If you want to discover some fantastic places to visit outside of Dubai in and around Abu Dhabi we have some great suggestions, from the largest indoor theme park to the only official Louvre outside of Paris.
If you want a family holiday in Dubai, we have lots of great suggestions for day trips to some fun and adventure close by in Abu Dhabi. From an indoor theme park to beautiful wild nature, mountains and beaches, art and culture, we have something for you.
Abu Dhabi
Dubai - Abu Dhabi - 1 hour, 30 minutes
It takes about an hour and a half to get to central Abu Dhabi from Dubai and there are regular buses and taxis; plus, in the future, a superfast Hyperloop service. Abu Dhabi City offers culture, history and so much more. You can try parasailing, surfing, cruising along in a pearling boat and kayaking. It also features souk-like shops where you can see, try and buy traditional items such as spices, carpets and perfumes.
Golf, beaches and city bikes...
Abu Dhabi also has some fantastic golf courses on parkland, by the ocean or in the countryside. Abu Dhabi Corniche is spread across eight kilometres of waterfront which houses cafes, restaurants, pedestrian pathways and a beach park. There are lots of lifeguards around and you can only swim 40 metres from the beach. A popular pastime is to hire a bike such as a city bike which can hold two or three passengers on the back and drive around the area and explore, great for couples or families.
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
Dubai – Warner Bros – 1 hour, 5 minutes
This is one of the largest fully air-conditioned indoor theme parks in the world, with characters including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and cartoon characters such as Scooby-Doo and Fred Flintstone. It features 29 state of the art rides, family-friendly interactive attractions, live entertainment, shopping outlets and dining options. There are six lands with scenic backdrops and restaurants themed for each area including Cartoon Junction, Gotham City and Metropolis. A great day out for all the family. If you would like to stay longer than a day we have some fantastic hotels in Abu Dhabi.
Saadiyat Island
Dubai – Saadiyat Island – 1 hour 17 minutes
Great for families, those wanting to explore nature, natural beaches, entertainment, shopping, water sports and especially for art and culture enthusiasts - it is fast becoming a go-to destination for art and museum lovers.
Seven minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Saadiyat Island covers 27 square kilometres. It features Zayed Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi which cost £1 billion and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Louvre is the first outside of France and houses 600 pieces of art across 23 galleries.
World-class beaches
The island features the regions first beach front golf course, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Gary Player it is fringed by the waters of the Gulf. Visitiors should treat themselves to a day at Saadiyat Beach Club which has an outdoor swimming pool with private cabanas, workout room, spa facilities and the children will love the play area and pool. The islands longest running inhabitants, the endangered Hawksbill Sea turtles’ nest by the beachfront and the Hawksbill Turtle Conservation Programme, which started in early 2010, protects them from harm. Visitors can see the nests, which often house 90 - 100 eggs, from raised walkways above the sands.
Yas Island
Dubai to Yas Island – 1 hour, 3 minutes
Yas Island is located just 50 minutes from Dubai and Dubai DXB Airport and is an island with entertainment and fun for all the family. It is a fantastic day out from Dubai as it features the Ferrari World indoor theme park, hosts the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix and has Warner Bros World too! There is also Yas shopping mall, Beach Club, Yas Waterworld with 43 rides and slides and much more.
Ferrari World
This houses the world’s fastest rollercoaster, 240km/h in 4.9 seconds. Formula Rossa puts you in the seat of a Ferrari and is a fast and furious experience, riders say at that speed it is hard to scream or raise your arms! Only the brave should attempt!
Turbo Track rollercoaster has riders experiencing back-to-back thrills, a vertical climb and an epic zero gravity fall, this one goes up and out of park roof. So if you’re ready to take on the highest heights, now is the time to prove it!
WADI Adventure
This is Middle East’s first man-made white-water rafting park based in Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain. It has three whitewater rivers where you can raft and kayak along with an aerial adventure course. This includes an airpark with 18 obstacles, a zip line, climbing wall and 14m high swing.
