Abu Dhabi may lack some of the flair and international cachet of the United Arab Emirates’ crown jewel, Dubai, but it’s every bit as worthy of a visit. The nation’s largest emirate has evolved over the last half-century from a simple fishing village to a luxurious metropolis dotted with glittering architecture, sumptuous hotels, high-end restaurants and cavernous shopping malls catered to the well-heeled traveler. Those who travel to Abu Dhabi will still find it quite laid back, perfect for travelers who prefer to trade Dubai’s nonstop nightlife for a slightly more casual immersion in local culture.
Be sure to respect local customs and culture when you travel to Abu Dhabi. Locals tend to frown upon clothing that is considered tight or “revealing,” and women in particular may feel more comfortable covering up bare shoulders and knees and avoiding plunging necklines. From historic religious sites to modern dining and high-end shopping, Travel + Leisure’s Abu Dhabi travel guide will walk you through all of the emirate’s can’t-miss sights.
Things Not to Miss in Abu Dhabi
• The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• The Emirates Palace
• The Corniche neighborhood
• The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
• The Central Market shopping center
• The Qasr al-Husn palace fort
• The Women’s Handicraft Centre
When to Go to Abu Dhabi
It should come as no surprise that Abu Dhabi weather remains hot year-round. Travelers wishing to beat the excessive heat should visit Abu Dhabi from November through February, when temperatures are mild and cool – remember to pack a sweater and a light jacket! But if you’re making Abu Dhabi travel plans in the hopes of hitting the beach, consider visiting in October, March or April, when the weather is hot but not overwhelmingly so. Late May through July and August can be excruciatingly hot, with high humidity extending through September. However, no matter what time of year you visit Abu Dhabi, you’ll find hotel, restaurant and shop interiors very comfortable, and the air conditioning will be at full blast in the summer months.
-
The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2018
Travelers today are more aware than ever of all the world has to offer. It’s thrilling to be confronted with so much possibility — but daunting, too.... Read More
-
Take a Trip Around the World for $1,263 This November
At Travel + Leisure, we’re vocal advocates of ditching Thanksgiving and using your time off to travel the world.And this 18-day trip around the... Read More
-
Abu Dhabi’s Floating Louvre Museum Is Finally Opening
Art lovers will have a vivid new space to explore when the Louvre Abu Dhabi finally opens after a decade in the making.Though the project... Read More
-
Travelers say this ancient temple is the world's best landmark
TripAdvisor has announced the world's best landmarks to help you decide which famed cultural and historical sights to... Read More
-
What to See on Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island
Abu Dhabi is quickly gaining ground on its UAE neighbor, Dubai, as the stopover of choice for visitors on their way to Africa and Asia. An upcoming... Read More
-
Get a Free Stopover on Your Next Trip With These Airlines
Thanks to airlines that offer free stopovers, you can explore two cities for the price of one.Instead of having customers wait for connecting flights at... Read More
-
SeaWorld's First Park Without Orcas Coming to Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld announced Tuesday plans to open its first park without orcas in Abu Dhabi.Set to open in 2022, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will also be their first... Read More
-
4 Airport Lounges Around the World for Making the Most of Your Layover
The Ultra-Premium HideoutEtihad First Class Lounge & Spa at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal 3Getting InFree to first-class fliers and... Read More
-
First Look at the Floating Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi
While the folks at the Louvre Museum in Paris were desperately trying to keep water out of their museum a few weeks ago, the Abu Dhabi version of the... Read More
-
Virgin Australia Reveals Its New Sleek Business Class Cabin
Virgin Airlines has long been in the forefront of offering sleek and comfortable accommodations to its passengers and just revealed its newest business... Read More
-
This Is the Most Expensive Flight in the World
It’s a long haul between New York City and Mumbai, but Etihad, the United Arab Emirates national carrier, has figured out a way to make it a... Read More
-
Warner Bros to Open a $1 Billion Theme Park in Abu Dhabi
Move over Orlando and step aside Anaheim. There’s another entertainment capital in town—or there will in 2018 anyway. In a press conference this week,... Read More
-
On Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island, a Cultural Capital Built on Sand
In Abu Dhabi, one of the seven Arab emirates, an enormous white dome of geometric skylights sits beside the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf, like a... Read More
-
An American Woman Was Thrown in Jail for 'Insulting' the U.A.E. at Airport
An American woman traveling solo in the U.A.E. was thrown in jail for, she says, turning down help from two men who approached her at the airport... Read More
-
The Coolest New Attractions of 2016
If the first few months have been any indication, 2016 going to be another stellar year for art, architecture, and amusement parks. The most buzzed... Read More
