Experience the best of
Abu Dhabi with Withlocals

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Enjoy Abu Dhabi like a local

Going to Abu Dhabi and wondering what to do? No need to worry, there's plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi with a local. Join your favorite host and discover the best the city has to offer from an exclusive selection of unique experiences.

Top 3 things to do in Abu Dhabi

Make your stay in Abu Dhabi complete with these things to do

With Jose Gomez & Sandy Nat
1The Best of Abu Dhabi Private Layover Tour
6 hours • city highlight tours
Explore
From €115 per person
With Agnieszka
2Abu Dhabi Sundowners Tour with a Local
3 hours • night tours
Explore
From €45.88 per person
With Agnieszka
3Magical Evening Abu Dhabi Tour
4 hours • night tours
Explore
From €105 per person

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We did our first Withlocals tour when arriving to the city and can highly recommend people to do the same.
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Travelers about our local experts

Explore Abu Dhabi with our incredible locals

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Abu Dhabi with locals

Jose Gomez & Sandy NatTravel / food specialistsSee More
DaniaThe fun explorerSee More
Agnieszka Licenced Tour GuideSee More

Why you should book a Withlocals tour

100% Customizable
Let your local host tailor the tour
completely to your wishes.
Private guided tours
No strangers on your tour.
It’s just you and your local host.
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Our tours are designed with
people, places & the planet in mind

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Abu Dhabi has to offer

With Jose Gomez & Sandy Nat
The Best of Abu Dhabi Private Layover Tour
5.0
543 reviews
6 hours • city highlight tours
from €115 per person
With Agnieszka
Abu Dhabi Sundowners Tour with a Local
5.0
9 reviews
3 hours • night tours
from €45.88 per person
With Agnieszka
Magical Evening Abu Dhabi Tour
5.0
9 reviews
4 hours • night tours
from €105 per person

See all experiences

Travelers love our locals

What other guests say about our tours and locals

5.0
Fantastic tour
"We had a fantastic tour. Sandy was engaging, informative, and attentive. We would definitely recommend Sandy and Jose to anyone in Dubai and will be booking with them on return visits. "
MirceaAbout local Jose Gomez & Sandy NatAbu Dhabi, February 2023

5.0
Abudhabi Night Visit
"We were a group of 8 people arriving in Abu Dhabi at 9pm for an overnight layover. Sandy and his team were ready for us at arrivals on time. He made a booking for us at the Grand mosque and he really made a huge effort to ensure that we could visit this place which is only open till 10 PM. He showed us around and made the visit at the Mosque an experience to treasure for life. After the mosque they also tried to show us as much as possible of Abu Dhabi at night including the Ferrari track and Dates Market. The whole trip was about 5hours. For our group this was a brilliant start to our trip to Istanbul. I believe Sandy also does trips to Dubai. This is on my bucket list for a next trip. I would highly recommend Sandy and his team for any of these exercusions. Trust to meet up with them again in the near future."
NicoAbout local Jose Gomez & Sandy NatAbu Dhabi, January 2023

5.0
So safe and taken care of as Solo traveler
"Sandy definitely knows his way around Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I was a bit nervous as a solo traveler but even since the first communications he was amazing. Recommend his agency a 100%"
DanielaAbout local Jose Gomez & Sandy NatAbu Dhabi, January 2023

5.0
Excellent Tour Guide
"My tour with Gomez was absolutely outstanding. It was totally personalized and flexible to meet my needs. Gomez is an affable person and he is always trying to make sure the tour matches your expectations. He is also not trying to force you to buy things and leaves you to do them as you deem appropriate. Overall cannot be happier. Highly recommend Gomez. You will enjoy the tour"
KabirAbout local Jose Gomez & Sandy NatAbu Dhabi, February 2020

5.0
Christian about Agnieszka
"We made a stop at Abu Dhabi during a cruise tour. I contacted Agnieszka before and informed her about my plan to ask my girlfriend on a beach if she wants to marry me. She has organised a city tour with 4 stops and arranged something in a beach bar where I could ask my question. Everything was perfect. Many thanks again to Agnieszka and I can only recommend a tour with her to anyone."
ChristianAbout local Agnieszka Abu Dhabi, December 2019

5.0
Jose Gomez
"Jose did a great job. He helped us out with an incentive job for pre-event program suggestion to on site support. Very professional job done."
JacquelineAbout local Jose Gomez & Sandy NatAbu Dhabi, June 2019

5.0
Best Guide Best private tour
"Kindness and fun Agniezka take us (just 1 couple) to the higth ligths on Abu dhabi take us to lunch traditional very good food. Expensive but very mutch compensative tour the best way to visit Abu Dhabi in just one day with the best local."
VeraAbout local Agnieszka Abu Dhabi, January 2018

5.0
Abu Dhabi individual tour
"Im Vorfeld haben wir per Mail unsere Wünsche abgeklärt und auf Basis dieser ein gutes Angebot erhalten. Gomez und sein Fahrer haben uns pünktlich abgeholt - und schon ging es los - alle Highlights der Stadt sollten wir in den nächsten Stunden präsentiert bekommen. Von der Ferrari World (inkl. Sky Diving) über den Louvre bis zum Emirates Palace, dem Präsidentenpalast, einem tollen Fotostop nahe der Moschee, dem Heritge Village bis hin zum World Trade Center etc hat uns diese Tour geführt. Danke an Gomez für diesen interessanten Tag, die vielen Informationen und den Spaß, den wir miteinander hatten. Gomez spricht ein sehr gut verständliches Englisch!"
IngridAbout local Jose Gomez & Sandy NatAbu Dhabi, March 2020

5.0
Abu Dhabis‘ hidden secrets
"It has been a very pleasant trip with Agnieszka. She is very knowledgeable about the Abu Dhabi life, history and hidden secrets. We discovered another view of Abu Dhabi, enjoyed remarkable sights and got excellent advice for things to do and enjoy! Thanks!"
FrankAbout local Agnieszka Abu Dhabi, November 2021

5.0
Great tour
"Gomez was a great choice as a tour guide. He was able to accommodate last minute changes and knows the area well. Also, if you want a custom tour that covers Abu Dhabi and Dubai, he is licenses to provide tour services in both Emirates. Some other guides are only licenses for one or the other. "
DouglasAbout local Jose Gomez & Sandy NatAbu Dhabi, February 2020

Enjoy the Best of the Abu Dhabi
Like a Local

Top things to do in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is considered both the actual capital and cultural/historical capital of the Emirates with beautiful palm trees, lots of luxury, numerous cultural experiences, great food, and tons of fun! One of the richest cities in the world, this is a place you will want to add to any Middle Eastern trip.

Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Perhaps one of the most breathtaking mosques you will ever see and certainly the most expensive in the world, this beautiful white-domed structure will leave you stunned. It is magnificent in every way. Inside, you will find stunning sights including the world’s largest loomed carpet and real gold chandeliers. The architecture combines ancient and contemporary Islamic styles.
The best way to see any mosque in the UAE, especially if you are not Muslim is to go with a local. Your host will guide you in what is expected when visiting a mosque, for example entrances are different for men and women. Your host will also share incredible stories about the mosque’s history and Islamic rituals. Go with one of our local hosts and you won’t regret this unforgettable experience!
Stroll along the beautiful Corniche
The Corniche or “waterfront” in Abu Dhabi is known for its breathtaking views of the city, panoramic views of the sea and miles upon miles of gorgeous white soft sand. It’s a sight not to be missed in Abu Dhabi! Grab your host at sunset and go for a long stroll along the shore’s promenade where you can meet other locals enjoying the views, looking at the fountains, having a meal, playing in the parks along the way, or stopping for tea and shisha (hubbly bubbly). If you’re up for it, rent a bike with your host and cover the entire length of the Corniche! Or you can spend the whole day relaxing at the beach!
Enjoy the local dish of Al Machboos
Emirati food is delicious and hearty featuring mounds of rice and meat filled with flavorful spices. And the best way to have it is in an Emirati home; the food is the definition of homey comfort food! Have one of our hosts make you the local favorite dish Al Machboos, a hearty delicacy of meat (lamb or chicken) and rice. Food coma!
Your host will surely offer to stuff you even more with dates and tea afterwards, since the Emirates is home to some of the best dates the world has to offer with a vast range of varieties. A culinary experience you will love!
Get lost in the markets of Al Mina neighborhood
Al Mina is an amazing neighborhood with a variety of colorful markets, from the carpet souk (market) selling authentic Persian rugs by sellers from Iran, to the Fruit and Vegetable market where you can find everything from Jordanian watermelons to Turkish potatoes. Not to mention 45 varieties of dates!
Let your local host give you a tour of the Al Mina markets showing you how to bargain and get the best deals for whatever you are looking for! After a long day of market wandering and shopping, head to the Mina Fish Market and pick out your choice of fish to have it grilled or made into a curry on the spot and then head outside to sit on the harbor and enjoy your meal with you host!
Lose yourself in the White Fort
The White Fort, which is known as Qasr al-Hosn in Abu Dhabi is commonly known as the place where this city began. Abu Dhabi’s ruling family, the Al Nahyans lived in the fort until 1966. The clean white walls of the fort sparkle in the desert sun; it’s a beautiful sight!
The fort is a great place to discover how the UAE came into being, the history of Abu Dhabi, and how the discovery of oil changed everything for this small but formidable country, allowing it to build itself from Desert to riches. Going to Qasr al-Hosn with a local host ensures you have the full story about this country’s fascinating and controversial history and not just the touristy sanitized version! This is one our top things to do in the UAE!
Indulge in the luxury of the Emirates Palace
Edible gold? A cake made with real gold? What?! Yes! Only in Abu Dhabi’s seven star luxurious hotel where almost everything is made of gold can you find cakes made of gold. How could you miss this sight? Go with your host to the Emirates Palace who will dive into the controversial history behind this fantastical structure.
Maybe even try a gold cake? Even the cappuccino is sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes! The hotel cost billions to build. Enjoy this outrageously luxurious hotel with your local host and you will have an unforgettable experience!
Spend a day of wet & wild fun at Yas Waterworld
Looking for a day of pure fun? Both locals and tourists alike love spending their day at Yas Waterworld; an extremely fun and enjoyable waterpark with all sorts of rides and food stands suitable for all ages. Its super fun! Bring your bathing suit and feel yourself let go while sliding down one of the many water slides!
Then meet up with your host who will be happy to show you the rest of Yas Island, including where Formula 1 competes every year. Maybe you will want to detour to Ferrari world and explore its adventures? Perhaps a stroll around the Yas marina? Your host will tailor your entire experience to your desires!
Travel forward in time in a Future City
Want to experience what future urban living using clean energy might look like? Interested in observing the world’s most sustainable eco-city? Your host would love to show you around Masdar City, it is a city built completely on clean energy using solar power, no cars are allowed except those that are battery operated (which you can ride!) and the city’s design makes it automatically cooler than the rest of Abu Dhabi.
Masdar City is meant to be a model for future cities and it is not typically found in tourist guides since it is still in its development phases and mostly used as a hub for research. Go with your local host who will show you the fascinating ins and outs of this futuristic city!
Party like a local at Al Maya Island
No visit to this tiny Emirate would be complete without attending a BEACH PARTY! Al Maya Island Beach Party is a hidden gem and local favorite pool party. Go with your host who will guide you to the hidden island by boat—the only way to reach it. And then your host will be happy to show you around the island where you can take in the beautiful white sand and deep blue waters.
Later head for an afternoon and evening of sun, fun, food, and dancing at one of the best pool parties in town. Dance the night away, take a swim in the pool or just relax on one of the many sun loungers around!
Enjoy an evening of shisha
Smoking shisha or hubbly bubbly is a local pastime enjoyed by many locals. Shisha is a water pipe that comes in many different flavors. Shisha cafes are spread all over Abu Dhabi and all over the country. It is a widely enjoyed Middle Eastern activity. There are many fabulous shisha cafes in Abu Dhabi, go with a host who will take you shisha hopping to enjoy all the best shisha cafes in town.
From TcheTche with its dozens of flavors and delicious food, to the cafes next to Abu Dhabi Marina Mall along the water, or the Special Coffee Shop along the Corniche, as locals call it “especial.” Check them all out and try one of the water pipes yourself or if you want to skip the shisha, you can still enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, delicious tea, desserts, and food at all these cafes. Your host will be happy to tailor your evening to your preferences!