United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi

A city of grand mosques, island museums and desert horizons.

Local time
UTC+4
Population
1.5M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Moderate
  • Food$$$$$About $39 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $112 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $2.7 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇦🇪 AED =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

AUHZayed International AirportAbu Dhabi's own airport, 35 km from downtown.
HowCostTime
Taxi / Uber / CareemDowntown & CornicheAED 75–10030–40 min
Metered; airport pickups start higher. About 20% more from 22:00 to 06:00.
Taxi / Uber / CareemYas IslandAED 35–5010–15 min
Closest hotel area to the airport.
Taxi / Uber / CareemSaadiyat IslandAED 70–9025–35 min
Airport bus A1Central Bus Station, Al ZahiyahAED 445–60 min
24/7, every 30–60 min. Pay with a Hafilat card sold at the stop.
Airport bus A2Yas IslandAED 4≈ 25 min
24/7. Hafilat card.
Private / hotel transferAny hotelAED 150–25030–40 min
Fixed price, meet at arrivals; book ahead.
DXBDubai International AirportMany flights land here; Abu Dhabi is 140 km away.
HowCostTime
TaxiAbu Dhabi hotelsAED 220–3501 h 30 min – 2 h
Metered from Dubai; traffic decides the price.
Metro + bus E101Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station≈ AED 352 h 30 min – 3 h
Red Line to Ibn Battuta, then bus E101 (AED 25, Nol card). Taxi from the bus station to your hotel.
Private transferAny Abu Dhabi hotelAED 350–4501 h 30 min
Fixed price; book ahead.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Abu Dhabi airport transport guide · AUH airport guide · Taxi fares (Abu Dhabi Mobility) · Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus

Getting around

Taxi, Uber or Careem for most trips; city buses if you're saving money.

  • MetroNo metro or tram. Don't plan around rail inside the city.
  • BusCity buses cover the island and Yas. AED 2 + 5 fils per km with a Hafilat card. Cheap but slow. The free Yas Express shuttle links the Yas parks, mall and hotels.
  • Taxi / Uber / Careem ★Silver metered taxis everywhere: AED 5 flag (AED 20 from the airport), AED 1.82/km, AED 12 minimum. Uber and Careem cost about the same and are handy for airport and late-night rides.
  • Rental carWide, easy roads and cheap fuel. Strict speed cameras. Check whether your licence needs an International Driving Permit.
  • WalkingOnly pleasant November to March, and the city is spread out. Use taxis for anything over a few blocks in summer.
Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

The big sights fit in two days. Add a night if you want both the Yas Island parks and a Saadiyat beach day.

Best for
  • ThrillsFerrari World and the Yas Island parks.
  • BeachesSwims, mangroves and sunsets on the water.

Weather by month

24°14°Jan🌊 21° · 🌧 2d
25°15°Feb🌊 21° · 🌧 2d
28°17°Mar🌊 23° · 🌧 2d
33°21°Apr🌊 26° · 🌧 1d
37°24°May🌊 29°
39°27°Jun🌊 31°
41°30°Jul🌊 33°
41°30°Aug🌊 33°
39°27°Sep🌊 32°
35°23°Oct🌊 30°
30°19°Nov🌊 27°
26°16°Dec🌊 23° · 🌧 1d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Hot desert climate: sunny almost every day, very little rain, and a long, humid summer.

  • Best time: November to MarchWarm days around 24–30°C and cool evenings. Ideal for the Corniche, beaches and the desert.
  • Summer is extreme (June to September)Highs over 40°C with heavy humidity. Plan indoor sights by day; go outside only at sunrise or after dark.
  • Humid, especially by the seaMuggy evenings from May to October; sunglasses fog up stepping out of air-conditioning.
  • Almost no rainA few short showers between December and March. No umbrella needed most of the year.
  • Occasional sandstormsDusty shamal winds, mostly in spring and early summer, can haze the sky and cancel desert trips.
  • What to packLight breathable clothes, a hat and strong sunscreen; a light layer for chilly indoor AC and winter nights; modest clothing for the Grand Mosque.

Landmarks 20

Must-see · 2

  1. 1

    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

    The reason most people come: 82 white marble domes, the world's largest hand-knotted carpet and crystal chandeliers, free to enter. Go late afternoon to see it turn gold at sunset and lit up after dark; shoulders and knees covered, abayas lent at the door.

  2. 2

    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

    The indoor Ferrari theme park on Yas Island, home of Formula Rossa, one of the fastest roller coasters on earth (0-240 km/h in under 5 seconds). Fully air-conditioned, so it works in summer; plan a half to full day.

1Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque2Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Cultural

Islamic 1

Other Religion 1

Harbor 1

Modern Architecture 1

Skyscraper 1

Traditional Village 1

Museum 2

Castle 1

Palace 1

Modern History 1

Natural

Desert 1

Jungle 1

Beach 1

Activities

Amusement Park 4

Food 1

Aquarium 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Plans

    Abu Dhabi's highlights fit in a day or two. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most; every plan includes the guided tour of the Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan and the Etihad Towers. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

    Our pick for most visitors: Saadiyat's museums on arrival, the icons tour the next morning.

    Stay: Downtown & Corniche. Closest to the Mosque, Qasr Al Watan and the Corniche; cheapest taxi rides to most sights.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ AED 484
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ AED 214
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    AED 180–550
    1 night · Downtown & Corniche
    Day 1

    Arrive, Louvre and teamLab

    Tickets ≈ AED 220 pp · taxis ≈ AED 121
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      13:00

      Zayed International Airport (AUH)

      Saadiyat is about 30 minutes by taxi.

    2. Taxi · 35 km · ≈ 52 min · ≈ AED 84
    3. 2

      14:00–16:30 · AED 65 · under 18 free

      Louvre Abu Dhabi Landmark quest

      Closed Monday.

      Open Closed Monday · Tue–Thu 10:00–18:30 · Fri–Sun 10:00–20:30 · Source

    4. Walk · 629 m · ≈ 8 min
    5. 3

      16:45–18:30 · From AED 155

      teamLab Phenomena Landmark quest

      Four minutes on foot, or the AR2 bus.

      Open 10:00–22:00 · last entry 20:00 · Source

    6. Taxi · 11 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ AED 25
    7. 4

      19:15–20:45 · Free · main beach AED 10 (Al Sahil gate free)

      Abu Dhabi Corniche Landmark quest

      Dinner by the water.

      Open Promenade always open · swimming 06:00–22:00 · Source

    8. Taxi back to your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ AED 12
    Day 2

    Icons tour, then fly

    Tickets ≈ AED 264 pp · taxis ≈ AED 93
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Hotel pickup included

    2. 08:30–15:00 · Guided tour · GetYourGuide

      From Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace, and Etihad Tower

      ★ 4.9 (6,340) · 6-7 hrs · $72 ≈ AED 264 per person

      • 1Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Landmark quest
      • 2Qasr Al Watan Landmark quest
      • 3Etihad Towers Landmark quest

      Hotel pickup. Check out first and bring your bags, or leave them with Bounce. Check the tour page for which entry tickets are included; the Mosque's AED 10 visitor fee may be extra.

      Book this tour
    3. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ AED 12
    4. 4

      15:15–16:00 · Free

      Heritage Village Landmark quest

      Skyline view across the water. Fridays it reopens at 15:00.

      Open 09:00–16:00 · Fri 07:30–12:00 and 15:00–21:00 · Source

    5. Taxi · 42 km · ≈ 1 h 1 min · ≈ AED 81
    6. 5

      17:00

      Zayed International Airport (AUH)

      About 35 minutes by taxi.

    Swap in instead

    • Rather see the oasis city? Swap a day for Al Ain: bus X90 (≈ AED 25, 2 hours each way) to the UNESCO oasis, Al Jahili Fort and the Jebel Hafeet road.
    • Theme-park fans can swap Warner Bros. World for SeaWorld (AED 375) or Yas Waterworld (AED 295).
    • Travelling with kids? The National Aquarium at Al Qana (≈ AED 100) fits next to the Grand Mosque.

    Getting around

    • Silver taxis are metered: AED 5 flag fall (5.50 at night), AED 1.82 per km, AED 12 minimum. From the airport the flag fall is AED 20.
    • Uber and Careem work across Abu Dhabi and usually cost about the same as a metered taxi.
    • Airport Express buses run 24/7 for AED 4: A1 to the Central Bus Station, A2 to Yas Island. City buses use a Hafilat card (AED 2 + 5 fils per km).
    • On Yas Island, the free Yas Express shuttle links the parks, Yas Mall and hotels.
    • Walking between sights is pleasant only from November to March. In summer, take a taxi even for short hops.

    Where to stay

    • Downtown & Corniche · ≈ AED 180–550 a night
      Closest to the Mosque, Qasr Al Watan and the Corniche; cheapest taxi rides to most sights.
    • Yas Island · ≈ AED 540–850 a night
      Walk or shuttle to the theme parks; 15–20 minutes from the airport.
    • Saadiyat Island · ≈ AED 475–1,600 a night
      Beach resorts next to the Louvre and teamLab.

    Food & drink

    • Try Emirati dishes: machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish), harees, and luqaimat dumplings with date syrup.
    • Al Mina fish market at Mina Zayed: pick fresh fish and have it cooked at the stalls next door.
    • Waterfront dinners: Yas Bay Waterfront, Al Qana next to the National Aquarium, and the Corniche cafés.
    • Cheap eats: shawarma and Indian or Pakistani cafeterias downtown, about AED 10–25 a meal.
    • Alcohol is served only in licensed hotel restaurants and bars. Weekend hotel brunches are popular; book ahead.

    Tips

    1. Strict modest dress codes apply when visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; women must cover their hair and bodies fully
    2. Summers are too hot for outdoor activities; plan your trip between November and March
    3. Alcohol is restricted to licensed hotels, bars, and clubs; public intoxication is strictly prohibited
    4. Rent a car or rely heavily on taxis/Careem, as walking is largely impractical due to heat and urban layout
    5. The city is generally quieter and more family-oriented than neighboring Dubai
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
    Qasr Al Watan
    Etihad Towers
    • Round-trip pickup in an A/C vehicle — skip the hassle of Abu Dhabi's limited public transit
    • 6,340 reviews · 4.9 rating — a proven crowd-pleaser
    • Traveling solo? Your guide will take your photos at every stop
    • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before — no risk if plans change
    Pickup includedFree cancellationSmall group

    From Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace, and Etihad Tower

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (6,340) · 6-7 hrs

    $97$72View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Al Khatim Desert
    • Dune bashing in a 4x4, sandboarding and a short camel ride in the Al Khatim desert
    • Desert sunset, then BBQ buffet dinner with live tanoura and belly-dance shows
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off; quad biking available as an add-on
    • 4,935 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Pickup includedFree cancellationSmall group

    Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (4,935) · 6 hrs

    $106$79View tour

    Souvenirs

    Bateel Date Gift Box

    AED 90–185135–355 g box · shop prices

    A gift box of premium Emirati dates, a classic UAE present for family and friends. Dates are deeply rooted in local hospitality.

    Where: Bateel, Abu Dhabi Mall
    Stuffed varieties cost more than plain dates, so choose based on your budget.

    Arabic Attar Perfume Oil

    AED 80–18012 g bottle · shop prices

    A concentrated, alcohol-free perfume oil. Attar is a long-standing Gulf tradition, and this one is a blended scent.

    Where: Ajmal, Abu Dhabi Mall
    Smell a few samples first and choose the one you like before buying.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Abu Dhabi hotelsHotels.com

    Popular hotels

    eSIM

    Get an eSIM for Abu DhabiStay connected in United Arab Emirates from day one · Airalo
    1 GB3 days$4 USDSelect plan →5 GB7 days$11 USDSelect plan →Unlimited7 days$27.5 USDSelect plan →
    Compare all 17 plans · choose data and duration

    Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in Abu DhabiDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce