From Palace Tours to SeaWorld Openings, and Pop Culture: 3 Exciting Abu Dhabi Trips to Make This 2023

Abu Dhabi is one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world, and 2023 promises to be an incredibly great year to visit.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, joining the biggest pop culture event in the region, getting your adrenaline pumping on thrilling rides, or marveling at aquatic creatures, there are plenty of exciting trips and events waiting for you at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital this 2023.

In this article, you can get a closer look at the most exciting Abu Dhabi trips to make this year.

1. Palace Tours

Abu Dhabi is home to some of the most stunning and significant places and historical landmarks in the world. One of the most noteworthy is Qasr Al Watan, a palace built in 2015 to host dignitaries and world leaders.

Besides serving as a functioning presidential palace in the UAE capital, Qasr Al Watan is also open to the public. Since 2019, visitors have been able to join palace tours there, exploring its grand halls and viewing intricate works of art, calligraphy, and literature up close.

Qasr Al Watan also offers a variety of unique experiences, such as the Palace in Motion interactive light and sound show that takes you on a journey through the history of the UAE. The surrounding gardens are also worth exploring, with their lush greenery and gorgeous views of the city skyline.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit Qasr Al Watan, buying your tickets in advance would be best to skip the queues.

2. Aquarium Opening

One of the newest and most exciting updates to the Yas Parks is the SeaWorld opening in Abu Dhabi. Slated for 2023, the inauguration of this marine life theme park underscores over 55 years of SeaWorld’s efforts to educate people about the ocean and the creatures that thrive within.

Upon its opening, SeaWorld will offer guests a blend of rides, attractions, and close encounters with different animal species. It is also expected to be the largest multi-species marine-life aquarium in the Middle East, serving as home to sharks, manta rays, schools of fish, sea turtles, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates.

Upon its opening, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will also offer immersive experiences, such as a glass tunnel that takes you through a massive tank full of marine life. The park will also house hundreds of aviaries, featuring penguins, puffins, flamingos, murres, and more.

This new Yas Island theme park also promises to serve as a knowledge hub that will take you behind the scenes to learn more about marine life conservation efforts.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, be sure to keep an eye on their official website for updates on the park's opening date and ticket information.

3. Pop Culture Fun

The Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC), the largest pop culture festival in the region returns to Abu Dhabi for 3 Days of pop culture fun. The most talked-about event showcases both local and worldwide popular culture entertainment, including some biggest brands in film, TV, sci-fi, gaming, animation, manga, comics, collectibles, and more.

Are you a comic, film, television, video game, or a cosplay fan? Get ready for three days of non-stop excitement featuring celebrity guests, stage shows, exclusive screenings, thrilling esports tournaments, creative academy workshops, cosplay competitions, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and of course meet other pop culture fans.

Pro Tip: MEFCC participants can shop for limited-edition comic books, trading cards, action figures, and Funko Pops from local and international retailers, shop owners, and collectors. There's also comic con merchandise to remember MEFCC 2023 by.

4. Bonus: Theme Parks

Abu Dhabi is home to several world-class theme parks that offer a range of attractions and experiences for visitors of all ages.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Step into the world of your favorite DC Comics and Looney Tunes characters with a visit to the ultimate destination for all fans: Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as you explore the thrilling rides, attractions, and immersive experiences based on iconic superheroes like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, as well as Looney Tunes, Hanna Barbera, Mystery Inc., and more.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a haven for speed enthusiasts and car aficionados, featuring attractions that showcase the history and innovation of the iconic Italian brand.

One of the main attractions in the park is Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world. It can reach a staggering speed of up to 149 miles per hour within 4.9 seconds and takes riders on a one-of-a-kind, thrilling experience across a 170.6-foot track.

Want to skyrocket through Ferrari World’s iconic red roof? You can do that and more with Turbo Track. This unique vertical coaster lets visitors discover what it’s like to experience the back-to-back excitement of combined speed and a zero-gravity fall.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Yas Waterworld is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and water park enthusiasts, featuring over 40 rides, slides, and attractions.

Here’s a rundown of the most popular rides and slides in Yas Waterworld:

• Bandit Bomber: One of the park’s main attractions, this roller coaster takes riders on a thrilling journey through a desert landscape, complete with caves, water cannons, and laser effects.
• Al Raha River: This lazy river lets guests float peacefully across caverns, winding streams, and waterfalls.
• Dawwama: Designed for those seeking an adrenaline rush, this high-speed tornado water coaster spins riders around a funnel slide before dropping them into a pool below.
• Liwa Loop: This is a unique looping water slide that starts with a trapdoor drop and ends with a splash.

Yas Waterworld also hosts special events and seasonal promotions, including live entertainment and themed parties. The park’s most popular event is Ladies’ Day, where the park is exclusively open to female guests who get to enjoy the rides in complete privacy.

Make Your Year Unforgettable

Abu Dhabi is but one city in the UAE that never ceases to amaze with its world-class attractions and exciting events. Its neighboring cities also are a perfect getaway location for travelers, and the availability of chartered flight adds to the lure of travel within the region and beyond. So plan your vacation well to have a more memorable start to end UAE holidays.