Abu Dhabi After Dark: 6 Fun Activities to Try at Night

Once you set foot in Abu Dhabi, you’ll want to spend every minute of your visit here exploring the city.

Many of the must-see attractions in this emirate are best visited during the day. If you want to make the most out of your holiday, get out and about while the sun is out.

However, there are also plenty of activities in Abu Dhabi that you can’t afford to miss out on at night. As such, you have to plan on going out as soon as the sun sets, too.

And if you are looking for must-try activities at night in Abu Dhabi, here are the top six you should consider including on your list:

1.    Have dinner at The Fountains

After a long day of exploring Abu Dhabi, reward yourself by indulging in various great eats at The Fountains in Yas Island.

Located near Yas Mall and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The Fountains is home to several casual dining restaurants and eateries featuring cuisines from various parts of the world.

The Fountains is the perfect setting for alfresco dining during the day. It provides the same experience at night but with a more magical and enchanting vibe.

The Fountains is home to one of the most beautiful and enchanting Abu Dhabi fountains, which come to life via a superb water and light show choreographed to well-known Arabic and English music.

When dining here at night, make sure you choose a spot where you can view the fountain show.

The Fountains is also an excellent place to bring your family to during the day. The attraction doubles as a water playground for children of all ages.

Because of this, your kids can be entertained for hours while you and your adult companions go on a food crawl.

2.    Try various sports at the Yas Marina Circuit

The Yas Marina Circuit not only hosts the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; it is also a multifunctional sports centre that allows guests to engage in different activities.

The Driver/Passenger Experience is one of the must-try nighttime activities at the Yas Marina Circuit. Hop on an Aston Martin GT4, Chevrolet Camaro, Mercedes-AMG, Yas Radical SST, Formula Yas 3000, or Toyota 86 Drift Car as a driver or passenger and enjoy a lap or more around the brightly lit track.

You can also try drag racing at the circuit during Yas Drag Night.

If you like cycling, you can also go for a spin around the racetrack. The Yas Marina Circuit is open to cyclists two times a week.

3.    Have fun at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a great place to visit any time of the day. But to get the most of your time here, stay until the night falls.

With numerous fun and thrilling rides and attractions, you won’t find it difficult to stay at this world-famous theme park from morning until night.

Some of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after rides include the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, G Force, Flying Aces, and Tyre Twist.

If you want to know what it feels like to be a Formula One driver and compete in a race, try the Ferrari F1 Simulator Experience, a virtual racing experience that takes place on a simulated circuit.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi also has a supercar exhibition that features the Italian brand’s most iconic vehicles.

The 90-Minute Roof Walk Experience is also best enjoyed at night. It allows you to walk on the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi red roof and see the world’s largest Ferrari logo up close beautifully lit up.

Whenever you need to take a break and grab a bite or drink, head to one of the in-house restaurants and cafes, which won’t disappoint your taste buds.

4.    Go on a luxury dhow dinner cruise

If you want to see amazing views, relax on a boat, and indulge in a scrumptious meal, book a spot on a dhow dinner cruise heading to Yas Island.

A traditional wooden dhow will take you on a two-hour cruise that allows you to see the magnificent nighttime views of Abu Dhabi city and Yas Island. 

While aboard the dhow, you can enjoy a buffet or full-course dinner prepared by seasoned chefs. You can also help yourself to a selection of complimentary hot and cold beverages such as tea, coffee, juice, and sodas.

A dhow cruise to Yas Island is one of the best ways to give both your tummy and eyes a treat and wear your loveliest summer dresses.

5.    Camp out in the desert

A visit to Abu Dhabi won’t be complete without spending time in the desert. If you want to explore the wilderness at night, consider camping at one of the well-known campsites.

If you are going on a desert safari, extend your stay here and book a tent at one of the Bedouin-style camps.

When you book a stay at a Bedouin desert camp, at the end of your safari, you can enjoy an authentic barbeque buffet dinner under the clear sky. While indulging in your meal, you will be entertained by a local band, singers, and dancers.

You will also love hanging around the campfire sipping coffee, tea, or soda while gazing at the stars and clear sky over the desert. Additionally, you can get a henna tattoo if you are feeling artistic and adventurous.

Once you’re ready to turn in, you will be ushered to a comfortable, furnished Bedouin-style tent.

6.    Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a always a breathtaking sight by day. However, the mosque is a different, even more majestic, and spectacular must-see place at night.

In fact, it’s one of the UAE capital’s must-see sights during the sunset. As such, make sure you plan a visit to the renowned mosque just as the day is about to end.

The 82 domes, two minarets, and marble and gold façade are amazing to see at night. You won’t be able to take your eyes off of the mosque when the elaborate detailing, domes, columns, numerous Swarovski crystal-studded chandeliers, and blue-tiled pools are lit up.

Whether you are visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time or have been here several times already, don’t miss out on these activities. These are always worth staying up late at night for.