Obviously, you can spend your Dirhams anywhere you like in the UAE, but here at Time Out we think the Dhs200 note is perfect for Abu Dhabi. Looking for things to do for less than Dhs200 in Abu Dhabi? You’ve come to the right place.
Our logic is simple – no other note is as proudly Dhabian. One side features a picture of Zayed Sports City Stadium and the other is the Central Bank of the UAE building in Al Bateen. Two landmarks of our city, Emirate and capital.
You might also like: 16 unexpectedly cheap things to do in Abu Dhabi for Dhs100 or less
It is also the sweet spot for finding the most incredible things to do in the city. We couldn’t call them budget activities. Look here for the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
But they’re not premium activities, either. We’ve got the best things to do in Abu Dhabi for Dhs500, here.
Check out out Time Out-approved list of the best things to do for less than Dhs200 in Abu Dhabi.
Ride The Yellow Boats
Looking for great things to do for less than Dhs200 in the capital? The distinctive Yellow Boats can be seen delivering tours off the waters of the Corniche and around Abu Dhabi. The skyline tour offers up a 60-minute viewing experience which gives you a new angle on many of the city’s most iconic experiences. Buildings such as the Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers and the Fishermen’s village can all be viewed as never before.
Dhs199. The Yellow Boats, Emirates Palace, theyellowboats.com (04 432 8543).
Sunset Kayaking at Jubail
Any invitation or opportunity to visit the Jubail Island mangroves should be immediately and joyously accepted. It is a remarkable place of natural beauty and a stunning side of Abu Dhabi that is less well-known. The gorgeousness factor is taken to the next level when paddling along in a kayak at sunset. Stunning on every level. This is one of the most exciting things to do for less than Dhs200.
Dhs100-130. Daily. Sunset. Jubail Island Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, jubailisland.ae (02 546 8341).
Kayak around the Louvre
Forget what you think you know about private jets, luxury yachts and supercars – the humble kayak is hands down the best mode of transport in Abu Dhabi, which is why it’s one of the best things do for less than Dhs200. We present a dawn paddle around the beautiful Louvre Abu Dhabi as Exhibit A. It is your opportunity to see 360-degrees around one of the world’s most visually appealing buildings and raise your Arabian Sea selfie game.
Dhs126. Tue-Sun, 5.30-7.30am. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, louvreabudhabi.com (600 565 566).
Indoor climbing
Did you know that hiking and rockclimbing is one of the best things to do for less than Dhs200 in the capital? Guarantee safe and challenging vertical ascents at indoor climbing centre, Clymb. Here you will have a realistic simulation of challenging rock climbing, including the region’s tallest climbing wall. That stands at 43m high and is for more advanced climbers, although there are four other walls for all abilities. Start out on the Boulder, which although only 3m high is 57m wide giving you the chance to scramble along sideways testing your skills before, literally, moving on up.
Dhs120. Wed-Thu, 1-9pm; Sat-Sun, noon-9pm. Clymb, Yas Island, clymbabudhabi.com (600 511115).
Arctic encounter at The National Aquarium
46,000 animals, 330 unique species, 10 thematic zones – there is plenty to see at the largest aquarium in the Middle East. Looking at the fish, sharks and great educational exhibits is worth the entry fee, but pay just a little more for an animal encounter to remember for a lifetime. Jungle encounters allow you to suit up and feed freshwater rays, while an ocean encounter lets you hand-feed marine species. The arctic encounter, though, is especially magical letting you get up close and able to feed the lovable puffins.
Dhs180. Daily, 10am-10pm. National Aquarium of Abu Dhabi, Al Qana, thenationalaquarium.ae (02 418 6666).
Play some padel
Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and has courts full of celebrity fans. It’s also emerging as a favourite right here in Abu Dhabi. Think of a cross between tennis and squash with an element of beach bat and ball thrown in for good measure and you more or less have it. Needless to say, there are fantastic facilities at Zayed Sports City (although it is by no means the only place to play in town) and beginners and experience players alike can take to the courts.
Dhs200. Reservation required. Zayed Sports City, zsc.ae (02 403 4200).
Battle zombies in VR
High intensity VR gaming in a free-roaming environment still sounds like future fun, even though we know the technology already exists. Even if the tech-talk still sounds beyond comprehension just know this is a warehouse-sized space where you can strap on a VR helmet and take part in truly immersive gaming experiences. Battle zombies, take on robots or even immerse yourself in a half hour of island combat in Far Cry VR.
Dhs160. Sat-Wed, 10am10pm; Thu-Fri, 10am-midnight. Zero Latency, The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island, zerolatencyvr.ae (02 882 0223).
Two hours to escape prison
Climbers, crawlers, puzzlers and anybody who has ever thought they would be good at escaping from a fiendish prison are invited to form a team and try and beat the bars at this themed escape activity.
Dhs199. Sun-Thu, 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-midnight. Prison Island, Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Zahiya, prisonisland.ae (058 819 9176).
Spend a day at the beach
Weekday pool days and beach club passes are a great way to extend a weekend or give yourself the feeling of a little staycation. Relative newcomer Cove Beach Abu Dhabi ticks a lot of our relaxation boxes (infinity pool, palm trees, 300m of pristine private beach) and has lots of offers. Most evenings there is some promotion or other. For daytime enjoyment, though, we love that the Dhs200 fee for the entry is returned as food and drink credit to spend on the day. Does that make the swanky beach, pool and self-satisfied indulgence free? We think so.
Dhs200. Sun-Wed, 10am-sunset. Cove Beach Abu Dhabi, Makers District, Reem Island, covebeachabudhabi.com (056 398 7895).
Start on a journey to inner peace
Health and wellness community hub has all manner of holistic therapies, treatments, sessions and workshops all under one roof. From sound healing and belly dancing to hatha yoga and efficient breathing training the variety is huge. If you’re not sure what type of yoga or class you want to sample first, then an introductory package lets you choose up to 10 yoga, pilates, barre and control classes in a week. A good step to a new you.
Dhs195. Timings vary. Body Tree Studio, Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street, bodytreestudio.com (02 443 4448).
Enter the battle
Looking for things to do under Dhs200 in the capital? Battle Park has a variety of combat games centres in the UAE including paintball in the Khawaneej Last Exit site over in Dubai. Closer to home is the iBattle experience at Marina Mall. The closest you will get to online gaming it has lifelike guns with realistic sound effects and scoring stats. It gives you a chance to be in the game and feel the thrill of gaming with added realism.
Dhs150. Call for timings. Battle Park, Marina Mall, battlepark.ae (800 228 853).
