Overview
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, offers a more refined, cultural and authentic Arabian experience than its flashier neighbour Dubai — yet matches it for world-class luxury, architecture and dining. The centrepiece of any Abu Dhabi visit is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world: 82 domes, 1,000 columns clad in white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. It is simply one of the most extraordinary buildings in existence.
Beyond the Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in becoming a genuine cultural destination. Saadiyat Island — the "Island of Happiness" — is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi (a striking Jean Nouvel-designed universal museum with an extraordinary floating dome), the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and a collection of luxury beach resorts and cultural institutions. Yas Island hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula 1 circuit, Ferrari World (the world's fastest roller coaster) and Warner Bros. World.
Abu Dhabi also offers outstanding desert experiences — the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world's largest continuous sand desert, begins at the city's doorstep. Desert safaris, camel trekking, sandboarding and overnight desert camps are easily arranged from the city, and the scale of the dunes here dwarfs anything available in Dubai. For UK visitors, Abu Dhabi's slightly quieter pace, stronger cultural identity and comparable luxury at slightly lower prices than Dubai make it a compelling alternative — or the ideal companion on a UAE two-centre trip.
Find Abu Dhabi Packages →Must-See
The most extraordinary religious building in the UAE — the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors and should not be missed. The 82 domes, 1,000 marble columns, 24-carat gold-plated chandeliers and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet (covering 5,627 sq m and weighing 47 tonnes) create an interior of breathtaking opulence. Free guided tours are available. Dress code strictly enforced — robes are provided at the entrance for anyone not suitably attired.
Jean Nouvel's extraordinary floating dome — 180 metres in diameter, perforated to create a "rain of light" effect — houses one of the most ambitious museum projects of the 21st century. The Louvre Abu Dhabi presents a universal history of art and civilisation from prehistoric times to the present day, with loans from France's greatest cultural institutions including the Louvre Paris, Versailles and Musée d'Orsay. The building itself, built over the sea, is as much a spectacle as the collection within.
Yas Island is Abu Dhabi's entertainment hub — home to the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (held in November), Ferrari World (which contains the world's fastest roller coaster — Formula Rossa, reaching 240km/h), Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and the Yas Marina Circuit. The circuit offers hot laps and driving experiences year-round. The November Grand Prix weekend is one of the Middle East's most glamorous annual events.
The desert around Abu Dhabi is a different scale from Dubai — the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) produces dunes reaching 300 metres in height. The Liwa Oasis, three hours south of the city, offers access to the most dramatic dune landscapes in the UAE. Standard desert safaris (dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, Bedouin dinner) are available from the city, while overnight desert camps provide a more immersive experience.
Saadiyat Island's white sand beaches are among the finest in the UAE — consistently voted among the best urban beaches in the world. The beach clubs attached to the St. Regis, Park Hyatt and Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort offer excellent facilities. The island is also home to a natural hawksbill turtle nesting site — guided turtle watching is available in season (June–September).
Plan Your Trip
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi — temperatures are warm and pleasant (22–28°C), perfect for outdoor activities, desert safaris and beach time. November hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix. December–February are the coolest months and the most popular. Book well ahead for the Grand Prix weekend.
Temperatures climb towards 35°C by April — still very manageable in the evenings, and outdoor activities remain enjoyable in the mornings. Spring offers slightly better hotel rates than peak winter and fewer European visitors.
Extreme heat and humidity (40–45°C with high humidity) make outdoor activities uncomfortable. Abu Dhabi's indoor attractions (malls, museums, waterparks) come into their own. Summer sees dramatic hotel discounts — up to 50% off peak rates — making luxury properties suddenly accessible on a budget.
Temperatures begin to drop from October — still warm (30–35°C) but noticeably more comfortable than summer. The November Formula 1 Grand Prix brings a huge surge in visitors and prices during race weekend; book months ahead if this is your target.
Top Areas
The city centre — including the Corniche waterfront, Al Maryah Island financial district and the historic Heritage Village — is the cultural and commercial hub. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a 15-minute drive from the centre. The Corniche itself is a beautiful 8km waterfront promenade, lined with public beaches, cafés and gardens.
The cultural and beach hub — home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the best public beaches in the city and Abu Dhabi's most prestigious resort hotels. Staying on Saadiyat puts you within walking distance of the Louvre and the beach, and 15 minutes from the city centre.
Entertainment central — the Formula 1 circuit, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld and a cluster of mid-range to luxury hotels. Staying on Yas is ideal for families (theme parks), F1 fans and anyone who wants maximum entertainment options. 30 minutes from the city centre.
The "Garden City" of Al Ain — 90 minutes east of Abu Dhabi — offers a UNESCO World Heritage oasis and fort complex, a camel market and a very different pace from the coast. The Liwa Oasis to the south gives access to the vast Rub' al Khali dunes — the most dramatic desert landscape in the UAE, largely unknown to tourists.
Need to Know
Compare flights, hotels and all-inclusive packages. Best UK prices guaranteed.
Holidays from £549pp per person
Experiences & Activities
Tours, tickets and unmissable experiences — book ahead and skip the queues.
Get Around
The freedom to explore at your own pace — compare the best rental deals at your destination.
Compare prices from leading rental companies worldwide
Explore cities and countryside on two wheels
Explore More
Just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi — combine both UAE cities for the perfect two-centre Middle East break.
Explore Dubai →Ancient Petra, Wadi Rum desert and the Dead Sea — a fascinating cultural contrast to Abu Dhabi's modernity.
Explore Jordan →Fly from Abu Dhabi into the ultimate Indian Ocean luxury escape — overwater villas and pristine lagoons.
Explore Maldives →