Places / Asia / United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
Visited in October 2018
At a glance
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Region
- Emirate of Abu Dhabi
- Population
- 1.6 million
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- Zayed International (AUH)
- Coordinates
- 24.47°N, 54.37°E
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Overview
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, an island city of wide boulevards, glittering towers and a long seafront corniche. It is calmer and more cultural than Dubai, its neighbour along the coast.
The big draws are a magnificent mosque, world-class museums on Saadiyat Island and the theme parks of Yas Island. Mangroves, beaches and the desert are all close by.
Things to see
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Photo: Wikiemirati, CC-BY-SA-4.0 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A vast white marble mosque with dozens of domes, huge chandeliers and one of the world's largest carpets.
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Photo: Boubloub, CC-BY-SA-4.0 Louvre Abu Dhabi
Art from across the world under a vast latticed dome that lets in a "rain of light".
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Renek78, CC-BY-SA-4.0 Qasr Al Watan
A grand working presidential palace open to visitors, full of ornate halls and Arabic manuscripts.
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Photo: Peturrunar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Qasr Al Hosn
The city's oldest stone building, a fort that tells the story of Abu Dhabi before oil.
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Photo: Boubloub, CC-BY-SA-4.0 Abrahamic Family House
A mosque, a church and a synagogue side by side on Saadiyat Island.
Things to do
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Photo: Slywire, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kayak the mangroves
Paddle through calm channels in the mangroves on the city's eastern edge.
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Photo: Alberto-g-rovi, CC BY-SA 3.0 Yas Island theme parks
Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld are all on one island.
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Photo: Slywire, CC BY-SA 4.0 Saadiyat Beach
A long, clean beach of white sand, quieter than those in the city centre.
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Photo: Xiaotong Gao, CC BY-SA 3.0 Desert trip to Liwa
Some of the highest sand dunes in the world, around three hours' drive south.
Where to stay
Corniche
Central, with sea views and easy access to beaches and sights.
Hotels in CornicheSaadiyat Island
Beach resorts close to the museums.
Hotels in Saadiyat IslandYas Island
For theme parks, families and the Formula One circuit.
Hotels in Yas Island
Getting around
Taxis are plentiful and metered, and ride-hailing apps work well. Buses run across the city, but walking in summer heat is hard going.
Zayed International Airport is about 30 minutes from the centre by taxi.
When to go
November to March brings sunny, warm days. Summers are extremely hot and humid.
Plan your trip to Abu Dhabi
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.