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Updated November 1, 2024
Find the best places to take your kids in the UAE with Handpicked Experiences by Kidzapp.
MUSEUMS, HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL DESTINATIONS
MUSEUMS, HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL DESTINATIONS
Encompassing a mosque, a church, a synagogue and a Forum for gathering and dialogue, the Abrahamic Family House welcomes people from all walks of life to exchange knowledge and practice faith.
The Abrahamic Family House welcomes people to connect, explore, and reflect. We serve to deepen understanding of our common humanity through mutual dialogue, exchange of knowledge, and the practice of faith.
Connect - We offer robust programs featuring scholars and thought leaders from around the world.
Explore - We invite visitors from all beliefs to learn about these three faiths and understand their rituals.
Reflect - We welcome religious communities from the UAE and beyond to practice their respective faiths in the Mosque, the Church or the Synagogue.
Location: Saadiyat Island https://maps.app.goo.gl/qexgeVJcc7pGCoc18
Timing: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
assam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) is a non-profit institution established by philanthropist and art collector HE Bassam Said Freiha, who has collected works from the Orientalist art movement for over 50 years. The foundation hosts exhibitions that feature works from his own collection alongside showcasing the collections of regional and international patrons. BFAF is the only private art foundation on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island Cultural District, free and open for everyone, and it is focused on showcasing global, regional and local art collections. It aims to support and nurture emerging talent, inspire dialogue, and to promote art education and public engagement with the arts through diverse and inclusive year-round programming.
Location: Saadiyat Island https://g.co/kgs/Wxpc38c
Timing: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Situated in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi’s cultural hub, The Arts Center is a vibrant laboratory for performance that both presents and develops work. The Arts Center fosters a dynamic relationship between the arts, scholarship, and the community. Its range of public programs animates and enriches the cultural life of both Abu Dhabi and the university, presenting distinguished professional artists from around the world alongside student, faculty, and community productions.
The Arts Center is home to NYU Abu Dhabi’s Theater, Music, Film & New Media, Visual Arts, and Interactive Media departments, bringing all the arts under one roof. Its resources include a complex of theaters and performance venues, a project space gallery, rehearsal rooms, film editing studios, classrooms, and workshop spaces.
Location: Saadiyat Island https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vu2YaXbmkTTTWZzB9
A traditional oasis village offering a glimpse into the emirate’s past, here you can shop, discover artefacts and watch artisans making pottery, blowing glass and weaving fabric on a loom.
Run by the Emirates Heritage Club, this village is also home to public workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills such as metalwork, pottery, weaving and spinning yarn. They might even offer you a chance to try your hand at their trade.
Location: https://g.co/kgs/JccFmq8
Timing: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Arab World, translating and fostering the spirit of openness between cultures. the Louvre Abu Dhabi encompasses 9,200 square metres of galleries, including a Permanent Gallery and a Temporary Gallery enriched by loans from notable French museums including Musee du Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou.
Kayaking and Yoga available.
Location: https://g.co/kgs/N84eEsw
Qasr Al Hosn has been home to the ruling family, acted as the seat of government, housed the National Consultative Council founded by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE, as well as being a national archive. Today it stands as the nation's living memorial and a narrator of Abu Dhabi's history.
The oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi, the picturesque Qasr Al Hosn is home to an original watchtower that makes for incredible photographs.
Location: https://g.co/kgs/KMohrDC
Timing: 10:00 am - 09:00 pm
Qasr Al Watan is a working Presidential palace.
The palace houses the Qasr Al Watan Library and House of Knowledge with a vast collection of books, manuscripts and other resources about the UAE.
Other zones within the palace include A Memory of the Palace, where you can capture a commemorative photo in the palace's media room, as well as The Great Hall, an exquisitely crafted photo-worthy space boasting a central dome, archways, mosaic patterns and mirrored cubes.
Location: https://g.co/kgs/GrQgqwF
Timing: 10:00 am - 05:00 pm
Spread over 3.3 hectares of beautifully landscaped public space boasting indigenous flora, the memorial features a Sanctuary Garden including seating areas and a traditional falaj (ancient irrigation system), a Heritage Garden rich with medicinal desert plants, and an elevated walkway offering captivating views of the Arabian Gulf, the city’s dazzling skyline, and the centrepiece of The Founder’s Memorial, The Constellation.
Location: https://g.co/kgs/VMnZrZj
Timing: 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world’s largest mosques and the only one that captures the unique interactions between Islam and other world cultures. The mosque’s architects were British, Italian and Emirati, with design ideas borrowed from parts of Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan and Egypt, among other Islamic countries.
Location: https://g.co/kgs/V7Sez4M
Timing: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
The name translates to ‘the oasis of dignity’, and is a memorial of sorts to pay respect to the martyrs of UAE. Please be respectful and no photos to be taken at the monument itself.
The reflecting pool is a perfect location for photos with the amazing view of Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the background.
Location: https://g.co/kgs/Q9qqJPK
Timing: 9:00 AM to 10:45 PM
The Zayed Centre in Abu Dhabi was built as a tribute to the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, also fondly known as the ‘Father of the Nation’. Set in old Emirati villas in Abu Dhabi, the museum has, on display, a number of artefacts and personal memorabilia from his life, including his cherished blue Mercedes.
Timing: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
LANDMARKS
LANDMARKS
This is Arabia's first circular building. Thanks to its innovative design, visual impact and functionality, the 23-storey, 110-metre-high structure has been named One of the World's Most Dazzling Corporate Offices by international building organisation, Emporis.
This lavish property is world-famous thanks to its enchanting Arabesque style, award-winning five-star hospitality and unique and authentic local experiences. Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace's impressive offerings include a pristine 1.3km private beach, landscaped pools, a private marina overlooking a natural bay, a luxe spa offering indulgent treatments, including a 24-karat gold facial, and some of the world's best restaurants.
One of the capital's most well-known landmarks, the main palace building stretches over a kilometre from wing to wing, with its gardens stretching across 100 hectares.
On Tower 2's 74th floor, the Observation Deck at 300 offers some of the city's best views.
Masdar City is a pioneer in sustainability and a hub for research and development, spearheading the innovations to realize greener, more sustainable urban living. The City is home to a rapidly growing clean-tech cluster, business free zone and residential neighborhood with restaurants, shops, and public green spaces.
Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi
Big Bus Tours Abu Dhabi
Hop on to discover all the must-see landmarks from our open-top buses, and hop off to explore rich tradition at the Grand Mosque and Heritage Village, marvel at the new Louvre and its treasures, and chase thrills at Yas Island's high-octane theme parks.
To book: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/abu-dhabi/abu-dhabi-tour-tickets-and-passes/abu-dhabi-bus-tours
GALLERIES
GALLERIES
Unique gallery with modern art by local & international artists, plus a creative cafe & gift shop.
Timing: 12:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Meaning 'a place of enlightenment' in Arabic, Manarat Al Saadiyat is home to the annual Abu Dhabi Art fair, as well as an outdoor events terrace, café and brasserie, three galleries for temporary exhibits, a photography studio, an art studio, 250-seat auditorium and gift shop.
Timing: 10:00 am - 08:00 pm
This gallery is home to an extensive collection of museum-like displays featuring unique Islamic art pieces sourced from around the Muslim world, including places like Egypt, Syria, Iran, India, Iraq, Kashmir and Russia.
Timing: 11:00 am - 07:00 pm
Warehouse421 is an innovative initiative that adds to the cultural ecosystem of Abu Dhabi. It was designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group, where two former industrial warehouses in Mina Zayed were transformed into an opportunity for artistic expression. Started in November 2015, Warehouse421 displays the work of over 200 local and regional artists.
Timing: 10:00 am - 08:00 pm
The Al Mushrif-based Women’s Handicraft Centre is a creative initiative run by the Abu Dhabi Women's Association as a showcase for local arts and crafts. The small museum within is the chance to examine and learn about local artists' handiwork. There is also a shop on site.
The round buildings near the museum are workshops where female artists display distinctive Arabian oils, handmade souvenirs, incense, local dress, silver thread work, and weaving. You should remove your shoes before entering each hut, and ask for photography permission.
You can get a simple henna design painted on your hand, which will last about two weeks.
Opening Hours: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (closed on Fri-Sun)
A great place to stop on the way to or from Liwa, and some 45 kilometres south of Abu Dhabi city, this ‘pyramid’ houses around 200 cars belonging to His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.
You’ll find a vast collection of off-road vehicles and classic American cars, the Sheikh's Mercedes rainbow collection and the world's largest truck. Some of the collection has even been featured on the BBC television programme, Top Gear.
Opening times are 9am to 6pm seven days a week, but are subject to change.
Entry costs AED 50 and children under 10 enter for free.
NATURE
NATURE
The largest aquarium in the Middle East, The National Aquarium in Al Qana is literally swimming with aquatic wildlife featuring over 46,000 animals from more than 300 unique species. Spread across 10 nautically-themed zones, from the UAE’s Natural Treasures, sunken sea wrecks and Atlantic caves, right through to flooded forests, fiery volcanoes and a frozen ocean, there are more than 60 attractions that will be sure to delight and excite the whole family.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/anekg8Yacr8yBWrHA
This is the first public medical institution exclusively for falcons in the United Arab Emirates.
It is common for wild birds fly into apartment balconies. If you detect one, please call the Falcon Hospital and they will take care of it. Tel. +971 2 575 5155
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/g3RyVr1aWj75Apty8
Boomah Café is home to nine owls that you can learn about and hold when buying a ticket for Dhs70, under the supervision of trainers that care for the birds of prey.
Even if you don’t want to interact with the birds you can sit and admire the animals as you enjoy a drink.
Open daily 2pm-10pm. Al Seef Village Mall, Khalifa Park area (02 441 9041).
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/AVeQ8EKiKBY7E35v5
Activities at the zoo include animal feeding, animal shows, zip and climb and car adventures. Guests can also experience a VIP experience such as breakfast with birds, breakfast with giraffes, lunch with a leopard, a crocodile experience and dinner with elephants.
The Emirates Park Zoo also boasts the Emirates Park Resort - with a luxury chalet in the middle of the zoo and deluxe rooms with a swimming pool, a food and beverage section with a selection of different cuisines, a play area for kids and a souvenir shop.
Zoo opening timings: 09:00 am - 08:00 pm
Location: Bahia https://g.page/emiratesparkzoo?share
Al Quaa Milky Way spot
Al Quaa Milky Way spot
Great for stargazing or afternoon BBQ. The unnamed blacktop road from Al Qua'a to Razeen has many places to stop and stargaze. The long gatch track that leads to Razeen desert has multiple places to stop. They are accessible with a 2WD.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/PhdCFyqgBkPBDUUV6
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
The reserve is known for its large population of Greater Flamingos - home to an average number of 4,000 flamingos during autumn and spring. It also hosts more than 250 species of birds, 37 plant species and a wide range of aquatic life. The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve features two self-guided walking trails (1.5 kilometres or 3 kilometres) for visitors to explore and a bird-watching hide to observe the flamingos. It’s the perfect spot for families and children to reconnect with nature and catch rare sightings of flamingos and preserved wildlife. Available on-site is an air-conditioned visitor’s centre and shaded areas along the walking trails.
No cafes. PCR test may be required to access.
Opening hours: October–April, Thursdays & Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry is at 2:00 PM). Closed during summer months.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZjoWVsS3y642
Entrance fee: Free. Wheelchair access.
What to bring: Water, sunglasses, binoculars, walking shoes, snacks, camera and notebook, sun hat and sunscreen.
Safety precautions: stay on the trails, do not disturb the wildlife.
Fossil Dunes
Fossil Dunes
The Fossil Dunes are located approximately 70km south on Abu Dhabi Island, beyond Mussafah and Mohammed Bin Zayed City on the Al Ain Truck Road (E30).
Then head south of Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and use a map mobile application to find the site.
A 4x4 is recommended or you can park and walk to the site.
The site is always open but due to the lack of shade it’s best visited from October to February.
IMPORTANT: Do not climb the fossils. Although they seem stable, the fossil dunes are fragile and can crack, break and collapse if disturbed. If you’re going to visit please be responsible, look and don’t touch, both to preserve these natural wonders and to avoid injury.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tfcvTJ7thm72Ssbd9
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu: 8:00am - 10:00pm, Fri-Sun: 8:00am - 11:00pm
Entrance: Free
Jubail Mangrove Park
Jubail Mangrove Park
Abu Dhabi's first self-contained educational, nature and leisure destination.
Through the park, visitors can hope to get up close and personal with local wildlife including water and sea birds (herons and flamingos are some of the birds found), fish species and crustacean species.
The main attraction of the Jubail Mangrove Park is its boardwalk, which consists of three different routes. The longest one is 2 kilometres, the mid-range one is 1.6km and the shortest route is 1km. According to a ranger, depending on the pace, the longest route can take anywhere between 35 to 90 minutes.
There is no fixed time limit wherein one has to enter and leave the attraction. But best time to visit is during high-tide. Check out the website for more: https://park.jubailisland.ae/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/yGoNjyRgQq6ytb757
UNIQUE ABU DHABI ANNUAL EVENTS
UNIQUE ABU DHABI ANNUAL EVENTS
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council
The annual art fair each November is the culmination of the year-round visual arts programme. The fair brings together a number of local and international galleries offering artworks for sale which are shown alongside exhibitions, artist commissions and installations both at the fair and across the emirate.
Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat https://g.co/kgs/EfJ4c8W
Al Hosn Festival is a living expression of Abu Dhabi's Culture, and an annual celebration of the Emirate's heritage held at Al Hosn, home to the city's most treasured historic site, Qasr Al Hosn.
Visitors are invited to step back in time, immersing themselves in the traditions of the Emirati community, from our famous hospitality and food to experiencing firsthand the dress, customs, performances and crafts that inform our lives today.
Al Hosn is where our diverse communities come together to make unexpected discoveries, build connections with our past and take part in Abu Dhabi's ever evolving story.
What to expect:
Souks
Children's workshops
Food & Beverage
Traditional shows
Musical performances
Art exhibits
Interactive activations and more
Happening mid/end January.
Happening mid-december. Discounted tickets are usually sold around May-June.
Close to the event or during, many people sell their tickets on Facebook or Dubizzle.
Tickets include evening concerts too.
Don't miss the race day Air Show.
Abu Dhabi’s Maritime Heritage Festival immerses visitors of all ages in traditional coastal life, recreating a historic shoreline community with a thrilling blend of inspiring crafts, souqs, storytelling, performances, demonstrations and traditional cuisine.
Retrace the journeys of those who lived in rhythm with Abu Dhabi’s tides, through experiences including weaving, navigating by the stars, net-casting, foods, and traditional performances, to explore the healing bounty of the sea and our trading legacy.
The Maritime Heritage Festival usually takes place end of February / beginning of March., at Abu Dhabi Corniche, A’l Bahar.
What to Expect:
Family workshops
Souqs
Traditional games
Traditional performing arts
Main show every evening
Historical reenactments
Jalsat
Exclusive merchandise
Picnics
Food and beverages
Offshore activities
Sheikh Zayed Festival is global cultural festival held annually to coincide with National Day celebrations. Sheikh Zayed Festival is one of the largest cultural festivals in the UAE, and was recently selected among the five most important cultural events in the world.
Usually runs from end of November to end of February.
Entrance Free. However food and activities are at a fee.
4:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Location: Al Wathba https://goo.gl/maps/HvMEJGTUdvac16J89
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