Your ultimate guide to Abu Dhabi.
10 ultimate experiences to do according to your budget along with my personal hotel recommendations.
Abu Dhabi Key information:
When to visit: October – May.
Temp: 32-38 Oct/May, Nov/March – 28-32, Dec/Feb 23-28, Jan 18-23, April 30-34
Usually very little rain only jan/feb time, mostly sunshine all year
How to get there:
The main airport in Abu Dhabi is called Zayed International Airport and takes around 25 min drive to downtown Abu Dhabi or 12 mins to Yas island.
How to get around:
Abu dhabi taxi (government) are the cheapest option (silver coloured cars), or renting a car is a good idea (if you don’t choose one from the airport, you can use an app like eZhire for quick and easy rent per day with drop-off and collection)
Currency:
UAE Dirhams $1 USD = AED 3.67 (fixed rate)
Ideal trip length:
5 days Abu Dhabi or 7-10 days including Dubai (just 1-1.5 hours drive away)
Abu Dhabi hotel picks:
Jumeriah Saadiyat island ($$$$) – Ultra luxury on Abu Dhabi’s best beach.
Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat Island ($$$$) – Quiet serenity away from the hustle with beach and overwater villas.
The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi ($$$) – Luxury in the heart of Abu Dhabi, for those looking for a central location next to the iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi ($$$) – Luxury on the beach with a central Abu Dhabi location, this is a great all round hotel.
W Yas Island ($$$) – F1 fans paradise, with direct over the track views. Near to the airport & Yas island’s theme parks, yas golf links and entertainment heaven near the Etihad arena and park for live events.
Beach Rotana ($$) – A well known hotel, with a beach and central location, without the luxury price-tag.
Mercure Abu Dhabi downtown($) – For those looking for ultra downtown location, comfort, with a low price tag, this hotel is the perfect option.
Top low-cost places to visit (under AED 150/$40):
1.Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The iconic white-marble mosque of Abu Dhabi, and the most cultural experience. An absolute MUST when visiting Abu Dhabi. It’s free to enter, and gives a powerful sense of scale and culture. Make sure to wear long clothing from wrists to ankles. Women must cover their hair and men must wear trousers, elbow length tops and cover any visible tattoo’s. It’s open from 9am until 10pm, except Fridays due to prayers when you can only visit before 11:30am.
Tip: Go early morning or near sunset for a more comfortable light and cooler temperature.
2. Explore nature at Jubail Mangrove park
Enjoy nature by kayaking or boardwalking among Mangroves that’ll surprise you that you’re in the UAE and not in Asia or Europe. It is a serene boardwalk park that lets you experience the mangrove forest up close. It’s a peaceful spot for wildlife watching too. Make sure to bring insect spray! Costs start from AED 15 per adult and kayaking starts from around AED 89. You can book here.
3. Qasr Al Watan – Presidential Palace
This presidential palace is truly a stunning piece of architecture as well as a cultural landmark. It showcases the nation’s history and heritage. Visitors can explore its majestic halls, gardens and chandeliers offeting insight into Emirati legacy. Adult tickets start from AED 65 here which includes access to the palace and it’s exhibitions.
4. Feel artsy at The Louvre
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is located on the stunning Saadiyat island and showcases artwork from around the world. The museum spans over 24,000m2 making it the largest art museum in the middle east. Tickets cost around AED 63 per adult but is free for children and seniors. The best time to visit is early morning weekdays; with less crowds and cooler temperatures. You can book here.
5. Explore the cultural Qasr al Hosn
The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi – once home to the ruling family and seat of government; it is now a restored museum and cultural center representing the city’s evolution from a fishing village to a modern capital. Tickets start from AED 30.
Top things to do mid-range cost: (above AED 150/$40)
1. Relax at Saadiyat Island beach club
Undoubtedly argued as the best beach in the UAE not just Abu Dhabi. Saadiyat island is known for it’s turquoise waters. Spend the day relaxing on the beach in it’s clear waters and soft white sand at Saadiyat beach club. This venue is suitable for families as well as adults. You’ll need to purchase a day pass which varies by day between AED 250 and 450 per adult.
2. Explore Abu Dhabi’s desert with a safari and dinner
Experience both the cultural and heritage of the Emirates with dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding followed by a BBQ dinner under the stars. Prices vary hugely on inclusions such as transportation, quality of dinner, level of exclusivity but usually start from AED 250 per person. I recommend this highly rated tour.
Top luxury things to do: (above AED 300/$80)
1. Experience the thrill at Ferrari world Abu Dhabi
This theme park is high energy! Situated in Yas island with world-record breaking rides. If you’re staying in Yas island, you can get free access into the park; which is a huge bonus and good reason to consider staying on Yas island. It’s both indoors and outdoors; and features family-friendly rides and attractions suitable for all ages. A standard adult ticket is around AED 310. You can also get multi-park tickets if you’re keen to also explore Warner Bro’s world, Seaworld or Yas waterworld.
2. Driving experience at Yas Marina circuit
Yas circuit features the Abu Dhabi grand prix every year and has an iconic track with views of the Abu Dhabi marina. You can experience the thrill of a fast-paced drive around the track with a driving experience sure to get your heartbeat rising. This is a must for all car fanatics and adrenaline seekers. You’ll need an international or UAE driving license and prices start from AED 950. Be sure to book in advance here.
3. Take a scenic Helicopter tour over Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a truly stunning city with beautiful skylines to pristine untouched shorelines. A Helicopter tour is the perfect way to see the city in just 15 mins where you’ll fly over the iconic Sheikh Zayed grand Mosque as well as other sights like the National football stadium, the Louvre and Rixos Marina. I truly got a different perspective of Abu Dhabi – and some parts felt like flying over the Maldives with its crystal waters. Prices start from around AED 700 per person. You can book your tour here.
