Places to Visit on a Short Abu Dhabi Getaway
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- April 7, 2025
Why wait for a long holiday to take a break when you can go on a quick getaway to Abu Dhabi? Mini vacations, it turns out, are better for your mind and body.
A long holiday is also fantastic for your well-being, but if you only have the weekend, you can still gain the restorative benefits of a trip. You’ll improve your mood and recover cognitive capacity that could translate to something great like a job promotion or a successful business strategy.
So what do you do on this mini vacation?
Where to Go in Abu Dhabi
Although an extended and posh trip will always be welcome (you work hard, after all), a simple getaway can still satisfy your wandering soul. All it takes to maximize this short holiday is to figure out what you want to see and do, and to make sure that your itinerary provides a well-rounded experience, whether you’re traveling alone or with loved ones.
Discover the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Island
When pressed for time, the best vacations should always have a base that’s accessible to nearly everything. And Yas Island is probably the best place to call your “headquarters” while on holiday.
The island is named after the Arabian tribe, Bani Yas Tribe. It’s one of the most popular tourist spots in the UAE because it has everything you could ever want as a traveler: relaxation, shopping, and thrills.
For relaxation, you could book your weekend in one of the world-class hotels on the island, from five-star luxury retreats to family-friendly stays. Yas Island has the W Abu Dhabi, Hilton Abu Dhabi, the ultra-posh Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, and the family favorite, WB Abu Dhabi, among others.
For shopping, head to the largest mall in the UAE capital: Yas Mall, which features 370 international brands, 68 F&B outlets, and multiple entertainment destinations.
The best part? This 2.5 million square foot mall connects to one of the best theme parks in the UAE, Ferrari World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It features 40 record-breaking rides and attractions. Other than enjoying the thrilling rides, try an unforgettable ride in a real Ferrari with an instructor guiding your moves.
Yas Island is also home to the fun and family-friendly Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. If you’re going to the capital city with the family, this theme park is a must-visit.
The Observation Deck at 300
On the 74th floor of Tower Two of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers complex, you’ll find the Observation Deck at 300. Enjoy a unique bird’s eye view of the Abu Dhabi skyline and the Arabian Gulf. While you’re there, you can enjoy an afternoon of tea and pastries.
Al Bateen Beach
Take time out of your exciting schedule to relax at Al Bateen Beach. It’s free (except for the women’s side of the beach) and picturesque. You can go fishing, have a picnic, or just get a bit of sun.
Afterward, you can walk to one of many diners or cafés for a full meal or a snack.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Nestled between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island is Jubail Mangrove Park, the first self-contained educational, nature, and leisure destination in the UAE. You’ll discover various marine and avian species, along with mangroves. It is a mangrove sanctuary, after all.
You can take a 20-minute scenic tour, do a kayaking experience for about an hour, or explore the mangrove sanctuary on the boardwalk.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A can’t-miss landmark in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the biggest mosques in the world. It is an excellent monument to modern Islamic architecture and was built to honor Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s father.
Take a 60-minute guided tour to fully appreciate this majestic landmark.
Qasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is another architectural landmark in Abu Dhabi. The presidential palace features multiple zones (e.g., the library, the Presidential Banquet, the Great Hall, etc.) majestic hallways, plus a restaurant.
You can take a tour of the whole palace or focus on learning more about the architecture of the palace.
Capital Gate
Yet another architectural marvel is Capital Gate, the UAE’s version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
In fact, it holds the world record for the farthest-leaning human-made building in the world. It leans 18° west, over four times the lean of Italy’s Pisa.
After viewing this 35-story building, why not go up to the “sky spa” on the 19th floor, the award-winning Rayana Spa. Enjoy a stunning view of the city’s skyline and get a hydrating, invigorating, and immune-boosting treatment.
Liwa Oasis
The ancestral home of the revered Bani Yas tribe, the Liwa Oasis is the world’s largest uninterrupted desert. It features several forts and one of the tallest dunes, Tal Moreeb, which is more than 300 meters high. The tourist spot has also been featured in the blockbuster movie “Dune.”
A short holiday doesn’t have to go by like a whirlwind. Plan your trip well, stay organized, and be in the moment to get the full experience of your short vacation.
