How to Cover Abu Dhabi's Main Tourist Attractions in 2 Weeks - Tips on Visiting Abu Dhabi's Top Highlights within Two Weeks

 Tipped to be one of the Middle East's most dynamic holiday destinations, Abu Dhabi requires at least two weeks to explore in its entirety. Those who are fortunate enough to be able to afford a lengthy getaway in the city must make the most of their time and plan each excursion carefully. From touring iconic landmarks to making time for desert bound adventures, here are some practical tips on how to cover Abu Dhabi's top attractions during a two-week holiday.

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1. Secure a Convenient Base

Those who are in Abu Dhabi for two weeks and wish to explore nearly all the major highlights of the Emirati capital must secure a villa in Abu Dhabi that affords easy access to some of these sites if not all. Whether you select the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort or any other venue, it is crucial to consider the distance between the property and key landmarks in the city.

2. Day 1 to 3: Desert Time

Devoting the first 3 days of your visit to discovering the desert may seem excessive for the uninitiated but the sheer vastness of the landscape and the plethora of activities and experiences up for grabs make this arid territory impossible to explore in a shorter excursion. Finding local tour operators is crucial for this phase of the holiday as one can not only engage in 4x4 drives across the desert but also indulge in dune bashing, horse riding, camel rides and even hunting with the use of falcons. Sandboarding is another popular sports activity that tourists must try in the desert as it is simply invigorating while those who wish to can also camp out or glamp out in the desert thanks to local hotels that offer Bedouin camping experiences for travellers.

3. Day 4 to 7: Culture and Recreation

Day 4 to 7 of your trip should be a combination of visiting famous landmarks, enjoying a spot of traditional shopping and engaging in recreational activities in areas such as the Corniche. Visiting and paying homage to breathtaking sites such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can be a part of this phase of the vacation as it is the largest mosque outside of Mecca and Medina. With more than 83 domes, a whopping thousand columns and adorned with 4 minarets, the entire space takes a full day to explore. Drop by the Date Market to get a feel for what a conventional Arabic bazaar encompasses and head down to the Corniche every evening to go cycling around its periphery or to wine and dine in the restaurants nearby.

 4. Day 8 to 10: Immersion in Nature

Dedicate at least two days to discover the natural wonders of Abu Dhabi by spending time in its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the must-visit highlights include the Mangrove National Park and the Arabian Wildlife Park where the nearly extinct Arabian Oryxes are found in large numbers. Other points of interest include the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. It is important to sign up for boat cruises and four-wheel drives or other guided tours at each of these venues so as to get more out of your visit as all of these parks occupy vast areas that require time and intentionality to explore and enjoy them fully.

5. Day 10 to 14: Theme Parks and Formula One Experiences

No trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without spending time at some of its top theme parks and leisure hubs that are among the finest recreational hotspots in the Middle East. Motorcar enthusiast or not, spending a day at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a must for all travellers while those who prefer to splash around can head over to the Yas Waterworld.  Families with children, on the other hand, must make it a point to visit Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.