If you’re looking for a family-friendly travel destination to banish your winter woes and bask in perpetual sunshine, then Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital city, is definitely it.
A blend of Arabian heritage and modern grandeur, this coastal metropolis is a vacationer’s paradise. With year-round warmth, golden sandy beaches, world-class entertainment, luxurious stays and iconic landmarks, it promises a memorable winter escape to all its visitors.
Whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a longer vacation, you’ll likely find yourself grappling with deciding which of the city’s countless attractions to bump to the top of your list.
So, to start your winter adventure on the right foot, here are four things to do in Abu Dhabi that you wouldn’t want to miss:
1. Visit Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi
If you’re planning a trip to Abu Dhabi with your little ones, spending a day at the first-ever Warner Bros.-branded indoor theme park is an absolute must.
Located on Yas Island, this one-of-a-kind destination features six immersive lands, including Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Dynamite Gulch, Bedrock and Warner Bros. Plaza.
As you walk through its signature golden shield, you’ll be transported to the worlds of your favorite childhood superheroes and cartoon characters whom you’re guaranteed to bump into throughout the day. Not to mention the park celebrates special seasons in the year with its wacky and wonderful events in Abu Dhabi, featuring your favorite characters!
The park offers 29 exhilarating rides and attractions, some of the most note-worthy being:
- Batman: Knight Flight, where you can be the test pilot of the caped crusader’s newest urban patrol vehicle and soar through the dark skies of Gotham City.
- Green Lantern: Galactic Odyssey, a 4D flying theater ride that takes you on an interstellar adventure with Hal Jordan and his fellow Green Lantern Corps.
- The Flintstones: Bedrock River Adventure, a boat ride with Fred, Wilma and the rest of their clan through the prehistoric sights of their hometown, Bedrock.
You’ll also find plenty of cartoon and superhero-themed dining options, ranging from quick bites to table-service restaurants and shopping outlets to score one or two Warner Bros. souvenirs to take back home.
2. Explore Qasr Al Watan Library
Qasr Al Watan, meaning “Palace of the Nation,” is a cultural landmark and one of a handful of presidential headquarters in the world open to the public. One of the first things you’ll notice when you enter the palace is its intricate architecture that reflects the artistry and craftsmanship of Arabian heritage.
Inside, Qasr Al Watan Library, a remarkable knowledge hub, offers visitors a glimpse into the UAE’s rich history and cultural legacy. The collection in this public library in Abu Dhabi was gathered over 35 years and covers diverse fields such as history, geography and the economic and political development of the UAE.
The library resources are also available in multiple languages, including Arabic and English, and its collection includes printed and e-books, rare manuscripts, research articles, encyclopedias, databases and dictionaries.
If you happen to be at Qasr Al Watan after sundown, snag yourself a seat at the Palace In Motion, a captivating display of light and sound that commemorates the UAE’s journey in three acts in front of the main palace.
3. Drive a Ferrari at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, race car fanatics and speed lovers need not hide their obsession. This theme park is where you can put the pedal to the metal and roar around Yas Island in your very own Italian prancing horse.
Accompanied by a trained instructor, you can get behind the wheel of a Ferrari Portofino (or upgrade to another model at the Driving Experience counter) and take on Yas Island roads and surrounding areas for 20 minutes of pure adrenaline rush.
And if you’d rather sit back and revel in the excitement without the pressure of driving, opt for the Passenger Experience and let a professional driver take the reins. Whichever option you pick, make sure to grab the photos and video footage of your experience to relive the thrill again and again.
4. Relax at Yas Beach
Beach in winter? If you’re wondering how that could be, then this is probably your first time visiting Abu Dhabi. Here, the cooler season temperatures average around 25°C (77°F), so you can leave those thick layers and boots at home and make room for your swimsuits and flip-flops instead.
As far as beautiful beaches go, Yas Beach easily ranks as one of the finest in the city. Its white beaches, clear azure waters and untouched mangrove surroundings turn it into a secluded retreat for the weary, the adventurous and anyone in between.
A few not-to-miss experiences when you’re at Yas Beach are:
- Taking an afternoon swim in the elegant infinity pool.
- Grabbing a quick bite and a cool cocktail from the seaside kiosks and bar.
- Soaking up the sun in one of the private cabanas.
Plan Your Winter Getaway to Abu Dhabi Now
Abu Dhabi is a multifaceted destination that caters to every type of traveller. What’s more, in the city’s efforts to boost tourism, you’ll regularly find discounts on hotel stays, theme park deals, and countless other promotions running throughout the year. So, start planning your winter vacation in Abu Dhabi today and explore all this vibrant city has to offer.
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