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Abu Dhabi travel guide

• When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?

  Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected most of the year, making it the perfect winter sun destination, allowing you to escape the doom and gloom of cold winter weather. Abu Dhabi is hot hot hot in summer, with temperatures from June - September ranging from 30 to 40°C.
  
  Cooler, and better by far, are the months from September to May, ranging from 20 - 25°C, but nights can get cold in winter. Rainfall is rare, with winter having the most precipitation, although it’s hardly ever what you’d call a downpour.
  
  
  

• What are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi?

  There’s so much to see and do in this extraordinary land of excitement, from copious shopping opportunities around every corner to stunning attractions that’ll make you stare in wonder; Abu Dhabi has everything.

  Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

  No trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Currently ranked 2nd on Trip Advisor’s Top Landmarks in the world, it is able to accommodate 40,000 worshippers, it boasts 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers and the world’s largest handmade carpet.

  Abu Dhabi Corniche

  A remarkable 8km of stunning waterfront that includes pedestrian walkways, cafés, restaurants, play areas for children and the Corniche Beach – a lifeguarded beach park.

  Yas Island

  The entertainment island of Abu Dhabi. Enjoy top attractions including Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, home of the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa; Yas Waterworld, one of Arabia’s best water parks; Yas Mall, the emirate’s largest shopping mall; and Yas Links, the only true Links golf course in Arabia. PLUS, Abu Dhabi has the first globally famous American theme park - Warner Bros. World.

  Saadiyat Island

  Home to spotless beaches on which hawksbill turtles come to nest each spring, a championship golf course, and two beachfront 5-star hotels - St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. Along with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, soon it will also lay claim to two more of the Gulf’s most hotly anticipated cultural attractions - Zayed National Museum, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

  The ‘Oasis City’ of Al Ain

  One of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements and home to several World Heritage Sites. Attractions include the historic Al Jahili Fort; the 3,000-year-old Al Ain Oasis; the Al Ain Camel Market, one of the last of its kind in existence; Wadi Adventure, the region’s only man-made white-water rafting, kayaking and surf facility; and Jebel Hafeet, the emirate’s highest peak.

  Al Dhafra & the Desert

  The Western Region is largely comprised of the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter), the largest sand desert in the world. Surrounded by enormous sand dunes is the 5-star Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, around which scenes from the new Star Wars film were shot. Activities include camel trekking, 4x4 dune bashing, sand surfing, fat-wheeled biking, falconry and campfire barbecues.

  Marina Mall

  With over 200,000 square feet of unique fashion, leisure and entertainment, the Marina Mall is a distinctive Abu Dhabi landmark in itself. Spread out over five floors and featuring more than 400 stores, you can buy anything from high street to designer fashion in this luxurious and practical shopping paradise. Alongside the shopping experience you’ll find a lively food court offering everything you could want, and multiple leisure activities including bowling, an ice rink and a nine-screen cinema. The Marina Mall is more than a shopping experience, it’s a fun day out for everyone.

  Al Wahda Mall

  This shopping landmark is situated right in the heart of the city, offering up shopping and lifestyle experiences like no other. As the recipient of various ‘Best Shopping Mall in Abu Dhabi’ awards, this megastore is situated over 3.3 million square feet and features more than 350 brands, ranging from high street chains like H&M and GAP to designer labels like Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret, and multiple big name brands. This is a fabulous and fun-filled shopping adventure like no other.

  Abu Dhabi Mall

  Located right in the heart of Abu Dhabi, this diverse and eclectic mall is thriving with an unparalleled energy, offering you a unique shopping experience. With more than 200 shops featuring big name high street stores from around the world, which sit alongside Arabian specialists, carpet sellers, and jewellers, you can get a variety of worldly shopping experiences under one roof. With a children’s play area, a Cineplex and a variety of activities taking place throughout the year, this is a shopping mall for the entire family to enjoy.

  World Trade Centre Mall

  Combining traditional Arabian architecture with a modern edge, the World Trade Centre Mall is a unique shopping experience housing all the shops you love. Stroll the famous high stores including Karen Millen, House of Fraser and Missoni or wander through the souk for locally produced potteries, henna and spices. Relax in the rooftop gardens, or watch the latest blockbuster at the eight screen cinema. A day at the World Trade Centre Mall is sure to spoil you.

  The Old Souk

  The famous Old Souk; Al Nasr Street, is the place to head to barter. As one of the most traditional Arab markets, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time, as you experience shopping from a whole new world. Experience excellent buys on wondrous items, and peruse the stalls for everything you could imagine such as Persian carpets, gold, jewellery, antique lanterns, tapestries, handicrafts, chests and spices. Haggling for the best price is expected within souks, so don’t hesitate about trying to secure a bargain.

  If you enjoy it here, other good souks worth a wander are the Iranian Souk, Al Ain Souk, and Al Meena Souk.

• Top 5 places to visit in Abu Dhabi

  Saadiyat Beach
  
  Set on the island’s serene natural shores, the 400-metre Saadiyat Beach is the perfect spot for a relaxed day out, and to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s clean, warm turquoise waters
  
  Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

  Take a stroll around the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which features a majestic 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet

  Four-wheel dune safari
  
  Take a four-wheel dune safari drive and enjoy a traditional Arabic evening, under the stars, with a Bedouin feast

  Yas Marina Circuit
  
  Visit Yas Marina Circuit – home of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, you can now even take part in a thrilling cycle ride around the circuit!
  
  Yas Island

  Experience the sights and sounds - and white-knuckle rides - of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi’s entertainment district - the renowned Yas Island

• What is shopping like in Abu Dhabi?

  As Abu Dhabi sneaks up to claim the crown for the most luxurious holiday destination, it’s also becoming one of the world’s best shopping hot spots. Filled with stylish, air-conditioned malls, pedestrianised shopping villages and glittering souks, there’s plenty of options.

  Marina Mall

  With over 200,000 square feet of unique fashion, leisure and entertainment, the Marina Mall is a distinctive Abu Dhabi landmark in itself. Spread out over five floors and featuring more than 400 stores, you can buy anything from high street to designer fashion in this luxurious and practical shopping paradise. Alongside the shopping experience you’ll find a lively food court offering everything you could want, and multiple leisure activities including bowling, an ice rink and a nine-screen cinema. The Marina Mall is more than a shopping experience, it’s a fun day out for everyone.

  Al Wahda Mall

  This shopping landmark is situated right in the heart of the city, offering up shopping and lifestyle experiences like no other. As the recipient of various ‘Best Shopping Mall in Abu Dhabi’ awards, this megastore is situated over 3.3 million square feet and features more than 350 brands, ranging from high street chains like H&M and GAP to designer labels like Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret, and multiple big name brands. This is a fabulous and fun-filled shopping adventure like no other.

  Abu Dhabi Mall

  Located right in the heart of Abu Dhabi, this diverse and eclectic mall is thriving with an unparalleled energy, offering you a unique shopping experience. With more than 200 shops featuring big name high street stores from around the world, which sit alongside Arabian specialists, carpet sellers, and jewellers, you can get a variety of worldly shopping experiences under one roof. With a children’s play area, a Cineplex and a variety of activities taking place throughout the year, this is a shopping mall for the entire family to enjoy.

  World Trade Centre Mall

  Combining traditional Arabian architecture with a modern edge, the World Trade Centre Mall is a unique shopping experience housing all the shops you love. Stroll the famous high stores including Karen Millen, House of Fraser and Missoni or wander through the souk for locally produced potteries, henna and spices. Relax in the rooftop gardens, or watch the latest blockbuster at the eight screen cinema. A day at the World Trade Centre Mall is sure to spoil you.

  The Old Souk

  The famous Old Souk; Al Nasr Street, is the place to head to barter. As one of the most traditional Arab markets, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time, as you experience shopping from a whole new world. Experience excellent buys on wondrous items, and peruse the stalls for everything you could imagine such as Persian carpets, gold, jewellery, antique lanterns, tapestries, handicrafts, chests and spices. Haggling for the best price is expected within souks, so don’t hesitate about trying to secure a bargain.

  If you enjoy it here, other good souks worth a wander are the Iranian Souk, Al Ain Souk, and Al Meena Souk.

• What is Abu Dhabi's cuisine?

  Abu Dhabi’s restaurants span the globe, and back again, to ensure no one leaves hungry. While Arabian cuisine is highly regarded, you’ll find it much easier to track down fabulous French, Italian, Indian and Chinese food than you will the Emirates’ own specialities.

  All of Abu Dhabi’s finest restaurants are located inside the Emirate’s five star hotels, with fusion French/Mediterranean, seafood and Pan-Asian cuisines all particularly excellent. For food on the go, the mall’s food courts are satisfying and not-too-expensive. But for a splash out family feast, you’re best heading to the marinas and entertainment zones alongside the corniche and beaches. Popular areas include Breakwater, Sheikh Zayed Street, Corniche Road and the Tourist Club area, with their excellent steak houses, pasta joints, ice-cream parlours and all-you-can-eat buffets. And coffee is the fuel that keeps Abu Dhabi ticking - you’ll find excellent coffee parlours throughout the city. The drink is often paired with the bubbling Shisha pipe - an interesting experience, especially when flavoured with apple, cinnamon, cherry or any one of a myriad of aromatic concoctions available.

• What is the nightlife like in Abu Dhabi?

  Partying in Abu Dhabi may not be something you hear of much, but within just a few years, the party scene has boomed and the nightlife has skyrocketed.

  The luxurious hotels that dominate the landscape are an excellent place to enjoy a few drinks. With sleek lounges, often situated on the upper floors, you can enjoy excellent views of the picturesque cityscape at night. With a wide variety of glamorous cocktails on offer, you can sip in style as you listen to a cabaret performance or the sound of a tinkling piano.
  
  

• Where to explore Abu Dhabi's culture?

  Abu Dhabi is vibrant and lively, no matter what your background. In this stunning landscape of old and new, you can experience a whole variety of different opportunities you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

  Although it may be a luxurious and relaxing land; Abu Dhabi is definitely as buzzing and lively as they come.

  Culture

  Abu Dhabi has an extensive number of cultural attractions. A must see is a visit to one the world’s largest and most beautiful mosques - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. With room for 40,000 worshippers, it houses one of the world's largest chandeliers at 10 metres wide! And the whites and golds are lit to perfection by day and moonlight. It is a true spectacle to see. Venture toward the Heritage Village where you can marvel at the reconstruction of a traditional oasis village, allowing you to get a rare and unique glimpse into the traditional desert lives of those in the Emirates. A highlight that many would not miss is the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, here you will be wowed by its free-flying falcons and falcon display museum.

  The past

  For an expansive knowledge of history head to the Al Ain National Museum just on the edge of Al Ain Oasis - this showcases the unique heritage and history of this spectacular city. Or visit the Al Ain Palace Museum, the former home of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which has been restored and turned into a museum, housing a large collection of material about this family. Or check out a number of pieces of historical architecture throughout Abu Dhabi including the Al Maqtaa Fort, Muraijib Fort and Al Jahili Fort. Finally check out the Heritage Heartland, which is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited settlements and is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

  The future

  While much is being done to celebrate Abu Dhabi’s Arabian heritage, it’s the emirate’s embracing of all global cultures that is setting the tone for its future. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District. Arguably the most ambitious cultural project ever conceived, the district will soon be home to a series of ‘starchitect’-designed mega-galleries, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi opening on the 11th November 2017, the British Museum-designed Zayed National Museum, and the biggest Guggenheim ever constructed.

  Something exciting

  For those who enjoy sipping on a few evening drinks and enjoying a holiday chat with friends, a number of hotspots include; The Harvester's Pub at Sands Hotel, The Tavern, The Sheraton Resort & Towers, and Le Meridien’s Gauloises Club.

  Hot spots

  Then there are hot spots such as Saadiyat Beach Club where you can chill with a cocktail in the sumptuous surroundings or one of Abu Dhabi's finest marinas, Yas Marina - this is the place to be seen! Those who want more of a party atmosphere can dance the night away in the various discos and clubs. The Hilton complex offers excellent party opportunities at The Tequilana nightclub, which is all Kontiki-style beach huts, tropically-coloured shirts and karaoke booths. Whatever night you want, the Hilton complex is a one-stop shop for all. If you are in search of a VIP evening, MAD will not disappoint. It’s the newest nightclub in the city and is Yas Island’s biggest standalone club, complete with the world’s biggest privately-owned graffiti wall, cutting-edge design, exclusive VIP areas and much more.

• Abu Dhabi events - what's on when?

  Throughout the year this exotic and stunning location plays host to various events. With people travelling the world over to attend and take part, here are a selection of things happening during Abu Dhabi’s fun-filled entertainment calendar.

  January - Abu Dhabi HSB Golf Championship

  With 120 players competing at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, there’s a $2.7 million prize fund and the Falcon Trophy up for grabs, in one of the early season’s trio of events during the European Tour.

  February – Red Bull Air Race

  Abu Dhabi will host the Red Bull Air Race for the eleventh time in 2018, once again setting the scene as the action-packed opener for a brand new World Championship season.

  March – ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi

  Now part of the ITU World Triathlon Series, the Abu Dhabi event will be the sport’s season opener until 2019, attracting athletes from more than 100 countries and tens of thousands of spectators to Abu Dhabi’s Corniche.

  April - Al Gharbia Watersports Festival

  Head to Al Mifra fishing village in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region for this annual watersports extravaganza, combining everything from swimming, kite surfing and stand-up paddle boarding, to dhow, kayak and rowing races.

  Abu Dhabi Festival
  One of the Middle East’s leading cultural festivals, the Abu Dhabi Festival combines music, theatre, dance and visual and traditional arts.

  May - Abu Dhabi Classics

  May sees the spectacular conclusion to Abu Dhabi Classics – an eight-month series of classical concerts and performances by some of the world’s leading musicians and orchestras.

  June/July - Liwa Date Festival

  A fascinating insight into many desert traditions, the festival includes a date beauty contest with total prize money of around AED 5 million, a date auction, and educational sessions on how to care for palm trees.

  July - September - Abu Dhabi Summer Season

  The Abu Dhabi Summer Season coincides nicely with UK school holidays and sees concerts, comedy acts and children’s shows popping up all across the emirate. It’s also when many of the top hotels offer their best deals, so it is a great time to find a bargain.

  October - Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival

  As host of the Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival since its inception, spectators and guests can enjoy watching the highly anticipated race along the hotel’s 1km stretch of beach, while also enjoying a range of fun activities and entertainment throughout the day.

  November

  Abu Dhabi Art
  Taking place each year on Saadiyat Island – the future home of Abu Dhabi’s Louvre and Guggenheim museums – Abu Dhabi Art showcases works from some of the leading contemporary art galleries around the world.

  Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
  The Formula 1 season comes to a spectacular conclusion at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi each November. Thousands of visitors flock to Abu Dhabi to watch the race and to soak up the atmosphere of Yasalam Festival, the largest city-wide entertainment programme run by any F1 host city.

  December

  Al Dhafra Festival

  Camel racing, falconry tournaments and high-stakes camel beauty contests are among the highlights of the annual Al Dhafra Festival, a celebration of Bedouin culture that takes place in Abu Dhabi’s western region of Al Gharbia.

  F1 Powerboats World Championships

  The U.I.M F1H20 World Championship is the world’s foremost international series of single-seater inshore circuit Formula 1 Powerboat Racing. Highly competitive, fascinating, intensely challenging, risky and entertaining, Formula 1 Powerboat Racing is the ultimate adrenalin rush and regarded as one of the most spectacular and exciting sports in the world.

• Are vaccines needed to visit Abu Dhabi?

  No inoculations are essential for Abu Dhabi, but Hepatitis, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio are recommended for elderly or infirm travellers, or those intent on exploring further from the city.

• Is Abu Dhabi good for families?

  Yes! Abu Dhabi has plenty going on for the whole family. It's super-clean, safe and really easy to get around by car or taxi, so it's ideal for little legs that may not have the energy to walk far after a busy day! Most hotels have tons of family-friendly facilities too: think kids clubs, shaded pool areas, playgrounds and babysitting services.
  
  Some of the best places to visit for a family holiday to Abu Dhabi include Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld , Ferrari World and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. For a laid-back beach day, Corniche Beach is ideal: shallow waters, playgrounds, golden sands and lifeguards too.
  
  The best time for families to visit Abu Dhabi is between November and March, when the weather is cooler and you can enjoy all the outdoor attractions and activities without the crowds or heat.