Abu Dhabi in 96 Hours | ExpatWoman.com
 

Abu Dhabi in 96 Hours

Here's our EW guide to making the most out of Abu Dhabi in just four days!

Posted on

23 November 2015

Last updated on 28 May 2017
Abu Dhabi in 96 Hours

Known to many, Abu Dhabi is a gateway to the world. Everyday, thousands of passengers flock to the Abu Dhabi International Airport for their connecting flights. While some stopovers can take only a few hours before passengers can continue their journey, some passengers opt to stay a few days more to take advantage of what the capital of United Arab Emirates has to offer. There is a 96-hour transit visa available for those who wish to stay for four days as long as they meet the requirement for application. 
 

Here is our guide to Abu Dhabi in four days:


 

Day One: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace and Dinner at a Popular Lebanese Restaurant.

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No trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without visiting the iconic landmark that is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. To say that it is majestic is an understatement with its sprawling and manicured lawns, intricate details in its architecture within and outside, as well as its cultural and historical significance. The Grand Mosque was conceived by the most beloved “Father of the UAE” and late President Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan. It is his also his final resting place. The mosque can accommodate 41,000 worshippers and is one of the few mosques that is open to the public. Opening hours for tourists vary, 9am-10pm Saturdays to Thursdays and 4:30-11pm on Fridays. 
 
After exploring the Grand Mosque, you can head over to the Emirates Palace located at the end of the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The palatial hotel is managed by Kempinski and boasts of 140 domes and a private beach. If Dubai has a Burj Al Arab, Abu Dhabi has Emirates Palace. The entire structure costs AED 11 billion, with 1002 crystal chandeliers and 400 luxury rooms worthy of a prince and princess. It has an in-house grand theatre located at the lower ground floor that have hosted many world-class productions such as the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, original theatre production of Beauty and the Beast, opera shows and more. The hotel is open to the public and can be explored by anyone who wishes to experience the grandeur. It has been one of the most visited cultural structures in the capital.  When you are in the vicinity, make sure to experience the cappuccino with authentic gold flakes that comes with a plate of sweets like dates, camel milk chocolate or macarons. High tea is also popular in the foyer (AED 225) and don’t miss the gold ATM that dispenses gold bars and other gold trinkets!

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After half a day of exploring two of Abu Dhabi’s popular landmarks, grab a meal at the ever-famous Lebanese Flower Restaurant and make sure to sink your teeth into authentic Lebanese shawarmas, mixed grills with a side of fresh fattoush and other side dishes. Wash the meal down with fresh fruit juices to cap off the experience! 

 

Day Two: Desert Safari Tour

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Embark on a memorable dune-bashing tour and experience Abu Dhabi’s sprawling desert and sunset. Tours include a traditional dinner at a desert camp while enjoying traditional belly dancing entertainment as well as other attractions. Enjoy henna painting for the ladies, bring home a bottle of sand art from the many stalls around the camp, and get a chance to ride a camel. Don't forget to don traditional outfits for a photograph souvenir too! You can also experience shisha, an Arabic water pipe, while enjoying the rest of the features of desert camp during the stay. 
 
Most desert safari tours are usually an all-in package deal that include pick up and drop off services, traditional Arabic buffet dinner, Henna tattoo, camel rides, optional sandboarding and belly dancing performance (not available during the Holy Month of Ramadan).
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Another one of Abu Dhabi’s many famous attractions is Ferrari World located in Yas Island. It is a massive playground for children and adults alike who may or may not be Ferrari fans. It doesn’t matter because there is plenty of fun and attractions to go around! While you are in the amusement park, make sure to learn about the history of Ferrari and don’t miss the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster! However, if you are afraid of speed and spinning things, fret not! There’s a smaller version of a rollercoaster for you that is less terrifying but at least you get to try one of Ferrari’s famous rollercoasters. 
 
In the afternoon or early evening, you can drop by the Yas Marina Circuit next door and experience the race track where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix happens every November. You can experience the track from behind-the-scenes and tour the vicinity arranged by Yas Central. If you want to drive on the track, you can also experience that at Yas Marina Circuit!

 

Day Four: Carpet Souq, Dhow Harbor Tour

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On your last day, if you have time and if you are lucky enough to have an evening or late night flight, you can drop by the Carpet Souq and experience old Abu Dhabi. Located in Al Mina area, there are stalls of carpet merchants sprawled in a complex where people go to buy carpet, small prayer rugs as well as cushions and settees designed with traditional Bedouin designs. All of these are authentically from the Middle Eastern region. If you fancy any of the merchandises, make sure to haggle for a good price! Lastly, head over to the Corniche for the Dhow Harbor Tour. If you have no more time to take a tour on a Dhow itself, take photos or admire these traditional wooden boats to cap off your four days in Abu Dhabi.
 
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Abu Dhabi has so much to offer its tourists but if you spend all the 96-hours well enough by making sure to check off the main attractions on your list, you’ve already accomplished a lot in Abu Dhabi in just four days! The secret to making the most out of a short stay is to carefully plan and book things before your trip. Prepare an itinerary and make sure to stick to it. We promise you, Abu Dhabi is worth it!

Written by EW Gail Mallo