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Did you think that Abu Dhabi is this quiet, laid-back city where nothing fun happens? Well, we’re here to take you on a tour of Abu Dhabi, after five. Life begins in Abu Dhabi after 5:00 pm. as you’ll soon get to know. Well, what’s on offer? How about an overnight desert safari, full of adventure and entertainment, very much after five? That’s just the starting point. Yes, Dubai may get all the credit, but there are some innovative, fun and cultural things to do in Abu Dhabi at night that’ll really surprise you.

How About a Foam and Rain Dance at Night?

Mai Cafe’s Liquid Rain & Foam Party is where the fun’s at after five in Aloft Abu Dhabi. Put on your most glamourous swimwear and glow-in-the-dark bracelets and get ready to dance under a rain of foam and water and flashing neon lights on the rooftop dance floor. Get soaked in the rain when the DJ turns on the knob and then jump into the pool for a lovely pool party. It’s the best fun to enjoy in Abu Dhabi during the night.

Beat The Sun At Abu Dhabi Golf Club

If the sun gets too much for you, head straight to the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, with its par-36, nine-hole garden course. This golf club is the home of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. Play your best game in the evening even as floodlights illuminate the course. Tee times are till 9pm, so be sure you get there in the evening. If you’re an avid golfer, teeing off at night is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi after five.

Go On A Kayaking Tour

Want to experience one of the most organic trips of your life? Leave the capital’s skyscrapers behind you and sign up for a kayaking tour of Abu Dhabi’s coastal mangroves. Grey herons and jumping needlefish and flamingos will keep up with you as you paddle through dark blue waters under the stars. LED lights will be fixed on your kayak so you can see your way and the fish beneath you. Combine your kayaking tour with a lovely barbecue dinner at Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa. Exploring Abu Dhabi’s native mangrove environment is one of the best things to do at night in Abu Dhabi.

Enjoy A Wonderful Dhow Dinner Cruise

Once of the nicest treats you can give yourself is a dinner cruise on a renovated traditional wooden dhow. Cruise along Yas Marina and Al Raha Beach, and check out the circular, mirrored architecture of Aldar HQ. You’ll pass by Al Samiliyah Island, where wild gazelles run about. You’ll also pass by an Emirati village, and the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi building, which is lit by 5,389 LED lights at night.

Enjoy Cool Evening Water Adventures At Yas Waterworld

Yas Waterworld is lit to the nines in the evening. Float on the lazy river on a raft, and try all the incredible rollercoasters at Yas Waterworld. Be sure to try that wicked rollercoaster called the raft ride, which leaves you wetter than a drenched chicken. The Liwa Loop waterslide, with its freefall through the trapdoor is another major attraction.

Enjoy A Night Safari At Al Ain Zoo

Experience the nocturnal wildlife at Al Ain Zoo during their time – at night. Sign up for a night safari and feast your eyes on gazelles, Arabian wolves, ibex, mountain goat, birds of prey and more. Special night safaris are run at 7pm beneath Jebel Hafeet Mountain as well.

Enjoy A Lovely Evening Meal At The Emirates Palace Beach

The Emirates Palace Beach is the place to see and be seen. Enjoy a fine al fresco dinner under the lantern-lit gazebos at BBQ Al Qasr, on the long stretch of private beach behind the Emirates Palace Hotel. Eat the finest food while enjoying the cool evening breezes and relish every bite.

Enjoy The Sheikh Zayed Mosque At Night

Be sure not to miss this architectural wonder when you’re in Abu Dhabi. Entrance is free, and the mosque is open for tours from 9 A.M to 10 P.M. Arrive at sunset and you’ll be rewarded by the sight of the fabulous mosque framed in the sun’s fading colours. The mosque’s reflection can be seen in the lake that surrounds it, making for the most mind-blowing scene you’ve ever seen.

Zoom On A Ferrari World Rollercoaster After Five

Ferrari World is open from 11 A.M to 8 P.M. It’s a spectacular world of fast tracks, fast cars and thrilling rollercoasters that’ll make you scream for dear life. Feel just like Michael Schumacher or Fernando Alonso when you get behind the wheel of a Ferrari on the track on a fun ride. Try out the Formula Rossa ride, which is the fastest roller coaster in the world.

Hop-on-Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

The Abu Dhabi hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour is the best way to see the city during the day and the night. Hop off at the Sheikh Zayed mosque and admire its beautiful 82 domes and 1,000 marble columns. Continue on the tour along the Corniche and enjoy fabulous views of the Arabian Gulf. Get great views of the Emirates Palace Hotel and hop off to explore it in detail. Check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art & Civilization Museum and do splurge on some antiques and jewels at the Iranian Market. Enjoy a plethora of mouth-watering dishes at the Marina Mall food court. Visit Ferrari World and an authentic Arabic market, and check out Arabian crafts at Heritage Village, all at your own pace.

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari

How about an overnight desert safari in Abu Dhabi’s exciting desert? Your desert safari begins at around 5 P.M., which gives you a great chance to watch the best sunset of your life. Be sure to carry a great camera with you to capture some of nature’s best moments in Abu Dhabi. The overnight desert safari offers thrilling entertainment; watch the incredibly-beautiful gyrations of experienced belly dancers and the changing colours of the Tanura dancer’s skirt. Allow the henna tattoo artist to tattoo your hands and feet with henna. Explore the limits of your taste buds by enjoying a lovely Emirati meal. The best part comes later, when you’re ready to lie down at night. The dunes turn dark and shadowy and the stars come out, illuminating the inky blue skies. You can explore the desert at night or sleep out under the stars. Just imagine that!

So as you can see, Abu Dhabi is definitely not laid-back, dull or boring after five. In fact, life begins after five. So whether you’re a night party animal, a culture lover, a foodie, or an outdoorsy, adventurous kind of person, Abu Dhabi has the right activity for you to enjoy at night.

Guest Contributor

Neha Singh | Dubai Wikia | Facebook | Twitter

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