11 fun things to do when you're out of ideas in Abu Dhabi

Time Out Abu Dhabi

3 days ago

We've all had those days – the ones where you're aimlessly scrolling, binge-watching another series you're only half into, or debating whether three iced coffees in one afternoon is a red flag.
But don't worry – Abu Dhabi is anything but boring when you know where to look.
Whether you're craving adrenaline, artsy escapism or just a solid reason to put your phone down, this city is packed with exciting experiences that'll shake you out of your slump.
From catching record-breaking waves to breaking actual household appliances (legally, of course), here are ten boredom-busting activities guaranteed to lift your mood and get you out the door.
Let's go.
1. Catch a wave at the world's most advanced surf park
Looking to shake up your routine with something seriously cool? Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island is not your average day out, and it's pretty much impossible to go there and stay in whatever rut you might currently be in. It's the world's most advanced man-made wave park, home to the longest ride, the largest barrel and the highest artificial wave ever created. Yes, really.
Pulling up feels like you're arriving at a luxe beach villa getaway, and that laid-back vibe continues inside. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned surfer, the welcoming team makes everyone feel like part of the crew. First-timers can sign up for a beginner lesson (Dhs600) that includes 45 minutes in the water and 12 waves per surfer. Pros can book an open surf session (Dhs3,500) to carve their way through up to 24 waves in 90 minutes.
An unforgettable thrill – and a total bucket list experience – right here in the capital.
From Dhs350. Open daily 7am-10pm. Hudayriyat Island, surfabudhabi.com.
Read more: Surf Abu Dhabi: what to expect and prices
2. Get lost in living art at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
Feeling stuck in a routine? Step into a whole new dimension at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, where art doesn't just hang on walls – it moves, responds and transforms around you.
Set in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District, this 17,000sqm immersive museum is anything but ordinary. Light ripples when you touch it, sound shifts as you move, and water and colour interact with your very presence. It's part science, part magic and totally unlike anything else in the city.
Every visit is a one-of-a-kind experience thanks to the constantly evolving artworks. You might lose yourself in the Dry Area, where motion and sound react in real time; marvel at Levitation Void, where a central energy seems to float; or witness the hypnotic emergence of patterns in Spontaneous Order in Chaos. The exhibit Morphing Continuum even explores how individual moments can align to become something far greater.
It's bold, beautiful, brilliantly bizarre and a guaranteed day without yawning.
Dhs150 for adults (18 and above), Dhs115 for teenagers (13-17) and Dhs50 for children (4-12). Open daily 10am-7pm. Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Cultural District. teamlababudhabi.com (600 565566).
3. Get your feet off the ground with a literal flying session
Yes, we said flying. What could be less down-to-earth than that? There aren't many things better for that than conquering your fear of heights at the world's largest indoor skydiving flight chamber.
If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can combine indoor climbing with skydiving in the CLYMB Combo ticket (Dhs315) for a double dose of adrenaline.
From Dhs235. Sun-Thur (11am to 9pm), Fri-Sat (noon to 11pm). Clymb, Yas Mall, Yas Island. clymbabudhabi.com (0600 511115).
4. Beat inanimate objects to a pulp
Okay, don't scroll, just hear us out. There are some days when you just want to break stuff from boredom. Enter the Smash Room. Take any lingering frustration out on inanimate objects and break everything in your sight. We can't think of many things more cathartic than that tbh.
And now, it is launching a special summer package where you and up to three mates can smash 50 glass items, a washing machine, a printer, a TV and four CPUs to pieces for Dhs1,164.94. It's a great way to relieve all those pent-up emotions and release stress.
From Dhs69 per person. Open Mon-Thu 12.30pm-10pm; Fri-Sun 12.30pm-11pm. Nahil Building in Al Rawdah Street W58. [e-mail], thesmashroom.
5. Dine at one of the city's best restaurants
Okay, first up, the easy one. If we're talking indoor things to do, then we'd be remiss not not mention the capital's outstanding food scene. But let's face it Abu Dhabi's restaurant culture is constantly evolving, and for the average eater-outer, it can be difficult to keep up. A new restaurant here, a fabulous menu there… where to start?
That's where we come in. Enter the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025 and our definitive guide to dining in the capital.
Pick any, pick them all, just make sure you pick 'indoor' on the booking because it's about to get hot outside.
6. Wash away your worries at Yas Waterworld
Trust us when we say this is one of the most joyous things you can do in Abu Dhabi. Whooshing down waterslides at however-many-miles-per-hour is possibly the greatest way to alleviate any grown-up boredom your life may have bestowed upon you, and Yas Waterworld is the best place to do just that.
The water theme park on Yas Island is one of the largest in the region, with more than 40 splashy rides, various pools and immersive aqua experiences. What's more, Yas Waterworld has announced an ambitious expansion of 16,900 square meters by 2025 and promised to add 12 new thrilling rides and attractions.
Dhs295 (adult day pass), Dhs250 (junior day pass), Dhs675 (4 park ticket). Open daily, 10am-7pm. Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, yaswaterworld.com (600 511 115).
7. Treat yourself to a day on the water
Credit: Mohamed Masaau/Unsplash
Nothing says 'I'm loving life' like a boat party. Sure to earn jealous eye rolls from your friends back home, heading out on a swish yacht or houseboat for the day is an Abu Dhabi rite of passage, and it's a thrill that never, ever gets old.
All you have to do is gather your crew, get a date fixed in the diary and set sail. There are multiple boat rentals in Abu Dhabi, from the super luxe vessels to the casual day boat and, luckily for you, you don't have to do hours of research because we've done the hard bit for you. Bon voyage!
Read more: How and where to rent a yacht or a boat in Abu Dhabi
8. Play a round of golf at Yas Links
Credit: Facebook @TOWERLINKSGC
No, you don't have to be a golf pro to play at Yas Links, and yes, it is one of the best ways to have an active day (or morning, if you're trying to avoid the heat).
Sitting pretty on the water's edge with dramatic views of the Arabian Gulf, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is the first true links golf course in the Middle East and the home of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship – a Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour.
While more experienced golfers tend to make their way to the 18-hole championship course designed by renowned course designer Kyle Phillips, there's a nine-hole par 3 course that's a great shout for newbies.
There are also plenty of spots to keep you well fed and watered, including Crafty Fox, a gorgeous gastropub boasting incredible views of the course and the mangroves. The definition of weekend goals (or any day for that matter).
Dhs440 (18 holes) during off-peak times and Dhs550 during peak times. Open daily 8am-10pm (Mon-Fri), 9am-10pm (Sat-Sun). Yas Island, viyagolf.com/yaslinks (02 404 3000).
9. Try your hand at some pottery
A great way to get out of your doomscrolling-indoors-funk is to do another activity indoors, because not everything exciting has to be high energy.
At Studio Coe, there are hand-building, wheel-throwing and glazing classes, as well as a number of themed options perfect for kids, where they'll recreate their favourite Pokémon, or carve pumpkins out of clay. A pretty fantastic way to beat any blues and go home with a handmade treasure, we'd wager.
Dhs105 (glazing session), Dhs220.05 (taster session or handbuilding session), Dhs840 (four sessions). Open Tue-Sun 10am-9pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, studiocoe.com (02 546 6570).
10. Eat your dinner in total darkness
Quite literally. It's a (only slightly daunting) dining experience that aims to encourage participants to re-evaluate their approach to food, at Bab Al Qasr's Fresh Basil you will eat in complete darkness, bringing the taste, smell and texture of the food into focus while removing sight.
You'll enjoy welcome drinks and canapés before being led into the pitch-black dining room by staff who are fully kitted out with high-tech night vision equipment, allowing you to get to your table without incident.
The three-course meal that follows caters to all preferences and intolerances – you just have to let them know in advance – with dishes carefully curated by executive chef Yvan Marclay and head chef Gayan Rupasinghe. It's a profoundly sensory food adventure that makes for one of the most unusual and unique dining experiences in Abu Dhabi. We highly recommend trying it out for yourself.
Dhs399. Mon-Sat 7.45pm-11pm. Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residences, Corniche Road West. millenniumhotels.com, (056 992 2078).
11. Get the need for speed
You don't have to be a Formula 1 driver to get behind the wheel at Yas Marina Circuit. You don't even need to have your own sports car. The circuit puts on loads of driving experiences for sports enthusiasts to try. All you need is a valid UAE license or a license from your home country.
Wondering what you can drive? The Aston Martin GT4 is a semi-automatic car that has a sizzling acceleration. For Dhs1,840 you can speed along the track in this state-of-the-art car, which uses biometric technology to capture your individual performance, reading your heart rate and blood pressure as well as the frequency of brain activity, emotions and nervous impulses. The data is then visualised in a 3D avatar and driver persona.
You can also whip around the track in a single-seat racing car with the Formula Yas 3000. You'll feel like a professional driver while you power around the track with F1 style paddle gear shift changes. Finally, there's the Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio driving experience, where you'll reach speeds of 307 kilometres per hour. Other options include the Caterham Seven, Chevrolet Camaro SS drag racing and the Polaris drift sprint.
Yas Track Day is another option, if you'd rather drive your own car or motorbike around the track. Keep your eyes out for the next track day announced.
If you're more of a passenger princess but still have a need for speed, there are multiple experiences available that involve you being swung round the track in a variety of cars, prices start at Dhs110.
From Dhs950. Yas Marina Circuit, yasmarinacircuit.com.
Summer in Abu Dhabi
This is exactly how long summer will last in Abu Dhabi this year
Feeling the heat?
The 27 best things to do indoors this summer in Abu Dhabi
It's time for some air-conditioned bliss
Yas Waterworld's epic new expansion is opening this summer – including 12 new slides
Weeeeee!