Top 15 Things to do over the long weekend in Abu Dhabi

A lot of people are looking at the best things to do over the long weekend in Abu Dhabi since Eid Al Fitr 2019 is just two weeks away. Offering family-friendly activities, adventurous pursuits, couples’ activities, artistic gatherings, cultural attractions and Eid events, Abu Dhabi is a great place to be during Eid. MyBayut has put together a comprehensive list of things to do over the long weekend in Abu Dhabi to make your holidays fun.

Things to do over the long weekend in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is one of the most popular places to visit in the Middle East, with a slew of entertaining sporting events and exciting recreational spots. Although it may not be as busy as Dubai, the capital city has no shortage of entertainment venues for people to explore over long weekends and holidays. Since Eid Al Fitr 2019 holidays are around the corner, people are planning ahead and looking at all the things to do over Eid weekend in Abu Dhabi. This post will help streamline your planning as it contains several interest-based activities you could choose from. So whether you are a history buff or love thrill-seeking adventures or just looking to hang out with your friends and family, this article has you covered. You won’t fall short of ideas on how to spend a long weekend in Abu Dhabi.

Family-friendly Activities for Long Weekends in Abu Dhabi

A healthy routine involves planning regular family time every now and then. From visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to spending a fun day at the Marina Eye, there are many family activities in Abu Dhabi to choose from for long weekends.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. It was built under the directives of the late UAE President H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The mosque incorporates architectural styles of multiple Muslim eras. Its heritage draws from many Islamic countries including Egypt, Pakistan, Morocco and Turkey. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has an open door policy, which means anyone can visit to witness the beautiful interiors of this mosque including reflective pools, a gorgeous chandelier and more. You can make a trip to this mosque with friends and family as part of your long weekend plans in Abu Dhabi. Entrance is free. They also provide guided mosque tours to visitors led by well-trained tour guides.

• Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street
• Timings: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm Saturday to Thursday, 04:30 pm to 10:00 pm every Friday (Remember, during Ramadan, the opening times change to 09:00 am to 03.00 pm Saturday to Thursday. The mosque is completely closed to tourists and visitors on Fridays)
• Contact: +971-2-419-1919

Marina Eye

Alternatively, you can also visit the Ferris Wheel at the Corniche Breakwater in Abu Dhabi, known as Marina Eye. This waterfront observation wheel in the capital offers unparalleled views of the Abu Dhabi skyline through its 42 enclosed capsules. This family-friendly attraction in Abu Dhabi is located close to the Marina Mall.

Some VIP capsules on Marina Eye offer a more luxurious experience. You can book a Marina Eye ticket for AED 50 for adults and for AED 30 per child under 12 years. This is a good option for those planning the things to do in Abu Dhabi with the family.

• Location: Near Marina Mall
• Timings: Saturday to Wednesday 10:00 am to 11:00 pm and 10:00 am to 01:00 am on Thursday and Friday
• Contact: +971-2-681-8300

Umm Al Emarat Park

Located between Karamah Street and Airport Road is the Umm Al Emarat Park. It was originally known as Mushrif Park when being constructed in 1982 for women and children. After going widespread renovation it was renamed upon being reopened.

Umm Al Emarat Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in the city housing a number of attractions. It has an Evening Garden, a Children’s Garden, Botanical Garden, Great Lawn, Amphitheatre, Animal Barn and a Shade House. More than 200 trees in the park have been saved and placed at various spots across the renovated park. You can add a trip to this park to your list of long weekend activities in Abu Dhabi.

• Location: 15th Street, Mushrif Area
• Timings: 08:00 am to 12:00 am daily, they don’t allow entries past 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-2-666-9559

Adventure-Based Things to do in Abu Dhabi on a long weekend

Some people need that adrenaline rush every now and then. If you are one of those, you might want to check out these thrilling activities in Abu Dhabi and take your pick for an unforgettable weekend.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Excitement awaits you at the first Ferrari-branded indoor theme park in the UAE known as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi! It has an exciting mix of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages including the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa.

General Entry ticket is AED 295 per adult and AED 230 for children (everyone under 1.3 metres of height). Check out MyBayut’s detailed review of Ferrari World for more information on Ferrari World ticket prices, rides, attractions, shopping and dining.

• Location: Yas Island
• Timings: Every day from 11:00 am to 08:00 pm (During Ramadan 11:00 am till 10:00 pm Thursday to Saturday and 11:00 am to 06:00 pm from Sunday to Wednesday)
• Contact: +971-600-51-1115

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi

If you are a preparing a list of things to do for long weekend getaways in Abu Dhabi, you can also add a trip to Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. This fully air-conditioned indoor theme park offers 29 exciting rides, interactive family-friendly attractions and unique live entertainment.

The park has been divided into six themed worlds: Warner Bros. Plaza, a tribute to the best cartoons and movies by Warner Bros, Bedrock, a remake of the stone age featuring The Flintstones, Dynamite Gulch, a world having all the high-speed and futuristic characters such as The Jetsons and Road Runner, Cartoon Junction, featuring Tom & Jerry and Daffy Duck, Gotham City and Metropolis housing popular DC superheroes including Wonder Woman and Superman.

In these sub-worlds, you will find all the legendary characters featured in the Warner Bros films and video games such as Fred Flintstone, Scooby Doo, Bugs Bunny, Batman and many more. So book some time to try fun things to do in Abu Dhabi with your friends and family for the long weekend. The general entry ticket is priced at AED 295 for adults and AED 230 per child.

• Location: Yas Island
• Timings: Every day 10:00 am to 08:00 pm. Rides open from 11:00 am (During Ramadan 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Thursday and Friday, 10:00 am to 06:00 pm from Saturday to Wednesday)
• Contact: +971-600-51-1115

Yas Waterworld

You can get your adrenaline fix at the top rides in Yas Waterworld including the thrilling waterslides Jebel Drop and Liwa Loop that has a massive drop! The waterpark also has family-friendly rides where small children can also enjoy. General Entry ticket for adults is AED 250 per head and for children it is AED 230.

• Location: Yas Island
• Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm on weekdays and till 06:00 pm on weekends (During Ramadan 10:00 am to 06:00 pm daily)
• Contact: +971-600-51-1115

Best things to do over the long weekend in Abu Dhabi for couples

Plan a much-needed getaway with your better half by choosing from the following long weekend destinations in Abu Dhabi.

Observation Deck at 300

Visit the highest vantage point in the emirate on the 74th floor of Etihad Tower 2. At Observation Deck 300 you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the skyline, Arabian Gulf and Corniche. They also serve high tea at their café. Soak in the panoramic views of the city upon your visit. Entrance fee is AED 95. High tea is an additional AED 250 per head.

• Location: Etihad Tower 2, Level 74, Jumeirah Hotel, West Corniche
• Timings: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm every day
• Contact: +971-2-811-5666

Watch a Movie together

What’s better than planning a movie date? Head to Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall or any other cinema in the emirate. If you are into sci-fi, Avengers: Endgame is being aired these days. We’d recommend looking up updated show timings since the long weekend is still two weeks away.

Artistic Activities in Abu Dhabi 

To plan one of the best long weekend getaways in Abu Dhabi, don’t forget to include some creative activities in your list! This could include a visit to the artsy locations in the capital.

Art Central

Art Central is an art supply store located in Reem Island. This place also offers art classes to children, in addition to being a store. It offers sculpture, silk painting, photography, portrait painting, drawing and decoupage workshops. While you’re there, you could also pick up some supplies as they stock a good variety.

• Location: Ground Floor, Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm every day
• Contact: +971-56-201-7970

Art Beat

Located in Al Mushrif, Art Beat provides classes to both children and adults. Workshops are held on decoupage, T-shirt painting, clay modelling, fabric painting and acrylic painting, etc. These are great things to do over the long weekend in Abu Dhabi, especially for parents with young children. Prices of workshops vary from AED 120 to AED 500, depending on the chosen course.

• Location: Al Dar Trading Building, Muroor road and 13th Street, Mezzanine floor, M2
• Timings: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm on weekdays, and 11:00 am to 05:00 pm on Saturday; Fridays off
• Contact: +971-2-444-5135

Abu Dhabi Pottery

If you are into sculpture and ceramic-making, visit Abu Dhabi Pottery. This pottery shop and art gallery offers pottery classes, adults’ weekly classes, children’s weekly classes and workshops.

• Location: Dabbas Street (16th Street) Building No. 29 Opposite Khalidiya Garden
• Timings: 10:00 am to 09:00 pm Saturday to Thursday, class timings depend on the chosen session, closed on Fridays
• Contact: +971-2-666-7079

Culture and Heritage

The capital city of the UAE is known for its rich Islamic culture. Its heritage draws from the hospitable and tolerant values of the religion, which when combined with the modern international influences gives a unique new blend unlike any other. You can add visits to a couple of cultural spots in the city when planning a long weekend trip in Abu Dhabi.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

If you are wondering how to spend the long weekend in Abu Dhabi, visit this iconic museum in Abu Dhabi that also has a café and offers kayaking in its surrounding waters! It displays works having sociological, cultural and historical significance, making it a dream for art lovers. Famous award-winning architect Jean Nouvel has designed this museum. The admission ticket costs AED 60 per head and children under 13 can enter for free. The museum has 8 exciting Instagrammable exhibits you must check out for sure.

• Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
• Timings: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 10:00 am till 10:00 pm on Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays
• Contact: +971-600-565566

The Founder’s Memorial

When planning your long weekend Abu Dhabi 2019 list, you must include a trip to the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi in your list of ‘things to do’. It has a 3D portrait of H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the centrepiece designed by artist Ralph Helmick. Entry is free!

• Location: Intersection of Abu Dhabi Corniche and 18th Street
• Timings: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm every day
• Contact: +971-2-410-0100

Eid Al Fitr 2019 Events in Abu Dhabi

If you are already planning things to do over the long weekend in Abu Dhabi, don’t forget to add these Eid Al Fitr 2019 events in Abu Dhabi to your checklist.

Ramadan & Eid Festival 2019

This festival is being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). It will showcase festive songs and dances, games and toys, Arabic food, gift items, and other family-friendly goods to pique your interest. 

• Location: Hall 8 and 9 of ADNEC
• Timings: 09:00 am on Tuesday, May 7 to 11:00 pm on Wednesday, June 5
• Contact: +971-2-676-6700

Yas Gaming Festival

Even gamers can enjoy the Eid festivities as they plan things to do in Abu Dhabi this long weekend. Yas Gaming Festival is being held in Yas Mall, where a best cosplay costume competition will also be held on June 14. You will have your dose of entertainment at this event for sure.

• Location: Town Square, Yas Mall
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Contact: +971-2-414-6401 (Yas Mall)

We hope our list of things to do over the long weekend in Abu Dhabi gives you ample opportunities to explore this stunning capital city. You can also check out these things to do over the long weekend in Dubai. Stay tuned to the best property & lifestyle blog in the UAE for similar posts.