Two Days in Abu Dhabi for Tourists

If Abu Dhabi is on your upcoming vacation list, then we’re sure you in search of some top attractions. But there’s so much to see and do in Abu Dhabi – how to narrow it down if you only have two days in this amazing city? We’ve put together a list of our favorite activities and attractions in Abu Dhabi to help you plan your ideal weekend in the Emirates. This weekend itinerary includes:

• Morning Desert Safari
• Kayak Tour of the Mangroves
• Sunset Cruise in Abu Dhabi
• Cruise 'n’ Dip in Abu Dhabi
• Yas Island

Save on Admission

Looking to save on admission to these top Abu Dhabi attractions and activities? Pick up the Go Dubai® Card today and save up to 52% on combined admission! Spending more or less time in Abu Dhabi? Check out our  1-day and 3-day itineraries for tourists visiting Abu Dhabi.

Day 1

Morning Desert Safari

Spend your first day of the weekend indulging in some traditional Arabian fun with this morning desert safari. It’s a bucket-list item for many, and is sure to please everyone in your party. You’ll embark on an adventure into the desert, with rides aboard a 4X4 “dune crasher” vehicle, a camel ride, sand-boarding practice, and more. It’s like many amazing Emirati things rolled into one excursion! This safari takes about four hours, so plan for it to fill your entire morning. Getting In: Morning Desert Safari tickets are included with the Go Dubai® Card.

Kayak Tour of the Mangroves

Grab some quick lunch then head out to the water for some truly memorable sightseeing. Combine the fun and exercise of a kayak ride with the joy of seeing something beautiful in nature – the much-beloved mangroves. Many people don’t know about this jewel of Abu Dhabi, a national park that’s filled with wildlife that takes shelter in the grand mangrove trees. Your kayaking adventure will take about two hours. Getting In: Kayak Tour of the Mangroves tickets are included with the Go Dubai® Card.

Sunset Cruise

End your first day in Abu Dhabi with a relaxing sunset cruise. This one and a half hour cruise sails around the inshore islands for some lovely scenic vistas, including Raha Beach, Samaliyah Island, and the skyline of Abu Dhabi itself. The fact that it’s at sunset also makes for a romantic atmosphere, should your weekend getaway involve a significant other. Getting In: Sunset Cruise in Abu Dhabi tickets are included with the Go Dubai® Card.

Day 2 

Cruise ‘n’ Dip

Departing from the chic Yas Marina, this is a supremely relaxing cruise and a good way to cool off in the heat. You’ll sail around the scenic inshore islands for awhile before dropping anchor in shallow water. Then, you’ll have 45 minutes to paddle around to your heart’s content, with plenty of time to enjoy some snacks or a cold beverage before returning to the marina. This cruise (including swimming time) takes about two hours. Getting In: Cruise ‘n’ Dip in Abu Dhabi tickets are included with the Go Dubai® Card.

Yas Island Attractions

Our next idea is more of a series of ideas – Yas Island is an entertainment megaplex with more things to do than you can possibly achieve in one day. Yet, we would be remiss if we didn’t suggest stopping by at least one of the amazing attractions on this island. Hit up the beach or the links for some fun in the sun. Cool off at Yas Waterworld – a truly astounding collection of slides and surfing opportunities. Or, feel like a rockstar at the indoor theme park Ferrari World. Getting In: Attractions and activities on Yas Island are separately ticketed and are not included with the Go Dubai® Card.

Don’t Forget to Save

While planning your dream weekend in Abu Dhabi, keep some of our favorite attractions in mind – they’re sure to make for a delightful vacation! The Go Dubai® Card can help you save up to 52% on combined admission prices versus paying at the gate. Many of the above activities are included with the Go Dubai® Card, too, so if you’re planning on any to your own itinerary it’s worth checking out.