Abu Dhabi: Live the UAE High Life Without the Crowds and Traffic 

Abu Dhabi is known for being Dubai’s greener, and more chilled-out sibling.   

But don’t make the mistake of thinking that it’s only a place for families and those who want a quiet life. 

Offering beautiful natural beaches, adrenaline-fueled attractions, and world-class sporting and cultural events, there’s never a dull moment when you live in the UAE capital. 

Incredible Beaches and Exquisite Nature  

Spanning eight kilometres of golden beaches, parks, cycle paths, hotels, restaurants, and seaside promenades, the Abu Dhabi Corniche is one of the most popular beauty spots in the city. But still, it’s nowhere near as congested as Dubai’s beach destinations.   

The boardwalk is always scattered with joggers and walkers, while the weekends see every green space become filled with picnicking families. Although some of the beaches are reserved for hotels and beach clubs, over two kilometres of sand is free for all to enjoy.    

Bo Jablonski lives right by the Corniche: “The Corniche is the perfect place to raise kids. Being able to walk over to the beach after work and school is so convenient. There are lots of places to rent bikes or scooters, and there’s live music on the boardwalk on the weekends. The parks are incredible, too. Sheikha Fatima Park has a skatepark and one of the only free splash pads I’ve seen in the UAE. It’s our go-to activity in the summer.”   

Meanwhile, Saadiyat Island boasts Maldives-esque blue waters and soft white sands.  

Renowned as Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious postcode, it’s home to a myriad of amazing wildlife. Spotting rare humpback dolphins or sea turtles is a common occurrence.  

Saadiyat Island resident Angela Beitz says: “Most of Saadiyat beach is reserved for hotels and beach clubs, but Soul Beach offers day passes that start from just AED 50 per adult. The promenade here is also filled with superb independent cafes and restaurants.” 

Options for Every Budget  

Embark on a culinary adventure in Abu Dhabi, where the dining options are as limitless as your appetite!

Abu Dhabi has countless fine-dining restaurants alongside a huge choice of incredible and affordable F&B outlets.  

Nowhere demonstrates this more than the Tourist Club Area. Once the centre of the city’s tourism industry, it provides a welcome throwback to the Abu Dhabi of over a decade ago. A stark contrast to the city’s shinier new developments, it’s a charming and rustic community that’s filled with character.  

Authentic and unpretentious, on every corner, you’ll find tiny cafeterias that offer delicious curries for just AED 12, shawarmas for less than AED 5, and Karak for just AED 1.  

The pet-friendly Yas Bay has stunning waterfront restaurants that offer plenty of weekly deals, while The Galleria offers award-winning venues that are perfect for special occasions. 

Taxis are reasonably priced and plentiful, and the excellent public bus system lets you travel all the way across the city for just two to four dirhams.  

Tourist Club Area resident Chris Bertram says: “For the best and most affordable seafood you’ve ever tasted, head to Mina Fish Market. It’s recently been revamped, and it’s always bustling, particularly on the weekend. You can eat at one of the many restaurants or pick your fish, have it scaled and prepared, and take it away to cook at home.”   

Outstanding Events and Attractions  

At Abu Dhabi, every corner reveals an adventure. From the thrill of world-class theme parks and the charm of cultural festivals, it’s a real gem for unique leisure experiences. 

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will soon join the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the city’s other world-class museums.  

Another unique cultural attraction is the Abrahamic House, one of the only places in the world where you’ll find a church, a mosque, and a synagogue in the same complex.    

Pop-up concerts and art exhibitions are hosted throughout the year, while Etihad Arena offers a year-round programme of Broadway shows and big-name musical acts. Home to a vibrant student community, NYU Abu Dhabi also hosts its own public performances.  

A haven for sports lovers, the NBA, the UFC, and of course, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are just some of the extraordinary sporting events that are hosted in the UAE capital. Golfers can choose from three amazing Championship courses, including Yas Links, the host of the DP World Tour Abu Dhabi Championship.  

A Thriving Fitness Scene  

Staying on top of your fitness routine is effortlessly convenient in Abu Dhabi, thanks to its thoughtfully planned communities. With comprehensive facilities at your doorstep, integrating exercise into your daily routine becomes second nature.

Built around a maze of canals and waterside footpaths, Reem Island is the perfect Abu Dhabi community for pet owners and fitness enthusiasts.    

Offering big green parks, outdoor gyms, sports courts, and a public beach, there are also several local walking and running groups. For further fitness motivation, you can attend free yoga and Zumba classes and guided walks at the nearby Galleria Mall. Or, if you want to do more to help the environment, the Reem Island-founded Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group organises regular clean-ups and other sustainable activities.   

The city’s famous mangrove forests offer beautiful backdrops for a kayaking or paddle-boarding session. You can rent equipment from the Eastern Mangroves National Park, Jubail Mangrove Park, and Reem Central Park, and the local dragon boating scene is also thriving.  

Al Gurm Corniche Park, the waterfront promenades of Al Zeina and Raha Beach, and the running tracks of Masdar City are just some of the many other idyllic spots for running and walking. Meanwhile, cyclists can explore the purpose-built cycle tracks and bike parks of Al Hudayriyat Island.  

Louise Desfrenne lives in the community of Al Zeina. She adds: “Many people don’t know that you can cycle, run, or walk around Yas Marina Circuit three times a week for free. Bike rental is even complimentary, too. You can also get the water taxi to Yas Island from Al Bandar for just AED 10. It’s a great thing to do with visitors.”  

Abu Dhabi’s plentiful outdoor areas and community activities make it easy to meet your neighbours and connect with other local residents.  

Reem Island resident Nikita Robertson says: “Abu Dhabi is a really close-knit community. I used to live in Dubai, and I didn’t find it half as easy to make friends and meet people there.”  

Anything But Boring  

As you can see, life in Abu Dhabi is the opposite of quiet and boring.   

Home to the fastest roller coaster in the world, the tallest indoor climbing wall in the world, and so many incredible sports facilities, outdoor beauty spots, and lifestyle and entertainment options, every resident is spoilt for choice when it comes to ways to spend their free time.   

Smaller and less traffic-clogged than Dubai, it’s a friendly and cosy city with a real community feel. Letting you live next to world-famous architectural wonders, the nesting sites of rare sea turtles, and kilometres of free golden public beaches, the Abu Dhabi lifestyle compares to nowhere else in the world.   

Offering different yet complementing communities, it’s a fabulous place for those at all stages of life. Whether you are young, free and single, starting a family, or looking to progress in your career, Abu Dhabi will give you the life you’ve always dreamed of.  

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