself from hailing taxis on the street when the weather is over 40 degrees Celsius, it’s better to get a taxi booking app downloaded from the App Store or Google Play in advance.
- When you are clicking pictures, make sure not to click photos of anyone without their consent, specifically children and women. It’s illegal in the UAE to take videos or photos of anyone without their permission.
- Any form of Public Display of Affection or PDA is prohibited at religious sites like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and is something which can be frowned upon.
How To Plan Your Trip: Things You Should Explore
Planning your trip includes various factors to consider, especially if you are planning for the first time.
From planning your one-day to four-day trips, based on this, you can adjust where to go, what to enjoy and different fun activities.
Here is a two-day trip planning covering the two segments, i.e. exploring the culture and having adventurous desert fun. Depending on what you are looking for, adjust accordingly and enjoy your trip!
Day 1: Make Your Day Dedicated Exploring City
Spend the Morning At Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Start your day at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; it’s one of the iconic landmarks and a must-visit place in Abu Dhabi. This is a modern Islamic architecture offering free entry.
With stunning white marble and intricate Islamic design, plan your morning to enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Tip: Make sure you are dressed as per the rules. As for women travellers, they can also invest in buying an abaya and should have their heads covered.
Visit Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
After you visit the mosque, the next place is the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. It’s a luxury and costly; however, you can enjoy exploring the opulent surroundings without any cost.
Consider stopping for a light snack or coffee with your partner at one of the cafes around, indulging in the famous gold-dusted cappuccino.
Next Stop Is Qasr AI Watan
Explore the Qasr Al Watan, a presidential palace offering insight into UAE’s culture and governance. The place is huge and stunning, and it is a perfect place to explore, especially if you are into architecture and exhibitions.
Here, you can easily spend 1 or 2 hours in the breathtaking garden where you can also learn about the heritage.
Tip: Tickets are reasonably priced; however, it's time and money-saving to book them in advance.
Reserve Evening For the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Spend your evening at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The museum has an art collection of both stunning and breathtaking architecture.
You can aim to arrive before sunset so you both can enjoy the sunset at Saadiyat Island. The museum stays open around 8 Pm, giving time to explore more about the galleries,
Have A Date Night At Your Hotel
After a whole day travelling to different spots in Abu Dhabi, not only does it get tiring, but you also need proper rest to save energy for the next trip.
You can plan a rooftop restaurant, depending on your hotel, and plan a date night with your partner.
To make the event memorable, add special gifts such as cakes, balloons and flowers. With online flower delivery in Abu Dhabi, place your order, whether it’s bundles of red roses or other different flowers, to make your partner feel special and appreciated.
Day 2: It’s Time For Desert Adventures!
Start Your Morning At Corniche
After having a good rest, get ready for a second day in Abu Dhabi. To start your day, take a refreshing strong along the Corniche. Not only is it a budget-friendly place, but you can also grab your bathing suits and head towards this iconic beach.
With a huge range of restaurants, family areas, and hotel bars, spend your time having your morning breakfast.
Once you are all filled up, you can also enjoy water activities like SUPing, paddle boating, and jet skiing.
Tip: Besides the beach, there is an Abu Dhabi Dates Market within 10 minutes away; however, you will need a taxi to get there.
Drive To The Outskirts Of Abu Dhabi
To those who enjoy having an adventurous desert trip, drive to the outskirts of the city where you will have real fun.
Depending on your tour package, you can have a dune bashing, which is a ride over the sand dunes in 4WD Land Cruisers. Make sure you have booked your desert safari in advance.
Try Different Fun Activities
After the dune bashing, there are numerous fun activities you can do, such as henna painting, sandboarding, camel riding, and enjoying traditional coffee and tea from this Arabic country.
Enjoy Your Sunset & Stargazing
To end your day on a beautiful day, climb a dune to watch the sunset over the desert, which is an unfortunate experience you shouldn’t miss.
Spend your time with your partner enjoying the stargazing in the desert before you head back to the hotel.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi is indeed a must-visit; regardless of how much you travel, there will be something you end up missing. With its cultural landmarks and thrilling adventures, the place has so much to offer that it can’t be covered in one- or two-day trips.
It’s a good thing you can always plan another trip to have an unforgettable trip. But before you do, make sure you are following the basic rules to enjoy your days while respecting the culture and people!
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