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Travelling solo is something that everyone has to try at least once in their lifetime. Although it can be a bit scary and lonely at times, going on an adventure on your own is something worth fighting the fear of loneliness for.
You can do so many things alone that you wouldn’t be able to when accompanied by other people. Aside from having complete control over the trip’s details, travelling alone is also a healthy exercise that lets you learn more about yourself.
Besides, solo travellers have a better chance of meeting new friends and exploring places and activities outside of their comfort zone.
If those are not enough, you can add the wonderful places to visit in Abu Dhabi to the list of reasons why you need to try.
1. Explore natural wonders at Abu Dhabi ecological sites.
Abu Dhabi is home to many tourist destinations, like the ones below, that are perfect for solo travelling enthusiasts.
As quarantine policies for U.S. travellers have been lifted as of July 2021, Abu Dhabi is being hailed as a new eco-tourism spot.
There, you’ll find plenty of unspoilt ecological wonders on the mainland and its surrounding islands. Not only do these offer a break from all the skyscrapers and man-made attractions, but they also provide the perfect chance for you to go soul-searching on your solo trip.
Here are some ecological destinations in Abu Dhabi that you might find interesting:
Al Jubail Mangrove Park
The Jubail Mangrove Park is a sanctuary for many different bird species and sea creatures.
Situated on Al Jubail island, this eco-tourism site opened in January 2020. Since then, the place has served as a quiet spot for a stroll for people who want some peace and quiet and witness the wonders Mother Earth has to offer.
Pro Tip: Time your visit at high tide, between 1 and 3 p.m.
Al Wathba
Al Wathba is a wetland reserve and desert dune that’s a mere 40 minutes away from Abu Dhabi. Whatever you choose, you’ll surely have the most awe-inspiring time of your life if you decide to go there.
- Al Wathba Fossil Dunes – The Wathba Fossil Dunes has the most unusual and unique sand formations created by Mother Nature using a combination of wind and calcium carbonate. These are so beautiful that they’ve been featured in films like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
The best part is that the dunes are also home to wildlife and are an excellent place to (almost) come face to face with nocturnal animals, lizards, and even scorpions.
- Al Wathba Wetlands Reserve – Located between the city and the dunes, the Wathba Wetlands Reserve is home to approximately 250 bird species. Living amongst them are different kinds of mammals and reptiles as well.
If you visit around autumn or spring, you can see about 4,000 flamingos here, splendid in their bright pink plumage. The flamingos regularly breed to maintain a healthy population in the Middle East and enjoy the wetlands.
When you visit, remember to choose the most suited walking trail for your trip goals. The red one offers a high chance of seeing flamingos. But if you choose the green one, you may also get an opportunity to watch lizards go about their day.
2. Try exciting rides at record-breaking theme parks.
Another thing you’ll find quite thrilling about Abu Dhabi is the abundant number of world-record-breaking attractions. From the fastest roller coaster in the world to the largest indoor theme park, you’ll have plenty of options for your solo trip.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Home to the record-holder for the world’s fastest roller coaster, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is where people explore their passion for adrenaline-pumping adventure.
In addition to the Ferrari World roller coaster, the theme park’s other attractions celebrate the free spirit of the iconic racing brand. It houses lots of out-of-this-world simulators, family-friendly rides, live shows, and so much more. If you want the authentic Italian experience, the place also has two stores and a range of restaurants celebrating genuine Italian traditions.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has something that everyone (no matter their age) can enjoy inside its refreshing, climate-controlled indoor climate. This is why it is considered one of the main features of the popular leisure and entertainment destination, Yas Island.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
If you’re done with fast, why not try big?
The Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to beat the desert heat with its temperature-controlled environment. The best part is, it is jam-packed with rides, attractions, and all things associated with Warner Bros. franchises under a single roof as the world’s biggest indoor theme park.
Divided into six immersive sections, Warner Bros. World brought two of the most famous fictional cities to life:
- Gotham City – This mini-world from the DC franchise pays homage to Batman. Here, guests can enjoy the thrill ride Batman: Knight Flight.
- Metropolis – Home to the Justice League, this miniature town pays tribute to superheroes like Wonder Woman and Superman through thrilling rides that are made to match the Justice League universe.
Besides cities where your beloved superhero lived, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi also offers 29 rides that are specifically designed for kids of all ages. (Yes, they have something for kids at heart, too!)
3. Enrich your cultural knowledge with a trip to the Louvre in Abu Dhabi.
Another essential inclusion in your solo travel itinerary in the UAE capital is the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi. Inaugurated in 2017, this museum has since been hailed as the most prominent art museum on the Arabian Peninsula.
Albeit small, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has an exquisite collection of art from all over the world. Most of the pieces it includes serve as bridges between Eastern and Western art.
Nestled in Saadiyat Island’s Cultural Area, the building itself is architecturally stunning.
The dome, which is an elaborate feature of geometric tapestry, lets rays of sunlight shine through on the displayed art, creating a magnificent dance of light and shadows.
Inside, you’ll also find reflective pools seemingly merging into the sea, making it a perfect destination for a solo trip meant for some contemplation and soul-searching.
Admission to the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi is AED 60 (as of 2021). The building is closed on Mondays.
Use the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi app and customise your own guided tour. You can also connect to the museum’s Wi-Fi for free during your visit.
4. Learn about the old settlers of the UAE at the Heritage Village.
Not everyone purposely visits a place to understand its culture. But if you’re one of the exceptions and you don’t always get to do such an activity when travelling with companions, then now is the best time for a solo trip to Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village.
This reconstructed village features how the Bedouins – the original UAE settlers – lived before the oil era of the country. There, you’ll find artisan workshops, wildlife, and a faux desert camp to showcase the area’s lifestyle before the glitz and glamour of skyscrapers and golden palaces arrived.
There is also a museum exhibiting a dazzling collection of daggers, guns, and coins, and, of course, the trusty souvenir shops that sell Abu Dhabi memorabilia.
Admission to the Heritage Village is free.
Go Solo Tripping in Abu Dhabi
Solo trips offer a unique experience that group travel cannot provide. If it’s your first time, try the adventures in Abu Dhabi listed here for an experience you’ll remember forever.
