10 Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi Airport While on Transit!
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Must Visit Attractions In Abu Dhabi
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Adventure Experiences In Abu Dhabi
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Places To Visit With Family

Things to Do in Abu Dhabi Airport

Indulge in a Duty-Free shopping experience, chill at the elegant lounge, use free WiFi to your heart’s content – there are so many things to do in Abu Dhabi Airport if you do not want to kill your time sitting idle.

The second-largest airport in the UAE, Abu Dhabi Airport is as classy as the rest of the country with state of the art facilities at the visitors’ disposal. It does not matter how much time you have on your hands to spend at the airport, with a few good options you can fill the gap with some interesting ventures while you are here.

Furthermore, there are a number of places of interest in close proximity to Abu Dhabi Airport you can visit and spend an eventful day at. If art and architecture fascinate you, spending a few hours exploring traditional and modern artworks at the Louvre Museum will make your day.

People seeking some cheerful moments with family and friends are sure to have a great time at Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. Even the iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque is barely far from the airport and can be reached in the blink of an eye.

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Things to do in Abu Dhabi Airport

01

Go for Duty-Free shopping at the Airport

As strange as it may sound, Abu Dhabi Airport is quite popular among shoppers, for it boasts a collection of 119 retail and 24 food & beverage outlets in its terminals, offering duty-free shopping experience.

If you think you have not shopped enough in Abu Dhabi, you can make it up for it here by buying a lot of duty-free stuff for yourself and for those who await your arrival back home. For fashionistas, there are some amazing options for buying branded clothes, accessories and much more.

Besides, you can also find an impressive variety of chocolates and liquor at duty-free stores here. Embarking on a shopping spree is certainly one of the most rewarding things to do in Abu Dhabi Airport.

Timings: 12 am to 12 am

Location: Abu Dhabi International Airport PO Box 32988, Abu Dhabi.

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02

Eat at Cafes of the Airport

Abu Dhabi Airport features an impressive number of cafes within the airport complex to fix your hunger pangs whenever it is time to eat. If your taste buds are craving some delicious food items from Indian cuisine or you are one of those people who only prefer organic food to stay healthy and in shape, you will easily find a food outlet that can meet your requirements.

Burger King, Urban Food Market, Negroni, etc. are some of the many choices you have here. Besides, enjoying a cup of coffee at Starbucks or Cinnabon or Costa Coffee is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi Airport to unwind.

Timings: 24 Hours

Location: Abu Dhabi International Airport PO Box 32988, Abu Dhabi.

Also Read: Adventurous Things to Do Abu Dhabi

03

Relax at the Airport Lounge

Abu Dhabi Airport features world-class facilities for passengers, and comfortable lounges are one of the facilities you will be delighted to avail. If the flight has tired you and you are in a need for some uninterrupted rest, relaxing at one of the airport lounges is among the most recommended things to do in Dubai Airport.

Terminal 1 of the airport has Al Reem Lounge, Etihad Premium Lounge and Al Dhabi Lounge. Terminal 3 also features 3 lounges, namely Etihad Class Lounge & Spa, Etihad Premium Lounge, and Etihad US Premium Lounge. Or else, you can always rest at Etihad Arrivals Lounge located within the Arrivals Hall. All of these lounges are well-equipped with world-class facilities.

Location: Terminal 1 & 3 and Arrivals Hall, Abu Dhabi International Airport

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04

Enjoy Free Wifi

When you have nothing to do, you can always find something to do on the internet. And you will be delighted to know that Abu Dhabi Airport complex features free unlimited WiFi facility for all.

Availing of this facility is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi Airport to avoid boredom. If you have a lot of idle time at the airport, use the WiFi facility to stream a movie, surf your social media, or post a check-in update on Facebook to let your friends know what you are up to.

All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps that will connect you to the world of the internet.

Location: Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi.

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05

Pamper Yourself at TOSA Spa

Make the most of your time at Abu Dhabi Airport by letting a team of professionals take care of your wellness and beauty at TOSA Spa. The spa offers a wide selection of holistic treatments that will help your muscles and mind relax.

If you are in a rush, you can enjoy a 30-minute massage treatment. Or, if you have plenty of time to stay immersed in the world of relaxation, full body massages up to 120 minutes are available at TOSA Spa.

Besides, traditional therapies like aromatherapy and hot stone spa are also available here. Availing services at this spa is one of the most soothing things to do in Abu Dhabi Airport.   

Timings: Open 24 Hours

Location: Skypark Plaza, Terminal 3, Abu Dhabi International Airport

Price: Starts from AED 149.

Click here to Book: Bollywood, Motiongate & Legoland Tickets At Dubai Parks

06

Visit Sephora Pop-Up Store

You will not find better things to do in Abu Dhabi Airport than visiting your favourite Sephora Pop-up Store and pampering yourself with unrivalled cosmetics. The international range of Sephora products is available here at duty-free prices which makes shopping here all the more fun.

From products that you may need to heal your skin to make-up accessories that will help you enhance your beauty by many notches, there is a lot to try and buy.

Location: Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi.

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Things to do near Abu Dhabi Airport

07

Enjoy Thrilling Rides at Ferrari World

Being a perfect place for unlimited fun for people belonging to all age groups, Ferrari World is one of the most celebrated amusement parks in the world. The park owes its popularity to its unique Ferrari brand theme, themed attractions and a wide range of exhilarating rides you cannot find in any other amusement park.

The wide spectrum of experiences features easy activities like Tyre Twist as well as adrenaline-pumping action of Formula Rossa which is the fastest roller coaster ride in the world. Coming here with your dear ones and spending a day filled with laughter and joy is one of the most recommended things to do near Abu Dhabi Airport.

Timings: 11 am to 8 pm

Location: Yas West, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Price: AED 295 per person.

Click here to Book: Full Day Ferrari World Trip

Also Read: Best Water Parks & Theme Parks in Abu Dhabi


08

Visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque

An architectural masterpiece that is too majestic and aesthetic to miss, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest mosque in UAE. This iconic mosque is large enough to host 40,000 worshippers at a single time.

Every nook and corner of the mosque is built exquisitely to complement the opulence of Dubai and to bring out the most stunning blend of different forms of Islamic architecture from across the world.

From domes and chandeliers to carpets and reflective pools, everything at the mosque is designed to impress. Visiting this place of worship and soaking up its divine atmosphere is simply among the most calming things to do near Abu Dhabi Airport. 

Timings: 9 am to 10 pm

Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi.

Also Checkout & Book: A Guided Tour to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

                                         Img World Rides

09

Visit Yas Waterworld

Indulge in some splashy fun at Yas Waterworld and immune yourself from the heat of Abu Dhabi as it is one of the most exciting things to do near Abu Dhabi Airport. Yas Waterworld is an Emirati-themed waterpark in the capital city featuring over 40 rides and attractions for kids as well as adults.

Whether you want to feel your heartbeat go wild as you indulge in whacky activities like Bandit Bomber or you prefer to participate in some light-hearted experiences like sliding down in Al Raha River, Yas Waterworld has something for everyone. The Slithers Slides, Hamlool's Humps, and Rush Rider are some of the most popular activities one must not miss out on.

Timings: 10 am to 10 pm

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Price: AED 250 per person.

Click here to Book: Trip to Yas Island Water Park

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10

Visit The Louvre Museum

A museum that is famous all over the world not only for what its galleries have on display but also for its exceptionally gorgeous structure surrounded by water, Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi is an architect’s dream creation.

The exhibits at the museum are dedicated to a chronological and theme-based display of ancient and contemporary artworks from all across the world. The galleries spread across an area of 9,200 sqm, and are divided into permanent and temporary galleries that aim at educating visitors about the evolution of culture and traditions in the region and beyond.

Timings: 10 am to 8 pm

Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi

Price: AED 60 per person.

Also Explore & Book: Louvre Museum Tickets, Abu Dhabi

People Also Ask About Abu Dhabi

  1. What are the best things to Do at Abu Dhabi Airport?

    1. Go on a shopping spree: Owing to its expansive size, Abu Dhabi’s sizable airport is home to a staggering number of stores; the Airport offers over 110 retail outlets and 24 diners to explore. What’s better is that the shopping here is entirely duty free, making it one of the cheapest places to shop at. 

    2. Treat yourself to a massage at Tosa Spa: Apart from its many shopping options, the Abu Dhabi airport also features a fully equipped spa of its own. The Tosa Spa comes with a select range of therapies and massages that promises to unwind you before your long journey onward. 

    3. Go snacking at the cafes: If you’re looking for a quick snack as you wait, the cafes at the Abu Dhabi airport will surely meet your taste. The cafe options here range across a variety of cuisine, where it be Indian or organic western options. 

    4. Relax at the Airport Lounge: If tired and looking for rest, one need only to seek out the premium Lounge at the Abu Dhabi Airport. All equipped with world class facilities and diner services, the lounges at the Airport are a great place to squeeze in a quick rest before one’s journey onward. 

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  2. What are the free things to do near Abu Dhabi Airport?

    1. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque: The biggest spectacle in Abu Dhabi, the golden domes of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque are hard to miss. The architectural marvel is not only the city’s biggest landmark, but also one of the few free attractions here. 

    2. Witness stunning sand formations at Al Wathba: Out in the heart of Al Wathba’s desert dunes, one can witness sweeping layers of sand tossing on each other and merging into stunning sculptures.  The dunes serve as a great visit for photographers, and are best experienced during sunrise and sunset. 

    3. Take a walk along the Corniche: Abu Dhabi’s famed seaside promenade, the Corniche can be a great place for casual and romantic strolls alike. The Corniche is well known for its dramatic Gulf views; it features several cycling and walking trails as well. 

    4. Explore the art at Warehouse 421: Nestled at the heart of Mina Zayed, this repurposed warehouse now serves as a home to the local artists of Abu Dhabi. Warehouse 421 features exhibitions, events, workshops and film screenings from time to time, and is completely free for visitors.

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