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Last update: 25 Oct 2026
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Abu Dhabi Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
United Arab Emirates – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type G
Type G:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
UAE Dirham (AED) £1 ≈ AED 4.89 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted in urban areas, including cards and mobile wallets. Rural areas may rely more on cash.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary but not mandatory in the UAE. Restaurants often include service charges, but leaving 10-15% for good service is common. Small tips for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and delivery services are appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking of alcohol is illegal. Alcohol consumption is restricted to licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in most indoor public areas, though designated smoking zones are available. |
| Eid al-Fitr (Varies) |
A time for family gatherings; expect closures during festivities. |
|---|---|
| National Day (December) |
Celebrations include parades and fireworks across the country. |
| Eid al-Adha (Varies) |
Similar closures and family celebrations, with special events in cities. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 999 (Police), 998 (Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Careem, Uber, RTA Dubai |
| Other: | The UAE is famous for luxury shopping, modern architecture, and diverse cuisines. Dress modestly in public and adhere to local customs to avoid issues. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina in early December: hotels booked out and prices peak
Outdoor activities are hard to manage June to September, with most sightseeing moved indoors
Ramadan: daytime food options limited, many restaurants closed until sunset, no eating or drinking in public
Don't miss
- 🕌 Marvel at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- 🏜️ Take a thrilling desert safari at sunset
- 🎨 Admire world-class art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
- 🏎️ Drive on Yas Marina Circuit or watch a Formula 1 race
- 🌊 Stroll along the Corniche and enjoy sea views
- 🛍️ Shop luxury brands at Yas Mall and explore Ferrari World
- 🕌 Marvel at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- 🏜️ Take a thrilling desert safari at sunset
- 🎨 Admire world-class art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
- 🏎️ Drive on Yas Marina Circuit or watch a Formula 1 race
- 🌊 Stroll along the Corniche and enjoy sea views
- 🛍️ Shop luxury brands at Yas Mall and explore Ferrari World
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is perfect if you want a mix of culture, adventure and relaxation. The stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the art-filled Louvre Abu Dhabi and the thrills of Ferrari World make it a unique destination. It’s more laid-back compared to its flashy neighbor Dubai, but with just as much to offer – from pristine beaches to vibrant souks and world-class dining.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
-
Abu Dhabi Film Festival
-
Abu Dhabi Art
-
Liwa Date Festival
-
UAE National Day Celebrations
-
Al Dhafra Festival
-
Mother of the Nation Festival
-
Eid Al Fitr & Eid Al Adha
-
Abu Dhabi Food Festival
-
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix
Knowledge before you go
- Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees in public areas.
- Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque early morning to avoid crowds and heat.
- Book Louvre Abu Dhabi tickets online; free on Fridays after 2:30 PM for locals.
- Explore Al Ain oasis nearby for authentic Bedouin culture, fresh dates and archaeological sites.
How to travel to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is the main gateway, connecting the city with global destinations. The airport is well‑organized with good transport options into the city, including taxis, buses and private transfers.
Access summary
- From Zayed International (AUH): Taxi or airport bus to city, about 30–60 minutes.
- From Dubai: Intercity buses or taxis along E11, typically around 1.5–2 hours.
- From Dubai Airport: Direct buses or private transfers to Abu Dhabi, usually 2–2.5 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of accommodations, from ultra-luxurious resorts on Saadiyat Island to budget-friendly hotels in the city center. Many international hotel chains are present, ensuring a comfortable stay for all budgets.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel
Royal Rose Hotel Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
Villaggio Hotel Abu Dhabi
Signature 1 Hotel Tecom
Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel
Atana Hotel
Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel
Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi
Grand Millennium Al Wahda Abu Dhabi Hotel
Roda Amwaj Suites Jumeirah Beach Residence
How to get around Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers reliable taxis, public buses and rental car options. The city is well-connected with wide roads and public buses are clean and affordable. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are widely used.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Abu Dhabi are around 2% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to AED) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world. Violent crime is rare, but be mindful of cultural norms and laws, especially regarding public behavior and dress codes.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Abu Dhabi are modern and of high quality. Pharmacies are widely available and emergency care is reliable. It is advisable to have travel health insurance.
Accessibility
The city is well-equipped for accessibility, with modern infrastructure, accessible public transport and hotels catering to people with mobility challenges. However, some traditional areas may be less accessible.
Tap water
Tap water in Abu Dhabi is generally safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled water. Public drinking fountains are rare, so carrying a reusable water bottle is recommended.
Packing recommendations for Abu Dhabi
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Light jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
for mosque visits
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
for sun protection
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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