The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country with a colorful culture and rich history. UAE Destinations Offering Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss.
Today, it has also become a front-runner in the tourism industry, with many leisure and entertainment destinations reaching world-class levels. In fact, the country has so many record-breaking and unique tourist destinations that many people choose to include in their bucket lists.
Looking for your next once-in-a-lifetime experience? Here are four UAE destinations you might want to try:
1. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
One of the most sought-after theme parks in Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World is where you’ll find some of your favorite animated characters, superheroes, and supervillains.
Located in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the best UAE destinations the theme park is divided into six “lands,” each dedicated to a specific franchise, and has something for everyone. Featuring the Justice League, Looney Tunes, the Jetsons, the Flintstones, and many others, Warner Bros. World offers something for everyone, including kids and kids at heart.
Top Experiences
Rides and attractions here include some of the most family-friendly experiences.
In The Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure, you can feel what it’s like to live a day in the life of Fred, Wilma, Pebbles, and Dino. The ride follows the adventures of the Flintstones during the Stonetennial Day celebration, complete with dino-sized trouble and fun.
A fan of the Dark Knight? You can spend time in Batman’s shoes and patrol Gotham City aboard the Batmobile in the Batman: Knight Flight ride.
Other attractions you can try are:
- The Riddler Revolution
- The Joker Funhouse
- Justice League: Warworld Attacks
- Green Lantern: Galactic Odyssey
- Tweety Wild Wockets
- Ricochet Racin’ with Taz
- Cartoon Junction Carousel
- Daffy Jet-Propelled Pogo Stick
- Tom and Jerry: Swiss Cheese Spin
- Scooby-Doo: The Museum of Mysteries
Timings
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi follows a specific schedule for November and December 2021:
- Until November 30: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (except November 24 and 25)
- November 24: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- November 25: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Ladies of Warner Bros. World Event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- December 1 to 4: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- December 5 to 16: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (except December 8)
- December 8: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- December 17 to 31: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Note that this schedule may change, so always check their website when planning your trip. You can also find more details about closed rides during specific days on their Park Overview page.
2. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The only Ferrari-branded theme park in the world, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi provides the thrill of Formula 1 racing combined with authentic family fun. This one-of-a-kind theme park is one of the top UAE destinations for both families and adrenaline seekers alike.
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Ferrari World has more than 40 exciting rides that range from child-friendly attractions to adrenaline-pumping rides.
For those bringing small children along, you can try the Junior Grand Prix track, where the little ones can test out their newly learned driving skills.
But if you’re with friends and planning to experience some heart-stopping action, try the fastest roller coaster on the planet (Formula Rossa) or the tallest roller coaster loop (Flying Aces). You can even get a high-speed chase kind of fun with the Fiorano GT Challenge.
Timings
The park’s schedule varies, though the management has announced that they will be closed every Sunday and Monday except on December 12, 13, 26, and 27, 2021.
As of this writing, the Ferrari World operating hours are as follows:
- November 2 to December 31, 2021 – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (except on November 11)
On November 11, the park will hold a Ladies’ Night event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. after holding regular park operations between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Don’t forget to double-check the schedule from their official website before you plan your trip.
3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Considered the most popular sightseeing attraction in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers a first-hand view of the city’s Islamic culture.
After almost two decades under construction, The Grand Mosque – One of the UAE Destinations – was finally opened in 2007. It can hold about 40,000 worshippers and has been welcoming thousands more non-Muslim tourists from around the globe for decades.
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The Grand Mosque is a gigantic architectural beauty clad in white marble and gold accents to create a wondrous fusion of Ottoman, Mameluke, and Fatimid design elements. Besides its grand appearance from afar, this modern mosque has an impressive collection of mosaic tiling, glasswork, and intricate carvings both in its exterior and interior.
Overall, the mosque itself is the perfect venue to appreciate Islamic culture.
Non-Muslims can set foot inside it, of course, particularly in areas like its vast library that you can visit through one of the mosque’s regular guided tours. Remember to wear the proper attire, as the place is quite strict about the set dress code.
Timings
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors during the following times:
- Saturday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Note: This schedule may change during the month of Ramadan, so be sure to check their official website first.
Also, pre-booking is required when visiting the Grand Mosque. As of August 2021, all guests must also have a green status to confirm COVID-19 vaccination (except children below 16 years of age or exempted from vaccination per the approved procedures in the country).
4. Qasr Al Watan Palace
Out of all the items on this list of things to do in the UAE, the Qasr Al Watan Palace is the most understated in travel blogs. Of course, this is probably because it was only recently opened to the public.
On March 11, 2019, the “Palace of the Nation” unlocked its doors to the masses in a ceremony hosted by UAE leaders. Since then, the structure has continued to wow visitors with its lush gardens, bold chandeliers, and enigmatic domes that reflect the country’s governing values and traditions.
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As one of the newest additions to Abu Dhabi’s prime tourist attractions, the Presidential Palace has assigned several sections to satiate the public’s thirst for Emirati culture and history.
The Great Hall reflects the grandeur of the country’s gold trade, as depicted in the colossal archways and the 37-meter dome decorated with intricate patterns that leave tourists staring in awe. Its ornate interior embellished with earth-toned and golden architectural details is simply breathtaking.
For history and knowledge buffs, the Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Library and the House of Knowledge provide the venue for understanding how Emirati culture evolved through the years.
During your visit, you can also see other attractions in the Palace, including:
- The “Power of Words” Art Installation
- The Diplomatic Gifts to the UAE Exhibit
- The “Spirit of Collaboration” Room
- The Presidential Banquet Hall
- The Magnificent Majlis
- The Palace Light Show
Timings
Here are the timings you need to know when planning a trip to the Qasr Al Watan Palace:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Ticket Counter schedule: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Remember that they will no longer issue tickets past 7 p.m., so be sure to head there earlier to have sufficient time to explore The Palace.
The UAE Destinations Experience
Experiencing Emirati culture and modernization has become one of the primary reasons why tourists are drawn to the country. With the UAE destinations listed here alone, you can ensure an enjoyable and fulfilling trip to the country.
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