Abu Dhabi
City · United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Abu Zaby, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, the gleaming capital of the United Arab Emirates, offers a captivating blend of deep-rooted Arabian heritage and futuristic vision…

#Capital City#Luxury#Modern Architecture#Desert Climate#Cultural Landmarks

Top Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Top Flights to Abu Dhabi

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Top Activities in Abu Dhabi

Highlights

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

What travellers talk about most.

Tours

Emirates Palace

A luxurious hotel offering a glimpse into Arabian opulence, with beautiful gardens and gold-adorned interiors.

4.8(32.3k)

Qasr Al Watan Tour

Explore the architectural splendour and cultural heritage of Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace of the UAE.

4.8(10.3k)AED 65

Cultural Visit to Qasr Al Hosn

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Abu Dhabi with a visit to Qasr Al Hosn, one of the city's oldest stone buildings, showcasing the UAE's cultural heritage.

4.6(8k)AED 30

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital Tour

Discover the fascinating world of falcons with a guided tour of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. Learn about the history, significance, and care of these majestic birds.

4.4(1.9k)AED 170

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

A stunning architectural marvel and one of the world's largest mosques, featuring 82 domes and exquisite white marble.

4.8(61.6k)

Louvre Abu Dhabi

A museum featuring inspiring art collections and exhibitions from around the world.

4.7(39.8k)AED 63

Shopping

Marina Mall

A popular shopping destination with a range of luxury and high-street brands as well as entertainment facilities.

4.4(34.2k)

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

An upscale shopping mall offering luxury brands, fine dining, and entertainment.

4.6(21.8k)

Outdoor

Desert Safari Adventure

Experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Bedouin camp activities in the Abu Dhabi desert.

USD 75

Abu Dhabi Corniche Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the picturesque Corniche, with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the Abu Dhabi skyline.

4.7(126)

Saadiyat Beach

A pristine beach on Saadiyat Island offering serene relaxation with beautiful sea views.

3.6(823)AED 75

Evening at Corniche Beach

Relax and unwind at Corniche Beach, enjoying the scenic views of Abu Dhabi's skyline and the Arabian Gulf.

4.5(9.7k)AED 10

Emirates Park Zoo Visit

Enjoy close encounters with various wildlife species at the interactive Emirates Park Zoo.

4.4(18.9k)AED 50

Yas Marina Circuit

A Formula 1 racing circuit that offers various exciting driving experiences and karting activities.

4.7(3.1k)AED 130

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

An indoor amusement park offering thrilling rides and attractions themed around the famous car brand.

4.5(61.3k)AED 345

Yas Waterworld

A water park offering adventurous rides and slides suitable for all ages.

4.5(20.9k)AED 295

See it for yourself

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Practical info

Weather, costs and getting around.

Abu Dhabi, Abu Zaby, United Arab Emirates Open in Google Maps
When to go

Scored from each month’s typical high and its usual conditions.

GoodMixedAvoid
Best monthsNov – Mar
Worth avoidingMay – Sep
September · hotHigh 39°C Low 28°C
Avoid

The weather in Abu Dhabi is known for being hot and sunny throughout most of the year. Summers are scorching with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F). Rainfall is minimal, and the city enjoys clear skies and abundant sunshine, making it a great destination for those seeking warm weather.

All 12 monthshighs, lows and conditions
Jan
clear
24°14°
Feb
clear
25°15°
Mar
clear
28°18°
Apr
hot
33°21°
May
hot
38°25°
Jun
hot
40°28°
Jul
hot
42°31°
Aug
hot
42°31°
Sep
hot
39°28°
Oct
clear
35°24°
Nov
clear
30°20°
Dec
clear
25°16°
Currency
Dhs | AED | United Arab Emirates Dirham
Population
1.8 million (2023)
Density
37 / km²
Local time
Languages
Arabic mainly · English, Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Tagalog
Budget / day
AED350 - AED1800
Also known as
Abu Dabi, Abu Zaby, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabai, Abu Zaby

Know before you go

Local guide

A deeper read on Abu Dhabi.

What people love

Abu Dhabi offers a sophisticated mix of cultural depth and modern luxury. It boasts world-class attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The city is exceptionally safe, clean, and family-friendly, with excellent infrastructure and pristine beaches. Visitors can enjoy thrilling theme parks on Yas Island, luxurious resorts, and high-end dining. It also serves as a great base for exploring the serene Empty Quarter desert and the lush oasis city of Al Ain, providing a well-rounded Emirati experience.

What to know

The most significant drawback to visiting Abu Dhabi is the extreme summer heat from June to September, which makes outdoor activities nearly impossible during the day. It is also an expensive destination, with high costs for luxury accommodation, dining, and alcohol. The city is heavily car-dependent; while taxis are plentiful, public transportation is limited compared to other global capitals. Additionally, the strict conservative laws and social etiquette require visitors to be highly mindful of their behavior and dress, which may feel restrictive to some.

Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was originally a small fishing village inhabited by the Bani Yas tribe until the 18th century when it became an important center for the pearl diving industry. In 1793, the Al Nahyan family, one of the ruling families of the UAE, established their rule over Abu Dhabi.

Significant events in Abu Dhabi's history include the signing of the General Maritime Treaty in 1820, which recognized Abu Dhabi as a Trucial State under the protection of the British Empire. This treaty ensured stability in the region and allowed Abu Dhabi to develop as a trading hub.

In 1971, Abu Dhabi, along with six other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates, with Abu Dhabi being chosen as the capital city. This marked a significant milestone in the history of the region as it brought together the various emirates under one federation.

Historical figures that have played a significant role in Abu Dhabi's history include Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, who was instrumental in shaping the modern development of Abu Dhabi. His vision and leadership were crucial in transforming Abu Dhabi from a small desert town into a modern, vibrant city.

Important landmarks in Abu Dhabi include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, which is a symbol of Islamic architecture and a popular tourist attraction. The Emirates Palace, a luxury hotel known for its opulent design and world-class amenities, is another iconic landmark in the city.

Abu Dhabi is also home to the Corniche, a picturesque waterfront promenade lined with parks, cafes, and public beaches. The Qasr Al Hosn, a historic fort and the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, is a cultural landmark that reflects the city's heritage and history.

Overall, Abu Dhabi's history is a fascinating tale of transformation and progress, from its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its current status as a modern, cosmopolitan city at the forefront of development and innovation in the Middle East.

Traveler ratings

How Abu Dhabi rates

From verified Travafa trips.

4.8
Very good
Based on traveler reviews
Things to Do
4.3
Accommodation Quality
4.5
Local Transportation
3.8
Safety
4.8
Scenic Beauty
5.0
Shopping
3.0
Friendliness of People
4.0
Cleanliness
4.3
Value for Money
4.0
Internet Connectivity
4.0
Good for
50%
Friends
25%
Family
75%
Couple
0%
Solo
0%
Pets

Who is Abu Dhabi for?

By the travellers who rated it on Travafa. Each page states the places, months and budget for that kind of trip.

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