How to turn an Abu Dhabi layover into a mini-vacation?

In the event you happen to have time to kill before catching your next flight out of the UAE’s capital of Abu Dhabi, then penned down below is a list of activities and attractions that would warrant your attention and further action. Make the most of your layover by adding another layer of excitement to your travels you will not regret at all.

Feel the need for speed at Ferrari World

Boasting a wide array of thrills and spills including the world’s highest loop ride to date and the tallest spaceframe structure ever to be constructed, Ferrari World is your doorway to all things concentrated on leisure, speed and a rich legacy of arguably, the most iconic car manufacturer on the planet. This Ferrari-branded theme park located on Yas Island offers you the license to check out as many as 40 action-packed attractions that will easily make you forget that you haver a flight to catch. Embrace an adrenaline rush like no other with the Flying Aces ride which is the highest rollercoaster loop in the world before you put on your bravest face for the world’s fastest rollercoaster – the Formula Rossa that will see you reaching speeds of 240 km/h. For a more toned-down outing, why not give Bell’Italia a go? With this ride, visitors can hop into a Ferrari 250 California and begin exploring a miniature version of Italy. During this experience, landmarks in the calibre of Maranello which is the home of Ferrari and the Monza Circuit labelled ‘The Temple of Speed’ and where the Italian Grand Prix is held will fall into view.  

Shop till you drop at Yas Mall

Situated on Yas Island is the largest shopping mall in the emirate and the 2nd largest in the entirety of the UAE which is referred to as Yas Mall. Spread out across 3 levels and showcasing well over 370 stores that sell an appealing mix of international products and labels, this stunning shopping centre can be easily treated as a lifestyle zone that caters to the whims of not just adults but also kids. Equipped with this thought and if travelling with the little ones, then be sure to have them spend time at KidZania located on the mall’s ground floor where they could try their hand at a number of activities which aim to make learning a fun-filled outing. However, if you do feel hungry, Yas Mall features around 60 restaurants and cafes with indoor and outdoor seating areas from where celebrated cuisine from nearly corners of the globe can be enjoyed.

Learn of the region’s former glory within the four walls of Al Jahili Fort

Constructed under the orders of Zayed the First in the 1890s as a means of housing the members of the ruling Al Nahyan family, Al Jahili Fort has transformed from a majestic structure into a centre of learning & culture. Patrons to Al Jahili Fort will be captivated by the attraction’s permanent exhibition which is devoted to the life and work of explorer, writer and photographer Sir Wilfred Thesiger; credited with having navigated the gruelling terrain of the world’s biggest sand desert – the Empty Quarter on two separate occasions.

Remain in awe of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The work of skilled builders from around the world, the mesmeric site of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque cannot be missed out on when attempting to cover the very essence of Abu Dhabi on a layover. Comprising a gamut of architectural elements such as gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, marble mosaic artwork and columns which have been embedded with jasper and amethyst, this place of worship is indeed a sight for sore eyes.

Go camel trekking

The prospect of embarking on scenic desert adventures such as those provided at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara can be toyed with for you will be treated to a slew of sights and sounds that are a far cry from the flashy malls and contemporary design features that adorn a better part of Abu Dhabi. For example, you can board the ‘Ship of the Desert’ and look forward to combing through the arid landscapes that make up the Empty Quarter, either during sunrise or sunset. Encounter towering dunes and witness a side to Abu Dhabi few would dare venture out to.