Abu Dhabi

The hub of the Middle East

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, it is the largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and has grown into a huge cosmopolitan metropolis. Abu Dhabi’s rapid development has transformed the city to the popular holiday spot it is today with its flashy hotels, amazing corniche and now home to the fastest racetrack, Formula One Grand Prix.

More westernised than other Arab cities, this city is a popular choice for holiday-makers the world over. From its must-do attractions to budget hotels, self-catering apartments, and tourist spots, Abu Dhabi has many places of interest to visit. The famous Emirates Hotel has become a landmark attraction for many visitors and tourists who visit the emirate.

Getting to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi International Airport is the UAE’s second busiest airport and the home base of the national carrier, Etihad Airways. Flying to over 50 destinations and offering the lowest direct flights to Abu Dhabi and connecting flights whether for business travellers or tourists, you can fly to your dream destination with Etihad Airways.

Other viable alternatives to get to your Abu Dhabi holiday from Dubai are either by flight, taxi or bus. While flying Etihad you can avail the complimentary shuttle buses departing to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If travelling by bus you can get into Abu Dhabi from Dubai and its other surrounding emirates.

Travelling around Abu Dhabi

UAE Featured Cities

Al Ain

Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Fujairah

Ras Al Khaimah

You can get around Abu Dhabi with a rented car but do bear in mind that driving is on the left side and the style of driving is aggressive, meaning many holiday-makers prefer not to get behind the wheel. The best and most convenient way for sightseeing routes in Abu Dhabi is by taxi. The basic white-and-gold taxis with green signs are relatively cheap and best but if you want something a little more luxurious, the silver cabs are probably safer and better. Taxis like Al Ghazal and National are reserved to pick up passengers from the airport.

For those looking to take in the sights and sounds of the city on their holiday in Abu Dhabi, the main Bus station in Abu Dhabi is on Hazaa Bin Zayed Road. You find buses to different points within the city leaving from here as well as buses to other emirates. I nter city buses at the station are there around the clock and the bus stand also serves as a Taxi stand, for inter-emirate taxis making it easy to explore Abu Dhabi and beyond on your holiday.

Time Abu Dhabi holiday to enjoy seasonal activities

Abu Dhabi may not have many historical or cultural sights yet, but the recently completed Grand Mosque or the Sheikh Zayed Mosque initiated by the late president HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan are inspiring sights for holiday-makers visiting Abu Dhubi.

Abu Dhabi is also every shopper's paradise. There are several malls offering just about everything from designer outlets to the latest in fashion. Time your trip around the months of January to April and October to December as the weather is cooler and there are many outdoor activities. While many hotels and airlines offer all-inclusive holidays for summer getaways and Eid breaks, the summer months can be a little unbearable.
If you’ve got just a few days to visit this concrete jungle, here are a few tips to make the most of your holiday.

Hit the dunes for an adventurous dune-bashing experience, which concludes in a barbeque dinner on a desert camp.
Go back in time at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, which showcases Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage.
Get to the top of Abu Dhabi’s highest point, Jebel Hafeet and take in the lovely view of the city below.
Cruise along the Gulf coast for a sunset cruise on board commercial dhows or luxury yachts to have a view of the awesome sunset over the Arabian coast.
What’s a trip to the city of gold if you didn’t visit the gold souks. Go to the Madinat Zayed Gold Souk to bag reasonably priced pieces of jewellery.