The United Arab Emirates’ capital and largest city, Abu Dhabi, is a fascinating place with a unique blend of contemporary skyscrapers, opulent resorts, traditional marketplaces, and cultural landmarks. The greatest way to see this global metropolis and its surroundings at your own leisure is to rent a car in Abu Dhabi. The best 6 places to go in Abu Dhabi with a rental vehicle are as follows:
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, boasts an iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This remarkable edifice stands as the prominent landmark in Abu Dhabi as well as is recognized as one of the largest as well as the most magnificent mosques worldwide. The mosque’s impressive scale is evident in its capacity to accommodate over 40,000 worshipers during the Friday congregational prayers. The main prayer hall features 82 white domes of various sizes that are supported by over 1,000 columns.
Inside the prayer hall, you can find 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers that are elaborate and ornate. The mosque also houses the world’s largest hand knotted carpet, which was made by over 1,000 craftsmen and weighs 35 tons.
The exterior and interior of the mosque feature extensive use of white and gold colours which shine brilliantly in the bright Abu Dhabi sun. This makes the mosque a photographer’s dream, especially at sunset when it is illuminated and looks magical.
2. Ferrari World
On Yas Island at Abu Dhabi, there is a theme park called Ferrari World. It is a top attraction for families visiting Abu Dhabi and is home to thrilling rides and experiences. The highlight of Ferrari World is the Formula Rossa roller coaster, which is the fastest roller coaster in the world with speeds reaching 240 km/hour. This ride delivers an adrenaline rush and thrill that car-lovers and coaster enthusiasts seek.
In addition to Formula Rossa, the park offers numerous other rides and simulators that provide excitement. Some are tailored for younger visitors, like the junior driving school that allows kids to experience driving Ferraris.
The 4D cinema provides an immersive experience with 3D film, motion seats, wind and water sprays. Racing memorabilia and interactive exhibits let visitors learn about Ferrari’s history and technology.
3. Yas Marina Circuit
The Yas Marina Circuit is a famous Formula 1 racetrack located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. It is a popular location for car aficionados and one of a city’s most recognizable attractions. Since 2009, the 5.5-kilometer track has played home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit winds through the Yas Marina, giving portions of the track a stunning waterfront view. It passes right next to the luxury Yas Viceroy Hotel, one of Abu Dhabi’s architectural highlights.
With your rental car, you can drive around the same 5.5 km circuit that professional F1 drivers race on. Imagine the thrill and high speeds of racing as you follow the route. The rental car provides the unique opportunity to experience the track from the driver’s perspective at your own pace.
Nearby the race track is the Ferrari World indoor theme park, which can easily be visited thanks to the flexibility of a rental car. Other attractions on Yas Island like Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld are also convenient to access by car.
4. Louvre Abu Dhabi
Situated on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a renowned art gallery that holds significant appeal for aficionados of the arts and culture. For travellers visiting the city, it presents itself as an essential and highly recommended destination. The striking museum structure was created by architect Jean Nouvel and has a huge dome with a 180-meter circumference. The dome filters in light through its perforated design, giving the interior space an under-the-sea feeling.
Inside the museum are 12 galleries exhibiting artworks and artefacts from ancient to contemporary times. The collection involves paintings, and sculptures, along with other cultural pieces from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond.
Some of the most famous pieces are loans from French institutions like Leonardo da Vinci’s La Belle Ferronnière painting. These complement the museum’s broad collection of Arab and Islamic art.
5. Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace Hotel is an iconic Abu Dhabi landmark embodying luxury and opulence. The 5-star property has a palatial design that evokes the ambiance of Arabian royalty. Driving up to the hotel in your rental car is an experience, with the driveway and entrance flanked by dancing fountains. The property stretches over a kilometre and features 114 domes decorated on the outside with gold leaf.
Stepping inside the main lobby, visitors are overwhelmed by the gold decorations, chandeliers, marble floors, and domed ceilings. This gives a taste of the sheer extravagance found within the hotel. Exploring the 1.3-kilometer private sandy beach, lush gardens, and countless restaurants and cafes lets you fully experience the splendour.
6. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
If you’re looking for a fun-filled water park, Yas Waterworld on Yas Island is a top attraction to visit. This park is home to over 40 rides, slides, and attractions themed after the UAE’s pearl diving history.
Signature rides include the Bandit Bomber roller coaster with water splashing effects and the Liwa Loop free-fall water slide taking you through shark-filled waters. For families, the park offers kid-friendly pools, lazy rivers, and slides of lower heights. Yas Waterworld features five “lands” each with its vibe and rides. The diversity keeps all visitors engaged with thrills ranging from mild to extreme. Shows, wave pools, and interactive activities provide all-around entertainment.
Having your rental car makes accessing Yas Waterworld straightforward. Located on Yas Island near other attractions like Ferrari World, the park is easy to reach. The flexibility of a rental car means you can come and go as wanted to take food or rest breaks
Conclusion
With an abundance of cultural sites, theme parks, luxury hotels, and shopping malls, having your rental car is the best way to experience Abu Dhabi. At your own pace, you can easily drive around this spread-out city and visit the top attractions like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, and Emirates Palace Hotel. With iconic sites, thrilling amusement parks, fascinating museums, and opulent landmarks, Abu Dhabi offers an exciting and diverse destination for visitors. Choose car rental over car lease in UAE for an unmatched exploration experience that perfectly complements your adventure.
