How to Visit Abu Dhabi's Main Tourist Attractions in 2 Weeks - Guide to Exploring Abu Dhabi's Biggest Highlights in 14 Days

 Those who are fortunate enough to be spending two weeks in Abu Dhabi have the rare opportunity to experience nearly everything the city has to offer. Unlike weekenders and short-stay visitors, those who will be in the city for 14 days will actually be able to cover most of its highlights. From discovering the beauty of the desert to hitting the cultural hotspots scattered around the UAE capital, here's how to spend 2 glorious weeks in Abu Dhabi.

Image via maxpixel

1. Stay at a Strategic Base

Regardless of the duration of the visit, those who are planning on uncovering most of the city's best highlights should stay in a central location. The benefits of staying close to the main attractions in the city cannot be overstated as Abu Dhabi is one of the most populous cosmopolitan hubs in the Middle East. This means travelling to and from points of interest; therefore, it will take up most of your time on holiday if a strategically situated rest such as Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel or a similar venue is not your base. In addition to the hotel's proximity to key landmarks and public transport hubs, ensure your resort also offers easy access to some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.

 2. Day One to Three: Desert Adventures

Those who are visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time should first and foremost plan to spend the first three days out in the desert. As a unique topographical landscape, the desert is perhaps the main reason some visitors tour Abu Dhabi in the first place. Travellers can not only sign up for a 4x4 drive across the arid terrain but also sign up for exciting activities including dune bashing, horse riding, falconry and camel rides. Sandboarding adventures are also accessible to visitors while those who wish to camp out in the desert will have several Bedouin-style camps and glamping experiences to choose from.

3. Day Four to Seven: Leisure and Culture

Devote the next three days of your time in Abu Dhabi to visit some of the main landmarks and cultural hotspots around the city. Start your cultural tour of the city with a stopover at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque before spending time at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and the Zayed Heritage Centre. Don't forget to drop by the Abu Dhabi Corniche as it is a leisure centre that's the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing. The Date Market in the city is another point of interest that culture buffs shouldn't miss as it is a traditional bazaar of mammoth proportions.

4. Day Eight to Ten: Be at One with Nature

While most tourists may be surprised to find that Abu Dhabi is home to its fair share of wildlife reserves and sanctuaries, it is important to set aside at least two days to visit some of these verdant patches in the heart of the desert capital. No trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without a stopover at the Arabian Wildlife Park or the Wathba Wetland Reserve where species that are endemic to the region live in a lush environment that mimics their natural habitats.

5. Day Ten to Fourteen: Waterparks, Theme Parks and Ferrari World

As a theme park paradise for the masses, it is necessary to allocate your last 4 days in Abu Dhabi to explore its biggest recreational attractions. From Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the choices are seemingly endless when it comes to family-friendly theme parks in the city. Don't forget to pop by Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi before your departure as it is a cinephile's dream come true.