Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — Attractions
Ferrari World
Strap yourself in for the ride of a lifetime at Ferrari World, which opened at Abu Dhabi's Yas Island in November 2010. At over 2 million sq feet (200,000 sq m) this is the largest indoor amusement park in the world. The headline attraction is the Formula Rossa rollercoaster, by some margin the world's fastest, attaining speeds of up to 160 miles p/h (240km) and an acceleration of 4.8 G, which is what a Formula One racing driver experiences at full throttle. The parks' many attractions include the largest Ferrari gallery outside of the brand's headquarters in Marinello, Italy; the Speed of Magic immersive 4-D film experience; the G-Force space shot tower; Bell'Italia, which reproduces Italy's main attractions in miniature; and various state of the art racing simulators. An enormous red-domed roof encloses the facility, creating a futuristic and unique structure that has been nominated for several architectural awards. Ferrari World includes six restaurants, featuring four Michelin-starred chefs.
- Region/City Name
- Abu Dhabi
- Address
- Yas Island 30 minutes' drive from Abu Dhabi
- Website
- www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
- Hours
- Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 12pm - 10pm; Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 12pm 12am
- Admission
- AED 225 Adults, AED 165 children
Al Hosn Palace (White Fort)
The oldest building in young Abu Dhabi is the Al Hosn Palace, known colloquially as the White Fort. It was constructed in 1793 as the official residence of the former ruling family, and was extensively renovated in 1983. Today it houses the Cultural Foundation, featuring a museum of traditional artifacts and historical photographs. The Palace is renowned for the magnificent tile work over its main gate.
- Region/City Name
- Abu Dhabi
- Address
- Khalid bin Walid St
- Hours
- Open daily 7.30am to 1.30pm, Thursdays from 7.30am to 12.00pm. Closed on Fridays
- Admission
- Free
Heritage Village
Designed as a living museum depicting traditional Bedouin life, the Heritage Village over the Abu Dhabi Corniche features tents, courtyard houses, an ancient irrigation system, workshops where craftsmen ply their trades, a museum and much more.
- Region/City Name
- Abu Dhabi
- Address
- The Breakwater
- Hours
- 8.30am to 5pm
- Admission
- Free
Petroleum Exhibition
The basis of Abu Dhabi's wealth, the oil industry, is showcased in this permanent exhibition of photographs and interactive displays depicting the discovery of the 'black gold' and subsequent development of the region.
- Region/City Name
- Abu Dhabi
- Address
- The Corniche, near the fire station
- Phone Number
- 626 9715
- Hours
- Daily 7am to 2pm. Closed Thursdays and Fridays
- Admission
- Free
Al Ayn
The merge of ancient and modern Arabic culture is no more evident than in the fascinating city of Al Ayn, about 100 miles (160km) east of Abu Dhabi. This historic, scenic oasis is surrounded by red sand dunes and dominated by a vast mountain range on the eastern border of the UAE. Al Ayn has existed since around 3,000 BC and visitors can explore archaeological remains and a large museum. The city is also modern, filled with luxury resort hotels and shiny shopping malls. Experiences such as the Middle East's last remaining traditional camel market vie for attention with an exciting theme park, the renowned Al Ayn Zoo, and an Olympic-sized ice rink. Al Ayn is known as the 'Garden city of the Gulf' because of its tree-lined boulevards and green public spaces.
- Region/City Name
- Abu Dhabi
Liwa Oasis
Numerous local tour operators in Abu Dhabi offer trips from the city to the famed Liwa Oasis, about three hours drive away along a modern highway. This green, agricultural strip at the edge of the Rub Al Khali ('Empty Quarter') is surrounded by desolate desert with farms abutting towering sand dunes. Visitors enjoy overnight camel trips to camp in the desert. The oasis, made up of a string of small towns and villages, is resplendent with pools of fresh water and date plantations, and is the ancestral home of the Bani Yas tribe from whence sprang Abu Dhabi's ruling family.
- Region/City Name
- Abu Dhabi
Marina Mall Fun City
The Fun City at Marina Mall is a great place for kids, offering an exciting range of arcade games and rides to enjoy. Favorite rides at the amusement center include the thrashing shark rollercoaster, the whizzy little bumper cars and the 'Extreme Shock' machine - actually very safe!
- Region/City Name
- Abu Dhabi
- Address
- Marina Mall, Ras Al Akhdar
- Admission
- Rides from Dhs4-12
Bowling, Paintball and Table Tennis
Kids in Abu Dhabi will love honing their skills in the bowling alley at the Armed Forces Officers' Club, or perhaps playing a game of paintball or table tennis. There is also an Olympic-size swimming pool at the club for kids to cool off in after all that action.
- Region/City Name
- Abu Dhabi
- Address
- Al Maqtaa, near the Grand Mosque
- Website
- www.afoc.mil.ae
- Hours
- Daily, 10am to 10pm
Hili Fun City
A great attraction for children and often called the 'Disneyland of the Middle East', Hili Fun City is the largest theme park in the Gulf. The park offers a number of rides and amusements, including a mini train tour, an ice skating rink, a rollercoaster and sky-flyer, and the Dynamic Motion Theater. There are also beautifully landscaped gardens and various picnic spots to enjoy at the park.
- Region/City Name
- Abu Dhabi
- Address
- Al Ain
- Admission
- 15 Dhs
