With world famous architecture, beaches, nature and a growing reputation for international sporting events – from Formula One to football – visitors could be forgiven for thinking that Abu Dhabi is a place where most of your holiday will be spent outdoors.
But the soaring summer temperatures alone mean that for at least three months of the year, locals and visitors alike look for activities that they can do indoors, amid the comfort of air conditioning. And the emirate has plenty to offer, from serene art galleries to immersive aquariums, with many attractions aimed firmly at the younger generation.
1. Explore world-class art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
What better place to beat the heat than the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi. Itself an architectural masterpiece, designed by Jean Nouvel, the Louvre is a superlative place to while away a few hours alongside art and exhibits that span the centuries. Also onsite is a dedicated Children’s Museum, which provides interactive exhibits to help young visitors engage with art. There are also guided tours, workshops and storytelling sessions aimed squarely at families. It is worth booking tickets in advance to avoid the queues, especially if you’re going on a Friday.
2. Marvel at marine life in the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
Billed as the largest aquarium in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi’s National Aquarium contains 45,000 animals across 10 themed zones, including a tunnel through the shark tank that is sure to be a hit with young visitors. For parents, the aquarium is a welcome refuge on a hot day, with educational exhibits and behind-the-scenes tours. As well as water-dwelling fish and other creatures, the aquarium is also home to an improbability of puffins. The only downside is the price – it isn’t cheap, and kids over the age of 3 pay full price (starting at AED 110).
3. Discover Islamic architecture at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
While much of this vast mosque – one of only a handful that can be visited by non-Muslims – is outdoors, many of its most remarkable attributes, including the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet and intricate chandeliers, are inside the prayer hall. Blending spiritual calm with artistic grandeur, the Grand Mosque is an essential stop in any tour of Abu Dhabi and has the added benefit of being totally free. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.
4. Shop and unwind at Marina Mall Abu Dhabi
The OG of Abu Dhabi shopping centres, Marina Mall was bringing in the crowds when Yas and Saadiyat Islands were nothing but a sandy archipelago with a highway running through the middle of it. As well as shops and restaurants, Marina Mall features an indoor trampoline park, cinema, bowling alley, and a revolving restaurant at the top of its observation tower.
5. Reach for the sky at CLYMB Abu Dhabi
For thrill-seekers and fitness enthusiasts alike, CLYMB combines the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall and largest flight chamber for skydiving simulation on Yas Island. As well as one-off sessions, CLYMB has a popular summer camp for kids aged 7-13 that lasts five days – a great way to entertain the kids during the hottest months of the year. You’ll need to book well in advance as there are limited daily slots; all equipment is provided on site.
6. Let kids run wild at KidZania Abu Dhabi
Aimed at children aged four to 16, KidZania is billed as ‘an educational play city’ where kids take on jobs and earn money in a life-size mini city in Yas Mall. Children can play at being everything from pilots to firefighters while being supervised by staff, meaning that parents can – if they choose – leave their kids in safe hands and explore the shops for a couple of hours.
7. See science in action at The Abu Dhabi Children’s Library
Located in the Cultural Foundation, the Children’s Library provides reading nooks, workshops, and interactive science exhibits and is a good stop off for younger children. Entry is free, and the library often runs weekend activities – check ahead for event schedules.
8. Watch a performance at Etihad Arena
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena has an enviable event schedule by anyone’s standards, with musicals (Mamma Mia!), comedy (Pete Davidson, Dave Chappelle), music (Jennifer Lopez) and sport from boxing to cross biking. It also hosts a range of events aimed at kids (Paw Patrol Live, Harry Potter Live) throughout the summer months. For food and drink, there are concession stands inside the arena or Yas Marina’s restaurants are a 15 minute walk away. For those who want to centre their entire holiday around Yas, packages including hotels are available.
9. Discover the UAE’s heritage at Qasr Al Hosn
Part museum, part historic fort, Qasr Al Hosn tells the story of Abu Dhabi’s transformation from a fishing village to a global city, with indoor exhibitions including artefacts, photography and multimedia displays. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding of local culture in a cool, calm setting. Admission is AED 32 and guided tours are available.
10. Check out food and art at Abu Dhabi’s modern cultural hubs
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 open to the public at no cost. Elsewhere, in the Mina Zayed district, you’ll find the Warehouse421 creative space, which showcases contemporary art and design from the UAE and wider Gulf region. Exhibitions are free to visit, and the venue frequently offers free workshops, performances and film nights.
