The Important Information to Planning a Journey to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is usually overshadowed by Dubai, however the capital of the United Arab Emirates is an ideal mix of custom and modernity, making it a must-visit vacation spot in its personal proper. From the gorgeous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the world-renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi, town is wealthy in cultural and architectural marvels. Merely put, it caters to journey seekers, tradition fanatics, and leisure vacationers alike—there’s actually one thing for everybody.

“Because the capital of the UAE, the vacation spot beats to a distinct rhythm than its neighboring state of Dubai. Abu Dhabi is the monetary and cultural hub of the UAE and no doubt the spine of the nation,” Mo Noubani, a director at Journey Field Worldwide and a Journey + Leisure A-list advisor, advised T+L. “The tempo feels completely different than in Dubai and may be perceived to be much less glitzy. This isn’t to say [it’s] much less luxurious than Dubai. Abu Dhabi’s opulent and over-the-top experiences are plentiful all through town and are showcased in a extra conservative method than seen in Dubai.”

The emirate has skilled important progress in tourism in recent times: in 2024, it welcomed greater than 4.8 million guests, up 26 p.c from 2023 and a considerable improve from earlier years.

“Abu Dhabi presents an array of world-class websites and experiences distinctive to its setting and site,” Noubani stated. “The vacation spot’s wealthy heritage, intensive cultural choices, architecturally beautiful websites, stunning seashores, world-class theme parks, and an unlimited assortment of resorts to swimsuit any traveler’s style make it the best bucket checklist vacation spot.”

Here is how one can plan a go to.

Finest Accommodations

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is taken into account one of the vital prestigious resorts in Abu Dhabi, combining opulent structure with modern magnificence. Positioned alongside the beautiful Corniche, this iconic resort has distinctive views of the Persian Gulf. Company can take pleasure in quite a lot of facilities, together with a number of outside swimming swimming pools, entry to a personal seaside, and world-class eating like Hakkasan, a Michelin-starred Chinese language restaurant serving fashionable Cantonese delicacies underneath chef Ho Chee Boon, and Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, a fine-dining Indian restaurant.

Anantara Japanese Mangroves Abu Dhabi Resort

Anantara Japanese Mangroves Abu Dhabi Resort is a luxurious resort positioned alongside the serene mangroves, providing a peaceable escape whereas nonetheless being near the motion of the downtown. Company can take pleasure in kayaking, paddle boarding, and boat excursions within the mangroves, offering distinctive nature experiences.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

This resort sits on the pristine seashores of Saadiyat Island, simply 10 minutes from the middle of the emirate, with views of the Persian Gulf. St. Regis resorts are well-known for creating the Bloody Mary and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi has the “Arabian Snapper,” which is a neighborhood tackle the drink. (Spoiler: it is infused with za’atar.) This spring, the property is welcoming an outpost of Café Ginori, which is able to carry a style of Italy to the resort.

Issues to Do

There isn’t any scarcity of actions in Abu Dhabi. Guests can chill out on pristine seashores; discover the thrilling sights of Yas Island; head into the beautiful dunes for sandboarding, dune bashing, camel rides, and an unforgettable Arabian desert sundown; and go to Ferrari World or the newly opened teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Nonetheless, listed below are some standout issues to expertise once you’re visiting the emirate.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic structure, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and grandiose design with 82 domes, reflective swimming pools, and marble-clad courtyards. Guests can marvel at its beautiful chandeliers adorned with tens of millions of Swarovski crystals and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. Open to individuals of all faiths, vacationers ought to abide by the modest costume code, which is printed on its web site once you buy tickets.

Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, is a testomony to the UAE’s wealthy cultural heritage and fashionable achievements. It opened to the general public in 2019 and showcases extraordinary structure, with intricate Arabian designs, towering domes, and sprawling gardens. The majestic Nice Corridor is so beautiful, actually, that you would get misplaced in its magnificence.

Mangrove Nationwide Park

Mangrove Nationwide Park offers vacationers a singular glimpse into the emirate’s distinctive ecosystem. This protected space is house to dense mangrove forests, waterways, and numerous wildlife, together with flamingos, herons, and fish species. Guests can kayak by means of the plush mangroves, paddleboard alongside the calm channels, or take pleasure in guided eco-tours that spotlight the significance of those wetlands in combating local weather change.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Paris’ iconic Louvre has an outpost in Abu Dhabi: Louvre Abu Dhabi. It opened in 2017 and blends artwork, historical past, and innovation underneath a surprising dome that creates a “rain of sunshine” impact. The museum has a world-class assortment, together with works by iconic artists like da Vinci, Monet, and Van Gogh, alongside historical artifacts. Plan a visit round golden hour to benefit from the sundown from the outside area.

Al Ain

This UNESCO World Heritage Web site, also called the “backyard metropolis,” is positioned close to the Oman border, about 90 minutes exterior of Abu Dhabi, making it the proper day journey. It has historic forts, lush oases, souks, and conventional camel markets—simply you’ll want to reserve your go to to the camel market prematurely. Whereas right here, vacationers can even go to Jebel Hafeet, the one mountain in Abu Dhabi. You’ll be able to take pleasure in beautiful sundown and dawn views from its peak, or discover the bigger Jebel Hafit Desert Park on foot, by bike, or horseback.

Finest Eating places

The most well-liked cuisines in Abu Dhabi displays the emirate’s numerous cultural influences, with Center Japanese and Arab flavors taking middle stage. Conventional dishes like shawarma, falafel, and hummus are broadly loved, alongside wealthy, spiced dishes reminiscent of machboos (a rice dish with meat and greens) and khuzi (slow-cooked lamb with rice). Moreover, influences from South Asian, Persian, and worldwide cuisines are available, with Indian, Iranian, and Italian eating places additionally being fairly fashionable.

Erth, which sits within the Qasr Al Hosn cultural website, is the primary Emirati restaurant to obtain a Michelin star. Some dishes on the menu right here embrace Emirati spiced hasselback potatoes, braised lamb machboos, and margooga (a sort of stew) ravioli.

A few of Noubani’s favorites are Contemporary Basil, the place you dine in pitch darkness; Asian restaurant Li Jang; and Kopitiam by Chandy’s for a Michelin Malaysian meal.

Arva Ahmed, the Dubai-based founding father of the meals tour firm Frying Pan Adventures, advised T+L her present picks are Al Khabbaz, which she stated is her favourite bakery within the nation; the pie store Al Safwa; and an Indonesian spot known as Rempah. If you wish to dive deep into Abu Dhabi delicacies, Frying Pan Adventures has a particular strolling tour that merges native bites with artwork. “The entire expertise is about uncovering layers of multiculturalism, coexistence, and concord—concepts that aren’t simply ideas right here, however one thing you’ll be able to see, style, and really feel,” Ahmed stated.

And naturally, you would be lacking out if you happen to did not attempt to attain the “Cannot Get Knafeh of It” bar from Repair Dessert Chocolatier (aka the unique viral “Dubai chocolate bar,” which now delivers on to Abu Dhabi by means of the app Deliveroo). Professional-tip: orders open at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and promote out inside minutes, so be prepared in your cellphone a couple of minutes prior and know precisely what you need.

“All of our bars begin with a sense or reminiscence. Whether or not it’s a childhood dessert, a conventional candy, or perhaps a scent from a Friday gathering at house, we pull from these moments and attempt to reimagine them by means of chocolate,” Sarah Hamouda, the founding father of Repair Dessert Chocolatier, advised T+L. “We don’t simply recreate conventional desserts in chocolate kind; we wish to twist them, shock individuals, and make them smile.” (Hamouda stated her favourite proper now’s the Catch Me If Pecan bar.)

Finest Time to Go to

Spring, fall, and winter are the very best seasons to go to Abu Dhabi, as summer season temperatures can soar as much as 120 levels Fahrenheit. Nonetheless, price range vacationers can rating offers between June to September, based on Noubani. “The winter months—December to April—are the very best occasions to go to for probably the most nice climate,” he stated. “It’s extra energetic, outside cafes and eating places thrive, and it’s typically busier.”

Noubani suggested holding Ramadan in thoughts for planning functions. “Through the month of Ramadan, some operators and websites amend their operational hours and companies,” he stated. Ramadan adjustments yearly based on the Islamic calendar, which is predicated on lunar cycles.

The best way to Get There

Guests can fly out and in of Zayed Worldwide Airport (AUH). Etihad Airways, certainly one of two nationwide carriers of the UAE, has direct flights from New York Metropolis, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Vacationers can even take into account Dubai Worldwide Airport (DXB), which is roughly one and a half hours (about 93 miles) away. Emirates, the opposite flagship airline of the UAE, has 96 flights per week between Dubai and the U.S.

The best way to Get Round

Vehicles are one of the best ways to get round. Vacationers can hail a taxi by way of the Abu Dhabi taxi app or go for ride-hailing choices like Uber or Dubai-based Careem.

Native Etiquette and Tradition

When touring to any worldwide vacation spot, it is vital to be aware and respectful of the tradition. Noubani famous that English is instantly spoken within the nation and throughout the service business. He additionally stated that every one resorts, eating places, and websites have info in each Arabic and English. “Alcohol is served at resorts and sure supermarkets, and when visiting spiritual websites, it is very important be aware of the costume code,” he provides. As for tipping, Noubani stated gratuity is widespread (10-15 p.c) however by no means anticipated.