6 Unique Experiences You Can Only Have In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the exciting and vibrant capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Buzzing with activity, the city prides itself on offering exclusive experiences to travellers. With a wide variety of opportunities to cater to a range of interests, here are our top picks of Abu Dhabi’s unique adventures.

Step into 1970s UAE

A trip to Abu Dhabi would not be complete without a trip to Heritage Village. Set against the backdrop of an oasis surrounded by palm trees and tents, travellers can immerse themselves in life in the emirate prior to the discovery of oil. From campfires with local coffee to artisans presenting traditional crafts such as pottery, this free attraction involves the reconstruction of scenes native to the Bedouins. Visitors can also meander through the souq and purchase handmade items such as soaps, jewellery, clothes and spices, while Bedouin women offer henna tattoos.

The dichotomy between the high-rise sky scrapers around the village and the goat hair tents within its walls demonstrates the whirlwind journey undertaken by the UAE in less than fifty years. Photos showcasing this development are also presented alongside artefacts of the old UAE, allowing a cultural look into the fast-developing nation.

Get a glimpse into the life of Emirati Bedouins prior to the discovery of oil

The highest peak in Abu Dhabi, Jebel Hafeet is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most fascinating historical exhibits in the UAE. A hub of archaeological findings, the site has seen over 500 tombs discovered and excavated, revealing exciting clues about the lives of inhabitants between 3200 and 2700 BC. Skeletons, pearls, bronze works and ceramic objects are just some of the incredible remnants of past civilisations.

Journeying up Jebel Hafeet involves a scenic drive with stunning views of the landscape and parking bays to allow you to stop and take pictures. There are also hot springs, pools and Jacuzzis along the way to refresh and cool down. A café and the Mercure Grand Hotel at the peak offer opportunities to refresh and have a meal.

Drive through one of UAE’s most fascinating archaeological landmarks

Check out the world’s largest truck

The Emirates National Auto Museum exhibits the private car collection of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nayhan, also known as ‘The Rainbow Sheikh.’ With over 200 cars, including a collection of rainbow-coloured Mercedes S Class, hence his moniker, and the world’s largest truck, the museum is a hit with car enthusiasts and families alike. Housing a great mix of classic cars, rare vehicles, military tanks and international automobiles such as New York yellow cabs, the museum is definitely worth a visit on your trip to Abu Dhabi.

See the world’s largest truck at the Emirates National Auto Museum

Witness one of the deadliest birds of prey

Falcons are the focal point of the UAE’s emblem, demonstrating their fundamental role in Emirati history. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the world’s first institution geared towards the care and welfare of falcons, offers the ‘Falcon World Tour.’ Increasing awareness and education about falcons, the tour highlights the role played by the birds throughout history, from aiding Bedouin hunters in the past to representing the nation in contemporary times. Visitors can explore a museum which explains the art of falconry and exhibits key tools used in the craft. Top off your visit by watching falcons flying free, and benefit from a unique photo opportunity with a falcon on your arm.

See these stunning creatures in action at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster

We obviously have to mention the Formula Rossa which, with a top speed of 240km/h (149 miles/h), cinches the title of the world’s fastest rollercoaster. The ride is designed to simulate the experiences of Formula One drivers and the delighted screams of visitors certainly reverberate like the sounds of a Grand Prix. As an integral part of the Formula One racing experiences offered in Abu Dhabi, the ride invites you to brave speeds faster than those of a race car. Visitors should not leave the capital without checking this off their bucket list.

Will you brave the legendary Formula Rossa at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi?

Be a Formula One driver for the day

This unique experience at the Yas Marina Circuit offers the opportunity to get behind the wheel and test out the famous race track. Suited in official racing overalls with exclusive access to drivers’ backstage areas, you can enjoy an immersive glimpse into the lives of Formula One Drivers. With options such as the Aston Martin GT4 and the Ferrari 458 GT, racing enthusiasts are truly spoilt for choice.

The experience also promises to be a learning opportunity with instructors offering feedback to improve your technique. The best part? On-board cameras capture your drifts and turns, and you can take a souvenir video home with you.

Be a Formula One Driver thanks to Yas Marina Circuit Experiences

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.