Explore Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed Port, a bustling hive of carpets souks, date markets and fishing boats, with this immersive tour!
Listen to an expert historian and stride into the markets like a local as you discover the best way to barter through Abu Dhabi's finest souks. Sample different teas, coffees and dates as you learn about the origins of Emirati cuisine.
Walk around iconic key attractions, learning about this city's origins as a seafaring and pearl farming port, as well as its exciting future. Grab a bite to eat at the fish market, or head up to Marsa Mina for our bonus track and explore their selection of food stalls and contemporary culture.
Embark on this epic foodie adventure, to discover the best food travel spots and learn about the history behind this stunning neighbourhood.
Marvel at Abu Dhabi's stunning skyline as you enter Zayed port. Get a closer look at the Mina Dhow Harbor, a great place to learn about the origins of this beautiful city. Abu Dhabi is an archipelago made up of over 200 islands! The ground we’re walking on right now isn’t physically connected to the mainland apart from bridges.
Learn about the history of Mina Zayed as you stroll towards the markets. Serving as the main port in the capital of Abu Dhabi for over 40 years, Zayed Port has the distinction of being one of the regional pioneers in the UAE’s maritime industry.
Peruse some of Abu Dhabi's finest selection of carpets in this traditional carpet souk. You can find everything from custom fitted chairs and curtains for majili living rooms to traditional materials like Sadu, a red, white and black thread unique to the Bedouins in this part of the world.
Taste delightful dates and sip Arabian coffee in Mina Zayed's Dates Market. Date fruits have been gaining popularity around the world recently due to their health benefits and caramel-like sweetness. Along with the great nutritional value, dates are high in fiber and antioxidants so have become very popular with younger people.
Stop by the Al Foah Dates company to discover the history of Abu Dhabi's long relationship with Palm Trees and Dates. Here at the Al Foah Date company, we’ll learn a bit more about their distribution and how many are exported around the world each year.
Try traditional Emirati tea at the City Gate Restaurant. It’s a truly delightful drink that gained popularity in the last couple of decades and made space for itself in every Emirati’s heart. Claiming its well-deserved place in the Emirati cuisine and the larger taste palate of every Abu Dhabi resident. It’s preferred for its sweet sugary taste, rich milky profile and refreshing caffeine boost.
Despite being situated next to a desert, Abu Dhabi hosts quite the selection of fruit & veg. As you walk through the market, notice the apples from Jordan, Oranges from Egypt, Onions from India and Mangosteens from Thailand.
While walking to the Plant Market, learn about the future of Mina Zayed and the properties currently in development. This matches a pattern that we’re seeing across the United Arab Emirates, with an increased focus on international tourism and redevelopment. However, these developments also have artistic and cultural value, such as the opening of Warehouse 421 nearby.
From herbal remedies to ancient toothbrushes, these Emirati plants have the variety of purposes. One tree in particular stands out as a drought-resistant legend, it’s called the Ghaf tree which was titled the national tree of the UAE recently. Its leaves were also used as the symbol for the UAE’s year of tolerance in 2018.
Explore the bustling fish market while looking onto Drow Harbour. Some favorites include the Shaari (Spangled Emperor), Hamour (Orange-spotted Grouper) or Safi (White-spotted Spinefoot) as well as the Kanaad (King fish) and Gasheed (shark meat dish). If you fancy grabbing a meal, you can haggle with one of the fishermen, grab yourself a fish and grill it at the shops next door.
Enjoy our Bonus Track, head up to Marsa Mina to explore their selection of food stalls and contemporary culture. Don’t forget to take in the astonishing view of the Persian Gulf as you enjoy this ambient waterfront. This really is the perfect place to wrap up today’s tour, surrounded by traditional and contemporary cuisine right by the waterfront.
The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.
Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before your visit to streamline your trip!
Audio: English