When you’re sitting down to plan a budget holiday, Abu Dhabi isn’t the first place that usually springs to mind. Indeed, the UAE capital – an international business and trade hub – has gone out of its way to market itself as a luxury destination. In fact, one of its finest hotels, the Emirates Palace, serves a cappuccino with a dusting of actual gold flakes (as well as chocolate, of course).
But not everyone who visits or lives in Abu Dhabi is rich, and once you have paid for your flights and hotel – the cost of both is relatively high, however you look at it – there is actually a fair bit to do that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, especially in the cooler months and in the evenings. These are some of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
1. Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi’s most famous landmark, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is hard to miss as you approach the city from the airport, with its magnificent white domes glistening in the sunlight. Unlike most mosques in the UAE, this one is open to non-Muslims and visiting it is completely free. Spend an hour or two walking around the white marble courtyards and beneath the intricately carved domes, or take a free guided tour to learn about the mosque and its history. Modest dress is required (including no shorts for men), and women should wear a headscarf.
2. Explore Qasr Al Hosn and the Cultural Foundation
Abu Dhabi’s oldest building, Qasr Al Hosn *does* charge an AED 32 admission fee for anyone who isn’t an Emirati or a resident of the UAE, but don’t let that put you off. Entry to the House of Artisans and the surrounding landscape is free, as is entry to the Cultural Foundation building, which hosts exhibitions and cultural events. However, it is well worth shelling out for the relatively modest fee to see Qasr al Hosn, a former watchtower that was once the home of the ruler of Abu Dhabi and is now a museum.
3. Walk the mangrove boardwalk at Jubail Island
Jubail Mangrove Park is one of the most accessible natural areas in the capital, with a raised boardwalk that cuts through a protected forest of mangroves from where you can spot crabs, herons and other wildlife. Entry is free if you’re just walking, although many choose to take a 60 minute kayak ride or a dragon boat ride for those with younger children. Arrive early to avoid the heat and be sure to check the tides and go when the water is high.
4. Walk or cycle along the Corniche
An 8km waterfront path with views of the city’s skyline on one side and the open Gulf on the other, Abu Dhabi’s Corniche is lined with palm trees, public beaches, fountains and parks. There are cycle lanes, free play areas for children, and plenty of shaded seating. A perfect spot for people watching and outdoor fun without needing to drop a single dirham.
5. Visit Manarat Al Saadiyat
Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Manarat Al Saadiyat is a contemporary arts and culture centre that hosts exhibitions, film screenings and workshops. Most of the gallery spaces are free to enter, and events often include talks and film nights that are open to the public at no cost.
6. Browse exhibitions at Warehouse421
Located in the Mina Zayed district, Warehouse421 is a creative space showcasing contemporary art and design from the UAE and wider Gulf region. This is where the capital’s creative types and aspiring artists hang out. Exhibitions are free to visit, and the venue frequently offers free workshops, performances and film nights.
7. Visit Al Ain
Maybe this is cheating a little, but Al Ain is in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and most of the interesting sites in the town and its environs are free. You can walk amongst the palm trees and enjoy the oasis, or if you fancy something a little more sporty, hike up Jebel Hafit. Check out Al Jahili Fort, built in 1890 by the first president of the UAE, and spend time at the exhibition of photographs by the British military officer, Wilfred Thesiger.
8. Watch the fountains at Yas Bay Waterfront
Yas Bay Waterfront is best known for its restaurants and nightlife, but there’s also a free-to-watch fountain show set to music that runs in the evenings. Yas’s aquatic offering was long overshadowed by the Dubai Mall fountains, but with those being renovated until late 2025, this may be the only place to get your fountain fix for a while. The waterfront is open to the public and has plenty of seating, with views across the bay. It’s especially popular at sunset.
9. Take a public art walk on Al Maryah Island
A central business district isn’t the first place you think of when it comes to public art, but since 2024, Al Maryah Island has been home to street art by Emirati and international artists including Italy’s Lorenzo Quinn and Saggaf Alhashmi. Some of it, like Quinn’s ‘My Heart is Yours’, is inside – in his case the Four Seasons – while others, like Alhashmi’s 3D mural featuring an Arabian Oryx, are on the exterior of buildings in the district. More art is located on the island’s promenade, which is a scenic and relaxing place for a late afternoon stroll.
10. Attend seasonal festivals and free public events
Abu Dhabi’s calendar is packed with free events, including National Day celebrations in December, Ramadan evening markets, open-air concerts, fireworks and food festivals that regularly take place in public parks and waterfront areas. Umm Al Emarat Park, Al Hosn and Hudayriyat Island are frequent locations. Check out the Department of Culture and Tourism listings page for current and upcoming free activities.
