The smaller neighbour of glitzy Dubai, Abu Dhabi welcomes its visitors with charismatic opulence. It’s not all about the five-star hotels and sprawling shopping malls here: the UAE’s capital is a diverse destination balancing pristine white beaches with cultural landmarks, and theme parks with pockets of nature.
Located an hour’s drive along the famous 14-lane highway from Dubai, Abu Dhabi announces itself via the striking Sheikh Zayed suspension bridge — designed by the architect Zaha Hadid — from where you can view the sparkling coastline on one side and the commanding domes of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on the other. Abu Dhabi is actually an archipelago of 200 islands, with the city itself located on an island 250m off the mainland.
The urban centre offers a lower-rise and more compact skyline than Dubai, but this means its architectural landmarks are easy to spot: there’s the domineering Etihad Towers complex; the 8km manicured waterfront of the Corniche; the Fairmont Marina Abu Dhabi, which seems to have taken an architectural cue from Dubai’s Atlantis; and Emirates Palace, the lavish icon of the city, said to be larger than Buckingham Palace and the most expensively decorated hotel in the world. The slower pace of life here gives rise to an authenticity evident in the local eateries in the Khalidiya and Mina Zayed Port areas, on a stroll along the UAE’s best beaches, or during an early-morning kayak through the lush greenery of the mangrove forests on the city’s outskirts.
An overarching feeling from the Emirati population here, outnumbered ten to one by expats, is of hospitality: their country is now a cosmopolitan melting pot full of different ethnicities, but their history, culture and pride shines through in everything they do. And they want you to experience it all.
This article contains links from which we may earn revenue. These links are signposted with an asterisk. More information here.
Advertisement
What to do
While the sparkling skyscrapers and plethora of Cartier, Hermès and Louis Vuitton stores are fun for a gawk, the best way to experience Abu Dhabi isn’t inside a building. If you’re here for nature, look no further than the Mangrove National Park. The labyrinthine waterways give the capital a splash of greenery and are best explored from the water, or on foot via Jubail Mangrove Park’s meandering overwater boardwalk.
The beaches of Saadiyat Island are renowned as the best in the country, and a day pass at one of the island’s five-star resorts will have you relaxing on a sun lounger or sipping a cocktail at a beach club in fine company.
For the thrill-seekers, there’s the all-encompassing giant playground of Yas Island, home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held in late November or early December at Yas Marina Circuit, as well as several high-octane theme parks; top picks are Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, featuring the world’s fastest rollercoaster, and Yas Waterworld.
Abu Dhabi’s thriving cultural scene is evidenced by the presence of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the soon-to-open Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. There are also plenty of places to soak up local history, such as the workshops and live events at Manarat Al Saadiyat, or Qasr Al Hosn — the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi and the city’s museum.
You simply cannot leave without visiting the city’s landmark: the imposing Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This architectural masterpiece is the country’s largest mosque and features 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24-carat gold chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.
Advertisement
When it is time to dine, there’s something for everyone. For an ultra high-end experience seek out Zuma, in the heart of the Al Maryah Island financial centre, or Hakkasan, in Emirates Palace. For a taste of something a bit more local, Lebanese Flower is a must-try, as is wandering through the Khalidiya area and plonking yourself down at a little hole-in-the-wall shawarma shop. If there’s a crowd of locals there, you know it’s good.
Where to stay
As the UAE is known for its luxury accommodation, it would be rude not to splash out on a five-star resort for at least one night. For a beachfront resort opt for Saadiyat Island; you’ll have pristine white sands to laze on and can keep your eyes peeled for hawksbill turtles or perhaps a visiting pod of dolphins. Try Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island for homegrown prestige and attention to detail, or the St Regis at Saadiyat Island for a more family-friendly beach escape.
If you’re a motorsport enthusiast and you’d like to be, quite literally, on top of the action look no further than the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island, located in the midst of Yas Marina Circuit. For unparalleled views and opulence, a stay at Conrad Etihad Towers is in order. The 576 spacious rooms are sleek and minimalist, with sweeping views over the Corniche and Arabian Gulf. For something a bit friendlier on the wallet, try the artistic Andaz Capital Gate, located inside the “Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi”, the world’s furthest leaning tower (18 degrees, since you’re asking — Pisa’s, by comparison, is barely four degrees). There’s also the fuss-free yet perfectly comfortable Beach Rotana.
Don’t miss
If you’re keen to understand more about local Emirati heritage and culture, pay a visit to Qasr al Hosn or the gleaming Qasr Al Watan. The latter is the city’s presidential palace, offering a detailed look into the principles that shaped the forming of the UAE and its vision of the future. The building itself is just as impressive as the cultural experience.
Advertisement
You also can’t visit the UAE without a desert excursion. Many tour operators in the city offer full day or half-day trips out into the undulating sand dunes, where you’ll be treated to a dune-bashing experience (don’t eat beforehand), a camel ride, falconry, a sunset to rival the best you’ve seen, and a cultural performance over a Middle Eastern feast.
Best time to visit
The temperature is at its mildest in the cooler winter months, from November to March. That’s when the humidity is at its lowest, the sea is balmy and average temperatures tend to sit in the late twenties. Rain forecasts aren’t something you need to take into account here — but cloud seeding often takes place in March, meaning there will be the odd day of orchestrated rainfall. By May and June, the mercury will have soared into the late thirties and the humidity will be creeping upwards, and by July and August stepping outside will feel akin to opening the door of an oven. That said, this is when the five-star resorts have their most tempting deals.
FAQs
Is Abu Dhabi a safe destination?
Abu Dhabi, and indeed the UAE as a whole, is as safe as cities come. Women should feel confident walking alone at night, and it’s not uncommon for people to use wallets and valuables to bagsie tables, or to forget them and wander back hours later for them to still be in the exact same place.
Can you drink in Abu Dhabi?
The short answer is yes. The slightly longer answer is that before alcohol was decriminalised, an alcohol licence was required to purchase drinks at a bar or to visit a bottle store. However, these were rarely asked for and, in line with new social reforms, are no longer necessary.
Which destinations can you twin with a visit to Abu Dhabi?
The obvious answer is Dubai, for a slightly more breathless, party-oriented experience. For something more low-key, take an hour’s drive east to the Al Ain oasis with its impressive falaj (ancient irrigation system) and sprawling date palm plantations, this is as green and tranquil as it gets in the UAE. To experience more Abu Dhabi islands, pop over to Zaya Nurai for a Maldivian-inspired day or overnight trip, or head south to Sir Baniyas Island — home to 17,000 free-roaming animals including oryx, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs.
Advertisement
Currency
United Arab Emirates Dirham
Take me there
Inspired to visit Abu Dhabi but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Tui and Virgin Holidays.
Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here.