Breakwater, Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi
Heritage Village
An open-air reconstruction of pre-oil Emirati life on the breakwater opposite the Corniche: barasti huts, a falaj irrigation channel, a camel pen, working craft workshops and a small museum. Free to enter, and the view back across the water at the skyline is the best in the city.
Why go
- Free entry to a full reconstructed village
- Working craft workshops selling at fair prices
- The best free skyline viewpoint in Abu Dhabi
- Small public beach behind it
What is in it
The village lays out the four traditional Emirati environments — coast, desert, oasis and mountain — with the dwellings and tools each one used. Craftspeople work on site: metalwork, pottery, glass-blowing and weaving, most of it for sale at prices well below the souvenir shops.
The spice and craft shop at the entrance is one of the cheaper places in the capital to buy frankincense and dates. Behind the village, a small public beach faces back across the harbour.
The view
The breakwater's position, out in the harbour, gives the postcard shot of the Corniche skyline. It is free, it is uncrowded, and it is at its best forty minutes before sunset.
Heritage Village, answered
Is the Heritage Village free?
Yes, entry costs nothing. Only the crafts, the spice shop and the café charge.
What is there to do in Abu Dhabi for free?
Rather a lot: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche promenade, the Heritage Village, Wahat Al Karama, the open section of Corniche Beach and Mushrif Central Park's grounds. A full day costs only what you spend on lunch.
Close enough to do on the same day
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