New to Abu Dhabi? 15 places worth the drive, from old-school kunafa spots to coffees in cat cafes

So you've recently relocated to Abu Dhabi, explored the museums and mosque, and now you're wondering if the emirate is lacking in vibrancy compared to Dubai. However, it seems you're asking the question a bit prematurely. The true essence of Abu Dhabi's fun isn't concentrated on one strip where you can spot it from a distance; instead, it's dispersed across various islands and canals, awaiting discovery from those who actually venture to search for it. This list is aimed at guiding you to those hidden gems.

Craving a genuine Japanese dining experience after a long week? We've found the perfect spot right on the sand. Looking to immerse yourself in a variety of activities within a single mall - from food, games, escape rooms, to unwinding when you're ready? We have that too. Adrenaline-pumping pursuits, tranquil mornings, century-old kunafa shops in the downtown area: all these and more are available here, but you haven't been pointed towards them yet.

In Saadiyat, the stretch of waterfront promenade called Mamsha Al Saadiyat has quietly gained recognition as one of the city's best short walks. The area houses a cluster of restaurants and cafes lining the sea, perfect for a leisurely evening. The options are diverse, ranging from Niri, a Japanese restaurant and highball bar (awarded a Michelin Plate distinction and featuring in the World's 50 Best Restaurants MENA list) to the varied cluster of restaurants and cafes that fill out the stretch.

Even on nights when you don't book a table, the walk itself is the experience, with breezy roads, low-key lighting, and the ocean as your backdrop.

Yas Bay offers a lively nightlife scene. Pier71's cluster of restaurants and bars stretches along a three-kilometre boardwalk, offering neon lights and open-air seating that create an authentic night-out feel rather than a mall extension. Daikan Izakaya serves up Japanese delights like sizzling robata grills, ramen, and the lively atmosphere of an izakaya bar.

Along the boardwalk, you'll also find a trio of Buddha-Bar concepts, along with Hunter & Barrel, The Lighthouse, each offering a unique ambiance. However, the most rewarding aspect of Yas Bay might just be the free attraction - the sunset walk along the bay, with the Etihad Arena illuminated on one side and the water on the other, offering a peaceful fifteen minutes of the evening.

Yas Island is Abu Dhabi's theme park hub, earning its reputation through attractions like Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, featuring indoor rides based on DC and Looney Tunes characters, air-conditioned for comfort in most months of the year. Consider trying the Green Lantern ride, or the Riddler twist ride, or if a more relaxed pace suits you, head to the ice-cream and chikcne stands.

Yas Waterworld brings water slides and a proper wave pool, with the LIWA drop being particularly adventurous. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers the fastest roller coaster on the planet, alongside Ferrari-themed attractions. CLYMB Abu Dhabi, the world's largest indoor skydiving chamber, provides an indoor skydiving experience along with an indoor climbing wall.

For other sports, Al Forsan International Sports Resort offers go-karting, archery, and shooting ranges to provide a varied active experience.

In terms of relaxation, Abu Dhabi's malls serve double duty as entertainment venues. Yas Mall, located on Yas Island, is the largest with a vast retail footprint and proximity to both Ferrari World and Waterworld, making it a convenient stop for those who want to combine shopping with theme park visits. Abu Dhabi Mall, closer to the city center, features games arcades and an escape-room concept called Prison Island, providing a unique rainy-day or hot-day activity.

Dalma Mall and Deerfields Mall cater to the western side of the city, offering retail, food courts, and cinemas. Al Bateen's quieter corners provide a peaceful escape, with Art House Café offering a low-key atmosphere, a canal walk, and a cat café in Al Muneera, where feline company meets coffee consumption.