Abu Dhabi City

November to March is the best time. Days are warm and evenings are cool. April is already hot, so plan outdoor visits for the morning.

From May to October it is extremely hot and humid. Sightseeing is only comfortable early in the morning or after sunset. The sea is warm from April to November.

The Formula 1 Grand Prix is held in early December. Hotels fill up and prices rise that week.

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the country. White marble, gold details, and huge chandeliers fill the halls. Visitors of any faith can enter outside prayer times. Cover your arms and legs, and women must cover their hair.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi sits under a large perforated dome that scatters light over the galleries. Art and objects from different civilizations are shown side by side instead of by region.
• Zayed National Museum tells the story of the UAE and its founding ruler, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The building was designed by Norman Foster.
• Qasr Al Watan is the presidential palace, with part of the building open to visitors. An evening light show is projected onto its front.
• Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel under a huge gilded dome. Non-guests can visit for coffee or afternoon tea.
• Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building in the city. It began as a watchtower in the 1760s.
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is on Yas Island. It has a red roof shaped like the Ferrari badge. It is home to Formula Rossa, one of the fastest roller coasters in the world.
• Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is an indoor park with six themed lands. It is a good choice when it is too hot outside.

• Watch the Formula 1 season finale at Yas Marina Circuit. Concerts are held on Yas Island the same weekend.
• Join a desert safari: dune driving by 4x4, sandboarding, and dinner at a camp.
• Walk or cycle along the Corniche at sunset, when many local families come out. Corniche Park is a waterfront park with paths.
• Learn about the old way of life at Heritage Village, a small heritage village on the waterfront.
• Spend a beach day on Saadiyat Island.

• Al Wathba Wetland Reserve: about 45 minutes by car. Flamingos are easiest to see in winter. The reserve is open only from October to April, on set days, so check before you go. A car or tour is needed.
• Al Ain: about 1.5 hours by car. An oasis city with old forts, palm gardens, and a mountain road up Jebel Hafeet.
• Dubai: about 1.5 hours by car or taxi, a little longer by bus. Many visitors see the Burj Khalifa and the old souks in one long day.
• Liwa Oasis: about 2–3 hours by car. Villages sit next to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world. It is best on a guided tour or an overnight desert camp.

• Yas Island has the theme parks, the race circuit, and beach hotels.
• Saadiyat Island is the museum and beach island, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum.
• Mangrove Marine National Park has mangrove channels where you can paddle a kayak.
• Al Ain is the green inland city, worth a day or a night.
• Dubai and Sharjah are also reachable by road. Sharjah is known for museums and a quieter, more traditional feel.

• By air: Zayed International Airport (AUH) is the main airport, about 30 km from the city center. A taxi takes about 30–40 minutes, and public buses also run to the city. See Zayed International Airport for flights and services.
• Via Dubai: Many travelers land at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and continue by road to Abu Dhabi.
• By bus: Intercity buses connect Abu Dhabi with Dubai, Al Ain, and other emirates.

• Bus: The city bus network covers the main districts and Yas Island. Pay with a rechargeable Hafilat card; cash is not accepted on board. Plan trips at Abu Dhabi Mobility.
• Taxi: Metered taxis are cheap and easy to find. Ask the driver to start the meter.
• On foot or by bike: The Corniche and Yas Island have walking and cycling paths. Elsewhere the city is spread out along wide roads, so walking between districts is not practical, especially in summer.

• Is a car worth it?: Not for the city center. A car helps for Yas Island, Saadiyat beaches, and desert day trips.
• Parking: Street parking is run by the Mawaqif system. Pay at machines, by SMS, or in the Darb app. Many hotels and malls have free parking.
• Tolls: Darb toll gates read number plates by camera. There are no barriers. Rental companies usually add tolls to your bill later.

Abu Dhabi has Emirati food and the cooking of many communities who live here, from Lebanese grills to South Asian curry. For Emirati dishes, try machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish) and luqaimat (fried dough balls with date syrup).

For casual meals, try shawarma and grilled meat at neighborhood Lebanese restaurants. Seafood is best near the Corniche and the Mina Zayed fish market.

Abu Dhabi is one of the safest capital cities to visit. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The most common problem is pickpocketing in crowded places.

Alcohol is served only in licensed venues, such as hotels. Dress modestly away from the beach and pool, and avoid public displays of affection. In summer, drink water often and avoid the midday sun.

Abu Dhabi began as a small pearling and fishing settlement on an island. A freshwater well drew people here in the 18th century. A watchtower built in the 1760s to guard that well grew into Qasr Al Hosn.

Oil exports began in the 1960s. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan used the new wealth to build schools, hospitals, and roads. He led the creation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, with Abu Dhabi as its capital. Zayed National Museum tells his story, and Wahat Al Karama honors those who died serving the country.

Quick practical facts for the United Arab Emirates: