Things To Do
in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and a modern city built on oil wealth, blending futuristic architecture with wide boulevards and landscaped public spaces. It sits on a T-shaped island in the Persian Gulf and governs a vast emirate that includes desert landscapes, mangroves and offshore islands. The city is known for landmark projects like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island's entertainment venues.
Despite rapid development, traditional culture, falconry and desert life remain visible in everyday life across the emirate.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey by visiting the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, known for its stunning architecture and intricate designs. Spend some time admiring the reflective pools and white marble domes that glisten in the morning sun. Afterward, delve into the nearby Heritage Village, where you can experience traditional Emirati life and craftsmanship.
Savor a traditional Emirati lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try dishes such as shawarma and luqaimat. Post-lunch, visit the Qasr Al Watan, a majestic presidential palace that offers guided tours showcasing the history and culture of the UAE. Don't miss the stunning gardens and the chance to learn about the country's governance and traditions.
As the sun sets, head to the Corniche for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, taking in the views of the city's skyline. Stop for dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants, enjoying fresh seafood while listening to the gentle waves. End the day with a relaxing evening at the beach, watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant hues.
Start your day by visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where art and culture from different civilizations come together in a stunning architectural marvel. Take your time to explore the galleries and soak in the impressive collections that span thousands of years. Don't forget to enjoy the serene views from the museum's terraces overlooking the water.
After a morning of inspiration, have lunch at one of the island's chic cafes that offer both local and international cuisine. Following your meal, head to the Manarat Al Saadiyat, a cultural center that hosts exhibitions and workshops, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local art scene. You might even catch a live performance or a film screening during your visit.
As dusk approaches, relax at the Saadiyat Beach Club, where you can enjoy a cocktail while listening to the sound of the waves. For dinner, indulge in a gourmet meal at one of the island's upscale restaurants, featuring flavors from around the world. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk along the pristine beach, feeling the soft sand beneath your feet.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Coffee (regular café) | $3-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $5-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-180 |
| 🎟️Attraction / museum ticket | $10-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class cultural institutions and modern architecture
- High safety standards and excellent tourist infrastructure
- Access to unique desert and island wildlife experiences
- High-quality hotels, restaurants and shopping
- Very hot summers that limit outdoor activities
- More conservative social rules compared with some other tourist cities
- Cost can be high for hotels and dining in peak season
- Attractions can be spread out, requiring transport
- "As-salāmu ʿalaykum" - Peace be upon you (common greeting)
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Min faḍlak (to a male) / Min faḍlik (to a female)" - Please / Excuse me
- "Kam athaman?" - How much does it cost?
- "Ayna al-ḥammām?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "La shukran" - No, thank you
- "Maʿa as-salāmah" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi
Visit one of these nice places.
An iconic white-marble mosque with grand domes, reflective pools and intricate ornamentation — best photographed early morning or at dusk.
Striking museum with a 'rain of light' dome and dramatic galleries; exterior and plaza shots are highly photogenic, especially at golden hour.
Long waterfront with skyline views, palm-lined promenades and a man-made breakwater offering panoramic shots of the city and sunset.
Opulent presidential palace interiors and landscaped grounds showcasing ornate ceilings, chandeliers and impressive architecture.
High vantage point with sweeping views across the island and coastline — excellent for cityscape photography.
Mangrove channels and boardwalks provide atmospheric nature shots and reflections, especially at sunrise.
Modern marina, luxury yachts, and the Yas Hotel with its illuminated facade — great for night photography and motorsport events.
Wildlife reserve landscapes and animal encounters (giraffes, gazelles) set against island scenery — superb for nature photography.
Food in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fragrant spiced rice cooked with meat (usually lamb or chicken) and dried lime — available at traditional Emirati restaurants and family-run eateries.
Must-Try!
Popular Levantine street sandwich with shaved roasted meat, garlic sauce and pickles — available at food stalls, bakeries, and many casual restaurants.
Sweet fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup or honey — a traditional Emirati dessert often found at souks and dessert shops.
Grilled hammour, kingfish and prawns are widely served along the corniche and in seafood restaurants across the city.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling morning fish market where you can buy fresh catches and sometimes sample simple seafood preparations nearby.
Traditional souks and small food stalls near the Heritage Village or Al Mina offering snacks, sweets, dates and Arabic coffee.
Look for rotating food truck gatherings and weekend markets on Yas Island or near festival venues for global street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly in public places: shoulders and knees should be covered. Swimwear is acceptable at the beach or pools but not in public streets or shopping malls.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon and can lead to fines or worse; be respectful and reserved in public settings.
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect. Many restaurants operate with reduced hours and screening.
Ask permission before photographing people (especially women) and avoid photographing military, government buildings or airports.
Common greeting is a handshake (men) combined with 'As-salamu alaykum' — wait for a woman to offer her hand first. Use the right hand for exchanging items and eating.
Safety
Tipping in Abu Dhabi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; restaurants often include a service charge (check the bill). Standard tips are 10%–15% for good service, a few dirhams for porters and AED 5–10 for taxi drivers if service was helpful.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and restaurants; carry some cash (UAE dirham) for small vendors, markets and taxis. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Extremely hot and humid from June to September with daytime highs often above 40°C (104°F); outdoor activities are uncomfortable midday — rely on air-conditioned attractions, early-morning activities and beaches with shaded facilities.
September to November sees temperatures easing from summer heat; late autumn is pleasant with warm days and cooler evenings — suitable for outdoor sightseeing and desert trips.
December to February is the most comfortable period (20–25°C / 68–77°F), ideal for beach days, outdoor dining, festivals and sporting events — book well in advance as it’s peak season.
March to May brings rising temperatures and occasional sand or dust winds; early spring is pleasant, but by late spring heat increases ahead of summer.
Abu Dhabi at Night
Hiking in Abu Dhabi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Road-accessible mountain near Al Ain with scenic summit views; short hikes and walking routes around the base and plateau — roughly 1.5–2 hours from Abu Dhabi city.
The UAE's highest peak offering mountain trails and viewpoints for day trips; about 3–4 hours drive but popular for cooler mountain air and photography.
Hatta's Hajar Mountain trails and wadi routes are great for hiking, mountain biking and outdoor activities — around 1.5–2 hours’ drive and good for a day trip.
Guided walking trails on the wildlife reserve with opportunities to see free-roaming animals and island landscapes — accessible via boat from the mainland.
Gentle walking routes through Eastern Mangrove National Park and along the Corniche for birdwatching and short nature walks without needing a full-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Abu Dhabi by plane.
Main international airport serving Abu Dhabi with global connections; easy taxi or bus access to the city and many airport amenities.
Smaller airport focused on private and business flights, located close to central Abu Dhabi — used primarily for charters and executive travel.
Regional airport serving Al Ain and the eastern part of the emirate; useful for domestic or limited international routes and a longer drive to Abu Dhabi city.
Major international hub about 1.5–2 hours by road (traffic dependent); often used as an alternative for more flight options or connecting travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A minority of the population but the native citizens of the UAE; Emiratis hold cultural and governmental leadership roles and influence local customs.
Large communities from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka working across construction, services, hospitality and professional sectors.
Significant Filipino and Arab (Egyptian, Lebanese, Jordanian, Syrian) populations contributing to the service and professional workforce.
Professionals from Europe, North America and Australasia in business, education and tourism sectors; often concentrated in managerial and technical roles.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular spectator and participatory sport, with local clubs and enthusiastic fan support for domestic and regional competitions.
Yas Marina Circuit hosts Formula 1 and other major events, making motorsports a major draw for fans and international visitors.
Widely played and followed by expatriate communities, with local leagues and international fixtures held in the UAE.
Traditional sports of cultural importance — camel racing is seasonal and falconry remains a respected heritage activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Abu Dhabi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available — look for mezze plates (hummus, tabbouleh, falafel), grilled halloumi and international restaurants. Ask staff for meat-free versions and check that broths are vegetable-based.
Vegan choices exist but can be limited in traditional menus; larger malls and international restaurants often list vegan dishes. Communicate clearly and use common phrases or translation apps if needed.
Most restaurants serve halal meat by default; alcohol is available only in licensed venues (hotels, some restaurants).
Carry translations of common allergy terms in Arabic and confirm ingredients when dining out; many international restaurants can accommodate requests with advance notice.