Best Theme Parks in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the best theme parks. I will tell you which are the most outstanding options you can find during your visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

9 min read

Best Theme Parks in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Buildings | ©Richard Jonkman

It is not only the tall skyscrapers and the fascinating desert that surrounds it that make Abu Dhabi, one of the richest cities on the planet, world-famous, but also the theme parks are very popular in this destination, especially for the variety of experiences they offer. From feeding and fraternizing with aquatic and land animals to driving a supercar on a Formula 1 circuit, the alternatives are very different from each other.

Among the best things to do in Abu Dhabi during your trip are visiting SeaWorld theme parks, discovering a video game paradise at Pixoul Gaming Hub, seeing Ferrari World, visiting Yas Waterworld water park, interacting with the animals at the National Aquarium, visiting Warner Bros. World and going around the Yas Marina circuit in a full-speed experience.

1. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi| ©Stevie B's
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi| ©Stevie B's

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is an aquatic theme park famous for offering visitors experiences that combine entertainment, education and conservation. When you visit, you can enjoy all its attractions, including live aquatic shows with dolphins, killer whales and sea lions, which not only draw attention for their training, but also seek to raise awareness about the importance of marine preservation.

The park features interactive exhibits and educational programs designed to raise awareness about marine life and encourage ocean protection. From lectures on the importance of marine ecosystems to up-close encounters with marine animals, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi offers an enriching educational experience for visitors of all ages.

There are also water slides and wave pools to help you beat the city heat and have fun with your family. In addition, the park also houses a variety of restaurants and stores, where you can savor local and international cuisine.

SeaWorld is located on Yas Island, just outside the city, so you can get there directly on one of the airport shuttles from Abu Dhabi airport.

Book SeaWorld tickets

2. Pixoul Gaming Hub

Playing Video Games| ©Ryan Quick
Playing Video Games| ©Ryan Quick

Pixoul Gaming Hub is a gamer's paradise located in the heart of the city. This state-of-the-art entertainment center offers gamers a unique experience by providing a space dedicated exclusively to gaming culture. There, you can immerse yourself in a world of thrills and competitions, all under one roof and in an immersive, high-tech experience.

At the Pixoul Gaming Hub you will find everything from gaming stations equipped with the latest consoles and applications to online tournaments that challenge the skills of the most experienced gamers. The hub also hosts regular events and competitions, giving the gaming community the opportunity to connect, compete and share their passion for video games in this technological oasis in Abu Dhabi.

In addition to gaming experiences, Pixoul Gaming Hub offers a vibrant social environment. You'll find comfortable lounge areas, visit themed bars and connect with other gaming enthusiasts. The hub also houses specialty stores offering a wide range of gaming-related products, from hardware to exclusive merchandise.

Buy tickets for Pixoul Gaming Hub

3. Ferrari World

Ferrari World| ©Aziz J.Hayat
Ferrari World| ©Aziz J.Hayat

Ferrari World is the most famous of Abu Dhabi's theme parks, and not only because of its mesmerizing proposal related to the Italian automaker, but also because its building is, in itself, an architectural marvel. Located on Yas Island, this is the first and only Ferrari theme park in the world.

One of the most outstanding attractions at Ferrari World is Formula Rossa, which is considered the fastest roller coaster in the world. There you can experience adrenaline without limits, and you can also find quieter options, such as racing simulators and interactive rides that will immerse you in the history and legacy of Ferrari, the most successful team in the history of Formula 1

Within this theme park you will also find the museum, which exhibits a collection of classic cars and innovative models. In addition, you will have opportunities to enjoy interactive experiences and try your luck as a racing mechanic, as you can change tires in record time or participate in virtual racing challenges.

Ferrari World is the ideal excuse to experience the thrill of racing, learn more about the history of the brand or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere, in what is considered one of the best theme parks in the world.

Buy tickets to visit Ferrari World

4. Yas Waterworld

Yas Waterworld| ©Harald Felgner
Yas Waterworld| ©Harald Felgner

If you want to experience a true oasis of underwater fun, you can't miss Yas Waterworld. This world-class water park offers everything from giant slides to tranquil wave pools, in a wide range of experiences that can satisfy all tastes and cover all ages.

The Liwa Loop high-speed slide is one of the main attractions of this site. On it you can defy gravity, experiencing a vertigo-inducing free fall. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, the Amwaj lazy river offers a tranquil ride through lush and exotic landscapes.

Yas Waterworld also features the Bandit Bomber game, which combines the thrill of a roller coaster with the coolness of water, creating a unique and immersive experience that at times will make you feel like you're in the open ocean as well as the best desert excursions in Abu Dhabi.

As Yas Waterworld is a proposal for the whole family, the little ones can enjoy the children's play area Marah Fortress, which was designed to offer safe fun. In addition to the rides, this park also hosts live events and shows, such as acrobat performances and themed festivals.

Book tickets for Yas Waterworld

5. Abu Dhabi National Aquarium

Abu Dhabi National Aquarium| ©krebsmaus07
Abu Dhabi National Aquarium| ©krebsmaus07

The Abu Dhabi National Aquarium, one of the largest in the region, is an aquatic gem that will immerse you in the fascinating underwater world. Here, you'll find yourself surrounded by acrylic tunnels that allow you to walk through underwater tunnels, giving you 360° views of marine creatures swimming all around you.

The aquarium's marine species range from colorful tropical fish to rays and sharks. Giant tanks recreate underwater ecosystems, providing visitors with a unique and faithful view of marine life. In addition to observing the tanks, at this site you will also have the opportunity to interact with some of the species through carefully designed interactive experiences.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, the National Aquarium of Abu Dhabi offers animal encounter programs that allow visitors to get up close and personal with selected species under the guidance of expert keepers. These interactions provide a unique educational opportunity to learn about marine biology and how these animals are cared for at these facilities.

Buy tickets to the National Aquarium

6. Emirates Park Zoo

Emirates Park Zoo| ©Visit Abu Dhabi
Emirates Park Zoo| ©Visit Abu Dhabi

If you are planning to visit Abu Dhabi with children or are simply an animal lover, a visit to the Emirates Park Zoo is a must during your trip. Home to a variety of animals ranging from lions to lemurs, this sprawling zoo also features themed areas that recreate natural habitats for an authentic wildlife experience.

At this zoo, you will have the opportunity to feed certain animals under the supervision of expert keepers, allowing you to connect with the local wildlife and learn about their customs. This hands-on approach not only adds an immersive experience to the visit, but also educates about the animals' needs and behaviors.

In addition to interactive experiences, Emirates Park Zoo offers educational shows that highlight the importance of conservation and respect for wildlife. Visitors can participate in informative talks and educational activities that shed light on the zoo's efforts to preserve and protect endangered species.

This zoo is located in the northern part of Abu Dhabi, away from the center, although you can get there on the city's hop-on-hop-off tour buses, which include a stop at the park's perimeter.

Book tickets for Emirates Park Zoo

7. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi| ©alessandro cirillo
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi| ©alessandro cirillo

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is a paradise for movie and pop culture fans. Located on Yas Island, this indoor theme park is home to a variety of attractions based on the iconic Warner Bros. franchises. The site's themed areas celebrate the characters and recreate endearing universes.

Gotham City, which transports visitors to the dark and captivating Batman universe, is one of the gems of this park. From the Batcave to Wayne Manor, in this recreation you can explore the most emblematic corners of Gotham. In addition, the land of Metropolis offers a unique experience for Superman lovers, with attractions that capture the essence of the iconic DC Comics hero.

The little ones and Looney Tunes fans will also be rewarded at this site. They can enjoy the Cartoon Junction area, where characters like Bugs Bunny & Daffy Duck come to life in amazing rides and shows. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi also houses themed areas dedicated to favorite characters from other eras, such as Scooby-Doo and The Flintstones, providing a nostalgic journey for visitors of all ages.

The park also features roller coasters, live shows and up-close encounters with legendary characters for an experience that brings back the magic of cinema and combines it with themed attractions.

Buy tickets for Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

8. Hili Fun City

Enjoying the Park| ©Jen_29
Enjoying the Park| ©Jen_29

While not located in Abu Dhabi but in Al Ain, Hili Fun City is a theme park that is often included in the tours of the city's best tours. This colorful and vibrant destination offers a range of attractions and activities designed to suit the tastes of visitors of all ages. From roller coasters to more relaxed attractions, Hili Fun City is a fun place for the whole family.

Attractions at Hili Fun City include roller coasters such as the Family Swing Coaster and the Roller Coaster, which offer adrenaline for the more adventurous. For those who prefer more relaxed experiences, the park features themed areas and leisurely rides. In addition, colorful playgrounds and entertainment facilities guarantee options for the little ones.

However, Hili Fun City is not only about mechanical attractions, it also offers a pleasant atmosphere with large green areas, ideal for relaxed strolls and family picnics. In addition, the park organizes events and live shows, and offers dining and shopping options.

9. Yas Marina Experience

Yas Marina| ©Sam Nabi
Yas Marina| ©Sam Nabi

The Yas Marina Experience is a dream come true for lovers of speed and automotive thrills. Located on Yas Island, this unique experience offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of motor racing and discover the secrets of the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit, which is part of the annual calendar of the Grand Circus.

During the tour you will not only be able to take a guided tour of the circuit, where you can explore the backstage, pit lanes and strategic points of the track, gaining an exclusive insight into the world of racing, but also have the opportunity to drive a high-performance vehicle around the Yas Marina track.

Equipped with the necessary skills and under the guidance of expert instructors, participants will experience the thrill of navigating in a supercar through the same curves and straights as Formula 1 drivers. This experience will give you an in-depth understanding of the complexities of the circuit and the skill required to master this activity.

From the tight corners to the high-speed straights, driving on the Yas Marina Circuit will allow you to appreciate the meticulous planning and design that make this track one of the most exciting and challenging in the world. Are you up for the challenge?

Book a guided tour of the Yas Marina Circuit

10. Louvre Museum interactive exhibits

Louvre Museum| ©gerla photo-works
Louvre Museum| ©gerla photo-works

Although it is not a theme park, I would like to end this list by recommending you to participate in the interactive exhibitions of the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, as they offer visitors a unique experience of immersion in art and culture. This museum, located on Saadiyat Island, stands out for its innovative approach that goes beyond the traditional contemplation of masterpieces that characterizes its Parisian twin.

The interactive exhibitions allow visitors to explore, in a participatory and entertaining way, various forms of art and actively connect with the works on display. Within these exhibitions, you will find digital and multimedia installations that allow you to interact directly with the artistic creations.

Other interactive experiences at the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi may involve virtual or augmented reality technologies, which transport visitors to virtual environments related to the pieces on display. For example, some displays include touch screens that allow visitors to explore specific details of a painting or sculpture, providing a greater understanding of the work and its historical context.

In addition to modern technologies, interactive exhibits also offer hands-on activities, such as creative workshops where visitors can participate in artistic creation. These experiences are designed to stimulate creativity and appreciation of art in a dynamic way unlike any other.

Book tickets to visit the Louvre Museum