Heads up: some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you click and make a booking or purchase, I’ll make a commission (at no extra cost to you). I partner with companies I personally use and the $$ goes towards creating more awesome, free travel content.
Abu Dhabi is gaining a reputation for being one of the most up-and-coming travel destinations in the world. Since 2009, Abu Dhabi has become a familiar fixture in the Formula One Grand Prix series and opened multiple world-class theme parks and museums. And still there is more to come, with exciting new developments in the pipeline.
Abu Dhabi is a fantastic place for teenagers and young people looking to learn all about Middle Eastern culture and have plenty of fun and adventure along the way. It’s easy to get to, friendly, welcoming and safe.
Here are some of the reasons why it’s a great place for a field trip, a stop on a gap year itinerary, or a family visit with children of all ages, especially teens.
- Qasr Al Watan Interactive Sound and Light Show
Qasr Al Watan is both a functioning presidential palace and a visitor attraction. Therefore, it’s a popular place for culture school trips in the UAE. Young people will be amazed by its architecture as well as its collections of local calligraphy and works of art. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in local history and culture for a few hours.
A highlight is its interactive Palace In Motion sound and light show exhibit. This tells the story of the UAE in an engaging, up-to-date way. Three breathtaking acts engage viewers at 8 p.m. on most evenings and make a great finale to a visit here.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
This iconic museum has propelled Abu Dhabi onto the international art scene and is a must-see attraction. Its building alone is an unforgettable work of art, its silver dome seemingly floating upon the Arabian Gulf. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is often called a symbol of the UAE’s ambition and achievement so far.
Inside the museum, visitors are treated to local and international masterpieces. As well as paintings and sculptures, there are illustrations, ceramics, tapestries and textiles, glasswork and more. Every single item is of great historical and cultural significance. All the great art scenes of the world are represented here, making it an essential experience for young people.
- The theme parks
Abu Dhabi’s theme parks are hugely popular with young people. Yas Island is the home of entertainment in the city and offers visitors the choice of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, and more. All three are unmissable.
At Abu Dhabi’s theme parks, you can ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster, experience 40 iconic water rides, and meet Batman, Green Lantern, and Scooby Doo. Any young person would dream of spending a day at each.
- SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
The newest among the Yas Island theme parks is SeaWorld. The center is home to eight different realms that cover marine life from the Arctic to the tropics. All these realms are designed to engross visitors in an educational and entertaining experience.
The Arabian Gulf’s unique marine ecosystem is one of the starring realms. Visitors can witness for themselves the diversity and beauty of local marine life in the touch pool and tanks. Watch gentle giants like the dugongs, plus sea snakes and sea turtles. The history of local Bedouin people’s interaction with the sea is also presented through exhibits on pearl diving and souks.
Another highlight is the Endless Ocean realm. This is the world’s largest multi-species aquarium and it is home to 68,000 animals. Tunnels and escalators help you explore the aquarium and see the ocean from a completely different perspective.
- The beaches
No teen or young person could leave Abu Dhabi without having spent at least one day on one of its glorious beaches. Think white sand, tropical palms and azure waters. The city’s beaches are ideal for watersports and paddle boarding, banana boating and jet skiing are all popular here. They are just as good for relaxing, sunbathing and spending time with friends.
Yas Beach is a great starting point. It’s easily accessible with great facilities and a good choice of eateries nearby, plus naturally beautiful mangrove surroundings. Other popular beaches include the 2 km-long Corniche Beach, which is flanked by a pretty seaside boardwalk and manicured gardens, and Kai Beach, which has a more boho vibe and boasts turtles and dolphins as frequent visitors.
- CLYMB Abu Dhabi
For an adrenaline rush, this place is hard to beat. This venue is home to both the world’s largest indoor skydiving zone and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall. Visitors can take part in both exhilarating experiences under one roof.
CLYMB accommodates beginner climbers and skydivers through to experts. A range of instructional experiences are available and the climbing wall offers five different heights to suit every visitor’s confidence and expertise.
- Comic Con
The Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) is the biggest, brightest pop culture festival in the region. The event celebrates and showcases both local and international stars of film, television, gaming, manga and comics.
Visitors can meet and interact with characters and celebrities, and get autographs and photographs. The next event features Hayden Christensen of “Star Wars,” Matt Smith of “Doctor Who,” Andy Serkis of “The Lord of the Rings,” and dozens more famous faces. Don’t forget to take away Comic Con exclusives and merchandise as a memento of the experience.
Young people looking to learn the art of comics, animation and manga can benefit from plenty of hands-on creative workshops. And if you’re an artist, small business or an established brand, the MEFCC exhibit is the place to show off your great ideas.
A great mix of adventure and culture
Whether you are helping your teen or young person plan their first solo adventure, a family holiday, or a field trip for a group, Abu Dhabi is recommended. It’s the perfect place to learn about Arabian culture while having a whole load of fun. It’s known for its safety and hospitality too.
Getting to Abu Dhabi is easy. It’s served by an international airport and multiple airlines. For schools and medium to large groups planning a trip, a chartered flight may be the most straightforward option. The city also has an incredible range of hotels close to many of the attractions listed above and offering great service.
Why not start planning the trip today?
