Discover Abu Dhabi’s Free Attractions

Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer in terms of places to visit in Abu Dhabi for free. With an array of landmarks and museums, the capital of the Emirate is a great place to experience the best that this beautiful Emirate has to offer. Here are 10 places to visit in Abu Dhabi for free.

Best Places To Visit in Abu Dhabi for Free

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque Abu Dhabi Completed in 2007, this magnificent piece of architecture took 11 years to complete. It was built at the request of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first President of the UAE.

It is one of the largest mosques in the world and one of only two in the UAE open to Non-Muslim tourists. This mosque is not just a religious site. It also serves as an educational and cultural hub and offers a great insight into Abu Dhabi’s religious identity.

You are free to explore this mosque by yourself, but it is recommended to take the free guided tours, which take between 45 minutes and an hour. 

Timings : 

Saturday – Thursday : 9 AM To 10 PM

Friday : 5 PM To 11 PM

• Emirates Palace

The Emirates Palace is the last word in luxury in the world of luxury resorts. This luxury resort has over 100 domes, and its interiors are adorned with gold, crystals, intricate chandeliers, and exotic handmade carpets. The exterior has lush gardens, palm trees, and fountains. You would have to be a guest to gain access to all the amenities.

Non-guests can take a stroll in the gardens, dine in one of the nine restaurants, or get pampered at the Anantara Spa. You also get to experience a traditional hammam (a Turkish bath).

The resort is open to the public 24×7, free of charge unless there is an official delegation being hosted by the resort.

• Al Jahili Fort

The Al Jahili Fort was built in the 1800s using mud bricks, a traditional Arabian architecture form. This tower was constructed to serve as the headquarters of the Oman Trucial Scouts, tasked with preserving peace between the native tribes that once inhabited the area. It is one of the more natural places to visit in Abu Dhabi for free.

Visitors can explore the expansive courtyard, along with the watchtowers and the fort’s battlements. While you are there, do not forget to visit the Thesiger exhibit. It is a small exhibit dedicated to Sir Wilfred Thesiger, a British explorer. He is best known for his journeys across the Rub Al Khalia (The Empty Quarter).

Timings : 

Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday : 9 AM To 5 PM

Friday : 3 PM To 5 PM

• Marina Mall

If you are a shopaholic, the UAE is the place to be. The Marina Mall is among the more popular of the UAE’s high-end mega-malls. The Marina Mall has almost everything you can think of; movie theatres, bowling alleys, ice rinks, arcades, and over 400 stores. How can I forget the assortment of restaurants, cafes, and food courts offering any cuisine you can think of ?

Timings : 

Saturday-Wednesday : 10 AM To 10 PM

Thursday : 10 AM To 11 PM

Friday : 2 PM To 11 PM

• Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum

The Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum is a large complex that was once home to the family of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It was built in 1910 and now has been turned into a museum where visitors can learn about the Father of the Nation’s life.

You are free to explore the palace grounds, the gardens, the meeting rooms, and also the sleeping quarters. If you are in Al Ain, this is a place you must visit. Entry is free, and it will take you approximately an hour to explore the area on your own.

Timings : 

Saturday-Thursday : 8.30 AM To 7.30 PM

Friday : 3 PM To 7.30 PM

• Heritage Village

The Heritage Village takes you back to a time when life in Abu Dhabi was simple. The heritage village is built on a site that was once a fishing village, and you get to explore the various Bedouin tents and wooden huts that demonstrate weaving and metalworking.

You also have a variety of shops where you can pick up the local crafts and spices. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy the authentic flavours of traditional Emirati food. It is one of the best cheap Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi for free.

Timings : 

Saturday-Thursday : 9 AM To 5 PM

Friday : 3.30 PM To 9 PM

• The Corniche

If you want a place to stroll around Abu Dhabi and take in its sights and sounds, this is the place to be. This seaside esplanade is lined with restaurants, shops and some of Abu Dhabi’s most famous hotels and is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi for free with family.

If walking is not your thing, you can also rent bicycles. The main attraction of the Corniche is its easy access to the various beaches. This place is open to the public throughout the day. You have to pay 10 AED to access the beaches and are allowed there between 8 A.M. and 2 A.M.

• Jebel Hafeet 

At a height of 4000 feet, Jebel Hafeet is the tallest mountain in Abu Dhabi and the second tallest in all of the UAE. This mountain has played a significant role in Emirati history and is also home to some fascinating archaeological discoveries.

If you like road trips, you will love this drive as it has been called one of the best driving roads in the world. Once you reach the limestone summit, you will be treated to beautiful views of Al Ain and neighbouring Oman. This is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family.

• Al Ain Oasis

If the desert heat has started getting to you, the Al Ain Oasis can offer you some respite. This sprawling park is home to nearly 150,000 date palm trees. You can also explore the remains of an old mosque and a few fortifications.

This is an excellent place for photography, especially if you want to capture the contrast between the desert and the oasis, and it is the best natural places to visit in Abu Dhabi. While there, you can also witness an ancient irrigation technique known as “falaj”. This technique dates back to 1000 BC. The oasis is open to the public 24×7 and is one of the places to visit in Abu Dhabi at night for free.

• Wahat Al Karama

The Wahat al Karama is a memorial dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed themselves in service of their country.

It is also known as the “Oasis of Dignity” and is located opposite Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It comprises 31 massive tablets that lean on one another, symbolising unity and solidarity. The Memorial plaza is open to the public 24×7 and is one of the places to visit in Abu Dhabi at night for free.

Summing it up

The whole of Abu Dhabi is free, and there is always something to see, no matter where your interests lie. Be sure and check out these top places to visit. All in all, a trip to Abu Dhabi that costs nothing doesn’t seem to be just a dream but a reality. A visit to these places will show you the best of what the city offers and will ensure you enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank.

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