45 brilliant free things to do in Abu Dhabi

Time Out Abu Dhabi

10-07-2025

With tonnes of brilliant restaurants and bars, brunches galore, and plenty of tourist attractions to visit, your time in the capital can quickly add up.
But if you're on a budget, or just looking for stuff to do ahead of payday, we've got you covered with all the brilliant free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
From cultural activities to fitness, we've got you covered. Read on for our comprehensive guide to all the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
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Free things to do in Abu Dhabi: Art & culture
Admire The Constellation at sunset
As far as places to watch the sun set go, this one is a winner. As night descends on the city, The Constellation, an artwork and memorial to the late Sheikh Zayed, lights up. Standing 30m tall and using 1,327 geometric shapes, the installation is a 3D portrait of Sheikh Zayed that you can enjoy from multiple angles.
Open daily 9am-10pm. Corniche West, thefoundersmemorial.ae.
Brush up on your Arabic at The Language Club
You needn't sign up for an expensive course to get to grips with the basics of Arabic. The Language Club is trying to make mastering it fun and sociable by offering volunteer-led conversation lessons in person and online. You can also practice European languages (including Spanish, German, Portuguese and even Russian) at the friendly exchanges that run over the course of the week. Yalla!
Dates and times vary, call ahead to check. The Language Club, 1868 Café, Khalifa City A, Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street, thelanguageportal.net (02 553 1868).
Catch a classic flick at Cinema Space
With a brilliant roster of world cinema and restored classics, this film club should always be at the top of your to-do list. Seating is limited so RSVP via the website where the full programme is also listed.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Cultural District, cinemaspace-abudhabi.splashthat.com (02 6575 800).
Check out the Cultural Foundation
Located next to the historical Qasr Al Hosn fort, the Cultural Foundation has been fostering creative talent in Abu Dhabi since its launch in 1981. Throughout the year, there are two to three free exhibitions for you to check out, and the children's library inside also has free daily programming for little ones, making this one of the top free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-8pm; Fri 2pm-8pm. Qasr Al Hosn, culturalfoundation.ae.
Contemplate contemporary art at Salwa Zeidan Gallery
Minimalist, cutting-edge, contemporary art is the focus of this gallery that has exhibited everything from conceptual photography to futuristic sketches and vibrant abstract paintings created with acrylic and rice paper.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-7pm. The Collection at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi salwazeidangallery.com (02 666 9656).
Discover amazing exhibitions at Manarat Al Saadiyat
Found in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Manarat Al Saadiyat is one of the best art galleries in Abu Dhabi. While some of the exhibitions here have an entry fee, many throughout the year are totally free to visit, and you can also attend a free weekly sound healing session on Mondays.
Open daily 10am-8pm. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, manaratalsaadiyat.ae (02 657 5800).
Dive into the local art scene at Etihad Modern Art Gallery
With the opening of incredible international galleries such as the Louvre, it can be easy to forget about the city's burgeoning local art scene. Enter Etihad Modern Art Gallery, which does host art from international talent but primarily promotes Emirati traditions and cultures. Wandering around is, of course, free, but you can also settle into an upcycled oil barrel and treat yourself to a lotus milkshake at the gallery's café.
Open Sun,Tues,Thurs 11am-6pm. Villa 15, Al Huwelat Street, Al Bateen etihadmodernart.com (02 621 0145).
Find out more about traditional crafts at the House of Artisans
Found next to Qasr Al Hosn (which has a Dhs30 entrance fee), the free-to-visit House of Artisans offers an insight into the traditional crafts of the UAE. This includes Al Sadu, a type of weaving used in Bedouin tents, khoos, which uses date palms, and talli, a kind of decorative embroidery found on robes.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-8pm. Next to Qasr Al Hosn, Al Hisn, qasralhosn.ae.
Get clued up on Korea at the Korean Cultural Center
Lover of K-pop, K-dramas, and just all things Korean? Then you need to be heading to the Korean Cultural Center on Yas Island. Free to visit, the centre hosts exhibitions as well as free workshops and classes, including cooking, painting and dance.
Open Mon-Thu 10am-7pm; Fri 10am-2pm. P2, Entrance 13, Yas Creative Hub, Yas Island, uae.korean-culture.org.
Get the 411 on independent art in the UAE at 421
Formerly known as Warehouse 421, Mina Zayed's 421 is an 'independent, anti-disciplinary platform dedicated to emerging artists and creative practitioners in the UAE'. That means visits here will help you discover up-and-coming creators, with free exhibitions throughout the year. If you are an emerging artist, you can sign up for the Performance Co/Lab to meet with fellow creatives, and even if you're not, there are free activities such as film screenings, too.
Open Tue-Sun 10am-8pm. Mina Zayed, 421.online.
Go back to school and explore exhibitions at NYU Abu Dhabi
You don't have to be a student at NYU Abu Dhabi to brush up on your cultural knowledge, as members of the public are welcome to visit The Art Gallery at NYU Abu Dhabi for free. Open in the winter and spring months, exhibitions here cover a wide-range of thought-provoking topics, and you can keep up to date with all the latest on the NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery website.
Closed for summer. The Art Gallery at NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, nyuad-artgallery.org.
Go on a guided tour at Abrahamic Family House
Back in March 2023, Abrahamic Family House opened on Saadiyat Island. The complex, which features a mosque, a church and a synagogue, is free to visit, and you can go on a guided tour to learn more about how the facility came into being as well as the architectural details on each of the buildings.
Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm (visitors), various hours (worshippers). Jacques Chirac St, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae (02 657 5900).
Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the most popular free things to do in Abu Dhabi, we'd be stunned if you're yet to visit this iconic landmark. What can we say about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that hasn't been said before?
Truly breathtaking, with 82 domes, 1,000 columns, 24-karat gold chandeliers and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, it's a masterclass in craftsmanship and architecture. Just remember to be respectful, dress conservatively and to get those brilliant snaps for social media while you admire the beauty of this famed structure.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri 9am-noon, 3pm-10pm. Khor Al Maqta, szgmc.gov.ae (02 419 1919).
Pay a visit to the Wahat Al Karama
This memorial was built in recognition of the UAE's armed forces and, as well as being a fitting tribute, it's also an architectural wonder. The name means 'oasis of dignity' and it is a permanent homage to soldiers who have given their life protecting the nation's values and security.
The sculpture features massive aluminium slabs that lean on one another and the site also features a visitors' centre and a 4,000 square metre plaza enjoying amazing views over Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Open daily 9am-10.45pm. Khor Al Maqta, wahatalkarama.ae (02 668 1000).
Sing or slam at Rooftop Rhythms
An open mic night dedicated to fostering up-and-coming talent, Rooftop Rhythms has been gathering an ever-growing crowd of live music and spoken word enthusiasts for years. Go along to cheer on those brave enough to hit the stage, or, if you fancy yourself as the next Scroobius Pip, you can sign up to their slam competitions.
Dates, times and locations vary, check the website, rooftoprhythms.org (050 818 7317).
Want to catch a glimpse of life in the UAE before it evolved into a modern city? Then pay a visit to Heritage Village, one of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi. Here, you can get a snapshot of traditional Emirati life and heritage, as the village showcases on a range of local crafts, explores the history of pearl diving and more.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-4pm; Fri 7.30am-noon, 3.30pm-9pm. Al Kasir (02 681 4455).
Visit the Miraj Islamic Arts Centre Abu Dhabi
The Miraj Islamic Arts Centre boasts an eclectic trove of art work dedicated to the history and heritage of Islam. Spend an hour or so taking in the various pieces on display – tapestries, hand-crafted weaponry, vases inscribed with intricate Arabic calligraphy, richly woven carpets and textiles dating back to the 16th century – and you'll leave feeling more culturally informed, which is never a bad thing.
Open daily 9am-7pm. Villa No – 14B & 15B, Marina Office Park, Near Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi.
Watch the camel racing at Al Wathba Race Track
Can you even call yourself a bona fida UAE resident until you've spent a day at the races? And no, we're not talking about the Dubai World Cup. For a thrifty (entrance is free) and highly entertaining morning, head out to Al Wathba Race Track to take in a spot of camel racing. The season begins in October and runs until March, so make sure you pencil this in the calendar as one of the top free things to do in Abu Dhabi when the season restarts.
Al Wathba Race Track, Abu Dhabi.
Free things to do in Abu Dhabi: Historical sites
Explore archeological treasures at Al Qattara Arts Centre
As you might expect from the name, Al Qattara Arts Centre is a real cultural hub, regularly hosting events, exhibitions, workshops and more throughout the year. While building the centre, excavations uncovered a number of archaelogical findings dating from the Late Islamic Period to the Iron Age, and these findings are on permanent display in the Qattara Archaeological Basement.
Open 9am-8pm. Al Qattara, Al Ain, abudhabiculture.ae (03 711 8225).
Marvel at Qasr Al Muwaiji
Head to the Garden City and you can explore an impressive archaeological and historical structure and UNESCO World Heritage Site at Qasr Al Muwaiji. The impressive structure, and one of the top free things to do in Abu Dhabi, is also birthplace of the country's president, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 1948.
Open daily 9am-7pm. Al Muwaiji, Al Ain, qasralmuwaiji.ae.
Pay a visit to Al Ain Palace Museum
The former home of the UAE's founding father His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Ain Palace Museum offers up both traditional architecture and an insight into the lives of the ruling family. Best of all, it doesn't cost a thing to visit, making this one of the top free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Open daily 9am-7pm. Next to Al Ain Oasis, Al Ain (03 711 8388).
See the Liwa Forts and Oasis
If seeing something that's off the beaten track is what you're after, then set course for Liwa Forts. Located near Liwa Oasis, which is also worth seeking out, these forts, constructed by Bedouin tribes in the 19th and 20th centuries, were built to protect their most treasure resource: water. These are not an official tourist destination, don't expect a gift shop, a guide or resources, just check them out, take your pictures and make sure to leave them as you found them for the next person to explore.
Head towards Hamim and set your GPS for 23 07 60.00, 53 45 59.99.
Wander around Al Jahili Fort
Built in 1890 by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First, Al Jahili is one of the largest forts in the UAE. Inside, you can find a fascinating permanent exhibition devoted to Sir Wilfred Thesiger, the explorer, travel writer and photographer who crossed the world's largest sand mass, Rub al Khali, twice in the 1940s.
Open daily 9am-7pm. Al Jahili, Al Ain (03 711 8311).
Free things to do in Abu Dhabi: Nature
Amble through the palm trees at Al Ain Oasis
There's nothing quite like taking a walk through thousands of palm trees towering over your head, especially when it's one of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi. In fact there are 147,000 trees at Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO world heritage site, and it's a top place to enjoy a walk.
Open daily 9am-5pm. Al Ain Street, Central District, Al Ain (03 711 8251).
Chill at Green Mubazzarah
Green Mubazzarah boasts lush, green views and hills at the feet of the Abu Dhabi's highest peak, Jebel Hafeet. And it makes for quite the setting for a picnic or stroll. And if you fancy you can even have a dip in the natural hot springs too. Go on, why not? It's beautiful. And it's one of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Free entry to park, Dhs20 for hot springs. Open daily 11am-8pm. Green Mubazzarah, next to Wadi Adventure (03 783 9555).
Dune and dusted
It's easy to forget you live in a desert when among huge skyscrapers and living an urban life. A short drive out of the city and you'll quickly remember. For those with an adventurous streak (and taking all safety precautions) exploring the natural beauty of the desert is an unforgettable experience and one you need to do if you live in the UAE.
Set your GPS for 22.974905, 53.785472 and explore.
Experience incredible stargazing in the Al Quaa desert
The light pollution-free Al Quaa desert grants stargazers the most stellar of sights: amazing views of the galaxy and various planets, constellations and even the occasional shooting star. Wrap up warm, make sure your camera phone is at the ready and prepare to marvel; this place is thoroughly deserving of its alternative moniker 'the Milky Way spot'.
Al Quaa is located around 90 minutes' drive from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain. Google Maps coordinates: 23°36'16.7″N 54°45'00.9″E.
Go for a stroll on the Corniche
Perhaps obvious, but still worth including, a walk along the corniche (which is dotted with parks to people-watch in and a public beach to lounge on) is one of the easiest ways to spend a leisurely, free afternoon in the city. Plus, you can pick up a cup of karak for no more than a couple of coins, too. Perfect.
Open 24 hours.
Go flamingo spotting at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
The first site in the UAE to be placed on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, this spot is not only full of natural beauty but is one of the few places in the UAE where you can go flamingo spotting.
The flamboyant birds have made the site their home and while they like to migrate, you can catch colonies (or flamboyances) of the birds at the site relaxing in the water. Don't worry, you'll spot them easily, they're bright pink, after all. This is one of the top free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Open Tue-Sat 8am-6pm. Al Ain Truck Road, ead.ae.
See stunning sand sculptures at Al Wathba
Yet another option for free things to do in Abu Dhabi at Al Wathba, in this protected area you'll find a collection of twisting, wind-swept towers of rock. It's a unique place, and budding photographers will love the shadows and shapes created at sunrise and sunset. There are well-lit walking paths for exploring, and there are also music and light shows going on throughout opening hours.
Open daily 8am-8pm. Al Wathba, ead.gov.ae.
…or take a photo for the 'gram at Al Wathba Salt Lakes
Its fossil dunes and wildlife-filled wetlands have long been loved, but the relatively recent discovery of a stunning salt lake has made a trip out to the serene Al Wathba district even more appealing. It isn't the easiest place to find (travelling by SUV is recommended), but once you happen upon Long Salt Lake you'll be well-rewarded: glassy, turquoise water dotted with lily pads and flanked by a glittering salt crust make this natural wonder a sight to behold and nothing short of Instagram gold.
Co-ordinates: 24.1589° N, 54.5025° E.
Snap a selfie at a real-life film location
In recent years Abu Dhabi has established itself as top filming location for everything from indie flicks to big-budget blockbusters. Venture out to the Empty Quarter and you'll see exactly why Dune director Denis Villeneuve chose the vast expanse of sand to double as the planet Arrakis.
Alternatively, make for the rolling dunes of Rub Al Khali and re-enact the opening scenes of Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens. More of a Bollywood movie buff? Stick closer to the city and visit Emirates Palace, the St. Regis Abu Dhabi or the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre – all three made an appearance in 2018 hit Race 3.
Stare up at the terrifying Moreeb Dune
Looking for one of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi? Moreeb Dune is an incredible sight. The towering wall of sand has an estimated 50 degree slip face and 300m height, making it quite the spectacle. We recommend leaving driving up it to the pros and admiring it from the base. It's not called the 'scary mountain' for nothing.
Moreeb Dune, 25km south of Liwa Oasis.
Free things to do in Abu Dhabi: Fitness, sports and activities
Climb (or drive) to the top of Jebel Hafeet
Free things to do in Abu Dhabi can suit adventure seekers, too. At 1,249m Jebel Hafeet is the highest mountain in Abu Dhabi and there are few things more spectacular than hitting the summit here which, thanks to a road up it, is really a pretty simple task. You can run or cycle up too, if that's your thing. We'll be waiting at the top.
Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain.
Hit the track in the desert at Al Wathba
Okay, so this is technically only one of the top free things to do in Abu Dhabi if you have your own bike (while those who don't can rent one on-site for a fee). At Al Wathba Cycle Track, you can tackle different distances at any time of day – particularly handy when the weather heats up over summer.
Open 24/7. Al Wathba Cycle Track, Al Wathba.
Paddle your way to fitness with the Abu Dhabi Capital Dragons
Dragon boating is an ancient Chinese team sport and this team are always on the lookout for new paddlers – no previous experience necessary. Get out on the water to work on your core strength, flexibility and stamina at their free sunrise fitness sessions.
Sunrise fitness sessions Sun, Tue & Thu 5.10am-6.20am. Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club beach. meetup.com/capitaldragons.
Play around at Khalifa Park
Boasting wide open spaces, plenty of room for cycling, barbecue facilities and even
a maritime museum, we think Khalifa is one of the most underrated parks in Abu Dhabi. There's an abundance of greenery and even a few football goals set up if you can rally together a five-a-side team.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-11pm. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, next to Park Arjaan by Rotana, khalifapark.wixsite.com/khalifapark.
Relax with yoga at Ripe Market
The Ripe Market hardly needs an introduction. The weekly gathering of local businesses is well known throughout the country, but you may not know that there are community yoga classes every week, too. The sessions, run by BodyTree Studio, are suitable for all levels and as long as you bring a mat you can enjoy a totally free workout.
Sat 5pm-6pm. Umm Al Emarat Park, 15th Street, Mushrif, ripeme.com, bodytreestudio.com (02 443 4448).
Run or cycle at Yas Marina Circuit
With TrainYAS you can walk, cycle or run the 5.55km track completely for free. All you need to bring is your running (or walking) shoes – even those who wish to cycle can borrow a bike for free. Just make sure you register in advance, and check the website before heading down, as sometimes private events may mean TrainYAS is cancelled.
Free (registration required). Mon, Wed 6pm-10pm. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, yasmarinacircuit.com.
Take part in a free fitness session at The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Window shopping is one of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi, but if you're looking for something a little more active, you should be signing up for one of the free fitness sessions at The Galleria. There are yoga and Zumba classes, as well as a free guided walk, and you can find all the details here.
Free. Tue, Thu, Sun 8.30am-9.30am (adult yoga), Wed, Sat (mummy-and-child yoga), Mon, Wed, Fri 8.30am onwards (walk), Tue, Thu 9am-10am (Zumba). The Galleria Al Maryah Island, thegalleria.ae.
Other free things to do in Abu Dhabi
Explore a sustainable city
Abu Dhabi's sustainable city is an intriguing place and it has loads of stunning architecture and a unique design. Take a stroll through the buildings and you can see what's on offer and get some amazing snaps of some of the coolest buildings in the UAE.
Masdar City, near Abu Dhabi International Airport, masdarcity.ae.
Head to the Mina Zayed Fish Market
The Mina Zayed Fish Market opened its doors back in July 2022, and it's definitely worth a visit. With over 100 stalls displaying a smorgasbord of spanking fresh fish, shellfish, crustaceans and more, it's an oceanic feast for the senses. And while we can't promise you won't be tempted to drop a few dirhams on the catch of the day, the quality is so high and the prices so reasonable that doing so makes sense.
Should all that perusing whet your appetite, a pitstop at one of the on-site restaurants comes recommended, such as Al Shader.
Open 8am-10pm. Mina Zayed.
Take pictures at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Okay, admittedly staying at this grand hotel isn't free, but heading along to explore the golden hotel definitely is. It's one of the most iconic buildings in the UAE and known the world over for it's luxury. Plus, it's pretty photogenic too. We won't blame you if you snap a selfie, it's probably one of the most famous free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Corniche Road West (02 690 9000).
Wander around Sheikha Fatima Park
A wonderland for al fresco adventuring and exploring, Sheikha Fatima Park might just be the most exciting green space in the capital. The 46,000 square metre area close to the Corniche boasts a skate park, pet park, toddler play area, splash pad zone and plenty of shaded grassy areas for chilling, as well as water features, art murals and playgrounds aplenty. Park life doesn't get much better than this.
Open 7.30am-3.30pm Sunday-Thursday, Sheikha Fatima Park, Khalidiya.
While away a morning or afternoon at Al Gurm Corniche
Nestled close to the Eastern Mangrove's greenery-lined lagoons, this teaming-with-wildlife spot offers scenic views and family-friendly fun in abundance. The walkways are easy-to-navigate and there are designated seating areas dotted about, as well as water-themed education stations, nature-viewing platforms, fitness stations and a clutch of cafes. In short, this is a brilliant place to spend a morning or afternoon.
Open 24/7. Eastern Mangroves.
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