Abu Dhabi
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · United Arab Emirates
Did you know?
- The Corniche combines a public promenade with city beaches and island views.
- Mangrove kayaking offers a greener counterpoint to beaches and desert safaris.
- A free grand mosque, a presidential palace, and a major art museum anchor the cultural itinerary.
See also
Overview
Abu Dhabi balances grand modern monuments and museums with beaches, mangroves, and desert excursions. It offers a calmer urban base for exploring the UAE’s cultural and natural highlights.
Languages: Arabic
Why go?
Abu Dhabi offers a blend of modern luxury and cultural heritage. It features colossal monuments like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, world-class museums such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and pristine beaches. The city is a gateway to desert adventures and a safer, quieter alternative to Dubai.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The climate is arid with very hot summers. The best time to visit is between mid-fall and early spring (November to March) when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer temperatures often exceed 40°C, making indoor attractions more appealing.
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Get around
Abu Dhabi offers public buses and plentiful taxis. Most of the city is on Abu Dhabi island, so traffic is common. Buses cover major routes, and taxis are metered and reliable.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
Top sights include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free entry), Qasr Al Watan (presidential palace, AED 60), Louvre Abu Dhabi (AED 60), and the Corniche promenade. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital offers unique tours. Religious buildings include modern mosques and the Swaminarayan Hindu temple.
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Do
Swim at public beaches like Corniche Beach, explore Yas Island with its theme parks (Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World) and F1 circuit. Desert safaris include dune bashing, camel rides, and dinner. Kayaking in the Eastern Mangroves is popular.
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Buy
Abu Dhabi has many malls (Marina Mall, Yas Mall) and traditional souks. The Gold Souk in Madinat Zayed Mall is good for jewelry. Bargaining is common in independent shops, especially for carpets and antiques.
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Eat
Indian and Levantine food is relatively cheap. Local Emirati dishes like harees and lugaimat are available at Al Fanar restaurant. Most hotels serve alcohol, but only in licensed premises. Delivery apps like Talabat and Deliveroo are widely used.
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Drink
Alcohol is only served in licensed hotel restaurants and bars. Popular venues include Hemingway's, Trader Vic's, and The Captain's Arms. Brunch packages are common. Drinking in public is illegal.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Hotels range from budget to ultra-luxury. Affordable options include Grand Continental Flamingo and Park Inn on Yas Island. Emirates Palace is the most opulent. Most hotels have pools and restaurants.
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Stay safe
Abu Dhabi is extremely safe, ranked the safest city in the world. Be aware of telephone scams. Taxis are monitored. Drunk driving is a serious offense with possible deportation. Alcohol only in licensed places.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Common day trips include Dubai (1.5 hours drive), Al Ain (90 minutes), Liwa Oasis (2 hours), and Kish Island in Iran. The E11 highway connects to Dubai and beyond.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Al Akkawi Cafeteria
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Anand Vegetarian Restaurant
This is a pure veg Gujarati (North Indian) style restaurant. The demand for Puri Bhaji, a deep-fried bread and potato and chickpea dish, is so great that you will have to wait your turn but it's worth it. There is a special part for ladies and families. Friday lunch has sweets and as much Puri as you want. Sometimes you will have to wait for 10 min to get a roti.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Aroma Spicy Restaurant
An Indian restaurant
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Evergreen Restaurant Veg.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Fish Market
A fish market with restaurants attached, where you can have your choice of fresh fish cooked with your choice of seasoning, sauce and accompaniments.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Ghalib Restaurant
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Hunter’s B&R
A modern bar with green brick walls, solid wood tables and numerous flat screen TVs showing sports. God for after work drinks, or an evening with friends, Hunter’s B&R offers a casual environment with a social buzz.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Lgymat & Rgag
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Alcohol
Only in licensed hotels; drinking in public illegal. Minimum age 21.
Money
Credit cards widely accepted; cash needed for small shops. Bargaining common in souks.
Safety
Extremely safe city; practice common sense. Beware of phone scams.
Transport
Public buses and taxis available. Traffic common on main island.
Weather
Arid climate; best visited November-March. Summer temperatures over 40°C.