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Explore Abu Dhabi in 24 Hours

Things To Do in Abu Dhabi in 24 Hours: What to See and Do in One Day

Abu Dhabi is impressive, with its futuristic city skylines rising from the desert. The Emirati capital may seem like it’s all business, but it’s a lively destination that offers visitors and residents alike plenty of leisurely activities and places to explore.

Whether you’re planning your family itinerary for the day or want to show visiting friends or relatives what the city offers, you’ll never run out of things to do in Abu Dhabi in 24 hours. From Ferrari-fueled fun and interactive games to enriching cultural experiences and captivating tours, there’s something here for everyone.

This Abu Dhabi 24-hour guide brings together some of the best Yas Island activities in one day, with Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi at the heart of the itinerary. It also includes flexible ideas for the morning, afternoon, and evening, so you can choose what suits your group and make the most of one day in the capital.

What to See in Abu Dhabi in One Day

Deciding what to visit in Abu Dhabi in one day comes down to the kind of experience you want. You can either split your time between selected attractions at Yas Island’s theme parks, focusing on a few must-try rides, or make Ferrari World the main highlight before spending the evening at Yas Bay Waterfront for dining and entertainment. For a more relaxed finish, Yas Marina offers waterfront restaurants, leisure activities, and views across the marina and nearby racetrack, with Yas Island’s complimentary shuttle making it easy to get between key attractions.
Ferrari World Yas Island in Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World

Ferrari World is a natural centrepiece for an action-packed day in the UAE capital. The indoor theme park brings together more than 40 rides and attractions, from record-breaking roller coasters and racing simulators to gentler experiences designed for families and younger children. How much time you spend at Ferrari World depends on your priorities.

How much time should you spend at Ferrari World?
  • Allow around four to six hours for a focused visit that includes several headline rides, family attractions, and a meal or refreshment break.
  • A full day is more suitable when you want to explore the park at an easier pace, experience a wider range of attractions, or add separately bookable activities.

Visitors combining Ferrari World with another theme park may need to limit their visit to a few priority rides. Those making it the main attraction of their Abu Dhabi 24-hour itinerary can stay longer and enjoy more of the park without constantly watching the clock.

Current operating hours and attraction schedules should always be checked before visiting, as attraction schedules may change.

Restaurants and waterfront views at Yas Bay Waterfront

Yas Bay Waterfront

After the rush of Ferrari World, Yas Bay Waterfront offers a lively change of pace. Its waterfront dining district brings together restaurants serving cuisines ranging from Italian and Middle Eastern to Asian, Indian, and Mexican, with venues suited to casual family meals, stylish dinners, and energetic evenings. It is a practical choice when you want to turn your theme park visit into a gastronomic adventure without leaving Yas Island. Depending on the date, the area may also host events or entertainment at Etihad Arena and other waterfront venues.

Yas Marina and its waterfront restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina

For a more relaxed finish, head to Yas Marina. Set beside the Yas Marina Circuit, the destination combines marina views with restaurants, cafés, leisure activities, and on-water experiences. You can settle in for dinner, take an evening walk by the water, or simply slow down after several hours of rides. The setting works especially well for families and groups looking for a scenic, flexible end to one day in Abu Dhabi.


One Day in Abu Dhabi: What to Do

Ready to experience Abu Dhabi in 24 hours? Here’s a sample itinerary you can follow, with Ferrari World at the center of the day and flexible options for the evening.
Morning
Morning
Midday
Midday
Evening
Evening

Morning

Kick-start your Abu Dhabi adventure with breakfast on Yas Island, followed by record-breaking rides and Ferrari-inspired experiences.
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Fuel up with breakfast at Sidekicks at the the WB Hotel

One of the more pleasant things to do in Abu Dhabi in the morning is to enjoy breakfast with family at Sidekicks at the WB™ Abu Dhabi. The family-friendly, all-day dining restaurant offers a breakfast buffet in a lively Warner Bros.-inspired setting. You may even be greeted by a familiar character during your meal, adding a playful start to your Yas Island itinerary.

Buffet Breakfast: From 7 am – 11 am.

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Get the adrenaline going at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

With 40+ thrilling rides and experiences across themed zones, Ferrari World is a massive indoor theme park. It’s not unusual to spend 6 or more hours here to really make the most of your time. The theme park features rides for kids of all ages. Once your children get into the rides, they may want to spend an entire day exploring all the zones.

Formula Rossa

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  • Formula Rossa

    Start your Ferrari World experience in the Adventure Zone on the world’s fastest roller coaster launch.
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  • Turbo Track

    Ride on Turbo Track and race toward the sky at 63 mph (102 kph), with an exciting zero gravity fall.
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  • Flying Aces

    Go for the record-breaking Flying Aces, a roller coaster that goes up to 120 kph with the world’s highest non-inverted loop.
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icon Get Your Tickets: Secure your Single Day Ticket to Ferrari World with just a click.
icon Check Park Hours: Our opening hours may vary. View the calendar to stay up to date.



Midday

After the early-in-the-day action, it’s time for some lunch, then more adventures after.

Settle in for lunch

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Enjoy more rides and experiences

Now that everyone’s appetites have been satisfied, it's time for more fun and thrills at Ferrari World. Start at a relaxed pace with Bell’ Italia, where you can explore mini-Italy in a small-scale 1958 Ferrari 250 California. Take a captivating excursion through Portofino and the Amalfi Coast. Tour the Monza Racetrack, drive past the Colosseum di Roma, cruise through Venezia, and take a trip to Maranello.

Other Ferrari World™ rides to try are:

Speed of Magic

flying wings, ferrari world, abu dhabi, yas island

Flying Wings

Viaggio in Italia

Benno's Great Race

Tyre Twist

Speed of Magic

flying wings, ferrari world, abu dhabi, yas island

Flying Wings

Evening

With your adventures for the day nearly over, it’s time to wind down for more relaxing pursuits to cap off your day of fun in Abu Dhabi.
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Enjoy a relaxing dinner by the marina

No question is more familiar in every excursion than, “Where do we eat?” One of the smartest things to do in Abu Dhabi in one evening is to head to Yas Marina. Set against the Abu Dhabi's Grand Prix circuit and overlooking super yachts, this Yas Island destination has several restaurants and bars.

Cap off a fantastic day with a tour