The best things to do in Abu Dhabi for free

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a wonderland where sand dunes find magnificent beaches rather than mirages, where city skylines meet oases and where boats in the desert turn to chants from mosques. The magnificence of this place is that it offers travelers of all types several free things to do in Abu Dhabi.

Known for its rich heritage and culture, visiting Abu Dhabi can be a luxurious experience because of the quality and Luxury brand and the services provided here. Now you might be wondering, with all the lavish things to do in this city, is there anything for a traveler on a budget? This might surprise you, but yes, there are plenty of free things to do in Abu Dhabi. These include visiting art galleries and one of the largest mosques in the world, exploring the fort and walking tours.

Try these free things to do in Abu Dhabi for an unforgettable experience

Watch a camel race at Al Wathba Racecourse

One of the must-see attractions in Abu Dhabi is the Al Ain Highway, where you can watch tall humped animals sprint. Most of the time, games are only held on weekends and a few Arab holidays. Be sure to get in touch with them soon as this event runs from morning to afternoon.

Place: Al Wathba Camel Race Track or Al Maqam Race Track
Timing: Saturday and Sunday 8:00am to 10:00am

Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, was the vision of the Middle Eastern nation’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The majestic building with its 82 domes, 1,000 columns and stunning white and gold façade attracts tourists from all over the world. Enjoy the serenity, avant-garde design and cultural significance of this magnificent building.

Also, you can see one of the world’s largest hand-woven rugs made by 1,300 Iranian artisans in the main prayer hall. The marble lobby is adorned with magnificent Swarovski chandeliers, while the courtyard displays mosaic artwork and columns studded with amethyst and jasper.

While all visitors have free entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, they must adhere to a dress code as a sign of respect.Shoulders and knees must be covered before entering, women must wear Abayasecond.

Place: Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street
Timing: Daily from 9am to 10pm.

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Spend time at Heritage Village

Visit the Heritage Village to discover the country’s cultural origins and Abu Dhabi’s history. Explore the many wooden houses and traditional Bedouin tents while catching glimpses of historic fishing communities.

Entry to the Heritage Village is free, where you can also buy spices and art such as pottery, blown glass and a variety of fabrics made by farmers and artisans. You can also see traditional handicrafts such as metalwork, pottery, weaving and spinning displayed by skilled artisans at the Emirates Heritage Club.

Place: Close to Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Theater Rd, Cornich, Breakwater Rd
Timing: From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; from Tuesday to Friday.

Experience the splendor of the Emirates Palace

In this majestic palace, savor the classic flavors of Abu Dhabi while embracing the luxurious Arabian lifestyle. The golden exterior of the Emirates Palace looks regal against the backdrop of silver fountains, lush greenery and clear blue skies.

While the main building spans a kilometer, the extensive gardens cover 100 hectares. The palace’s central dome is 72.6 meters high and is decorated with gold, mother-of-pearl and crystal. 114 domes are adorned with 1,002 chandeliers.

All of this combined makes this place a must-see on Abu Dhabi’s Instagram. Entry to the palace is free. Visit exhibits showcasing historical antiques and artwork that document the grandeur of Arabic culture.

Place: West Binhai Road
timing: 24×7 open

Explore the Al Jahiri Fort

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, also known as Zayed the First, ordered the construction of Al Jahili. It was built in the 1890s as the residence of members of the ruling Al Nahyan family.

One of the largest forts in Abu Dhabi, Al Jahili is a site where you can learn about the history of Abu Dhabi. The watchtowers and battlements of the mud-brick vernacular fortress are at the forefront of the ornate courtyard. In addition to a temporary exhibition gallery, there is a permanent exhibition dedicated to Sir Wilfred Thesig, the famous British explorer who crossed the world’s largest Shati Rub Khali is famous.

Place: Sultan Bin Zayed Al Awwal St, Al Mutawaa, Al Ain
Timing: From 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Monday to Saturday.

Watch the sunset on the Corniche

The Corniche offers one of the most scenic views of the city skyline, featuring exquisite hotel, restaurants and shopping stores nearby. It has a designated play area where kids can enjoy their playtime and it’s completely free. You can also rent a bike and go on a scenic route with views of nearby beaches and skyscrapers.

Place: Corniche
timing: open 24 hours

Visit the Etihad Modern Gallery

The Etihad Modern Art Gallery combines important and exquisite exhibits of well-known artists from all over the world, as well as traditional works of local painters. The exhibition’s collaborative projects and activities are deeply influenced by the educational themes of teenagers, students, art lovers, artists and professional creators to develop their creative practice and inspire their creativity. While admission to the art gallery is free, some exhibits may require you to pay for admission.

Place: Al Bateen Area Villa 15, Al Huwaylat Street
Timing: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday 11:00am to 6:00pm

Hiking in Jebel Hafeet

Abu Dhabi’s highest peak, Jebel Hafit, is 1,249 meters above sea level. You can explore the area on foot for free, and explore by motorbike, car or even bicycle. Witness vistas of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s beautiful garden city. The nine-kilometer Jebel Hafeet Desert Park is located at the foot of Jebel Hafeet Mountain, where you can enjoy horse and camel rides. Here you’ll find stunning archaeological and historical sites that provide fascinating details about the area’s former homes.

Place: Jebel Hafeet
timing: 24×7 open

Pay your respects at Wahat Al Karama or Oasis of Dignity

Wahat Al Karama was built to commemorate the Emirati martyrs who gave their lives in defense of the country. It covers an area of ​​46,000 square meters and is known for its impressive architecture, which features a sloping slab structure that symbolizes solidarity, solidarity and mutual support, linking the UAE’s leadership with its citizens and the military and women who protect them combine together.

A closer look at these tablets reveals lovely engraved poems and quotes. Visitors can watch the guard of honor march here before sunset while adorning the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opposite the memorial. Admission to Wahat Al Karama is free, but visitors can pay for the tour.

Place: Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street
Timing: From 9:00 am to 10:45 pm

Window shop at Marina Mall

Enjoy a day at Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi’s beautifully built shopping mall, with 400 high-end retail brands, cafes, cinemas and playgrounds. Although travelers need to pay for goods and services, they can visit the place for free.

Place: at the pier
timing: From 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Walk along the palm-fringed Al Ain Oasis

Wander around AI Ain Oasis, a UNESCO Heritage Site, with thousands of palm trees (147,000 date palms to be exact) lined with serenity.It has more than 100 species of flora and fauna and paralysis system, an ancient irrigation system. Along the way you can see beautiful flamingos.

Visit the Eco Center for Sustainable Buildings within the oasis to gain a better understanding of the historical importance of the Al Ain Oasis. Also, admission is free.

Place: Al Tuhaf St, Central District
Timing: 9:00am to 5:30pm daily

Visit the eco-friendly city of Masdar

The sustainable city of Abu Dhabi is a fascinating low-carbon city. It is a fast-growing clean technology cluster with commercial-free and residential areas, restaurants, shops and public green spaces.

The city is a great example of how new, creative thinking and teamwork can help shape a diverse and engaging urban ecology. It’s open to everyone, and you can walk around the city and experience the various techniques used to build it.

Pray at St. Joseph’s Cathedral

The first church in Abu Dhabi was laid in 1962. Nineteen years later, the foundations were laid for the current structure after the ruler decided to relocate the church and its attached school.

On February 25, 1983, the new complex was officially opened in the presence of His Excellency Shahbout bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Today, the parish is home to nearly 100,000 Catholic diaspora from all over the world. The Church has witnessed a continuous growth in the number of believers. Here you can witness the church and pray for your wishes to come true; entry to the church is free. Also, if you want to attend Mass, the church holds Mass in English, Malayalam, Tamil, Konkani, Italian, Korean, Urdu and many other languages.

Place: 17th street
timing: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm

Enjoy free drinks at the Oceanarium

Every Wednesday, the seafood restaurant in the aquarium is free for unlimited times drinks To all the ladies. It is located along the coast of the Oceanarium and offers stunning views. Aquarium Seafood is a well-known restaurant serving mouth-watering seafood including lobster, prawns and salmon, accompanied by signature cocktails. You can enjoy your meal indoors or outdoors while overlooking the beautiful views of the marina.

Place: Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
timing: 6:00pm to 9:00pm daily.

Watch the sunrise at Al Bateen

Al Bateen is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful panorama of the sea and the breathtaking view of Al Hudayriyat Bridge. Watch the sunrise and walk on the 800m sandy beach for a peaceful experience.

Place: Al Bateen, Khalifa Al Mubarak Street, off Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street
timing: Daily from 8am to sunset.

(Main and featured image credit: Visit Abu Dhabi/Facebook)

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