Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Perhaps one of the most breathtaking mosques you will ever see and certainly the most expensive in the world, this beautiful white-domed structure will leave you stunned. It is magnificent in every way. Inside, you will find stunning sights including the world’s largest loomed carpet and real gold chandeliers. The architecture combines ancient and contemporary Islamic styles.

The best way to see any mosque in the UAE, especially if you are not Muslim is to go with a local. Your host will guide you in what is expected when visiting a mosque, for example entrances are different for men and women. Your host will also share incredible stories about the mosque’s history and Islamic rituals. Go with one of our local hosts and you won’t regret this unforgettable experience!

Stroll along the beautiful Corniche

The Corniche or “waterfront” in Abu Dhabi is known for its breathtaking views of the city, panoramic views of the sea and miles upon miles of gorgeous white soft sand. It’s a sight not to be missed in Abu Dhabi! Grab your host at sunset and go for a long stroll along the shore’s promenade where you can meet other locals enjoying the views, looking at the fountains, having a meal, playing in the parks along the way, or stopping for tea and shisha (hubbly bubbly). If you’re up for it, rent a bike with your host and cover the entire length of the Corniche! Or you can spend the whole day relaxing at the beach!

Enjoy the local dish of Al Machboos

Emirati food is delicious and hearty featuring mounds of rice and meat filled with flavorful spices. And the best way to have it is in an Emirati home; the food is the definition of homey comfort food! Have one of our hosts make you the local favorite dish Al Machboos, a hearty delicacy of meat (lamb or chicken) and rice. Food coma!
Your host will surely offer to stuff you even more with dates and tea afterwards, since the Emirates is home to some of the best dates the world has to offer with a vast range of varieties. A culinary experience you will love!

Get lost in the markets of Al Mina neighborhood

Al Mina is an amazing neighborhood with a variety of colorful markets, from the carpet souk (market) selling authentic Persian rugs by sellers from Iran, to the Fruit and Vegetable market where you can find everything from Jordanian watermelons to Turkish potatoes. Not to mention 45 varieties of dates!

Let your local host give you a tour of the Al Mina markets showing you how to bargain and get the best deals for whatever you are looking for! After a long day of market wandering and shopping, head to the Mina Fish Market and pick out your choice of fish to have it grilled or made into a curry on the spot and then head outside to sit on the harbor and enjoy your meal with you host!

Lose yourself in the White Fort

The White Fort, which is known as Qasr al-Hosn in Abu Dhabi is commonly known as the place where this city began. Abu Dhabi’s ruling family, the Al Nahyans lived in the fort until 1966. The clean white walls of the fort sparkle in the desert sun; it’s a beautiful sight!

The fort is a great place to discover how the UAE came into being, the history of Abu Dhabi, and how the discovery of oil changed everything for this small but formidable country, allowing it to build itself from Desert to riches. Going to Qasr al-Hosn with a local host ensures you have the full story about this country’s fascinating and controversial history and not just the touristy sanitized version! This is one our top things to do in the UAE!

Indulge in the luxury of the Emirates Palace

Edible gold? A cake made with real gold? What?! Yes! Only in Abu Dhabi’s seven star luxurious hotel where almost everything is made of gold can you find cakes made of gold. How could you miss this sight? Go with your host to the Emirates Palace who will dive into the controversial history behind this fantastical structure.

Maybe even try a gold cake? Even the cappuccino is sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes! The hotel cost billions to build. Enjoy this outrageously luxurious hotel with your local host and you will have an unforgettable experience!

Spend a day of wet & wild fun at Yas Waterworld

Looking for a day of pure fun? Both locals and tourists alike love spending their day at Yas Waterworld; an extremely fun and enjoyable waterpark with all sorts of rides and food stands suitable for all ages. Its super fun! Bring your bathing suit and feel yourself let go while sliding down one of the many water slides!

Then meet up with your host who will be happy to show you the rest of Yas Island, including where Formula 1 competes every year. Maybe you will want to detour to Ferrari world and explore its adventures? Perhaps a stroll around the Yas marina? Your host will tailor your entire experience to your desires!

Travel forward in time in a Future City

Want to experience what future urban living using clean energy might look like? Interested in observing the world’s most sustainable eco-city? Your host would love to show you around Masdar City, it is a city built completely on clean energy using solar power, no cars are allowed except those that are battery operated (which you can ride!) and the city’s design makes it automatically cooler than the rest of Abu Dhabi.

Masdar City is meant to be a model for future cities and it is not typically found in tourist guides since it is still in its development phases and mostly used as a hub for research. Go with your local host who will show you the fascinating ins and outs of this futuristic city!

Party like a local at Al Maya Island

No visit to this tiny Emirate would be complete without attending a BEACH PARTY! Al Maya Island Beach Party is a hidden gem and local favorite pool party. Go with your host who will guide you to the hidden island by boat—the only way to reach it. And then your host will be happy to show you around the island where you can take in the beautiful white sand and deep blue waters.

Later head for an afternoon and evening of sun, fun, food, and dancing at one of the best pool parties in town. Dance the night away, take a swim in the pool or just relax on one of the many sun loungers around!

Enjoy an evening of shisha

Smoking shisha or hubbly bubbly is a local pastime enjoyed by many locals. Shisha is a water pipe that comes in many different flavors. Shisha cafes are spread all over Abu Dhabi and all over the country. It is a widely enjoyed Middle Eastern activity. There are many fabulous shisha cafes in Abu Dhabi, go with a host who will take you shisha hopping to enjoy all the best shisha cafes in town.

From TcheTche with its dozens of flavors and delicious food, to the cafes next to Abu Dhabi Marina Mall along the water, or the Special Coffee Shop along the Corniche, as locals call it “especial.” Check them all out and try one of the water pipes yourself or if you want to skip the shisha, you can still enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, delicious tea, desserts, and food at all these cafes. Your host will be happy to tailor your evening to your preferences!