Ever wondered what life was like in Abu Dhabi before the skyscrapers touched the clouds? Before the glittering malls and high-speed highways transformed the desert into a modern marvel?
Heritage Village Abu Dhabi is a living museum where the sands of time have stopped.
The best part? It’s completely free for everyone to enter.
It is one of the most significant cultural attractions in Abu Dhabi for any individual seeking to gain insight into the traditional UAE life.
Location and How to Reach
Heritage Village is located on Corniche Breakwater, adjoining the Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Theatre Road. It only takes a five-minute drive through the Corniche waterfront to Corniche Street, onto King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, and then right onto Al ‘Alam Street.
The village is accessible within 30 minutes to visitors of Yas Island through the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway E12 across Saadiyat Island.
When arriving by air, the Abu Dhabi International Airport is just 35 minutes away in a westward direction on the E20, to the Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street and then signs to Marina Mall. There is onsite parking, and many of the visitors prefer to park at Marina Mall nearby and take a short taxi or bus to the area.
Heritage Village Abu Dhabi Timings, Entry Fee & Facilities
The Heritage Village Abu Dhabi entry fee is completely free. The Heritage Village Abu Dhabi timings are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Fridays have their own timetable, including morning hours between 7.30 AM and 12 PM and evening hours between 3 PM and 9 PM.
The village has on-site parking, clean washrooms, and a sandy beach bordering the Arabian Gulf. Al Asalah restaurant is known to be serving traditional Emirati food, but the Marina Mall within its vicinity provides other alternatives.
Handicrafts, spices, homemade soaps and souvenirs are sold in the village gift shop and traditional souk.
In case of questions, you can call them at +971 2 681 4455.
Top Things to Do in Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Begin with the classic souk, where you will get colourful dresses, jewels made by hand, wool rugs, toys and handicrafts that are made right in the village. Observe the artisans of the watch-making craft exercise fascinating art: glassblowers, on spindly wheels, shaping clay into delicate bottles of perfume, potters, on the same wheels, shaping clay into khanjars of curved swords.
Tour the museum located in an ancient fort with a traditional wind tower, exhibits exciting objects of the pearl-diving industry, ancient weapons, and exquisite jewellery. Get henna by professional artists, get to play with camels and Arabian horses, and have a glimpse into tents. The small spice store has dried spices that are gift-worthy.
Tips for Visitors
Two or three hours would allow a very good exploration of Heritage Village. It’s best to visit from October to March, during the cooler months. Early morning at opening or late afternoon offers the best weather and fewer crowds.
Wear decent and respectful dress for such a cultural site. Lightweight, breathable, shoulder-and-knee-covering fabric works best. Comfortable walking shoes are a necessity because the paths are sandy.
Bring water to keep hydrated during the warm months; the entrance is free, but one should carry cash for purchases at the souk and small shops because not all vendors accept cards. Friday evenings feature extended hours and a different atmosphere worth experiencing.
Photography is indeed allowed, but always ask artisans for permission before shooting them at work.
Nearby Attractions
The Heritage Village gives access to the prime Corniche location. It’s just minutes away from Marina Mall, where shopping, dining, and entertainment are world-class. The stunning Corniche Beach stretches all along the waterfront.
It is also within a short distance of the Emirates Palace. The walkway itself features parks, play areas, and bicycle paths.
Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. Then, there is the Louvre Abu Dhabi on nearby Saadiyat.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, among the largest in the world, is about 20 minutes away and offers free guided tours.
FAQs About Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Q: Is Heritage Village Abu Dhabi free to visit?
A: Yes, it is completely free. There is no entry fee.
Q: What are the opening hours of Heritage Village Abu Dhabi?
A: It opens from 9 AM to 4 PM daily. On Fridays, it opens from 7:30 AM to 12 PM and from 3 PM to 9 PM.
Q: Where is Heritage Village Abu Dhabi located?
A: It is on Corniche Breakwater next to Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.
Q: How long should I spend in the Heritage Village Abu Dhabi?
A: Plan for 2 to 3 hours to see everything properly.
Q: What can I do at Heritage Village Abu Dhabi?
A: You can watch craftsmen work, shop at the souk, get henna, see camels and horses, and visit the museum.
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