Heading to the UAE for your summer break? This sweltering emirate turns up the heat over the summer months, but there are plenty of places to keep cool and have fun. Pick Abu Dhabi for your summer break and you’ll get to enjoy the special summer events, and make the most of lower priced hotels and flights. Win!
Here are our top picks for things to do in Abu Dhabi in summer…
Ride the world's fastest rollercoaster
The thrills of speedy rides and rollercoasters might make you sweat, but the weather certainly won’t in Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World theme park. This place is built in a comfortably, air-conned indoor space so you can keep cool while you test out the rides and attractions. Formula Rossa is the big one – it’s the fastest rollercoaster in the world hitting speeds of up to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds and heights of 52 metres.
Yas Drive – Green Route, Stop: Ferrari World
Shop 'til you drop
Dubai might be famous for its larger than life malls, but Abu Dhabi boasts a few of its own too. There’s Yas Mall on Yas Island which lines up a mega 370 stores, including all your well-known brands, and a huge 60 restaurants to dine in. Abu Dhabi Mall is packed with fashion labels and designer brands. And, Marina Mall has five levels of retail outlets plus a bowling alley and revolving restaurant which you’ll get views over Abu Dhabi from. During summer, the malls are usually open until late at night (sometimes 1am) so you can save your shopping for the cooler evenings.
Wander around the Emirates Palace
This palatial hotel was made famous in the film Sex and the City 2 and it’s the perfect place to visit, or stay in, on a trip to the UAE. The opulent architecture and stunning gardens are worth seeing alone. And, once you’re inside, you can take your pick from 14 restaurants, cafes and bars. Or even head to the spa for an indulgent gold, pearl or caviar body treatment.
City Tour – Red Route, Stop: Etihad Towers
Take up high tea
Abu Dhabi’s answer to the Burj Khalifa is the Observation Deck at 300, located on the 74th floor of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel. From the top, you’ll enjoy views over the whole of the city, so it’s the perfect place to take those Instagram snaps. If you’re staying at the hotel, you’ll have access to the observation deck as you please. If not, there’s a small entry fee. But, the good news is, you can redeem your ticket fee for food and beverages at the observation deck’s restaurant which serves high tea in the afternoon, and light snacks and bites for the rest of the day.
City Tour – Red Route, Stop: Etihad Towers
There are so many things to see and do in Abu Dhabi over summer. And, if you happen to be visiting over Eid, you can expect plenty of fireworks and celebrations too. Dubai is just an hour and 20 minutes away by car, so why not tick off two cities in one trip? Start planning your holiday to the UAE today.
