Besides being the United Arab Emirates’ capital, Abu Dhabi is also well-known as a tourist destination. With plenty of attractions for people of all ages and preferences, you will surely find something that will interest you in the largest emirate in UAE.
Planning some family fun time in the country? A trip to Abu Dhabi has all the makings of your ultimate family getaway. It is home to plenty of family-friendly theme parks, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and many others.
Read on for some useful information on these three parks that could help you plan your trip.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
As the world’s only Ferrari-branded theme park, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi in Yas Island is one of the most exciting places on the planet. Its attractions will keep your adrenaline pumping and heart racing. You can even get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to drive a real Ferrari race car there (provided that you have a UAE driving licence, that is).
When to Go
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi holds seasonal events with spectacular lights and sound shows you wouldn’t want to miss. They even have live performances from the best Bollywood acts, ice skaters, and many talented artists.
Of course, if you cannot bring your family there during those busy days, you can always go during their regular schedule and still have as much fun. They’re open between 12 noon and 8 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. However, this schedule may change without prior notice, so you better check Ferrari World Abu Dhabi for updates when planning your trip.
What to Try
Tourists who’ve been to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi recommend spending between 75 percent of your day (on a weekday) to one full day. If you’re bringing kids along or plan to try out every single attraction, you may need to be there before it opens and leave as it closes.
If you’re short on time, consider prioritising the following rides:
Formula Rossa
Formula Rossa is the perfect ride for those with an unquenchable thirst for speed. This rollercoaster is the world’s fastest, with a top speed reaching a surprising 149 miles per hour. It also features stomach-churning twists and turns and an extreme height that is not for the faint of heart.
Scuderia Challenge
Families whose usual bonding activity include watching car races would get a kick out of the Scuderia Challenge. This six-man velocity racing takes place in the racing simulator like those used by Scuderia Ferrari drivers during their training. The best part is, the virtual race track you’ll be driving on is based on the Yas Marina Circuit.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
The Warner Bros. World will bring your DC universe fantasy to life with perfect replicas of the fantastical world of the Justice League. There, you can try living with Batman in Gotham City or experience what it’s like to have Superman roaming around, keeping you safe as you walk the streets of Metropolis.
Deemed as one of the most loved theme parks in Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is a place both children of all ages (and kids-at-heart) will definitely want to visit at least once.
When to Go
Since it is located in the desert city, the best time to visit Warner Bros. World is when the temperature drops to about 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, which would be around November to March.
Of course, the theme park itself is in an indoor air-conditioned environment, so there will be no problem with the heat no matter what month you schedule your trip.
As for the length of your visit, you may need an entire day for this theme park as well. Some visitors spend three to five hours there, while others stay there during the entire seven hours that the park is open (between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
And who can blame them? With attractions like Metropolis, Gotham City, and many others, people are bound to be mesmerized by the fantastical world that you only previously got to see in the movies.
What to Try
The park is all about bringing your favourite universes featured in Warner Bros. films. You’ll surely enjoy your time getting a firsthand experience of the famous cities where superheroes like Superman and Batman reside.
Metropolis
This iconic city where Superman lived is one you’ll definitely want to visit in Warner Bros. World. The attraction features not only the Man of Steel but also some of his companions in the Justice League, including Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, the Flash, Green Lantern, and even Batman. You may also see Clark Kent’s Kryptonian cousin, Supergirl.
Gotham City
Dark, mysterious, and filled with exciting encounters – this is Gotham City. The same Gotham City in the comic books, movies, and animation series featuring everybody’s favourite Caped Crusader — Batman.
The attraction is an exact copy of the rough street and action-packed scenes in the popular franchise. It also stars some of the Dark Knight’s arch-enemies, such as Mr. Penguin, the Riddler, Catwoman, and The Joker.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Beat the heat with one of the most popular water parks in the UAE: Yas Waterworld. Situated in Yas Island, the water park has over 40 rides and other fun-filled attractions that will definitely make for an excellent family getaway.
It spans about 123.6 acres that have been divided into four sections. This famous Abu Dhabi theme park caters to a wide range of age groups, making it the perfect place to relax and have fun with your entire family.
When to Go
Any time of the year would work, though you’ll want to visit during the cooler months if you’re not used to the Abu Dhabi heat. The water park is open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., though this schedule may change periodically. To be sure, don’t forget to double-check before you head there.
What to Try
Like Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, you’ll want to spend one full day at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, too. Quite possibly, even that may not be enough to let you try all 40 rides and activities featured there.
To make the most of the trip anyway, consider putting the following attractions on your priorities list:
Rush Rider
Want to introduce your kids to some surfing fun? If so, then the Rush Rider is the perfect water ride for you.
This beginner-level attraction is an excellent place to practice surfing and other water sports. It also makes for a great warm-up for the exciting water adventures that lie ahead.
Falcons Falaj
This ride offers a unique twist to your average roller-coaster. Instead of riding the rails, you’ll be drifting along a water course filled with extreme rapids, drops, twists, and turns that will blow your mind while riding a six-seater water coaster.
Enjoy Family Fun in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is home to some of the most wonderful theme parks for your family getaway.
When planning your trip, use the information presented here to enjoy bonding with your family to the fullest.
AUTHOR BIO
Karan Mahesh Chimnani is the Head of eCommerce at Yas Island Abu Dhabi, a leisure and entertainment destination like nowhere else. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and natural mangroves, Yas Island offers an incredible collection of world-leading, award-winning and record-breaking attractions, catered for everyone.
