11 Best Places to Visit near Abu Dhabi Airport during Layover in 2020

You are planning to visit the UAE and you want to experience things beyond just the tall skyscrapers of Dubai. But you don’t really know which place to go to. Abu Dhabi is the place! Located just 65 miles away from Dubai, this is a city where modern culture seamlessly blends with traditional Arabian culture. It’s absolute bliss for sports lovers to be home to adventure-sport destinations. Those who love scenic beauty have their fill in the stunning beaches that dot Abu Dhabi Layover Spots

Today, Abu Dhabi has risen as a strong contender in gaining prominence as a major transit hub in the Middle-East. A new fleet of A380s was launched in 2016, an attraction in itself. Yes, Abu Dhabi Airport is witnessing a massive growth. We share with you a rundown on 11 best places to visit near the Abu Dhabi Airport during a stopover, let’s check out:

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Home to the world’s largest carpet and also the largest chandelier, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is an iconic destination. The architecture of the magnificent building and its opulence leave you spellbound. Being the largest mosque in the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque can accommodate 40,000 worshippers. If the humdrum of the busy Abu Dhabi Airport has left you a bit flustered, this is the place where you can calm your nerves.

You can find the Sheikh Zayed Mosque timing and dress code information here.

Visit the Emirates Palace

It’s being in the lap of luxury and lavishness when you visit this iconic hotel, probably the most expensive one ever built. No less than a status symbol, be on the lookout as you might well spot your favourite celebrity here. The sheer largeness of this opulent hotel near the Abu Dhabi Airport will leave you mesmerized as it stretches over a kilometre. The private beach adjacent to this hotel is ideal for a leisurely stroll, its impeccably clean white sands looking so inviting.

Visit the Intercontinental Abu Dhabi

Located in the heart of the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi, this hotel invites you into a world of unparalleled luxury and opulence. Depending on how much time you can spare, you can indulge yourself in a relaxing massage at wellness facilities here or take a walk on its beach. What’s more, the hotel is home to award-winning restaurants where you can enjoy mouthwatering cuisine of various kinds.

Drop by at the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi

Do the names, Ayrton Senna, Nicki Lauda or Michael Schumacher make your beat faster? Yes? Well, then you just can’t avoid a trip to the Yas Viceroy, the one and only hotel in the world to be built on a race track when you are at a stopover at the Abu Dhabi Airport. The place comes alive with the roar of engines every November when the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held. At other times, the racetrack throws open its doors to joggers and cyclists every Tuesday.

Visit the Ferrari World

You can scream your hearts out here as you zip along on the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, the main attraction here. This makes it one of the most popular amusement parks in the world. The place is unique giving those who love an adrenaline rush rides that exist nowhere else in the world.

You can take the Ferrari world entry tickets at discount price here. The place has also thoughtfully set aside activities like the Tyre Twist for those who are looking for something more relaxing. A visit to this iconic landmark is a must when you stopover at Abu Dhabi Airport.

Take a Splash at the Yas Waterworld

If the Arabian heat has left you slightly flustered; here is a place close to the Abu Dhabi Airport that comes like an ointment to soothe you, the much-needed relief from the scorching heat. With over forty rides, the Vas Waterworld has something for everyone, kids or adults. The waterpark spread over thirty-seven acres, offers you a gala time where you can splash around with family and friends. Popular activities like the Rush Ride, Slither’s Ride or the Hamlool’s Humps make a visit to this water park truly memorable.

Grab the Yas Waterworld Entry Tickets @ just AED 225

Drop by at The Louvre Museum

Known for its architectural splendor, the Louvre Museum, very close to the Abu Dhabi Airport attracts visitors not only for what is displayed there but also for being the architectural marvel that it is. Surrounded by serene blue water, the museum proudly displays artwork, both contemporary and ancient from the whole world. Spread over 9200 square meters, the museum gives visitors a peek into the region’s tradition and culture. The museum offers an intellectually fulfilling experience with bookstores and its unique collections of artwork.

Louvre Museum Entry Tickets at AED 65

If you have a whole night that you can spare, we have a few hotels to suggest for a stay you won’t ever forget.

Sleep Well at Premier Inn Abu Dhabi

The Premier Inn, Abu Dhabi is the ideal option for a night stopover at Abu Dhabi Airport. There could be no better option than this one if you are looking to catch an early morning flight or if you arrive at Abu Dhabi in the dead of the night. No, you won’t wake up with a jerk as you are sure to sleep well and dream the sweetest of dreams on the luxurious Hypnos beds that come with a pocket-spring mattress and firm yet soft pillows. There are good deals on offer like the 2-for-1 deal, the Early Bird Offer, the Long Stay Offer and affordable bread and breakfast offers.

Stay at the Crowne Plaza, Abu Dhabi

If you’re looking for a bit more luxury, you won’t be disappointed either. This hotel, centrally located and very close to the Abu Dhabi Airport offers free WiFi that’s really fast and free parking too. The hotel stands out with its rooms having been made easily accessible to the specially-abled offering wheelchairs at the parking itself. The hotel also allows service animals. This property includes a stunning rooftop swimming pool, a luxurious restaurant, a lovely ballroom and rooms that make you feel like being in the lap of luxury.

Enjoy Luxury at Hyatt Capital Gate

The Andaz Capital Gate, just 15 minutes away from the Abu Dhabi Airport is an architectural wonder. You’re sure to be impressed by the leaning tower that is an iconic landmark standing tall in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The hotel embraces you into a world of luxury and offers more than just a comfortable stay. The hotel has an art gallery that displays artwork by local artists and those of repute as well. You can enjoy the best of cuisine at the restaurants here like 18 degrees. The hotel has a well-equipped fitness centre and an outdoor pool.

A Comfortable Stay at the Aloft, Abu Dhabi

While this isn’t really a place for a luxurious stay, it still comes as a comfortable option. Just minutes away from Abu Dhabi Airport, the hotel offers free Wifi and a discount of 15% for senior citizens. If you’re looking for good food or a smooth drink you won’t be disappointed as the hotel has some fine restaurants and bars. It has a boardroom, just right for corporate gatherings that can make changes to its set up as per your needs.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi, the new rising star in the middle-east is emerging as a busy transit hub with the Abu Dhabi Airport seeing a major transformation. It’s quite likely that you’ll have a stopover at this sparkling airport while travelling. We hope our guide on 11 places to visit near Abu Dhabi Airport comes handy on your next visit. Do let us know how you spend your time on your next visit.