Wheelchair and Disabled-Friendly Attractions in Abu Dhabi

When it comes to somewhere new, we can appreciate the planning that must be had when you or a family member have a disability. Especially when you’re in a new country living as an expat, the last thing you want is to be stranded somewhere, or turned away from a place you wanted to visit.

Alternatively, you may have a friend or family member visiting you that require wheelchair access when out and about, and the pressure is on you to impress!

So to help set you off in the right direction, we’ve researched information about some of the most popular tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi, with details about how they’re accessible.

Emirates Park Zoo
The zoo is wheelchair friendly and accessible for both children and adults with disabilities, and offers several animal interactions and experiences that you can enjoy. To get into the zoo, children from 2 – 5 years old pay AED 20 and adults pay AED 30. Kids under 2 years are free. Wheelchairs are available to hire, but are given out on a first come, first served basis. There’s no indicated discounted price for special needs on their website, but we’re sure if you ring the park up before your visit you’ll be able to clarify.
Tel: +971 2 5010 000
Web: www.emiratesparkzooandresort.com

Al Ain Zoo
Another zoo and park that is wheelchair friendly with disabled access is Al Ain Zoo. Although a little further out of Abu Dhabi than you’d expect, a visit here is great fun and makes for a good road trip over the weekend. The zoo provides free admission for people with disabilities and one escort, with a wheelchair provided. Those visiting will also receive a free cart around the zoo itself, as well as access to disabled parking that is close to the zoo entrance and facilities.
Tel: 800 966
Web: www.alainzoo.ae

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Yas Mall
Located on the iconic Yas Island, this place is home to 2.5 million sq. ft. of retail and entertainment for visitors to enjoy. The mall’s information desk and services provide wheelchairs free of charge for visitors who require one when here. There are frequent events in and around the mall also, that you can join in with and enjoy!
Tel: +971 2 4146 401
Web: www.yasmall.ae
 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visitors and residents in Abu Dhabi must always make time to visit the iconic and awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This astounding structure is beautiful, and fortunately for us, is open to the public. Appropriate dress in line with the country’s law is a must, and there are tours on offer in both English and Arabic. Wheelchairs are free to hire on site, and a Club Car shuttle service is free to use for individuals with special needs. If you’re in need of assistance, simply ask ground staff when visiting. The mosque is open daily from 9am – 10pm, and is open from 4.30pm – 10pm on Fridays.
Tel: +971 2 4191 919
Web: www.szgmc.ae

Ferrari World
While granted, some of the fast-paced rollercoasters and rides aren’t suitable for some individuals with disabilities, a trip to the indoor theme park provides a fantastic day out for the entire family. With dining, entertainment and retail facilities inside, as well as the rides, there’s plenty on offer to suit all ages. Rides like Bell’Italia and Made in Maranello are suitable for children with special needs, as parents and carers are able to sit beside them. Our advice would be to ring up in advance for customer service and find out the requirements of each ride that interests you, your child or dependent.
Tel: +971 (0)2 496 8000
Web: www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Abu Dhabi Corniche
A leisurely stroll around the Abu Dhabi Corniche is a must-try experience for visitor and resident alike. The seaside boardwalk stretches over 4 miles long, and is dotted with benches, gardens and amazing views of the Arabian Gulf. When the weather is cooler, it’s a great spot for an evening stroll, and several of Abu Dhabi’s attractions are easily accessible from the walk, including the UAE Heritage Village.

 

Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
Run by the Emirates Heritage Club, the Heritage Village is a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village, which provides visitors with an interesting glimpse into the emirate’s past. Tourists and expats alike can enjoy and learn about traditional aspects of the desert life, including campfire, coffee, a goats’ hair tent, a falaj irrigation system, which are all housed by an open museum. Workshops are also on offer for visitors to learn a new skill, or two. The facilities are wheelchair friendly, and the interactive workshops are great for individuals with special needs to engage with.
Tel: 04-393 7151
Web: Facebook Page

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Perhaps one of the most unique experiences on offer in Abu Dhabi is a trip to the emirate’s falcon hospital. As we all know, the falcon is the national bird of the UAE. While the facility provides veterinary care for falcons in the UAE and from GCC countries, visitors are able to engage in a unique tour to learn more about the practices at the hospital. You’ll learn the history of the magnificent birds, and will come closer to falcons than you’d expect. The facility is wheelchair friendly, however there is one section with a small ledge.
Tel: +971 2 5755155
Web: www.falconhospital.com

SEE ALSO: A guide to living as an expat in Abu Dhabi

Observation Deck at 300
If you want to treat yourselves to 360 degree views of Abu Dhabi, we recommend a visit to the Observation Deck in the Etihad Towers on level 74. With lifts to and from the ground floor, the venue is perfectly accessible for wheelchair users. The entrance fee is only AED 75, with AED 50 credit included to spend during your visit.
Tel: +971 2 811 5666
Web: www.jumeirah.com