Visit Abu Dhabi, UAE

The United Arab Emirates’ capital city, Abu Dhabi combines cosmopolitan modernity with traditional culture and heritage. Spanning the desert, coastline, and a smattering of islands, the wider emirate is rich in contrasts. Within one trip, you can explore the rippling dunes of Rub' al Khali on camelback before unwinding on beaches lapped by the crystalline waters of the Gulf. You might also choose to shop in futuristic malls and authentic souqs, or visit exhilarating theme parks and world-class museums.

Once a region of pearl divers and nomadic desert traders, the discovery of oil in the emirate transformed it into a global powerhouse. Today, Abu Dhabi offers a mix of cultural sights, high-end beach resorts, and family-friendly attractions. You could learn about the UAE’s history at Qasr Al Watan (the Presidential Palace), view artwork from around the world at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or discover the city’s spiritual soul at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Abu Dhabi is a good choice for those wanting a cultural city break, relaxing beach getaway, and adventurous desert experience all in one trip. I love how you can be exploring the Grand Mosque one day and stargazing among sand dunes the next.

UAE specialist Holly

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The largest mosque in the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the spiritual heart of Abu Dhabi. Its white marble domes and towering 107 m (351 ft) minarets rise above the mosaiced courtyard in a striking display of modern Islamic architecture. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque and learn more about Islam, and we can arrange fast-track entry to help you avoid the lengthy queues. Inside the main prayer hall, you’ll walk beneath glittering gold-plated crystal chandeliers, past columns inlaid with amethyst and jasper, and over the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. At 5,700 sq m (61,354 sq ft), it contains an incredible 2.2 billion hand-tied knots.

Cultural District

Abu Dhabi’s Cultural District, located on Saadiyat Island, is home to some of the city’s top museums. One of the most notable of these is the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, it groups artwork by theme and time period to trace human creativity through the ages beneath its vast geometric dome. Other museums due to open in the district soon include the Zayed National Museum — which explores the history and culture of the UAE — Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

White-sand beaches

Abu Dhabi’s endless sunshine, warm temperatures, and coastal location make it a popular choice for a beach getaway. And there’s no shortage of spots where you can relax on sugar-soft white sands or take a dip in the glittering waters of the Gulf. You could stroll along the boardwalk at Corniche Beach, keep an eye out for dolphins frolicking offshore at Saadiyat Beach Club, or watch the sunset turn the sky orange from Yas Beach. Many of the city’s hotels also sit on their own private stretches of sun-kissed sand.

Yas Island

One of the best options for a family day out in the city, Yas Island boasts world-renowned theme parks, sun-soaked beaches, and the largest shopping mall in Abu Dhabi. You might like to get your adrenaline pumping on the rides at Ferrari World, splash about on the water slides at Yas Waterworld, or escape the heat in the immersive and fully air-conditioned Warner Bros World. Alternatively, at Yas Mall, you can browse a huge range of shops or brave the world’s tallest indoor skydiving flight chamber at CLYMB.

Desert exploration

The shifting sands of Rub' al Khali (the Empty Quarter) — the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world — cover approximately 70% of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Heading out into its undulating dunes allows you to see a different side of the region, far from the bustle of the city. Depending on your interests, you might enjoy sandboarding, dune-bashing, camel rides, archery lessons, or falconry demonstrations. Staying overnight in a luxurious Bedouin-style camp also gives you the opportunity to discover more about the UAE’s nomadic heritage as you feast on traditional cuisine underneath a spectacular canopy of stars.

Best time to visit Abu Dhabi

We recommend visiting Abu Dhabi between September and April, when it’s sunny but not too hot. This is an ideal time for a beach trip, city break, or desert safari. Temperatures soar from May to August, making it a quieter season to travel in. It can be uncomfortably hot outside, but it’s a good time to explore the air-conditioned malls, museums, and galleries.