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Middle East · UAE

Abu Dhabi

Grand mosques, Formula 1, and a quieter kind of Gulf luxury

Best time
November to March
Language
Arabic (English widely spoken)
Currency
AED (Dirham)
Timezone
UTC+4
Experiences
28+ available
About Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has a gravity that Dubai lacks: slower, more considered, and anchored by one of the most beautiful mosques ever built. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque alone justifies the trip. Add the cultural weight of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the speed of a Yas Island Formula 1 circuit tour, and the calm of the Corniche waterfront, and you have a capital that rewards those who look beyond its neighbour's spectacle.

Top attractions
Sheikh Zayed Grand MosqueLouvre Abu DhabiYas IslandFerrari WorldCorniche BeachAl Ain Oasis
Must-try food & drink
  • 01Khabeesa at local cafeterias
  • 02Mandi rice at Arsalan
  • 03Brunch at Emirates Palace
  • 04Umm Ali at any hotel buffet
Getting around
Taxis and Careem. No metro yet, so car or app-based transport is essential.
Local tips from travellers

Mosque requires modest dress and women must wear an abaya (available to borrow)

Louvre Abu Dhabi is worth a full half-day, do not rush it

Yas Island needs a full day to do justice to Ferrari World and the circuit

Book Ferrari World tickets ahead, especially during school holidays

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Health

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Safety

Most travellers are underinsured - here's the minimum you actually need

A single medical evacuation can cost $50,000-$200,000. Standard travel insurance often doesn't cover it.

Editor's choice

our top pick in Abu Dhabi

Experiences

things to do in Abu Dhabi

Hand-picked tours, activities and tickets, vetted by travellers

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