About Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the seat of the Abu Dhabi Central Capital District and the UAE's second-most populous city, after Dubai. Situated on a T-shaped island, Abu Dhabi extends into the Persian Gulf from the central-western coast of the UAE.
Cheap flights to Abu Dhabi
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $2,402 from Atlanta, travelling 17 Dec – 10 Jan. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Airlines travellers compared most often: Austrian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to Abu DhabiPlaces to visit in Abu Dhabi
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Religious · 6 mi from centreA vast white marble mosque with dozens of domes, an enormous carpet and glittering chandeliers. Dress modestly, and visit near sunset to see the mosque change color as the lights come on.
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Louvre Abu Dhabi
Museum · 6 mi from centreAn art museum on Saadiyat Island beneath a huge latticed dome that creates a rain of light. The collection spans world history, so plan at least two to three hours.
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Qasr Al Watan
Landmark · 6 mi from centreA working presidential palace open to the public, with grand halls and exhibits on governance and Arab science. Stay for the evening light and sound show projected on the facade.
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Ferrari World
Entertainment · 13 mi from centreAn indoor theme park on Yas Island featuring one of the world's fastest roller coasters. Go on a weekday for shorter lines, and combine it with nearby Yas Waterworld.
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Corniche
BeachA long waterfront promenade with landscaped parks and a public beach with lifeguards. It is pleasant for cycling or walking in the evening when the heat eases.
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Qasr al-Hosn
HistoricThe city's oldest stone building, a fort that was once home to the ruling family. Exhibits trace the city's growth from a pearl-diving settlement, and the visit takes about an hour.
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Mangrove National Park
NatureA protected mangrove forest along the city's eastern coast, home to herons and crabs. Explore it by kayak with a guided tour, ideally around high tide.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi by type
58 tours, tickets and experiences across 9 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 26 experiences 4x4 Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner at Abu Dhabi Camp -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 11 experiences Big Bus Abu Dhabi Hop-On Hop-Off Tour -
Art & culture 9 experiences A Royal Encounter at Emirates Palace – Half-Day Tour -
Amusement Parks 8 experiences Abu Dhabi City Tour and Warner Bros. World Adventure – Full-Day Tour -
Day Trips & Excursions 7 experiences A Royal Encounter at Emirates Palace – Half-Day Tour -
City tours 4 experiences Big Bus Abu Dhabi Hop-On Hop-Off Tour -
Gastronomy & nightlife 4 experiences 4x4 Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner at Abu Dhabi Camp -
Bundle 3 experiences Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Dubai Full Day -City Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 3 experiences 4x4 Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner at Abu Dhabi Camp
- 3-6 hours 9
- 1-3 hours 7
- Over 6 hours 5
- Up to 1 hour 1
- Couples 10
- Youth 10
- Senior 7
- Families with kids 5
- Families 4
- Adult only 1
- Private 4
Top experiences in Abu Dhabi
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 58 available.
Louvre Museum - Open date Ticket
From $19 per adult
4x4 Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner at Abu Dhabi Camp
From $50 per adult
Yas Island Abu Dhabi - SeaWorld Abu Dhabi - Ticket
From $106 per adult
Yas Island - Ferrari World - Abu Dhabi - Ticket
From $98 per adult
Yas Island – Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World™, and Sea World – Multi-Park Ticket
From $123 per adult
Yas Island - Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi - Ticket
From $98 per adult
Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi
From $18 per adult
Yas Island Royal Dinner Cruise
From $67 per adult
Big Bus Abu Dhabi Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From $78 per adult
Desert Sunrise Safari with Quad Bike
From $144 per adult
Camel Trekking with Emirati Costumes
From $80 per adult
Sunrise Desert Safari with Breakfast
From $72 per adult
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
Popular hotels in Abu Dhabi, out of 185 properties you can book.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
From $159 per night
Jannah Burj Al Sarab
From $115 per night
Royal M Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi
From $177 per night
Kingsgate Abu Dhabi
From $122 per night
City Seasons Al Hamra
From $88 per night
InterContinental Abu Dhabi
From $188 per night
Bab Al Qasr Hotel
From $227 per night
Al Maha Arjaan By Rotana
From $207 per night
Beach Rotana
From $222 per night
Crowne Plaza Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island
From $287 per night
Grand Millennium Al Wahda
From $186 per night
Capital Centre Arjaan By Rotana
From $300 per night
Best time to visit Abu Dhabi
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Abu Dhabi is December to March, when average daytime highs are around 76–83°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Abu Dhabi weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 99° 81° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 97° 82° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 96° 82° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 94° 85° 2%
- Sun 25 Oct 94° 87° 2%
- Mon 26 Oct 93° 83° 2%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates dirham (AED)1 US dollar ≈ د.إ3.67
- Language
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +971
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/DubaiUTC+4
Getting to Abu Dhabi
These are the airports closest to central Abu Dhabi. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- AZI Al Bateen Executive Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
- AUH Zayed International Airport16 mi (26 km) from the city centre
- DHF Al Dhafra Air Base17 mi (27 km) from the city centre
Getting around Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers buses and plenty of taxis to get around. Since the most of the city is located in Abu Dhabi island, traffic is a common occurrence.
By taxi
Taxis are a good way to get around if you don't have a car. Abu Dhabi's taxis are relatively cheap. The main taxis are silver with yellow signs on the top. Flag fall costs 5 dirham, 5.50 dirham at night (10PM to 6AM) (2017) and the minimum fare is 12 dirham. You can flag one down from anywhere in Abu Dhabi. Alternatively, you can book a taxi in Abu Dhabi by calling 600535353 or by using the Abu Dhabi Taxi app, for a 4-dirham booking fee.
By bus
The main bus station in Abu Dhabi is near Hazaa Bin Zayed Road, adjacent to Al Wahdah Mall and Al Nahyan Stadium. You can get buses here going to the different points within the city as well as inter-city buses. The bus stand also serves as a taxi stand, for inter-emirate taxis. The inter-city buses and airport buses are easy to locate at the bus terminal, and well signposted. The route services depart from various stops in the vicinity, and not all enter the bus terminal proper.
By car
If you do decide to take the plunge and rent a car, beware that the street numbering system is unusual, and it can take weeks to get used to it. U-turns are allowed at almost every intersection from the left-most lane. When the left lane signal turns green, you simply have to swing a U-turn and come back. Whatever other flaws drivers here may have, they do not run red lights.
Abu Dhabi travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Abu Dhabi is December to March, when average daytime highs are around 76–83°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Abu Dhabi?
August is usually the warmest month in Abu Dhabi, with average highs of 107°F (42°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 64°F (18°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 35 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Abu Dhabi?
Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Abu Dhabi. Other nearby airports include Zayed International Airport (AUH, 16 mi) and Al Dhafra Air Base (DHF, 17 mi).
How much are flights to Abu Dhabi?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Abu Dhabi in the last 30 days was $2,402 from Atlanta, travelling 17 Dec – 10 Jan.
What currency is used in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi uses the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ د.إ3.67.
What time zone is Abu Dhabi in?
Abu Dhabi uses the Asia/Dubai time zone (currently UTC+4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi offers buses and plenty of taxis to get around. Since the most of the city is located in Abu Dhabi island, traffic is a common occurrence.
What are the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi?
Top sights in Abu Dhabi include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan and Ferrari World. A vast white marble mosque with dozens of domes, an enormous carpet and glittering chandeliers. Dress modestly, and visit near sunset to see the mosque change color as the lights come on.
What are the top things to do in Abu Dhabi?
Popular experiences you can book in Abu Dhabi include Louvre Museum - Open date Ticket, 4x4 Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner at Abu Dhabi Camp and Yas Island Abu Dhabi - SeaWorld Abu Dhabi - Ticket. Destina Holidays offers 58 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Abu Dhabi?
The most popular types of experiences in Abu Dhabi are outdoor activities & adventure (26), tickets & attraction passes (11), art & culture (9) and amusement parks (8). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Abu Dhabi?
Popular areas for hotels in Abu Dhabi include Abu Dhabi. Well-reviewed options include Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche and Jannah Burj Al Sarab.
How many hotels can I book in Abu Dhabi?
Destina Holidays currently lists 185 properties in and around Abu Dhabi, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.