The vibrant capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, offers so many things for couples to do when visiting.
As a couple with no children and two incomes (did someone say DINK?), we are trying to explore and enjoy as much of the world as possible. And, if you haven’t already noticed, we’re not budget backpackers. We love eating out at fancy restaurants and doing things with a slightly higher budget if we think we’ll need it.
Abu Dhabi is certainly one of those places where a higher budget comes in handy!
From cultural marvels and serene landscapes to the most amazing restaurants and skyscrapers, the city has something for every couple- of course it caters to every need, it’s the United Arab Emirates!
In this guide of things to do in Abu Dhabi, we’ll explore the best things to do as a duo in and around the city, creating unforgettable moments in this captivating destination.
Whether you want romantic things to do, find the best thrills and excitement in the area, or you simply just want to experience the best sights together, we have put together a list that will suit every couple.
Stroll Along the Corniche
The Corniche is stunning. On one side you have beautiful buildings and skyscrapers and on the other, the Arabian Gulf.
Embrace these views as you stroll along the Corniche with your partner. The beautifully landscaped waterfront provides such a serene setting, perfect for couples.
We watched the sun set here and it was gorgeous. The great thing about this part of the world is that the weather is so consistent- it’s highly unlikely to rain or cloud over. You are almost guaranteed a perfect sunset!
Go for Dinner on Yas Island
You are spoilt for options on Yas Island for eating out.
Here are some of our top picks:
- The W Hotel- providing great food with close up views of the iconic Yas Marina Circuit
- Siddarta Lounge- A sleek, open rooftop bar overlooking the water
- Asia Asia- A beautifully designed asian restaurant with the best sushi we’ve ever had.
Tip: Look out for ladies nights, where the lady gets a few free or discounted drinks. These are usually midweek.
Dine at Revolving Restaurant Stratos
Experience dining with a view at Stratos, the revolving restaurant atop the Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi. Indulge in a culinary journey while enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline. This romantic setting is perfect for a special evening with your loved one.
A Romantic Evening at Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace is simply incredible. Opulent and luxurious, we recommend visiting.
When we visited, we did not stay here. I know we joked about dual income no kids, but we work in hospitality and one of the finest 7-star hotels in the world is slightly out of our budget.
However, you can just visit. We popped in, had a look around at the exquisite design and sat down by the fountains out the front and had a famous gold cappuccino.
You can book in to eat in one of the many restaurants here and savour the exquisite cuisine for yourself.
Tip: There is a dress code which is smart casual. Shorts are not acceptable and only long trousers may be worn. Don’t be like Ben and get sent away before even getting through the gates.
Indulge in the sky at Etihad Towers
Etihad Towers is the coolest date spot ever. Get up to floor 300 and order a bottle of bubbles for sunset. You won’t regret it.
Enjoy Arabian hospitality at this exclusive lounge, sitting 300 floors in the sky. You’ll have birds eye views of Qasr Al Watan (the presidential palace), downtown Abu Dhabi and the impressive Rixos Marina building. Perfect for a bottle of bubbly and a snack!
Going up is cheap and booking is advised.
When we went there was a minimum spend. However, it’s very reasonable for the experience so once you grab a drink and a snack you’ve probably reached it.
If this sounds like you, you can make a reservation here.
Cruise the Arabian Waters
Enhance your romantic experience by taking a private cruise along the Arabian Gulf. Whether it’s a daytime excursion or a moonlit cruise, the serene waters offer a romantic backdrop for couples. Some tours even include gourmet dining options, elevating the experience to new heights.
Jess and I avoid boats as much as possible; I (Ben) get horrifically seasick, and Jess is nervous of open water, so we’re not the best advocates for cruises and boats. But we certainly see the appeal. I wish my stomach would toughen up and not make me feel sick!
If you don’t get seasick and fancy this experience, its best to book ahead. Which you can do here for the daytime sightseeing tour or here for the dhow boat with dining tour.
Cultural Things to do in Abu Dhabi for Couples
Cultural Odyssey at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
For couples with a penchant for art and culture, a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a must. Jess absolutely loves everything about museums and art galleries, so visiting the cornerstone showcase of Middle Eastern culture was a must.
The building is phenomenal with the beautiful 180m dome designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel sitting atop the building. Weighing a crazy 7800 tonnes!
The museum’s collection of art and artefacts from across the globe is impressive and takes you on a journey through 23 different exhibitions, telling the story of humanity.
It’s the perfect place to immerse yourselves in the world of creativity and history.
You can purchase tickets for The Louvre either on the door or online (click here for online).
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Immerse yourselves in the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a symbol of architectural brilliance and cultural richness. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this iconic landmark. The mosque’s stunning architecture and serene surroundings make it a perfect spot for couples seeking tranquillity.
9 Facts about The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:
- It is the second largest mosque in the world, second only to The Taj Mahal
- It is home of the world’s largest hand-woven carpet
- A 9.5m hill was built to elevate the presence of the mosque
- The Grand Mosque was built in the 1990s, and took 12 years to complete
- The mosque dome is 70m tall, 35m in diameter, and weighs 12 tonnes- it is entirely self-supporting due to the design
- There are a total of 82 different domes, with a range of 7 different sizes
- The building is designed to be earthquake proof
- The budget of this project was 2.5 billion AED (that’s 535 million GBP)
- The project manager for phase 2 was a woman.
The Grand Mosque is such an impressive building, both architecturally and visually.
This is a must-do activity for any couple visiting Abu Dhabu. It is one of the most beautiful buildings either of us have had the pleasure of stepping foot in.
Qasr Al Watan Palace, The Presidential Palace of Abu Dhabi
Visit the Presidential Palace Complex is a must-see highlight for you and your partner when visiting Abu Dhabi.
Inside the building, you will learn a lot about Middle Eastern politics (which is genuinely interesting), you’ll be treated to yet another stunningly beautiful building, and have the privilege of seeing the rooms where some of the most important economic and political decisions in the UAE are made.
Outside of the palace, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a white marble courtyard, perfectly prunes bushes and views of the downtown Abu Dhabi skyscrapers.
The entry fee is only 130 AED. This is inclusive of a tour around the gardens, access to the library with over 50,000 books (which Jess loved seeing, nerd), plus countless years of Arabian knowledge through ancient artefacts and manuscripts, this experience is full of culture for you both.
It’s very cultural, we like culture. It’s the point of travelling, right?
Qasr Al Watan is a must do so grab your tickets here.
Adventurous Things to do in Abu Dhabi for Couples
Desert Safari for Two
Dune bashing, camels, and traditional Arabian food & entertainment. Escape the city buzz and embark on a thrilling desert safari.
Share the excitement of dune bashing, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the vast desert, and indulge in a romantic dinner under the starlit sky. This adventurous yet intimate experience is sure to create lasting memories.
We booked our experience on Viator and had a great time. It cost us 300 AED. Click this link to book the one we did.
We were picked up and dropped off at our apartment, taken to the desert, and had a huge range of activities included.
Check out this reel we posted about it- it was so much fun!
Meeting a camel was great, the picture below has been my lock screen cover for a while… Look how cute they are.
Yas Island: A Haven for Fun-Loving Couples
Where do we even start with Yas Island! It would be so easy to spend your entire time here as there is so much to do.
Yas Island is a playground for thrill-seekers and entertainment enthusiasts.
There are a total of five theme parks there:
- Ferrari World
- Yas Waterworld
- Clymb (indoor bouldering and sky diving)
- Warner Bros Studio
- Seaworld
If this sounds like your thing, check out our article dedicated to Yas Island here.
Yas Marina Circuit: Cycle, Run or Walk the Track
Head to Yas Marina Circuit where the final Formula One race of the season races where you can hire a bike for FREE and cycle around the famous race circuit.
If cycling isn’t your thing, running or walking is also free. Make sure you sign up before though… You can do that here.
Experiencing cycling on such an iconic racetrack is absolutely one of the best things to do on Yas Island (in our humble, Formula One fan opinion).
Etiquette Tips: Dos and Don’ts for Couples in Abu Dhabi
The Middle East has a few completely different rules of play compared to the rest of the world.
Having spent quite some time here, we can assure you that the rules in Abu Dhabi are not as intimidating as you may have heard, and the city is becoming increasingly more liberal as time goes on.
It is still good to be mindful of culture and religion wherever you are visiting on your travels.
To ensure your romantic escapade is smooth and respectful of local customs, here are some key etiquette tips for couples exploring the heart of Abu Dhabi.
Do's:
- Respect Local Customs and Traditions: Emirati culture places a high value on respect and modesty. Dress modestly, particularly in public places and religious sites. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and knees, and it’s customary for both men and women to dress conservatively.
- Dress Modestly: Emirati culture values modesty, so it’s essential for both men and women to dress conservatively, especially in public areas and religious sites. Women are advised to cover their chest, shoulders and knees, and men should avoid overly casual attire and also having their shoulders and knees out.
- Greet with Respect: Traditional greetings involve a warm handshake and a friendly smile. When interacting with locals, be polite and use common sense. Basically, don’t be a dick. Treat people with respect and they will respect you.
- Remove Shoes Indoors: When entering someone’s home or certain establishments, it’s customary to remove your shoes. This practice signifies respect for the cleanliness of the space.
- Respect Prayer Times: Abu Dhabi, like the rest of the UAE, follows Islamic prayer times. Be mindful of these times and avoid scheduling activities or outings that may coincide with prayer calls. Additionally, refrain from loud activities during these sacred moments. In the city you will often hear a call to prayer.
- Practice Discretion with Affection: While public displays of affection are becoming more accepted, it’s crucial to exercise discretion. Reserve intimate gestures for more private settings out of respect for local sensitivities. Hand holding in most places is fine.
- Cover Your Tattoos: Tattoos are not banned in Abu Dhabi, but they are Haram- which means they are against the Muslim religion. Be respectful and cover them up as best as possible- and don’t be offended if an Emirati comes up to you with a shawl to put over your shoulders or legs.
Don'ts:
- Engage in Public Disputes: Public confrontations or arguments are discouraged. Maintain composure and address any issues privately to avoid causing discomfort to those around you.
- Assume Photography Etiquette: Always seek permission before taking photos, especially of locals or in more private settings. Avoid capturing sensitive locations like government buildings, and respect the privacy of individuals, particularly women.
- Mindful Dining: When dining out, adhere to local customs and dress codes.
- Be Publicly Intoxicated or Drink Excessively: While Abu Dhabi allows the consumption of alcohol in designated areas, excessive drinking and public intoxication are frowned upon. Enjoy drinks responsibly and be mindful of the local regulations.
- Disrespectful Behaviour: Respect local customs and avoid disrespectful behaviour. Refrain from public arguments or confrontations, and be aware that certain topics, such as politics and religion, may be sensitive.
- Ignore Cultural Sensitivities: Emirati culture places great importance on respect. Avoid discussing controversial topics, such as politics and religion. Be aware of cultural sensitivities, particularly regarding local customs and traditions.
Abu Dhabi is a blend of modern luxury and cultural heritage. It provides an ideal backdrop for couples seeking a getaway together.
Whether you prefer cultural exploration, seaside strolls, thrilling adventures or luxurious dinners, Abu Dhabi offers a diverse range of activities for you to have fun a create memories together.
Plan your getaway and let the magic of Abu Dhabi unfold for you and your special someone.
Thanks for reading! We hope that we have helped enhance your time in Abu Dhabi.
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