Abu Dhabi is well worth a visit; a great place to see and compare life in the Middle East with your own. Here are some free things to do that allow you to experience the best of this fantastic city.
Abu Dhabi on a Shoe String
They say the best things in life are free and in Abu Dhabi that is often the case.
Well known for its extravagance and expense lifestyle, Abu Dhabi is all things to those with an almost never-ending supply of money. Though expensive, there are a number of great free activities also available in the beautiful Gulf city in Unite Arab Emirates.
The Corniche
One of the most popular places to visit in Abu Dhabi, whether you’re rich or poor(ish) is Corniche. This area runs along the spectacular sea front, alongside the beaches, parks and volleyball courts. It also offers great views of the city’s ever changing skyline.
At particular times of the year however, Corniche changes from a place of relaxation and is occupied by numerous octane fuelled events. Look to the skies for the Red Bull Air Races, which as you can imagine are a fabulous sight. Powerboat racing is also popular along the seafront; many of the boats that participate are capable of enormous speeds and offer a great spectacle for free.
The Cultural Foundation
The Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi offers a high brow experience for free. Home of numerous artistic and cultural exhibitions, the foundation offers free presentations in photography, film and sculpture. The building is situated just of Khalifa Street is close to Khalifa Park, is worth a visit and is also free.
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is also another great free resource for those in the Abu Dhabi area. The village goes as far as to re-create a Bedouin setting, showing how life was before the oil riches. It exhibits traditional tents, cooking utensils and just gives an insight into the general way of life.
The village is based on an oasis and has a selection of craftsmen, making showing their wares, exactly as they did in a traditional Bedouin society.
Souqs
Souqs, which are open air markets, are a great place to spend an evening taking in the lively atmosphere, bartering down prices or for just for just walking around and experiencing life from an Arab perspective. Abu Dhabi has a selection of souqs for many kinds of goods, from fish to gold to rugs. The best advice for haggling while in a souq, is to do so hard but with a jovial manner to get the best prices.
Getting There
Getting to Abu Dhabi has never been easier with international flights to Abu Dhabi from all four corners of the world arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport – the hub for Etihad Airways who are the national flag carriers for the United Arab Emirates.
Arty writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article should be considered professional content and is not designed to promote. Image by slleong
