China’s Golden Week is coming up next month, and you won’t have to hop on a flight to celebrate.
All you need to do is jump in your car and drive down to Abu Dhabi, because the city is putting on a whole host of activities from Sunday October 1 to Saturday October 7.
From hotel deals and competitions to tasty set menus, Experience Abu Dhabi has plenty of things for you to do in the capital over the week.
Wondering where to start? We’ve put a list together of the best things to do throughout the week.
Enjoy a staycation deal at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi
In the mood for a quick getaway? Then you should be booking in for a stay at Rosewood Abu Dhabi, with a 25 percent discount on rooms during Golden Week. It’s the perfect base for exploring the city, with nearby attractions including The Galleria Al Maryah Island, the Corniche and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Better still, you can enjoy some of the city’s best Chinese food with an eight-course set menu for Dhs355 per person at Dai Pai Dong for the occasion.
25% off (stays), Dhs355 (eight-course menu at Dai Pai Dong). Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, rosewoodhotels.com (02 813 5550).
Get a dose of arts and culture at Louvre Abu Dhabi
If you haven’t been to this iconic museum yet, why not pay a visit during Golden Week? Whether you’re into breathtaking architecture, history, art or sociology, you’re sure to enjoy exploring 9,200 square metres of galleries featuring artefacts, art and exhibitions. It’s every art lover’s dream, featuring spectacular masterpieces in the permanent and temporary gallery.
Open Tue-Thu 10am-6.30pm; Fri-Sun 10am-8.30pm. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, visitabudhabi.ae.
Shop ‘til you drop around the city
Love to shop? Hit the stores at your favourite malls, souks and boutiques in Abu Dhabi. Pick up your favourite trinkets, clothing, accessories and more from high-end labels to vintage brands.
Multiple locations, visitabudhabi.ae.
Tour Sheikh Zayed Mosque
As one of the largest and most beautiful mosques on the planet, architectural wonder Sheikh Zayed Mosque should be on your list. It features a stunning design, with 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. The mosque is open for daily prayers and tours are available. Check the website to learn more.
Open Sun-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri 9am-noon and 3pm-10pm. Khor Al Maqta, visitabudhabi.ae (02 419 1919).
Go on a getaway at Emirates Palace
Hunting for last-minute summer staycation deals or for the upcoming cooler season? Book a stay with Emirates Palace until December 31 to access offers including discounts on suites, plus complimentary transfers, access to The EP Club, signature spa treatments and more. Log into ‘Join Fans of M.O’ to access extra perks.
Until Dec 31. West Corniche Road, mandarinoriental.com (02 690 9000).
Watch a lively performance at Qasr Al Watan
Both a cultural landmark and a working presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan is one of Abu Dhabi’s unmissable attractions. The best time to visit is after sundown, when a light show is projected onto the side of the building which tells the story of the UAE in three acts. Cameras at the ready, folks.
Daily 8pm onwards. Al Ras Al Akhdar (600 544442).
Win your share of Dhs1 million at The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Want to win your share of Dhs1 million? In celebration of Golden Week and the 10 years of the Luxury Campaign, The Galleria Al Maryah Island will be giving away Dhs1 million worth of gift cards during October. To be entered into the draw, spend Dhs500 for an entry. Chinese residents and tourists can receive up to eight entries, so get shopping.
Throughout Oct. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm and Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square (02 493 7400).
Excited for this incredible lineup? To learn more about China Golden Week in Abu Dhabi, visit visitabudhabi.ae/en/campaign/golden-week.
For more information about The Galleria 10 Years of Luxury Campaign, visit visitabudhabi.ae/en/events/china-golden-week-at-the-galleria-al-maryah-island.