The global tourism industry is gradually recovering after several countries closed their borders due to the pandemic. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 2022 saw roughly 700 million international tourists, pushing the industry’s recovery to about 65 percent of pre-pandemic levels. This just proves that people love to travel. If you’re planning to kick off the new year with a trip to Abu Dhabi, you may want to read on to discover ways on how you can make your trip to the UAE capital more memorable.
1. Travel with loved ones
Everything’s better when you do it with the ones you love. Traveling is no exception.
When visiting Abu Dhabi (or anywhere for that matter), you may want to bring your family, friends, or significant other along. This way, you’ll have someone to share new experiences and discoveries with.
Planning to go on a relaxing vacation after the busy holidays?
Visit Yas Beach on Yas Island with your partner and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. You can even try several water activities, like kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling. They also have facilities for football and volleyball.
Very few things can be more fulfilling than spending a relaxing day with the people you love. After all, the memories you make will last forever.
2. Travel alone
There’s also a certain beauty to traveling solo. If you haven’t tried it, this could be a perfect time to do so.
For one, going on a solo trip allows you to discover more about yourself. You’ll learn that there are some things you like or don’t like to do when it’s just you who has the final say.
Traveling alone also lets you do the things you couldn’t when you’re with friends, family, or even your life partner. This is the perfect opportunity to be ‘selfish’ since you won’t have to consider other people’s preferences.
Furthermore, solo trips allow you to learn new things and try unfamiliar experiences.
3. Understand the local culture
One of the thrills of going on international travel is immersing in an unfamiliar but interesting culture. This is especially true for cities like Abu Dhabi.
As a Muslim country, the UAE may have plenty of customs and traditions that are quite different from the ones you grew up with. From the dress code and the food to the language and how you’re supposed to behave in public, you must understand the local culture to fully appreciate your trip.
Since you’re headed to Abu Dhabi, you should consider visiting Qasr Al Watan – the UAE’s presidential palace. There, you’ll find the House of Knowledge, an exhibit that showcases how Arabian scholarship has influenced human civilization and progress.
Featuring the most notable contributions of the Arab region to science, art, and more, the House of Knowledge is one of the places where you can learn and appreciate the origins of Arabian libraries.
4. See the place through the eyes of the locals
Besides learning about the history and culture of Abu Dhabi, it also helps to see the UAE capital the way the locals do if you want to immerse yourself in Emirati culture.
Take off your tourist hat for a moment and venture into the places where only locals go. For example, drink Arabic coffee known as gahwa in a local cafe and get to know the country’s most cherished traditions.
Want to get a feel of the Emirati heritage outside the comforts of your air-conditioned hotel room? Consider joining a Bedouin desert camp in the Al Khaznah dunes, located between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. There, you can ride a camel, partake of an evening buffet in the desert, and watch belly dancing and other cultural performances.
5. Try something new
There’s already so much to see and do in Abu Dhabi. As 2023 unravels, you’ll also be able to witness and experience new things.
The key is to open your mind to new experiences. There’s no point in visiting a new place if you’re just going to eat the same fast food meals you’re used to back home.
That said, make sure you visit up-and-coming attractions on your trip to the city.
One such attraction is SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Opening in 2023, this marine-life theme park is set to offer not only a place for tourists to visit but also the first dedicated marine rescue, rehabilitation, return, and research center in the UAE.
Upon its completion, SeaWorld will house sea creatures indigenous to the Arabian Gulf, with various marine life ecosystems housed within an approximately 183,000-square meter indoor structure.
If you haven’t already, you should also try world-renowned experiences you can’t find elsewhere. Below are a few examples of these:
- Climb the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall at CLYMBTM Abu Dhabi
- Fly in the largest indoor skydiving chamber on the planet at CLYMBTM Abu Dhabi
- Experience the first freefall drop water slide in the Middle East at the Liwa Loop, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
- Ride the largest six-person tornado water coaster in the world at Dawwama, Yas Waterworld
- Surf on the largest sheet wave on the planet at Bubbles Barrel, Yas Waterworld
Another is the upcoming Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) in March. This ultimate pop culture event is drawing tens of thousands of film, television, manga, anime, comic books, science fiction, video game fans from the region and beyond. What’s exciting is you can meet comic con celebrities, international artists, creators, and your fellow pop fans at this event.
6. Schedule your trip during the off-peak season
Finally, make sure you schedule your trip during the off-peak season. Doing so allows you to enjoy the place without the added pressure of moving on to your next stop because of the peak season rush.
The UAE’s off-peak season comes with great deals and discounts for travelers. More importantly, many destinations aren’t as crowded during this time, allowing you to slow down your pace and relish the wonderful moments of your trip longer.
If you don’t travel in a rush, you’ll also have the chance to try more things that most tourists can’t. This can range from riding public transport and eating more local dishes to learning a few words in the local language.
Time to Make Memories in Abu Dhabi
There are plenty of ways to make wonderful memories in Abu Dhabi during your trip.
From choosing the best way to travel and immersing yourself in the local culture to trying new things and taking your time while traveling, use the helpful tips listed here to enhance your Abu Dhabi experience.
