Abu Dhabi is quickly emerging as one of the most popular tourist destinations. The UAE capital is safe, has a rich cultural landscape, holds true to its traditions, is home to friendly locals, features modern infrastructure for maximum comfort and is full of nature.
Essentially, the complete package. You can indulge in a number of things to do in the Emirate. But this article is a bit special as it includes a decent collection of 15 free things to do in Abu Dhabi. Let us get right into the details.
These are the top free things to do in Abu Dhabi
1. Explore Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is more than just a special place. People from different parts of the globe come together at this place to gain a deeper understanding of religion and culture in the UAE. Of course, the mosque is also an architectural masterpiece.
This grand structure in the UAE capital has been designed and built by skilled teams from different countries, including 1,300 female artisans hand-knotting the main prayer hall’s carpet – the largest globally. Isn’t it such a beautiful representation of collaboration?
The open-door policy of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque encourages people, from families to solo tourists, to explore this beautiful place. The building is also an active mosque that records up to 50,000 worshippers on a single day. Respectful clothing is a requirement.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 9 am to 10 pm
- Friday: 9 am to 12 pm then, 3 pm to 10 pm
- Sunday: 9 am to 10:30 pm
2. Take a dip in history at Founder’s Memorial
Inaugurated in 2018, the 3.3-hectare Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi is a tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the founding father of the UAE. One of the top free things to do in the Emirate, this public space encourages one to learn more about his remarkable life.
The Constellation lies at the heart of The Founder’s Memorial. It is a magnificent three-dimensional portrait of Sheikh Zayed. You can indulge in a memorable journey through art, stories, exhibitions and experiences – all thoughtfully curated.
Explore beautifully landscaped areas featuring local flora. You can go on a complimentary guided cultural tour of 30 minutes, led by expert Emirati guides. These tours offer a better understanding of Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and the causes he championed.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 10 pm
3. Free self-guided audio tours
This is incredibly important but equally underrated. Abu Dhabi offers free self-guided audio tours for those not preferring tour groups or rigid schedules. This is like keeping a fully personal tour guide – right in your pocket.
For these simple audio tours from VoiceMap, install the mobile application, search from a selection of Abu Dhabi tours and you are good to go. Like podcasts, you get to listen to stories about the things and places you are actually seeing at the moment.
These audio tours operate great on offline mode too. The topics are covered in detail and there is interesting insider information and hidden gems that cannot be found at any other place. You can use this application in Al Ain and Al Dhafra, too.
VoiceMap mobile application: Install Link
4. Check out religious harmony at Abrahamic Family House
The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi offers people from across the globe the opportunity to connect, explore and reflect. Religious communities from different countries come here to practice their respective faiths in the Mosque, the church and the Synagogue.
From guided tours to memorable journeys of understanding and coexistence, the Abrahamic Family House offers a range of experiences. Make sure to pre-book your tickets prior to coming to the place. It is really important.
The Mosque, the Church and the Synagogue let their visitors participate and learn about religious services, listen to holy scriptures and experience sacred rituals. Everyone is invited to learn about any of the three faiths, as the official site insists.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
- Friday to Sunday: 10 am to 11:30 am then, 2 pm to 5 pm
5. You cannot miss the Corniche Beach
Looking for one of the most fascinating and (at the same time) free things to do in Abu Dhabi? Come to Corniche Beach. This beach is a couple of kilometres of scenery and a dreamy spot to get some sun. You can also find a special family zone for beachgoers.
The immaculate Corniche Beach is also home to manicured gardens. There are three sections to explore:
- Al Sahil (Gate 4, free entry) – ideal for singles and larger groups
- Gate 2 – ideal for families
- Gate 3 – great for families and kids
You can find changing rooms, cabanas, sun loungers and umbrellas. There is a lifeguard on duty until sunset. Check out the cycle and pedestrian routes and free sports facilities, including multiple volleyball courts, football pitches and playing fields.
Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Beach is one of the most unexpected gems in the heart of the UAE. Besides abundant sunshine, don’t forget to soak in beautiful glimpses of Lulu Island. Keep some time aside for the most enchanting sunsets on clear evenings.
6. Take a sneak peek into history at Heritage Village
The UAE has a rich history and tourists and residents alike are encouraged to get a better understanding of this topic. You can come to Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village, a family-friendly spot to experience the traditional manner of life in the desert.
Located on the Marina Mall Island close to the city centre, Heritage Village offers a clear understanding of the UAE capital’s past. You can also indulge in a bit of shopping, check out artefacts and catch artisans making pottery and more.
Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village is also home to the Emirates Heritage Club, a regular host of workshops for traditional crafts. You can also find craftsmen demonstrating traditional skills like spinning yarn and pottery. Don’t forget to check out the spice shop here.
Opening Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday: 9 am to 4 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am to 12 pm then, 3 pm to 9 pm
7. Connect to peaceful diaries at Al Ain Oasis
Famous for offering some of the most unique experiences in the UAE, Al Ain is Abu Dhabi’s oasis city. It lets its guests disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and escape to the peaceful nature for a memorable time.
There are a number of things to do at Al Ain Oasis, a peaceful retreat highlighting life as it used to be in the UAE thousands of years ago. You can find 147,000 date palm trees, more than 100 varieties of vegetation and relics of the past. Isn’t it incredible?
There are no entry fees for Al Ain Oasis. You can also get a complimentary map to better explore the retreat. One of the fun things to do here is getting a better understanding of the falaj system, ancient dug-up channels irrigating and nourishing the grasslands.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 5:30 pm
8. Stroll through Al Jahili Fort
Since you are already in the city of Al Ain for the beautiful Al Ain Oasis, don’t forget to check out Al Jahili Fort – set about an hour and a half from Abu Dhabi. It is one of the largest forts in the UAE, built on the orders of Zayed the First.
Since opening its gates in 2008, Al Jahili Fort has been a significant tourist attraction in Abu Dhabi. Built on sun-dried mud brick, this enchanting fort has been transformed into a Cultural Centre and tourist attraction for people from different parts of the globe.
Constructed in 1891, the beautiful Al Fahili Fort in Al Ain offers a glimpse of the UAE capital’s bygone era. It initially served as the royal summer residence of Sheikh Zayed the First, the fort later became the headquarters of the British military in the 1950s.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 7 pm
9. Escape to nature at Green Mubazzarah
This is again located in the enchanting Al Ain, a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Abu Dhabi. Set against the majestic Jebel Hafit Mountain, Green Mubazzarah Park is one of the most popular free things to do in the Emirate.
You can indulge in memorable picnics and barbecues. Take a dip in the hot springs, accompanied by the mountain breeze. Green Mubazzarah is a highly recommended place to explore as summer temperatures climb high in different parts of the UAE.
Look for solace in the nearby secluded pools. For a more unique experience, you can also spend a night beneath the majestic Jebel Hafit, embraced by the zillions of stars in the sky. This experience is going to be a part of your memory for a long time.
10. Hike up Jebel Hafit
Standing tall at 1,249 meters, Jebel Hafit Mountain is the highest peak in Abu Dhabi and the second highest in the UAE (after Jebel Jais). You can experience unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, plus a thrilling hiking experience.
Jebel Hafit offers a range of outdoor action, including hikes through the rugged mountaineous terrain, conquering the summit and immersing oneself in the enchanting desert landscapes. You can hop on a mountain bike for an exhilarating ride of a lifetime.
Nestled at the mountain’s base is Jebel Hafit Desert Park. It is more than just a natural treasure; it is a journey through time. From insights into early maritime trade to modern-day camping and glamping thrills, this is a hands-on historical experience.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 6 pm
11. Mangrove National Park in Abu Dhabi – Unmissable
This is probably the most recommended free thing to do in Abu Dhabi. Imagine taking a morning stroll in the admirable Mangrove National Park, a refuge from the city’s hustle and bustle. You are surrounded by beautiful nature and local animals.
Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove National Park sets the tone for a harmonious and energizing beginning to the day. Quite far from tall buildings and the bustling city life, this is a serene place making up almost 75% of the total mangrove forest area in the UAE.
The mangroves are important as they protect the region from tidal surges and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But besides their essential role in climate action, they also take care of our mental health by offering one of the most scenic places for relaxation.
12. Take a look at souks of Mina Zayed
Most part of the UAE and the surrounding sea share a deep connection. This is also true for Abu Dhabi. It is no surprise that seafood is still one of the most important commodities in the Emirate. This trip to Abu Dhabi, check out the Fish Souk at Mina Zayed.
This market is located near Abu Dhabi’s main port area. Each morning, you can find a number of fishermen loading their catch onto the quayside and preparing for a day of action. There is the Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk just across the road from the fish market.
Abu Dhabi’s Carpet Souk, located on Mina Road, is famous for its Yemini mattresses and machine-made carpets. Each of these markets have three things in common – great products, opportunity to click beautiful pictures and scope of haggling.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 10 pm
13. Emirati art in focus at Cultural Foundation
The Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi is an introduction to Emirati art and culture. First opening its doors in 1981, this place has been putting considerable effort into making this intricate part of the UAE more familiar to tourists from across the globe.
More than just a heritage landmark, the Cultural Foundation is an integration of modern and Islamic architectural styles. Entry to the building and the main gallery areas is free, although most workshops require a fee to attend.
Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation represents a key centre for artistic expression among Emirati artists. It plays host to a number of art exhibitions, panel discussions, musical performances and heritage workshops, posing as a beautiful mirror to Emirati art and culture.
Opening Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday: 9 am to 8 pm
Friday: 2 pm to 8 pm
14. Stargazing at Al Quaa
Yes, stargazing in Abu Dhabi can be a delightful experience. Just as this subtitle suggests, Al Quaa is perfect to gaze at the stars and try to guess the name of the constellations. Bring your friends and family along and indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
But besides stargazing, Al Quaa is also a beautiful place for camping in Abu Dhabi. You must take the right camping equipment to not spoil the mood because of any unhealthy surprises (put some effort into planning and execution).
Did you think that’s all there is to this enchanting experience? Not at all. The entire group needs to sit next to the campfire and participate in a bit of dancing, singing and group games. Definitely, one of the most fun and free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
15. You can’t skip Manarat Al Saadiyat
Set in the heart of the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, Manarat Al Saadiyat features a huge range of artistic expressions. People of different ages and preferences can come here, checking out exhibitions, exchanging ideas and attending thoughtful discussions.
The main reason for Manarat Al Saadiyat for being is encouraging its guests to come together and share, experiment, be part of exhibitions, exchange ideas, indulge in a lot of sumptuous food, listen to discussions and create art.
Meaning ‘a place of enlightenment’ in the regional language, Manarat Al Saadiyat also features the Abu Dhabi Art fair, galleries for exhibitions, a photography studio, an art studio, an auditorium, a gift shop and a cafe. Here is the complete guide to Saadiyat Island.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm
In a Nutshell
The capital Emirate of Abu Dhabi is a great representation of one big thing about tourism – you don’t need to spend dirhams all the time for an insightful experience. This article clearly represents this fact.
Most of the destinations listed in this article are easily accessible from Abu Dhabi airport (Zayed International). You can take a taxi or book ride-hailing platforms like Careem and Uber. In case, your flight lands at Dubai International instead, take a taxi or use the public bus.
The E100 bus route operates to and from Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. You can also take the E101 on Ibn Battuta Bus Station – Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station route. E102 connects Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Musaffah Community Bus Station.
Happy Exploring!
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