10 Budget Travel Locations in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is known for a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities, which continuously attract tourists from all over the world. Some people mistakenly believe that visiting sights in the Emirati capital is an expensive pastime, however in Abu Dhabi, you will find a wide range of landmarks at a moderate price. And some of them even the locals don’t know about. In this article we will tell you about the sights that are worth visiting and provide you with information about their location and the current prices.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi is located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. Its area is over 99,000 sq. ft, and the Permanent and Temporary Galleries are enriched with works from the leading French museums, including Musee du Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou. Visitors can enjoy famous art works and artefacts from the ancient times to the modern era. Among the most popular works which can be found in Louvre Abu Dhabi, are ‘The Bezique Game’ by Gustave Caillebotte, ‘Count Corfiz Anton Ulfeldt in an Ottoman Interior’ by Jean-Etienne Liotard and ‘Diptych with Scenes from the Life of Christ’. Even if you aren’t into art, you will be amazed by the collection of masterpieces in Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Tickets for the museum costs:

• AED 63 (USD 17) for adults
• AED 31.50 (USD 8.50) for teachers, faculty members and UAE military
• Free for children under 18 years old, UAE residents 60+, people of determination with a companion, journalists, Louvre Abu Dhabi members, as well as ICOM and related card holders.

Note: The Cultural District of Saadiyat Island is a desirable location among Emirati citizens and residents. Here you will find a range of luxurious projects with amenities within the complex itself. One of the most famous developments is Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences. Those living in the development will get invitations to various events taking place in the museum throughout the year.

Emirates Park Zoo

Emirates Park Zoo is a wildlife park where you can see tigers, lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, hippos and other animals. Children will also appreciate the Petting Zoo, where they can feed ducks, geese, rabbits, goats and sheep, as well as visit the Park Theatre, where different shows take place. The Reptile House is home to various exotic species, including iguanas, lizards, turtles, tortoises, snakes, pythons and crocodiles. The Bird Park will be liked by visitors of any age as you will meet love birds, emerald doves, laughing kookaburras and many other birds.

The zoo is located on 12th Street, Al Bahyah. A visit to the Emirates Park Zoo will cost you AED 40 (USD 11). Children below the age of 2 years old can visit free of charge.

Qasr Al Hosn

Qasr Al Hosn is considered the oldest stone structure in Abu Dhabi. It consists of the Inner Fort, which was built in the 18th century, and the Outer Palace, which dates back to the mid-20th century. The monument has served as home to the ruling family and the seat of the government. Now it is the memorial of UAE history. Here you will be able to learn more about how the pearling and fishing center became one of the leading metropolises in the modern world. In the House of Artisans you can join training courses, workshops and events, aimed at promoting Emirati culture and traditions.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• General admission price is AED 30 (USD 8) for adults
• School groups get complimentary access to Qasr Al Hosn
• Group tours are available

Umm Al Emarat Park

Umm Al Emarat Park is located in the center of Abu Dhabi, on 15th Street. It’s one of the largest family-friendly parks in Abu Dhabi which attracts local residents and tourists throughout the year. A great number of family attractions can be found here, including the Shade House, Amphitheatre, Botanic Garden, Wisdom Garden, Children’s Garden, Great Lawn and much more.The Animal Barn, which operates in partnership with Emirates Park Zoo, is home to camels, cows, baby goats and ponies. Visitors also get an opportunity to feed them, and children can ride a pony as part of a fun day out.

The entrance fee is:

• AED 10 (USD 3) for adults
• AED 5 (USD 1.5) for children

Note: If you move to Abu Dhabi with your family, we advise you to learn more about the areas in advance so you can choose the best educational institutions for your children and live close to the entertainment and leisure activities that suit you best. You can read more about the top family-friendly areas in this article.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the most popular attraction in Abu Dhabi, and is located in the area of Al Rawdah. The mosque is known for its 1,096 amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns, 82 white marble domes, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, reflective pools, and much more. One of the largest chandeliers and the world’s largest handmade carpet can be found here.

The entrance to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is free of charge, and a complimentary guided tour in English or Arabic is offered to visitors. It’s better to book a visit via the mosque’s website. Don’t forget that your shoulders and knees should be covered, while shoes must be removed at the entry. Women are offered a free abaya to wear.

Zayed Heritage Centre

Zayed Heritage Centre is located in the area of Al Bateen. In this museum you will learn more about the Father of the Nation. The unique design of the development, which is reminiscent of an Emirati village will allow you to feel the traditional Arabic spirit. You will also see pictures of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, his vehicles, and gifts he had received. The price of a ticket to visit the Zayed Heritage Centre is AED 60 (USD 16).

Jubail Mangrove Park

Jubail Mangrove Park is nestled on Jubail Island, between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, and is the perfect place for those wishing to relax after a tiring week with their close ones. The park is the first self-contained educational and leisure destination of its kind in Abu Dhabi. Wandering through the mangroves you will be able to learn more about the nature of the region and spot a range of animals and birds, including turtles, gazelles, herons and more.

The entrance to Jubail Mangrove Park costs AED 15 (USD 4) only. Those wishing to practise several sports, will be amazed by the great number of affordable options. For instance, kayaking costs AED 89 (USD 24). If you are not into sports, you might be interested in the electric dragon boats.

Observation Deck at 300

Those wishing to look at Abu Dhabi from another perspective, might be interested in visiting the Observation Deck at 300, located in Etihad Towers, Al Bateen, 300 metres above the ground. You will be able to take breathtaking pictures of the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi skyline and the Corniche, as well as taste several treats along the way. The price of a ticket to visit the Observation Deck at 300 is AED 95 (USD 26), and includes a AED 55 (USD 15) voucher, which can be used on beverages and food. Moreover, there is an option to enjoy afternoon high tea at the observation deck, which will cost you AED 250 (USD 68).

Note: The Emirati capital is known for its long list of F&B venues. If you not only want to taste delicious food, but also enjoy amazing views of the emirate, don’t miss the chance to visit rooftop restaurants, which include Azura Panoramic Lounge, Cyan Brasserie, Catch at St. Regis and other many options.

Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Zoo is located a 1.5-hour drive from Downtown Abu Dhabi. However, this place is worth visiting, as visitors can get a chance to meet over 4,000 animals. Al Ain Zoo was founded in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Father of the UAE.

Here you will find the Gorilla Sanctuary with three indoor and outdoor areas, the Reptile Park, which is the largest reptile enclosure in the Middle East with 100 species of reptiles, the Koala Land, the Chimpanzee Forest and much more. The Elephant Safari will also provide you with an opportunity to get up close to African animals, including elephants, lions, antelopes and other species, and you will be able to feed elephants during the tour.

The entrance ticket to Al Ain Zoo is:

• AED 10.50 (USD 3) for adults
• AED 5 (USD 1.5) for children between 3 to 12 years old

Moreover, you can purchase an annual ticket, which costs AED 236 (USD 64) for adults and AED 95 (USD 26) for children.

Emirates Auto National Museum

Car lovers will appreciate the Emirates Auto National Museum which is located in Al Dhafra, 45 minutes away from the heart of the emirate. Visitors will get a chance to see over 200 cars owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. It’s an ideal place to take impressive pictures and learn more about the automotive industry and his collection. The largest model jeep can be found outside the museum, while inside it you will see classic American cars, off-road vehicles and much more. Tickets for the museum cost AED 50 (USD 14) for adults, while children are free of charge.

How Can We Help?

Abu Dhabi remains one of the most desirable destinations among expats. Metropolitan Capital Real Estate agents are always ready to help you in choosing the property corresponding to your needs and budget. Thus, we will provide you with the latest information regarding the real estate market in Abu Dhabi and offer residential units in the areas that boast a developed social infrastructure and entertainment activities. We will prepare all the necessary documents, help you to open a bank account, and assist in getting a mortgage, in case if needed.