Abu Dhabi is a city that offers a lot of attractions and activities for visitors, but not all of them come with a price tag. In fact, there are many places to visit in Abu Dhabi for free that will enrich your experience and make your trip more memorable. Whether you are interested in culture, history, nature, or entertainment, you can find something to suit your taste and budget in Abu Dhabi.
Here are some of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi in 2023 that you should not miss:
## 1. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most iconic and impressive landmarks of Abu Dhabi and one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. It is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, featuring 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. The mosque can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers and visitors, who can admire its exquisite design and craftsmanship.
The mosque is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, who can join free guided tours or explore the mosque on their own. The mosque also hosts various cultural and educational activities, such as lectures, exhibitions, and workshops. The mosque is especially stunning at night, when it is illuminated by colorful lights.
## 2. Enjoy the Corniche
The Corniche is an eight-kilometer stretch of waterfront that offers scenic views of the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline. It is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to relax, exercise, picnic, or enjoy the beach. The Corniche has several parks, gardens, fountains, playgrounds, and bike paths that are free to use and enjoy.
The Corniche Beach is one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi, with white sand, turquoise water, and lifeguards. The beach has a special family zone for groups of beachgoers. The beach is also free to access, but you may have to pay a small fee for renting sunbeds or umbrellas.
## 3. Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a museum that showcases the cultural diversity and exchange of human civilizations through art. It is the first universal museum in the Arab world and a collaboration between France and the UAE. The museum houses a collection of over 600 artworks from different periods and regions of the world, ranging from ancient to contemporary.
The museum is housed in a stunning building designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, inspired by the traditional Arabic architecture and the natural environment of Abu Dhabi. The museum features a dome that creates a "rain of light" effect through its geometric patterns. The museum also has a park, a children's museum, a restaurant, a café, and a boutique.
The museum is free to visit for children under 13 years old and for UAE teachers and students. It is also free to visit on certain days or occasions, such as International Museum Day or UAE National Day. You can check the museum's website for more details on free entry dates.
## 4. Have fun at Yas Mall
Yas Mall is one of the largest and most popular shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island. It has over 400 stores, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and entertainment venues to suit all tastes and budgets. You can find everything from local brands to international labels, from traditional souvenirs to modern gadgets.
Even if you are not planning to shop or dine at Yas Mall, you can still have fun there for free. You can enjoy the mall's events and activities, such as live shows, festivals, exhibitions, competitions, and games. You can also admire the mall's architecture and design, which features natural elements such as waterfalls, gardens, and skylights.
## 5. Explore the desert
Abu Dhabi is not only a city of skyscrapers and malls but also a city of deserts and oases. The desert landscape of Abu Dhabi offers a contrast to the urban life and a glimpse into the traditional Bedouin culture. You can experience the desert in various ways for free or at low cost.
One way is to go on a desert safari with one of the many tour operators in Abu Dhabi. A desert safari usually includes a 4x4 drive across the sand dunes, where you can enjoy activities such as sandboarding, camel riding, falconry,
henna painting
and belly dancing
You can also enjoy a barbecue dinner under the stars
and spend
the night
in
a desert camp
A desert safari may cost you around AED 200 per person
but it is worth it for an unforgettable adventure
Another way is to visit one of the desert parks or conservation areas in Abu Dhabi
such as the Arabian Wildlife Park
the Al Ain Oasis
or the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
These places are free to visit and offer you a chance to see the flora and fauna of the desert
such as gazelles, oryx, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, date palms, and flamingos
You can also enjoy activities such as wildlife tours, nature walks, yoga, and meditation
## 6. Discover the culture and history
Abu Dhabi is a city that has a rich and diverse culture and history that reflects its past and present. You can learn more about the culture and history of Abu Dhabi by visiting some of its museums and monuments for free or at low cost.
Some of the places you can visit are:
- Qasr al-Hosn: Qasr al-Hosn is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi and the former residence of the ruling family. It is a fort that was built in the 18th century to protect a freshwater well. It is now a museum that showcases the history and development of Abu Dhabi through artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits. The museum is free to visit on certain days or occasions, such as Qasr al-Hosn Festival or UAE National Day. You can check the museum's website for more details on free entry dates.
- Heritage Village: Heritage Village is a replica of a traditional Emirati village that gives you a glimpse into the life and culture of the local people before the discovery of oil. You can see how they lived in mud-brick houses, made handicrafts, cooked food, and practiced fishing and farming. You can also buy souvenirs from the shops and stalls. The village is free to visit and open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.
- Etihad Towers: Etihad Towers are a complex of five skyscrapers that are among the tallest buildings in Abu Dhabi. They are a symbol of the modernity and progress of Abu Dhabi. You can visit the Observation Deck at 300, which is located on the 74th floor of Tower 2 and offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. The observation deck is free to visit for children under four years old and for hotel guests. For others, it costs AED 95 per person, which includes a voucher for AED 55 to spend at the observation deck's restaurant or café.
## Conclusion
Abu Dhabi is a city that has something for everyone, even if you are on a tight budget. There are many places to visit in Abu Dhabi for free that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. You can experience the beauty, culture, history, and fun of Abu Dhabi without breaking the bank.
We hope this blog post has inspired you to plan your trip to Abu Dhabi in 2023. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and happy travels!
Source:
(1) 15 amazing free things to do in Abu Dhabi - What's On. https://whatson.ae/2022/01/15-amazing-free-things-to-do-in-abu-dhabi/.
(2) THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Abu Dhabi (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g294013-Activities-zft11292-Abu_Dhabi_Emirate_of_Abu_Dhabi.html.
(3) 12 Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi for Free | Experience Abu Dhabi. https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/article-hub/12-things-to-do-for-free-in-abu-dhabi.
(4) 15 Best Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi for Free in 2023 - Thrillophilia. https://www.thrillophilia.com/places-to-visit-in-abu-dhabi-for-free.
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