The UAE’s capital now demands attention – a place where art, architecture and adventure combine in an itinerary worthy of any traveller
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Cultured, art-loving and outdoorsy, this go-getting Gulf destination is on the up. Abu Dhabi city is the UAE’s capital, with impressive museums, galleries and sights spread over multiple connected islands – while the wider emirate is rich in wild coastline and russet-red dunes. Whether you’re a city tripper or adventure seeker, here’s how to plan the perfect first visit.
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A vision of exquisite symmetry, pearl-white minarets and the finest marble and precious gems money can buy, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free) should be your first port of call. Spectacular, but spiritual too. Tours are free, modest clothing essential.
For more architectural wow-factor, tour Qasr Al Watan (65 United Arab Emirates dirham, or AED65/£13): a presidential palace where the UAE’s rulers welcome visiting foreign dignitaries. The glittering gold, the voluptuous domes, the parading soldiers on horseback (daily at 5.45pm) – it’s all a feast for the eyes.
The 18th century fortress of Qasr Al Hosn (AED32/£6.50) is in the heart of the city, its ancient ramparts surrounded by skyscrapers. Inside, exhibitions reveal Abu Dhabi’s origins, while the neighbouring House of Artisans features weaving, spinning and Emirati coffee-making demonstrations by local women (free).
Other highlights of the city centre include Mina Zayed’s date market and great-value fish restaurants, city-wide views from Observation Deck at 300 (AED95/£19 incl AED50/£10 food credit), and sunset strolls along the Corniche waterfront.
Just 10 minutes’ drive from the Corniche, Saadiyat Island is the city’s cultural hub – home to the superb Louvre Abu Dhabi (AED63/£13), Manarat Al Saadiyat art gallery (free) and the multi-sensory artworks of teamLab Phenomena (AED150/£31).
In December, Zayed National Museum – the UAE’s flagship cultural museum – will open its doors, with Guggenheim Abu Dhabi following in 2026.
Adjacent to Saadiyat, Jubail Mangrove Park is a coastal haven for turtles, gazelles and more than 150 bird species. It offers kayaking trips, ranger-led wildlife walks, outdoor yoga and electric boat tours.
Outside the city limits, Abu Dhabi’s urban sprawl soon yields to pristine dunes. Desert safaris are popular, but for a wilder experience book into Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara (from £218/night), whose activities include stargazing, camel rides and falconry.
British Airways and Etihad Airways fly direct between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi in around seven hours. The latter also serves Manchester twice daily; fares from around £550 return in high season.
The likes of Royal Jordanian, Pegasus and Qatar Airways offer indirect flights with brief stopovers in their hub cities; fares are around £100-150 cheaper than a direct journey.
It’s easy to twin Abu Dhabi with Dubai; the two cities are around 80 minutes’ drive apart by taxi or lift-share apps Careem and Uber. Expect to pay around AED250 (£51) to AED300 (£61) one-way. Buses also operate from AED25 (£5) one-way.
There are no savings to be made by booking last-minute. Flight prices can rise steeply, so secure your fare as soon as possible – and watch out for high-profile sporting events (such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship) which can drive up hotel prices.
Abu Dhabi is a fail-safe for winter sunshine, with clear skies and temperatures in the low to mid-thirties throughout October, November, February and March. December and January are also glorious, but a little cooler (mid-twenties) with a higher risk of rainfall; bring a cover-up for evenings.
Avoid summer (June to mid-September): temperatures can exceed 50C and the humidity is unbearable. The shoulder season, around late September and May, can bring good-value flights and accommodation.
The city is expensive, with prices on a par with London or Paris – especially when it comes to dining out and alcohol. However taxis are cheap, and many restaurants and bars offer “happy hour” specials.
Expect to pay at least £150 per night for a decent hotel in shoulder season (including breakfast), rising to at least £500 for fancier digs. In general, Abu Dhabi is cheaper than neighbouring Dubai, but it doesn’t have as many appealing low-budget hotels.
For a quick sightseeing adventure with guaranteed winter sun, Trailfinders (020 7084 6500) offers three nights at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal – including breakfasts, half-day city tour, desert trip and private transfers. From £529pp, excluding flights.
Departing from Abu Dhabi, a “Shores of the Arabian Gulf” holiday with Kuoni (0800 088 5326) features three nights in the capital, four nights in Dubai and a seven-night cruise to Abu Dhabi’s starkly beautiful Sir Bani Yas Island, plus Qatar and Bahrain. From £2,579pp, including return flights, transfers, accommodation and some meals. Price based on January 21, 2026 departure.
Saadiyat Island’s long sandy Blue Flag beach, turquoise shallows and high-quality resorts are hard to resist. Etihad Holidays (020 4579 3550) offers seven nights at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas from £2,416pp, including return flights and B&B accommodation.
The UAE is a very safe and friendly destination, with extremely low crime rates. For solo female visitors, the absence of harassment and general feeling of safety is liberating, though of course one should always exercise caution.
Abu Dhabi prides itself on tolerance of other cultures and beliefs, but in turn it is essential to respect local laws. If unsure, check the FCDO’s guidance. Free tourist visas are issued to UK passport holders on arrival, so there is no need to apply in advance.
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