Usually, when someone thinks about an Abu Dhabi city tour, he starts with such big, iconic attractions like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World, or Louvre Abu Dhabi. They, however, are just some of the package, so that is what there is behind these walls, but only waiting to be seen for unique experiences by showcasing Abu Dhabi’s natural beauty and cultural heritage with some hidden treasures about less-known landmarks in this capital of the UAE.
This blog contains some of the less-beaten track places that you may wish to include in your Abu Dhabi city tour package. These places help you to discover another aspect of the city, one beyond the crowded streets of busy malls and shopping centers. Try these hidden gems on your own Abu Dhabi city tour or, if time allows, on a half-day Abu Dhabi city tour.
Al Wathba Fossil Dunes: A Natural Wonder
The most fantastic and breathtaking natural place one might see in Abu Dhabi would be the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, about 45 minutes out from the city centre. The fossilized formations created by the wind over many centuries create a landscape similar to those one would imagine science fiction depicting. Over thousands of years of being sculpted through erosion, the dunes come to be in great and breathtaking sculptural formations to make amazing photographs.
The Al Wathba Fossil Dunes are not as popular as other natural landmarks in the UAE, but they do present a great opportunity for nature lovers to visit this place and get away from the skyscrapers of the city for a more serene setting. A guided tour around the area can provide further knowledge about the geological history of these interesting formations.
Pro Tip: Visit during sunset or sunrise to capture the dunes in a warm, golden light that makes the whole scene look magical.
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve: Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Another treasure gifted by nature is Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, not far from the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes. This place is serene but full of life, including more than 250 species of birds, and its showstopper is the flamingos that gather here in huge flocks during the winter.
The reserve is a haven of peace for bird-watchers and nature lovers who can have walking trails and bird hides from which to observe wildlife. A far cry from the busy streets of Abu Dhabi, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve offers an atmosphere of quiet and refuge. It will be a great place to include in a private Abu Dhabi city tour for someone looking for a quieter, more contemplative experience.
Best of all, entry to the reserve is free, making it a budget-friendly addition to your Abu Dhabi city tour.
Jubail Mangrove Park: Explore Nature by Kayak
If you want something a little more adventurous, then head to the Jubail Mangrove Park to experience Abu Dhabi’s natural beauty. Located on Jubail Island, this is a hidden gem, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the UAE’s only mangrove sanctuary.
Walk along the boardwalk of the park along mangrove woodlands and scenic waters while looking towards the open sea. In case you want to give the heart a little adrenaline, visitors can tour through this park in kayak form: paddle through flat waterways into the mangrove shores up close. So far, one can see abundant fish species, crabs, as well as less commonly a flamingo during your trip.
A visit to Jubail Mangrove Park is a welcome relief from the usual hustle and bustle of city attractions. This destination is perfect for ecotourism travelers.
Warehouse421: Abu Dhabi Contemporary Art Scene
For art lovers interested in exploring beyond the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Warehouse421 is a contemporary art space located in the Mina Zayed district. Exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events are held that showcase works by local and international artists. It is an excellent place to experience the emerging art scene in Abu Dhabi and engage with creative innovation.
Warehouse421 often looks at issues within the UAE and, consequently, more broadly within the Middle East. It thus offers a very culturally enriching stop for anyone looking to understand this region through the lens of art. From photography and sculpture to mixed media, the constantly changing exhibits of Warehouse421 provide a unique window into the modern city’s cultural landscape.
This is one of the lesser-visited areas by tourists, making it a great addition to your private Abu Dhabi city tour if you are looking for something a little more off the radar.
The Empty Quarter: A Desert Adventure Like No Other
Many of the visitors of Abu Dhabi make their way into the desert to take a traditional safari. Few bother, however, to venture into the Empty Quarter, or Rub’ al Khali, the largest continuous sand desert in the world. The portion within the UAE offers an unforgettable experience for those willing to journey deeper into the desert.
It offers the occasion of visiting some of the impressive dunes in the world-which reaches more than 300 meters. Whether you have a 4×4 dune bash, take a camel ride, or just walk across that undulating landscape, the beauty and serenity of the Empty Quarter makes it unique.
For the private Abu Dhabi city tour goers, a visit to the Empty Quarter can be an individual experience that will last a lifetime. You can even ask for a desert camp where you may dine under the stars and watch traditional Bedouin performances and experience the calmness of the desert in the night.
Qasr Al Muwaiji: A Historical Gem
Even though Qasr Al Watan and Emirates Palace are the most known, Qasr Al Muwaiji is the least popular, yet not any less fascinating as an ancient site. The site is found in Al Ain, almost one and half hours drive from Abu Dhabi, which is also the birthplace of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates.
In its every detail, the fort has been preserved and turned into a museum that exhibits the history of the Al Nahyan family and the formation of the UAE. This would be an extremely engaging experience for those who love history given the interactive exhibits and display, while the gardens nearby present a tranquil escape from the fast-paced life of the city.
Qasr Al Muwaiji is a real discovery that gives a more private feeling of the country’s monarchic past, and it’s perfectly suitable for a day tour of Abu Dhabi or longer one.
Women’s Handicraft Centre: Cultural
Traditional crafts and support for local artisans often take you to the Women’s Handicraft Centre, a source of personal interest in the work of Emirati women. This center operated by Abu Dhabi Women’s Association highlights traditional embroidery, weaving, and basket making.
The artisans at work will give the visitor an opportunity to witness them making various pieces, which can then be bought and taken as the real authentic souvenir in addition to helping the local people. It is one of the finest ways to experience the UAE’s cultural heritage and learn about how this age-old art form is passed on and even preserved by generations.
