10 Hidden Gems of Abu Dhabi
Looking for hidden gem vacation spots with free beaches, local coffee houses, Michelin star meals, or amazing outdoor adventures? Dive into some of the best hidden gems in Abu Dhabi, UAE!
Guest blog by Remiah of RemiahTravels.
Why Abu Dhabi?
While we’ve all heard the sentiment habibi (my dear), come to Dubai, there are many tourist attractions and memorable moments to be had in Abu Dhabi, the capital emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi is a bustling city within the Persian Gulf, and offers endless things to do within its borders and it's over 200 islands. As an expat of four years, I’ve been able to scout out some of the best kept secrets of Abu Dhabi!
Where is Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, which is a Middle Eastern country that shares a border with other notable countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman. The UAE offers a unique blend of cultures, with 80% being expats and the local Emirati population showcasing their pride in their culture through significant events, foods, and traditions.
Aside from the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi or Yas Island Theme Parks, there are many gems to be found within this bustling city! From the spectacular salt lakes in the Al Wathba Desert to the free beaches and gourmet meals in the heart of the city, here you can explore the best hidden gems of Abu Dhabi.
Al Wathba Salt Lake: Abu Dhabi Hidden Gem for Relaxing Walks
Go if you like: Outdoor activities, desert, natural wonders
Al Wathba Salt Lake is a mesmerizing destination nestled in the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. Step into a world where vast salt flats stretch as far as the eye can see, forming a breathtaking landscape that beckons explorers and nature enthusiasts alike.
📷 The salt lake offers a serene respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you choose to capture the stunning scenery through photography, engage in outdoor activities, or simply immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere, Al Wathba Salt Lake is a hidden gem in Abu Dhabi.
⛺ It provides space for wonder and relaxation and offers BBQ areas and campgrounds at the nearby Al Wathba Lake, located 30 minutes form the salt lakes.
🚗 Getting there: Having access to a large vehicle or renting a car is your best bet for accessing these sites. Be mindful that you will be driving into the desert and off-road, so the car will need to have some air released from the tires and be able to navigate through the sands.
👉🏾 You can also access it via a tour on Get Your Guide, or carpool events through sites Meetup, or Facebook groups in order to take in these unique sites!
🔥 Hot Tip: Extend the fun in the sun by visiting the nearby Fossil Dunes. Free to enter, you can see this natural wonder (stunning views during the day and illuminated at night), and enjoy an open air cafe and moving art exhibits.
2. Fossil Dunes: Abu Dhabi Hidden Gem for Outdoor Fun
Go if you like: Outdoor activities, desert, natural wonders.
The Abu Dhabi Fossil Dunes, or Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, is a protected reserve area that is free to access. With nearly 2,000 fossil dunes, this is an area you are free to walk through and includes a cafe in the middle of the desert and has pop up art installations and booths to learn more about Emirati culture and traditions.
👪🏽 The fossil dunes are a family friendly area that offer scenic walking paths extending up to three kilometers in either direction, delicious bites at the stationary cafe and pop up food and beverage trucks, and a relaxed environment to view the sunset and later see the dunes illuminated by spotlights!
🎶 The fossil dunes are home to pop up music and light shows, and acts as a natural amphitheater for events throughout the year. Coupling this location with a visit to the Al Wathba Salt lake and Lake Camp/Park make for a unique desert adventure!
🚗 Getting there: The fossil dunes are best accessed by car, and are located half an hour away form the Salt lakes. By following the Google maps directions, these three stops make for a scenic loop through Abu Dhabi’s stunning desert and will offer many views of different shades of sand and camels along the way!
🔥 Hot Tip: In this area, you will find the Al Wathba Camel Race Track open to the public most weekdays and holidays. Be sure to investigate if you can catch a live event while you are exploring!
3. Lock, Stock & Barrel: Industrial style bar hanging out & dancing.
💃🏽 Go if you like: party bar, live music, live sports, entertainment, and food truck style food & beverages
With this party bar located along the pier of Yas Bay, Lock Stock & Barrel (LSB) is sure to provide good eats, tunes, and vibes for your evening.
🍸 LSB is well known for its unlimited beverages and bites brunch (in the UAE, brunches occur in the evening), live bands performing Friday nights, and playing the latest football/soccer match or sports event on the big screen.
This medley of food, drink, and fun is sure to appeal to rock, pop, and hip hop fans alike.
🔥 Hot Tip: Enjoy all that Yas Bay has to offer! With numerous restaurants and cafes you can spend a whole day hopping from place to place.
Next to LSB there is Central—an arcade, restaurant, and bowling alley rolled into one. A few steps away you can find Cafe Del Mar, a lively beach club & bar that offers great DJs and live sax players to boot!
4. Manarat Al Saadiyat & NYUAD Art Gallery: Abu Dhabi Hidden Gem Arts Centers
This is a fascinating art studio, exhibition hall, community event space, and workshop & chill space.
Go if you like: Art, Music, Culture, Workshops and Classes.
🖼️ Discover the vibrant cultural hub of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi at Manarat Al Saadiyat (MAS), and feel the youthful impact at the New York University Abu Dhabi (NYU AD) Art Gallery. With a diverse range of free or low cost exhibitions, workshops, and educational initiatives, MAS is a haven for anyone and everyone to hang out, relax, and be inspired.
🎨 Experience a cultural journey with the international and local Emirati artists' exhibitions, take a class in the studio, or enjoy delectable food in a welcoming space.
🔥 Hot Tip: If you are a true art and culture lover, you can continue this journey to the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum to see permanent and temporary collections of international and regional art.
The Cultural Foundation is a great hidden gem in Abu Dhabi & wonderful day out. Photo by Remiah Travels.
5. Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation: Wonderful Abu Dhabi Arts Center
Go if you like: Art, Music, Culture, Workshops and Classes
Embark on a captivating cultural odyssey at the Abu Dhabi Qasr Al Hosn Fort & Cultural Foundation, an immersive haven nestled within the heart of the city. Step into the realm of heritage and history, with a multitude of engaging international and local exhibitions, enlightening workshops, and educational initiatives.
🎨 For $8 USD, the Qasr (Castle) Al Hosn Fort invites you to revel in a cultural sanctuary where the past meets present and the spirit of the Emirates comes alive through art and interactive exhibits, leaving a mark on your heart and mind. Follow this up with free entry into the Cultural Foundation building, ten steps away.
🖼️ Local Emirati artists will invoke emotion by sharing their reflections on their childhood, society, and the development of the UAE over time.
🔥 Hot Tip: If you are a true art and culture lover, you can continue this journey to the neighboring (model) fort and House of Artisans to see the history of women in UAE and Emirati craftsmanship. Ask for information about the Bait Al Gahwa demonstration to see the preparation and presentation of traditional arabic coffee.
Umm Al Emarat Park is a lovely off the beaten path spot in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Remiah Travels, all rights reserved.
6. Umm Al Emarat Park: Off the Beaten Path Abu Dhabi
Go if you like: Nature, outdoor activities and markets,
Unveil the enchanting oasis of Umm Al Emarat Park, a hidden gem nestled within the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi. Step into a world where nature intertwines harmoniously with culture, creating a haven for relaxation and inspiration.
🏞️ Umm Al Emarat Park invites visitors of all ages to embark on a journey of discovery. Stroll through its lush green spaces, adorned with vibrant flora and serene water features, and make your way to the top of the greenhouse feature for an incredible view of the city.
🍲 Indulge in delectable cuisine at the park's welcoming eateries (like Home Bakery or the infamous SALT food truck), where every bite is infused with a sense of warmth and hospitality. Umm Al Emarat Park beckons you to embrace the beauty of nature, unwind amidst its captivating ambiance, and find inspiration in its harmonious blend of culture and tranquility.
🔥 🚗 Hot Tip: If you enjoy being outdoors, make sure to check out Yas Marina Grand Prix track to see the location of UAE’s Formula 1 Grand Prix races with free bikes to cycle, run on the track, tour the facility or go go karting!
🏖️ Need a more relaxed pace? Al Hudayriat Beach is free to enjoy the beach, restaurants and storefront, and fun for kids - the Circuit X Adventure Park skateboarding or climbing through the ropes course!
Al Qana Canal is a great area to hang out for people of all ages in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Remiah Travels, all rights reserved
7. Al Qana Canal: Hidden Gem in Abu Dhabi for Fun
Go if you like: Restaurants, cafes, aquarium, gaming, fun activities.
Al Qana Canal is a fast growing hub for foodies, gamers, and families alike! With many offerings including fitness areas, indoor adventure parks, and the National Aquarium, you are sure to find something for everyone. Al Qana is a unique, new district with a cushiony track, path for cycling, and bridges that give unique views of the canal and city.
🍽️ There is a medley of restaurants and cafes with unique menus like MADO (Turkish) and OIA (Lebanese/European), that offer live music and haute cuisine. The Bridge is a hub for wellness activities, health foods and juices, mindfulness and relaxation that allow you to navigate seamlessly from floor to floor to see high tech fitness equipment, yoga and pilates studios, saunas and more!
🎢 The recently opened Adrenark is a thrill seeking adventure park for kids and adults alike, and coupled with the gaming studio Pixoul, these offer great thrills for all ages.
🐠 With an open movie theater and one of the largest aquariums in the world, this is a great area to explore for couples, singles, and families. Make sure to stop by for a delicious meal and stroll along the waterfront!
🔥 Hot Tip: If you enjoy being by the water, make sure to visit the Mamsha Waterfront & Soul Beach. In Saadiyat, you can enjoy live music on the boardwalk, relax on the beach, and dine with an ocean view!
8. Al Seef Village: Abu Dhabi Hidden Gem Mall
Go if you like: Shopping and dining, photo spots, specialty cafes
Al Seef Mall is a small, older mall in Abu Dhabi that makes for a quieter shopping experience, but the real magic can be found within. Tucked away behind Al Seef Mall is a hidden gem filled with restaurants, cafes, galleries, salons and wellness centers.
🍽️ Restaurants like Nolus and Sanderson’s offer vegan and vegetarian friendly meals while the cafes like Boomah Cafe offer premium coffee and visits with Owls (seriously - it’s a hoot!).
Along with fresh, healthy made meals and delicious cafe treats, you can enjoy a scenic walk through the umbrella alley and beautiful walls make for great photo backdrops. In the center of this hidden haven you can find a playground and wellness centers, great for families or singles alike!
🔥 Hot Tip: For a more high fashion shopping experience, stop by malls like Galleria Mall or Yas Mall for fine dining and designer labels.
9. Emirates Palace: Restaurant Heaven
Go if you like: Culture & Heritage, luxury hotel, fine dining
🏰 Emirates Palace is a stunning architectural piece of Abu Dhabi’s downtown, and it is host to delicious fine dining restaurants, a beautiful hotel tour, and 24k Gold covered coffees! The Emirates Palace is free to access, or you can take a guided tour to learn more behind the design choices and architecture.
🍽️ Fine dining options offer you a true international experience with restaurants like: Vendôme, Lebanese Terrace, Episodes, and Michelin star restaurant Hakkasan. This is a beautiful stop on your adventure downtown, and has many offers for tours, pool access, and more! Be mindful to dress semi formal, as there is an underlying dress code to enter the hotel.
👑 🍦 And if you want the 24k gold experience without the major price tag, try ordering the 24k gold ice cream cone instead of the latte!
The presidential palace is a hidden gem of Abu Dhabi at sunset. Photo: Remiah Travels, all rights reserved.
🔥 Hot Tip: Continue the fun by going to the Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace), pictured above. The best time to go is in the evening just before sunset to enjoy a tour of the palace and library before settling on the seats outside for an incredible light show projected across the palace!
Tickets cost $17 USD for the tour and you can always find deals on Cobone, Headout, or Entertainer!
10. Abrahamic Family House: Abu Dhabi Hidden Gem Cultural Hub
Go if you like: Architecture, religion, international summits, a less touristy location.
Located in the Saadiyat area, the art district of Abu Dhabi, the Abrahamic Family House is the latest architectural and cultural wonder included to promote inclusion, diversity, and knowledge building. The Abrahamic Family House is modernized architecture and a meeting point of cultures that was completed and opened in 2023.
This lesser known spot is a beautiful cultural hub that is host to many family friendly events and is open to visitors for prayer. Make sure to book your visit in advance and consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the practices of various faiths and the purpose for this reflective and connective space!
🚗 Getting there: Cars or taxis can get you to the location which includes free parking. Alternatively, public transportation can get you to the Abrahamic Family House by bus route 94, dropping you at visitor Gate B.
🔥 Hot Tip: No trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without a stop at the Sheikh Zayed Grande Mosque (see below). Make sure to wear loose fitting, modest clothing when visiting, and enjoy the fantastic view!
Don’t leave without seeing the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Photo by Remiah Travels, all rights reserved.
Practical tips for visiting the Abu Dhabi & the UAE
🛂 Visa: Currently, US Citizens can obtain a no fee visitors visa for trips 30 days or less (and may request an extension to extend their stay beyond that!), and Canadian citizens can obtain a Visa on Arrival for free. British passport holders are granted a free of charge visitor/tourist visa upon arrival in the UAE.
🚗 Getting around:
🚌 City transportation: Public transportation is limited but accessible within the city. To use the bus, you will need a HAFILAT card which can be purchased and recharged at the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station or throughout the downtown area at any Hafilat Card Terminal. If you want to take a bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai (for only 25 Dhs, equivalent to roughly 7USD, you will need a NOL card to pay for the bus).
🚌 Bus Tours: You can enjoy an Abu Dhabi Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour to major sites and attractions!
Eco Transport: You can rent Careem scooters around the city or EBikes for a fee.
🚗 You can also cover longer distances with rental cars, Uber/Careem or Abu Dhabi Taxi app, private cars or taxis.
About Remiah Travels
Remiah first moved to the UAE after graduating a year early with her Bachelor of Education, and immediately pursued a career in international teaching.
✈️ Having previously lived in Canada, Ukraine, and currently the UAE for four years, Remiah has traveled to 40 countries and is an advocate of Black travel and sharer of solo travels, group tours, and girls trips to underrated destinations and budget friendly spots.
From the editor — Remiah is also one of the most positive people I’ve ever interacted with!
Hi! We’re Sasha & Megnote
We’ve traveled to 50 countries on 5 continents & have been full-time travelers for the past 2 years with our now 5-year-old son. He now teaches us how to skateboard…
We got engaged in Bolivia, started a nonprofit in Uganda, & love outdoor adventures (& a good pisco sour).
We’re writing the book Travel More, Spend Less to help people get to full-time travel.
We’re passionate about finding hidden travel gems & off the beaten path destinations, and we want to share our tips with you. Come explore with us!