How to spend 10 days in Abu Dhabi with your family

When you enter Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you will understand why it is such a special place. Here, people from all walks of life come together to take in the architecture's beauty and gain a deeper understanding of religion and culture in the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is one of the world's largest and was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the Founding Father of the UAE. He envisaged the creation of a welcoming and cultural haven that inspires people from all backgrounds.

Even the construction was a cultural collaboration. The grand structure was designed and built by skilled teams from all over the world, including 1,300 female artisans who hand-knotted the main prayer hall's carpet - the world's largest.

On your journey through the marbled halls, you'll see one-of-a-kind treasures, including gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the courtyard's vast marble mosaic artwork and reflective pools that mirror some of the many amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns. When you're outside, look up to see the mosque's four stunning minarets that proudly stand at 106 metres.

Qasr Al Watan is a working Presidential palace in Abu Dhabi and a majestic cultural landmark that invites you to discover the rich legacy of knowledge and tradition that has shaped the UAE's journey. More than just a traditional palace, Qasr Al Watan boosts cultural understanding of the nation and emphasises its incredible history. The palace stands as an icon of Abu Dhabi's skyline with a design exquisitely crafted to tribute to its Arabian heritage and artistry. You will feel the grandeur as you enter the grounds. The structure and open halls echo its significance in Emirati culture.

The palace in Abu Dhabi has one of the city's most impressive and unmissable attractions, the family-friendly Palace In Motion event. Be astounded by the spectacular light and sound show that celebrates the UAE's journey in three breathtaking acts that unfold in front of the main palace every 30 minutes after sundown, with the final entry taken 30 minutes before showtime. Timings are subject to change.

Escape the city's hustle and explore a haven for avian and marine species native to Abu Dhabi at the serene Jubail Mangrove Park. Along the sprawling boardwalks that meander through the mangroves, you can catch glimpses of the park's inhabitants like turtles, herons and gazelles. Even though the city of Abu Dhabi is just 30 minutes away, you'll feel like you're in a whole new world. The landscape on Jubail Island is dramatic, especially in the park, where the lush Abu Dhabi mangrove forests separate the sea and shore. Birdwatchers, nature lovers and photographers will be in their element here.

Take a walk through the shaded pathways and reconnect with nature in the lush greenery of Al Ain Oasis - a peaceful retreat spread across 1,200 hectares in the ‘Green City’ of Al Ain.

Located just a 90-minute drive from the capital city of Abu Dhabi, it is easy to forget that you are in a desert. This magnificent oasis is a dreamy sight for sore eyes and one of the most beautiful oases Abu Dhabi has. Here you can enjoy a bit of respite from city life and appreciate 147,000 date palm trees, over 100 different varieties of vegetation and relics of the past, like the ancient irrigation system known as falaj. The falaj is an essential piece of the region’s heritage and one of the many reasons why Al Ain is a UNESCO Cultural Site.

Al Ain Oasis is free to enter, and there are many ways to explore and learn about this natural marvel!

For incredible sunrise and sunset photos, as well as majestic views of Abu Dhabi’s lush garden city of Al Ain, head to the top of Jebel Hafit mountain (also known as Jebel Hafeet). Rising to a height of 1,249 metres, this skyline-dominating peak is Abu Dhabi’s highest, and the UAE’s second tallest. Reach the summit of this rocky mountain by car, motorbike or, if you have the stamina, bicycle.

Standing guard on the borders of Oman, this Al Ain mountain has been weathered over millennia, with significant fossil discoveries made in the area being vital pieces in the jigsaw that makes up the city’s ancient history.

Once described by edmunds.com (the automotive information online source) as being “among the world’s greatest driving roads”, once you’ve reached the top and soaked up the breathtaking views, you can head over to the nearby Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Hotel for a meal.

Looking for unique things to do in Abu Dhabi with your family or friends? 

The largest aquarium in the Middle East, The National Aquarium in Al Qana is swimming with aquatic wildlife, featuring over 46,000 animals from more than 300 unique species. More than 60 attractions spread across 10 themed zones are sure to delight and excite the whole family.

In addition to its spectacular biodiversity, The National Aquarium also boasts an array of exciting and engaging experiences. Visitors can also enjoy glass bottom dhow tours and animal encounters with sharks, puffins and freshwater rays.

The aquarium has been designed to provide both children and adults with world-class interactive learning opportunities that spotlight the vital role of our marine environment. Who's ready to dive in and explore?

Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi's rides. It's one of the more popular theme parks - and with good reason! Feel the exhilaration as you speed through roller coasters and soar high in the air.

The whole family will find an adrenaline-fueled ride just for them, everyone can join in the thrilling fun. The Ferrari-branded theme park on Yas Island is home to more than 40 record-breaking attractions, including the highest loop ride, and it all happens underneath the tallest space-frame structure on the planet. Who's ready for an adventure at Ferrari World Yas Island?

Describing the world's largest uninterrupted sand mass, explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger wrote, “It was very still, with the silence which we have driven from our world”. 

Today, the magical Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) offers the same serene silence that it did when Thesiger explored it with his Emirati and Omani companions in the 1940s, its fine golden and red sands shifting with the winds to form dunes hundreds of feet high and visible as far as the eye can see.

Beautiful by day or starry night, this ever-changing expanse of desert boasts one of the world’s most luxurious hotels: the magnificent Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. A fairytale destination reminiscent of the tale One Thousand and One Nights, this luxury five-star oasis resembles an old Arabian fortress town, nestled in a valley of towering dunes. Aside from warm Arabian hospitality, exquisite interiors and sumptuous dining, the hotel also offers solo travellers, couples or families a dose of adventure, from dawn desert walks to camel trekking, dune bashing to falconry and Saluki (desert hunting dog) shows, camp-fire barbecues to fat-tyre biking, and much more.

Perched on the edge of this majestic desert you’ll also find the stunning Tilal Liwa Hotel, a secluded luxury hideaway with all the comforts of modern life, of course. Discover impressive restaurants, an enormous outdoor pool with breathtaking views of the dunes, and a range of desert activities for all ages. 

If you’re in the Empty Quarter, try to get up close and personal with the world’s tallest sand dune, Tel Moreeb, which means Terrifying Mountain. Over 300 metres high and boasting a 50° incline, this photogenic dune is a dream for 4x4 enthusiasts, with experienced bikers and drivers competing to climb to the top during the Moreeb Hill Climb event, part of the Liwa International Festival that takes place in the winter. If you prefer to err on the side of caution, simply watch dune-side and get some covetable photographs.

Perfect for the traveller who wants an authentic and immersive adventure experience, Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter is a must-see bucket-list destination. 

Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi is where luxurious comfort, impeccable service and unique dining experiences come together in an enchanting setting. From a distance, the hotel looks like something out of an Arabian fairytale, with the main building alone stretching over one kilometre from one wing to the other and the gardens spreading across 100 hectares. Walking in, you will find a sense of deep relaxation washing over you. With a pristine 1.3km private beach, stunning pools, a private marina and natural bay, a beautiful spa and highly-rated dining venues - you can't go wrong with a holiday here.

Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Abu DHabi is one of the most remarkable buildings in Abu Dhabi when it comes to architecture. Picture this: During the day, the palace's golden exterior contrasts with the lush greenery, silvery water fountains, and crisp blue sky. And at night, the hotel's lighting changes subtly, with an ethereal rainbow effect displayed on the main dome. Featuring 114 domes, the palace's central dome is a striking 72.6 metres above the ground, meticulously crafted with gold, mother of pearl and crystals. The building also boasts 1,002 chandeliers - the largest weighing 2.5 tons - with other photo-worthy features, including two handmade wall displays portraying the palace.