The 6 Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi in the Winter

Although winter is not a word you would usually associate with the United Arab Emirates, you may want to think about heading to this country during the cold season.

If you live in a place where winter ushers in freezing temperatures and snowstorms that prevent you from enjoying the outdoors, the UAE provides an excellent temporary escape for you. The country enjoys warm, nice weather conditions even when the rest of the world is covered in snow or battling cold spells.

The UAE also has a winter season, which begins in December and lasts through March the following year. If you have always wanted to visit Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the other emirates, you will do well to travel during these months since the weather is less hot and humid and more pleasant and comfortable.

What to Do in Abu Dhabi During Winter

Whether you want to escape the harsh winter conditions in your home or have a holiday in Abu Dhabi without being bothered by the high temperatures, this trip is sure to be a blast.

If you are looking at different Abu Dhabi holiday packages to get the most out of your visit to the UAE’s capital city in the winter, ensure these fun activities are on your itinerary:

Enjoy a day at the beach

One of the best things about visiting Abu Dhabi in the winter is that the weather is perfect for a day (or two) at the beach. You will even have a more enjoyable time at one of the beautiful seashores here since the temperature is cooler, which means you won’t be sweating too much when you are outdoors.

Abu Dhabi has several private and public beautiful beaches where you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.

Yas Beach is one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi. It has fine white sands and clear turquoise waters. It is a great spot to go for a refreshing swim and relax and enjoy the warm, gorgeous sun.

Moreover, you can relax on a lounger or rent a cabana to enjoy your beach day. You can also indulge in different food and beverage options available at the beach’s restaurant and food stalls.

Corniche Beach is another popular coastal attraction in Abu Dhabi. It boasts of clear azure waters and soft white sands. It also has a seaside boardwalk, a children’s play area, and landscaped gardens.

Corniche Beach is divided into different zones. There is one for families, children, and ladies and two public areas open for anyone. There is also a paid, private section that welcomes any guests without restriction.

Other beaches worth visiting in Abu Dhabi are Al Bateen Beach, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Zaya Nurai Island.

Experience life in the fast lane at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is another world-famous attraction you have to visit in Abu Dhabi during your winter getaway.

The first-ever Ferrari-themed park in the world, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, has several rides and attractions featuring the iconic Italian automotive brand.

These rides and attractions include the Turbo Track, Fiorano GT Challenge, Turbo Tower, and Bell’ Italia. The theme park is also home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, and the Flying Aces, the world’s highest roller coaster loop, which stands at 63 metres.

If you are a big fan of Ferrari cars, stop by the supercar exhibition to see some of the brand’s most iconic vehicles.

Speed around the Yas Marina Circuit.

The Yas Marina Circuit is another world-famous attraction in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It is another tourist hub where you can satisfy your need for speed.

Since 2009, the Yas Marina Circuit has been the official venue of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. If you want to watch the race from the grandstand, you can get the chance to do so if you visit the city in the winter since the three-day event usually takes place during November or December every year.

Aside from watching the race, you can also rent a FORMULA YAS 3000 or Aston Martin GT4 and try the race track yourself.

If you don’t feel confident getting behind the wheel, you can take the passenger seat and have a professional drive you around the Yas Marina Circuit.

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the eighth largest mosque in the world. It is one of the most beautiful as well.

The mosque, which took 11 years to build, consists of various high-end elements, including gold, crystals, semi-precious stones, and ceramic.

There are also other must-see features inside and outside the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. These include the largest carpet in the world, chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals, gorgeous pools, and eye-catching lighting fixtures.

One of the biggest perks of visiting the mosque during winter is that wearing an abaya, which is a must before entering the building, won’t be so uncomfortable, especially if you are not used to putting on one.

Visit the Heritage Village.

If you want to get a glimpse into the traditional way of living in the UAE, a visit to the Heritage Village is what you need.

The Heritage Village has different features that allow you to imagine the Bedouin lifestyle. These include an ancient mosque and traditional souk, artisans displaying their skills in creating traditional handicrafts through weaving, pottery, metalwork, and other products.

The Heritage Village Museum also has a collection of treasures that showcase genuine Emirati traditions. Inside the establishment, you will find authentic jewellery, historical tents, and weapons of the bygone era.

The museum also has copies of the handwritten Quran on display.

Another feature you see while in the Village is the replica of the irrigation system that demonstrates how the palm groves were hydrated in the past.

Lastly, drop by the Heritage Village Beach to see some traditional dhows and old boats and the beautiful turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Go shopping.

Lastly, a visit to the UAE won’t be complete without a shopping spree. Thankfully, Abu Dhabi has several malls where you can treat yourself to some retail therapy.

While you’re in Yas Island, visit Yas Mall. This premier supermall houses over 370 international and local brands and around 60 dining establishments and food stores.

The Galleria Al Maryah Island is another high-end mall found in Abu Dhabi. Aside from the numerous retail and dining establishments, its waterfront location makes it a great shopping destination for both locals and visitors.

Other malls worth visiting in Abu Dhabi are the Marina Mall, The Mall WTC, and Al Raha Mall.

With this list of activities, you can enjoy every minute of your stay in Abu Dhabi this winter.

Thank you for reading this article. We hope our recommended activities help you plan your holiday in Abu Dhabi more smoothly.

If you would like to suggest other fun things to do in Abu Dhabi, share them below.