How to Explore Like a Local in Abu Dhabi – Enjoy the Traditional Vibes

Abu Dhabi is a quintessential holiday destination for enjoying lavish Arabic hospitality coupled with traditional charms. But to experience the city for all its worth, discovering the ancient customs and vintage spots, shopping at the souks, and then soaking up the modern vibes, you need to sightsee the place with local knowledge. Go ahead and read this article on how to explore like a local in Abu Dhabi, to learn a few tips.

Ulises Icardi, Qasr al Hosn, el edificio más antiguo de Abu Dabi, en contraste con los modernos rascacielos., CC BY-SA 4.0

1. Hit the Beach Like a Local

To enjoy the beach like a local you need to stop ‘looking’ for the perfect beach and head right to the most popular sandy oasis in Abu Dhabi. Standing out from an impressive line-up of Sadiyaat Beach is the best. Go there to relax, catch a tan, and paddle around in the warm ocean. Drop by the Al Bateen Marina on your way out and savour coffee and snacks to complete a fabulous day out in the sun. Most visitors to Abu Dhabi choose desert accommodation as part of their overall experience, and some like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, will cocoon you within the golden sands of the Empty Quarter or Rub Al Khali, the largest sand desert in the world. Most of these 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi offer or help plan tours, which often end with a stop at a coastal Bedouin camp, where you get to swim in the warm ocean and experience traditional Bedouin lifestyles. 

2. Eat Like a Local

Forget the pizza and burgers, instead, opt for the local fare. Lebanese and Emirati dishes are delicious, exotic, and the least expensive grub to treat your taste buds to. Check out Najd Palace or Lebanon Mill for some traditional favourites guaranteed to satisfy and hit the spot. Or you can make some gastronomic discoveries exploring the in-house dining options on your luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi.

3. Add an Iconic Attraction to your List of Sightseeing

Amongst the many historical and fascinating landmarks of Abu Dhabi is the Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest building in the nation cherished for its sentimentality as the beginnings of Abu Dhabi. Add Mina Port to the list and you will get a real feel of the nation’s humble beginnings and also be in awe of the immense progress made. For more local flavour visit the Abu Dhabi fish market as well as the docks where traditional dhows bob up and down on the water, creating an illusion of stepping back in time to exotic Arabian days. 

4. Plan a Day Trip to Al Ain

For a taste of tradition, plan a day trip to Al Ain. A magical quarter of verdant oases and green gardens, the area is home to a few heritage spots. Known as the Royal Quarter and Garden City, Al Ain's greatest lures are the old-fashioned camel souk, the Al Jahili Fort, and the Zayed National Museum. The area exudes a rustic, laidback vibe, which is perfect for a quiet getaway. 

5. Shopping is Fabulous at the Galleria Mall

No holiday in Abu Dhabi is complete without a spot of shopping to soothe the soul. And to shop like a local and bag a couple of luxury items, you must visit the Galleria Mall. Even if you don’t have deep pockets, this mall is good to get a feel of how the wealthy locals shop. And who knows, you may end up splurging on a few luxury items you simply can’t do without. When done shopping and people watching, head over to the impressive food court. The selection is marvellous and bound to do more than satisfy the foodie in you!