Abu Dhabi

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AB

Original Poster:

17,555 posts

204 months

Have to go out there for a couple of work things.

Taking wife and kids with me (3&5yr olds). I'm assuming it's clean and safe enough for them to find stuff to do on their own, and also with me.

Ferrari World is a must, but what are the other things I should make sure we don't miss?

Any other advice?

We're there 10 days.

GiantEnemyCrab

7,748 posts

212 months

The roof in the Louvre is quite good. Most of the art is pretentious ste however. There was one piece that has 15-20 bottoms of pans on the wall, apparently it reflected African strife and being downtrodden. Hardly the Sistine Chapel.

And it was fking hot. Like really fking hot.

Scrump

23,070 posts

167 months

The grand mosque is well worth a visit. Try and get there late afternoon so so you enter in daylight and then see it lit up after dark as you leave.

Graveworm

8,633 posts

80 months

Was there a couple of weeks back no issues getting around. Uber is the best bet and for Abu Dhabi is pretty reasonable. If going to the Louvre then the Roof bar is a great sunset spot, if a bit bougie but most of it is.
As above Mosque is good; the free Heritage tour is worthwhile as you get to go inside the Mosque proper.
Mandarin Oriental is only 8 star hotel in the world - it's what happens if not only is money no object but you are trying to find lunatic ways to spend it.

The G Kid

945 posts

132 months

The waterpark on Yas is great.

wattsm666

708 posts

274 months

If the kids can cycle get to the F1 circuit and cycle round it in the evening.

howardmarks

59 posts

213 months

Jeep safari over the dunes is good fun and paddling around the mangroves for something more relaxed

Spare tyre

10,634 posts

139 months

I’ve sadly worked there

Bit grim. Soft play at malls and waterpark

Watch skin in sun

I suspect anything involving kids will be decent, thanks to the legalised slavery, ie cheap labour

Edited by Spare tyre on Sunday 26th January 18:54

parabolica

6,832 posts

193 months

Was there for the first time to go to the F1; our tickets included complimentary access to Sea World which is a stones throw from Ferrari world - was truly amazing and would highly recommend. They really went full commitment on the theme of the aquarium.

UK_Scat_Pack

190 posts

165 months

Abu Dhabi is a horrible place. Not nearly as nice as Dubai, but that’s a hateful place.
If you really must go, stay around the Yas Marina, go to Gerrari works and the Grand Mosque, as someone has already suggested

shirt

23,731 posts

210 months

AB said:
Have to go out there for a couple of work things.

Taking wife and kids with me (3&5yr olds). I'm assuming it's clean and safe enough for them to find stuff to do on their own, and also with me.

Ferrari World is a must, but what are the other things I should make sure we don't miss?

Any other advice?

We're there 10 days.
100% safe, don’t worry about that aspect.

Emirates national motor museum is about an hour south. The one Clarkson visited on his motorworld Series. Nothing
much has changed since. Old and faded yet enjoyable look at a bit of ye olde worlde sheikhe lifestyle.

Grand mosque is best done with a guided tour. They are free but set times in the morning. It’s an impressive building and you see more of it with the tour.

If not based on yas and you go there for the day, then prep to stay in the evening. Some decent f&b and atmosphere around yas bay.

Al ain zoo for the kids with a drive up jebel hafeet.

Kayaking in the mangroves if the kids are up to it.

If you have 2-3 days free and can make it work around your schedule, then check into sir bani yas island. Private villa type accom on a private island with wildlife reserve. Can be mega cheap last minute, feels like a world away from the rest of the emirates.




AB

Original Poster:

17,555 posts

204 months

Thanks guys, lots of things to look at, looking forward to it!

Chamon_Lee

3,926 posts

156 months

UK_Scat_Pack said:
Abu Dhabi is a horrible place. Not nearly as nice as Dubai, but that’s a hateful place.
If you really must go, stay around the Yas Marina, go to Gerrari works and the Grand Mosque, as someone has already suggested
Really shocked to see this. Having visited 5 times now I honestly can’t stand Dubai. Abu Dhabi is where I feel so much calm and enjoyment.

Kuwahara

1,123 posts

27 months

Agreed the Zoo is incredible for the kids , feeding the giraffes and elephants up close was magical.

Steve Campbell

2,206 posts

177 months

Sea World and the water park on Yas with kids that age. That's 2 days sorted. Ferrari world will be boring for them. I haven't done it but there is also Warner Brothers World...they might just be a bit young for that though.

s1962a

5,948 posts

171 months

Warner Bros world has small kids rides and well worth doing to get out of the heat. You might enjoy it a bit more than the kids though if you're into the Batman/Superman movies.