15 cool free things to do in Abu Dhabi

Check out the fossil dunes
Out in the desert at Al Wathba’s fossil dunes you can explore a collection of twisting, wind-swept towers of rock. It’s a unique place, and budding photographers will love the shadows and shapes created at sunrise and sunset. The dunes are very fragile so don’t climb all over them or damage them when taking pictures. Be kind.
Open 24 hours. Off the E30, behind Al Dhafrah Air Base, co-ordinates: 24.192078, 54.584732.

Visit Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (and the flamingos)
This cool UNSECO site is not only full of natural beauty but is one of the few places in the UAE where you can go flamingo spotting. The pink birds have made the site their home and while they like to migrate, you can catch colonies (or flamboyances) of the birds at the site relaxing in the water. Don’t worry, you’ll spot them easily, they’re bright pink after all.
Open Tue-Sat 8am-6pm. Al Ain Truck Road, www.ead.ae.

Step up your fitness levels at Zayed Sports City
Inside the stadium at Zayed Sports City and take on the fitness challenge of stair climbing in one of the most unique ways to exercise in the capital. All you need to do is go up and down the stairs at jogging pace and repeat. Sounds easy doesn’t it? We bet it’s not.
Mon 5pm-8pm. Registration required. Zayed Sports trainzsc.com

Explore Al Ain Oasis
There’s nothing quite like taking a walk through thousands of palm trees towering over your head. In fact there are 147,000 trees at Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO world heritage site, and it’s a top place to enjoy a walk.
Open daily 9am-5pm. Al Ain Street, Central District, Al Ain (03 711 8251).

Enjoy a night out at ANNEX
When it comes to amazing places to go out ANNEX is near the top of the list. With three floors to choose from including a rooftop terrace and an inviting lounge you can make your way around the venue to enjoy different settings and vibes as the night goes on.
Thu-Fri 7pm-4am, Sat 5pm-11.30pm. ANNEX, The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).

Have fun at the newest beach destination – Al Hudayriat Island
Whether you want to relax on a stunning beach or work on your fitness it’s all here. There’s a free public beach woth a clam ocean and basketball and sports courts as well as a stunning cycle track where you can rack up the kilometres.
Al Hudayriat Island, www.hudayriyatisland.ae

.

Chill out at Reem Central Park
Located in the heart of Reem Island, the green space feature playparks, outdoor gyms, restaurants, a beachfront, a fountain with daily light shows, sports courts and a skate park. Fitness workshops and other events are also held in the park as well as regular meet-ups and there’s even local art on display throughout the space. It’s very cool.
Open 24 hours www.reemcentralpark.com.

Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
We’d be stunned if you have never visited this beautiful mosque, being such a massive landmark as it is. What can you say about it that hasn’t been said before? It’s breathtaking, with 82 domes, 1,000 columns, 24-karat gold chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. It’s a masterclass in craftsmanship and architecture. Just remember to be respectful, dress conservatively and to get those brilliant snaps for social media while you admire the beauty of this famed structure.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri 4.30-10pm. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 419 1919).

Wander around a palace
Located next door to Al Ain Oasis, this free-to-enter museum offers a rare glimpse into the past. The sprawling palace was one the home of the UAE’s founding father His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyanand with traditional architecture and design it’s a cool place to spend a few hours wandering around and seeing what it would have been like.
Open daily 10am-6pm. Al Ain Street, Central District, Al Ain (03 711 8388).

Watch the Founder’s Memorial light up
As far as palaces to watch the sun set go, this one is a winner. As night descends on the city, The Constellation, an artwork and memorial to the late Sheikh Zayed, lights up. Standing 30m tall and using 1,327 geometric shapes, the installation projects a portrait of Sheikh Zayed and it’s brilliant to watch.
Open daily 9am-10pm. Corniche West, www.thefoundersmemorial.ae.

See what’s on show at Warehouse 421
One thing is for sure, Warehouse 421 is effortlessly cool. It’s a repurposed warehouse in the heart of Mina Zayed and there’s always something going on. Art galleries, exhibitions, events, film screenings and workshops. If you want to find out what local and regional artists are creating and catch a glimpse of brilliant work from overseas then get down here to check it all out.
Open Tue-Sun 10am-8pm. Mina Zayed, www.warehouse421.ae.

Explore a sustainable city
Abu Dhabi’s sustainable city is an intriguing place and it has loads of stunning architecture and a unique design. Take a stroll through the buildings and you can see what’s on offer and get some amazing snaps of some of the coolest buildings in the UAE.
Masdar City, near Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Hit the track in the desert at Al Wathba
If you’re looking for an ideal spot for cycling there are few better than Al Wathba. But it’s in the middle of a desert we hear you say, that’s true, but it’s open 24 hours, the track is perfect and with a range of distances and lighting (if you want to cycle in the dark), it’s a top destination for a pedal.
Open 24/7. Al Wathba Cycle Track, Al Wathba.

Chill out on the Corniche
While there are many beach clubs where you can enjoy a luxurious afternoon, the public beach on the Corniche is completely free. Bring a towel, water and some snacks and enjoy a few chilled hours.
Free. Daily 8am-8pm. Corniche.

Run an F1 track
With TrainYAS you can walk, cycle or run the 5.55km track absolutely free and build up your fitness or just take in the sights of a world-class Formula One circuit. At this time you need to bring your own bike, towel and water but it’s definitely worth it for a unique work out.
Free (registration required). Tue & Sun 6pm-10pm. Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com.