Discover Abu Dhabi: Luxury, Culture, and Adventure in the Heart of the UAE
Quick Facts
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Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and lies on the Arabian Gulf coast.
Our landscape is dominated by vast desert plains, scattered oases and a long coastline lined by beautiful, natural islands and mangroves.
The population of Abu Dhabi is around 3 million, the majority of whom are expats. This reflects the region’s diverse and cosmopolitan character.
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Arabic is the official language of Abu Dhabi and is used in government, education and in the media.
English is widely spoken and serves as the common language of business and tourism.
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The best weather is from late October through to April. Outdoor exploring is a pleasure during these months.
The shoulder seasons are April to May and September to October. These months provide a favorable balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds, ideal for visitors seeking a quieter experience.
Summer (June–August)
The summer months tend to be very hot, so it is advisable to plan more indoor activities or schedule outdoor excursions during the cooler early mornings or evenings to avoid the intense heat.
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The official currency of Abu Dhabi is the UAE dirham (AED). The dirham is a stable currency, pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of approximately 3.67 AED to 1 USD, which makes it easy for visitors and businesses to manage exchange rates.
Coins are available in smaller denominations called fils.
Credit cards and contactless payments like Apple Pay are widely accepted.
Top Attractions in Abu Dhabi
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A breathtaking sanctuary of peace, beauty, and faith.
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Qasr Al Hosn
Abu Dhabi’s oldest fort, a sentinel of history and heritage.
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The Louvre, Saadiyat Island
A masterpiece of light and culture.
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Ferrari World
The planet's fastest playground
What People Are Saying About Abu Dhabi
“Amid its sky-scraping towers and monuments, the Emirati capital offers heritage, new cultural draws and a natural archipelago of golden beaches home to flamingos.”
— National Geographic
“Atmospheric backstreets paint a very different picture to first impressions of Abu Dhabi. The often slick and modern capital … presents a fascinating mixture of tradition and progression.”
— Trip Advisor
“There is so much to see in Abu Dhabi; you could treat it like a city break and spend your time exploring, or alternatively, head for one of the luxurious beach resorts and do very little.”
— Forbes
Where To Stay in Abu Dhabi
Practical Advice For Visitors
Dress more conservatively than in some other international cities: for religious sites especially, it is important that shoulders and knees are fully covered to show respect and adhere to local customs.
Taxis, ride-hailing apps such as Uber and car rental services are popular with residents and visitors. While certain parts of the city are pedestrian-friendly and can be explored on foot, many key attractions and points of interest are located some distance from each other, making private or hired transport a more practical choice for most travelers.
Abu Dhabi is not a cheap destination; the luxury lifestyle and exclusive attractions can significantly increase expenses. Careful planning and budgeting ahead of time are essential to make the most of your visit without unexpected costs.
We recommended you spend at least 3 to 4 days in Abu Dhabi so that you may thoroughly explore the city and, of course, Saadiyat Island.