What to do in Abu Dhabi when it rains

Caught by a shower in Abu Dhabi? There's history to explore indoors, art to admire, markets to browse and cafés to settle into until it clears.

Museums

Spend a few hours in the city's museums — many are free, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to take your time.

Art galleries

Duck into the art galleries; they're quiet, warm and rarely busier than on a wet day.

Historic sites

Explore the indoor historic sites and their covered galleries.

Covered markets

Browse the covered market — street-food stalls, local makers and somewhere dry to graze for an hour.

Cafés

Claim a window seat in a cosy café and watch the rain instead of walking in it.

Indoor shopping

Hit the covered shopping streets and centres — everything under one roof.

  • Al Wahda Mall 1 Hazza ' Bin Zayed The First St - Al Nahyan - Zone 1 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
  • Mushrif Mall Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St - Hadbat Al Za`Faranah - E32 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
  • Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre Sultan Bin Zayed The First St - Al Danah - Zone 1 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
  • Reem Mall Reem Mall - Al Reem Island - Najmat Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
  • Khalidiyah Mall Khalidiyah - Mubarak Bin Mohammed St - Al Khalidiyah - W9 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
  • WTC Abu Dhabi Liwa St - Al Danah - Zone 1 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Venue suggestions powered by Google — tap a name for the map, and always check opening times before you go. 36 places listed; the list refreshes regularly.