What was your favourite part of Expo 2020 Dubai? Whether you were after the most Instagrammable pavilions, incredible live acts or cool cultural things to do, Expo had something for everyone.
But if you’re already feeling nostalgic for Expo, fret not. You don’t need to leave Abu Dhabi take part in some of your favourite Expo activities. From foodie spots like the ones you loved at Expo, to surprising things to do in Abu Dhabi, we’ve got you covered with this list.
And if you’re wondering what’s going to happen to the Expo 2020 Dubai site, check out District 2020. We’ve got the inside scoop on what you can expect to find there as well as all the details about Expo 2025 in Osaka.
If you appreciated the flavours at Alkebulan
Chow down on Ethiopian food at Bonna Annee
If the world’s first African dining hall left you hungry for African food and immaculate vibes, head to Bonna Annee: a popular Ethiopian restaurant downtown Abu Dhabi. When you go, be sure to order the special, which is a mix of dishes all served on a giant injera: a type of sour Ethiopian flatbread. West to West Kitchen is another good shout with West African and Caribbean dishes to try. Sample plates from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Sierra Leone. Yum.
Open daily, 10am-midnight. Al Zahiyah (02 491 2128).
If you want a slide like the one at the Luxembourg Pavilion
Slide down Velocity at WTC Mall
One of our favourite things to do at Expo was slide down the stainless steel slide at the Luxembourg Pavilion. But there’s an even bigger slide at WTC Mall in Abu Dhabi and if you haven’t tried it yet you’d better get ready to jump onto the sliding mat. Velocity at WTC Mall recently opened and is the longest and tallest stainless-steel slide in the Middle East. Get ready to zip.
Dhs15 (one slide) Dhs25 (two slides). 10am-10pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-midnight (Sat-Sun). WTC Mall, Khalifa Bin Zayed the First Street wtcae.ad.
If you’re hungry for the Pickl food truck at Expo
Go to Pickl in Abu Dhabi
The days of going all the way to Dubai for Pickl‘s burgers and sandos are long behind us, and we are endlessly grateful. Pickl has landed in Abu Dhabi with two locations at Mamsha and WTC Mall. Pack your bib and get ready to tuck into favourites such as the Nashville chicken sando or double cheeseburger: it’s a little bit of Expo right at home. (Pickl recently won the Time Out Dubai‘s best burger restaurant award, so you know it serves a solid sando).
Daily, 11am-midnight. Mamsha Al Saadiyat (02 886 7844).
If you loved the view from Garden in the Sky at Expo
Head to Observation at 300 at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
The Garden in the Sky at Expo was one of the best ways to get a view of the entire Expo site. If you’re looking for stunning views of Abu Dhabi, head to Observation at 300 at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. There’s a stellar afternoon tea there, too.
Open daily, noon-8pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road (02 811 5666).
If you enjoyed cycling around the Expo site
Speed over to the cycling track at Yas Marina
If you’re looking to cruise around on your bicycle in Abu Dhabi, there’s no better place than Yas Marina Circuit. The circuit is also hosting health and wellness classes on the track through partnerships with CRANK and Les Mills. Go for body combat, yoga, Pilates and Zumba classes. Or just go for a good old fashioned spin. Ready to strap on your helmet?
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island yasmarinacircuit.com.
If you were awed by the beauty of the UAE Pavilion
Snap some pics for the ‘gram at Qasr Al Watan
There are so many stunning locations in Abu Dhabi but without a doubt Qasr Al Watan is one of the most Instagrammable. The palace finished construction in 2017 and was used for official purposes until it was opened to the public in 2019. For everything you need to know about Qasr Al Watan, click here.
Daily, 11am-8pm. Abu Dhabi Corniche, qasralwatan.ae.
If you got inspired by the arts workshops across the Expo site
Take a class at the Cultural Foundation
Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation is always hosting incredible workshops and classes to hone your artistic skills. Cultural Foundation is the place to be for the arts, or you can head to Warehouse 421 or Louvre Abu Dhabi for even more options.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-7pm; Fri 2pm-7pm. Al Hisn (02 657 6348).
If you valued the free Expo Rider trips to Dubai
Take a free bus journey in Abu Dhabi when you trade in plastic bottles
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has launched an initiative that helps passengers get free bus rides when you hand in plastic bottles. Passengers will gain points each time they deposit empty bottles in the designated machine and the points will be added to the Hafilat Personalised Bus Card, which can then be used to pay for bus fares.
itc.gov.ae.
