Get to know Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the biggest of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and also its capital. Here, history and culture are combined with modernity, an impressive skyline and and breathtaking nature with beautiful beaches.
Behind Abu Dhabi’s modern skyscrapers and beautiful beaches lies a rich heritage dating back thousands of years. Uncover the capital’s unique historical journey from early Bedouin settlers and pearl traders to the eye-catching attractions that shape the city we see today. Thus, Abu Dhabi combines an interesting city vacation with a stunning beach vacation.
A special characteristic of Abu Dhabi is that, unlike other cities in the UAE, it was not built artificially. Instead it is spread over more than 200 natural islands. Witness Emirati traditions thriving in the local souks, admire the inspiring Arabic architecture and hop between the different islands that lapped by turquoise waters.
Get to know Abu Dhabi better and learn more about its attractions & highlights with Etihad Holidays.
Best time to travel to Abu Dhabi
✓ between October and April
✓ hot and dry climate
✓ average 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F)
✓ little rainfall
Important informations to know before travelling to Abu Dhabi
Weather & climate in Abu Dhabi
The weather in Abu Dhabi is generally hot and dry, with temperatures averaging 42°C (108°F) in summer and 13°C (55°F) in winter. Clear blue skies and high temperatures bless Abu Dhabi with little rainfall each year. So if you want to avoid rain, Abu Dhabi will not disappoint. The "rainy" winter months are usually from December to February, when Abu Dhabi experiences its cool season. However, even in the rainiest month (January), there is an average of only 1.73 days of precipitation. That means tons of sunshine, with an average of 8.4 hours of sunshine in January and a high of 12.2 hours in June.
The Persian Gulf positively influences Abu Dhabi's dry, sunny desert climate by moderating temperatures and protecting against major summer heat. Despite the hot temperatures, the city is relatively humid, with an average humidity of about 50 percent in winter and about 70 percent in summer.
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between October and April, when temperatures average 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F) during the day and a cooler 13°C (55°F) at night. In the United Arab Emirates, European winter is the most popular time for tourists to travel and consequently high season. Summer, when temperatures are very high, is considered the low season.
Recommended length of stay in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers numerous activities and attractions, so that every vacation seems to fly by. Therefore, plan at least four to five days for Abu Dhabi in order not to miss any of the main sights and highlights.
Since there is not only in Abu Dhabi City, but also on Yas Island, Saadiyat Island or Sir Bani Yas Island, an infinitely large leisure & cultural offer, but also a longer vacation is worthwhile. Also in Dubai as well as the other five northern emirates there are countless cultural treasures and exciting attractions to discover.
Abu Dhabi is the ideal starting point for your trip to the United Arab Emirates. To explore the entire region and experience an unforgettable vacation, we recommend that you plan about two weeks.
Transportation – Getting to and around Abu Dhabi
There are many ways to get around, from buses and taxis to ferries and water taxis. The public transportation in Abu Dhabi is one of the best in the world. The city's buses run on time, and the metro system is fast, clean, and reliable. You can get anywhere you need to go in Abu Dhabi with ease and you don't need to worry about traffic or parking.
The main UAE airport is the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), about 30.6 km east of the city. There are several options available for airport transfer to and from the airport. No matter which option you choose, it is important to plan your airport transfer in advance to ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free arrival in Abu Dhabi.
Outside of the terminal buildings at Abu Dhabi International Airport you can find taxi stands, and you can easily hail a taxi to take you to your destination. Taxis are metered, and prices are reasonable. They are a convenient and inexpensive way to get around Abu Dhabi. Also Uber and Careem (a local app) provide chauffeur services in Abu Dhabi and surroundings. In most cases, taxi drivers speak English fluently.
Abu Dhabi City is served by a number of public busses, which can take you to various parts of the city and also from and to the airport. The buses are operated by the Department of Transport and are fairly priced. For example, the public bus “Yas Express” is useful and free shuttle bus that links all the top attractions on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
If you prefer to have your own transportation, you can rent a car from one of the car rental companies located at the airport. This is a good option if you plan to explore the surrounding area or if you are staying for an extended period of time.
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Airport transfer services
There are also several companies that offer airport transfer services, which can take you to your destination in a private vehicle. These services can be arranged in advance and are generally more expensive than other options, but they offer also offer more comfort in return.
Ferries are a common mode of transportation to the Islands of Abu Dhabi. The ferries operate on a regular schedule and can be easily booked in advance.
Abu Dhabi also offers many bike rentals, where you can rent a bike to explore Abu Dhabi on your own. Bicycling is a popular activity in Abu Dhabi, and there are many trails and paths for bikers to follow.
No matter which option you choose, it is important to plan your airport transfer in advance to ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free arrival in Abu Dhabi.
Important information for your vacation in Abu Dhabi
Visa for Abu Dhabi
To visit the UAE, it is necessary to obtain a visa in advance. Without a valid visa, you may not be permitted to enter the country. For most nationalities, a visa to visit UAE gives you a 30-day stay on arrival. For the latest information, you can check the official United Emirates Immigration website. If you travel with Etihad Airways, they may also be able to obtain a visa on your behalf. Otherwise, contact your nearest UAE embassy to apply for a visa.
Vaccinations
At the moment, visitors to Abu Dhabi are not required to have a Covid-19 test or provide proof of vaccination before traveling. There are no restrictions in place for unvaccinated travelers. However, it is important to note that this situation could change at any time.
Security
Abu Dhabi is a safe destination with very low rates of crime. Abu Dhabi ranks the safest city in the world. There is also a low traffic accident rate, so you can feel safe taking public transportation.
Dress Code
Visitors to Abu Dhabi should dress modestly, especially in public areas. Clothing shouldn't be transparent or indecently show body parts and should cover your knees and shoulders. Offensive pictures or slogans should not be worn.
Language & Currency
The official language of the UAE is Arabic, but English is commonly spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
The currency in Abu Dhabi is the Emirati Dirham (AED), which is pegged to the US Dollar (1 US Dollar is equal to approximately 3.6725 AED). You can exchange your money for AED before traveling or at the airport, hotels, malls, and other tourist centers. Furthermore, you can easily withdraw local currency from ATMs at the airport, in petrol stations, malls or supermarkets. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Abu Dhabi.
Other
In Abu Dhabi, alcohol is only served in resorts, hotels, and designated tourist areas. The legal age to purchase alcohol is 21, while the legal drinking age is 18. It is forbidden to drink in public, and drunken behavior is generally not tolerated outside of hotels and tourist locations.
Highlights: 2023 events in Abu Dhabi
In 2023 Abu Dhabi will host an array of events with many concerts, exhibitions, shows and sports events every month. Comedian Jimmy Carr arrives in January for a one-night show. Fellow comedian Kevin Bridges follows a few months later. Bands like Imagine Dragons, Sting and Blackpink will take the stage in front of big audiences in 2023.
The Qasr Al Hosn Festival is a unique 10-day cultural event in January focusing on Abu Dhabi's history, traditions and link to modern cultures. Live performances, workshops, exhibits, plays and shops will all explore the festival's theme.
The Al Dhafra Festival, also in January, has camel competitions, arts and crafts, falconry, music and food to enjoy. Celebrating Bedouin culture in Abu Dhabi, it is a popular festival that shouldn't be missed.
The F1 Grand Prix is one of the biggest annual events on the calendar on the last weekend of November. High-octane motor sports fans will be looking forward to buying tickets for trackside views of the action.
...other events in Abu Dhabi
Junk Kouture World Final
This youth competition aims to educate individuals about climate change through creativity. It entails youth creating imaginative and innovative outfits from recycled materials. This event is a culmination of the City Finals that happened in 2022 and is scheduled for 11th January 2023 at the Etihad Arena.
Sir Bani Yas Island Golf Championships
Come and experience golfers teeing off and competing for an $8 million fund slice. The event will happen at the Yas Links between the 16th and 22nd of January, 2023.
Exhibitions and seminars
Saadiyat Island is constantly hosting special cultural events at sites such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Manarat Al Saadiyat, and the Abrahamic Family House.
Barzakh Festival
The NYU Abu Dhabi campus holds various events throughout the year, such as the Barzakh Festival in February 2023. Anyone interested in traditional Arabic music should not miss this event.