Holidays to Abu Dhabi

Explore Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but it often gets overlooked in favour of its bigger, flashier neighbour, Dubai. However, it has everything you could want from a Middle Eastern escape: beautiful beaches, incredible hotels, huge shopping malls, desert adventures and some seriously impressive architecture. But there’s also a calmer side to the city, with cultural experiences, traditional Emirati heritage and plenty of space to slow down.



Whether you're looking for a luxury holiday, family getaway, romantic escape or a UAE multi-centre, Abu Dhabi holidays offer a little bit of everything.

Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit: November – April

Currency : UAE Dirham (AED)

Average Flight Time: Approximately 7 hours from London

Time Difference: GMT +4 hours

Average Temperatures: 25°C

Best for: Luxury holidays, couples, families, beaches and experiences

Row of ornate metal coffee pots and a brass lamp on a wooden shelf against a white wall
18 °C
Jan
20 °C
Feb
23 °C
Mar
27 °C
Apr
31 °C
May
33 °C
June
35 °C
July
36 °C
Aug
33 °C
Sep
29 °C
Oct
25 °C
Nov
21 °C
Dec

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Two go-karts racing on a track, drivers in red suits, front kart leading around a turn

Yas Island

Yas Island is Abu Dhabi’s entertainment hub, home to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and the famous Yas Marina Circuit. It’s a great choice for families, thrill-seekers and Formula 1 fans, with plenty of hotels, restaurants and entertainment all in one place

White modern building beside turquoise water under a clear blue sky, with a rocky hill in the background

Saadiyat Island

For a slower pace, head to Saadiyat Island, known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and luxury resorts. It’s ideal for couples and anyone looking to combine a city break with some proper beach time. For a luxury stay, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas is a particularly lovely option, sitting directly alongside Saadiyat Beach.

White mosque with domes and a tall minaret against a blue sky

Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of Abu Dhabi’s most impressive landmarks and a must-see during your holiday. Its incredible white marble architecture, vast courtyards and beautiful interiors make it an unforgettable cultural experience.

Wide sandy beach beside modern high-rise towers under a clear blue sky

Explore the Abu Dhabi Corniche

The Corniche stretches along the waterfront, offering beaches, walking and cycling paths, restaurants and fantastic views across the city. It’s a great place to spend a few hours, particularly around sunset when the Abu Dhabi skyline really comes alive.

Two people in white robes standing in a desert, one pointing toward the horizon.

Experience the Desert

Swap the city for the desert with a 4x4 dune safari, camel ride or traditional desert experience. It’s a completely different side of Abu Dhabi and a great way to experience the UAE’s incredible landscapes beyond the city.

Person walking on a red carpet in a bright outdoor courtyard with rustic buildings and shade structures.

Heritage Village

Abu Dhabi might be highly modernised, but there are still places where you can see what life in the Emirates looked like before the skyscrapers arrived. Heritage Village, close to the Corniche, recreates aspects of traditional Emirati life, including traditional buildings, crafts and demonstrations. It's a relatively easy addition to a day exploring the Corniche and offers an interesting contrast to the ultra-modern side of Abu Dhabi.


Yas Island Holidays


Yas Island deserves a section of its own because it can easily be the main reason for choosing Abu Dhabi, particularly for families and event travellers. Alongside the theme parks, Yas Island is home to Yas Marina Circuit, where the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place. It's also a fantastic area for entertainment, with restaurants, shopping, beaches and regular events. For families, staying on Yas Island means you can spend a few days enjoying the theme parks without constantly travelling back and forth across the city.



For Formula 1 fans, there's something particularly exciting about staying right alongside the circuit and being surrounded by the atmosphere of race weekend. And for those F1 superfans why not make the holiday even more memorable and stay in the W Abu Dhabi set right in the heart of the track. 


 Abu Dhabi Culture & Local Customs


Abu Dhabi is a very modern and highly international city. You'll find luxury hotels, international restaurants, shopping malls and beaches where visitors from all over the world are completely at home.


However, it's still important to remember that you're visiting a Muslim country with its own customs and traditions. You don't need to dress conservatively all the time. At your hotel pool or private beach, normal swimwear is absolutely fine. When you're away from the resort, however, more modest clothing is appreciated, particularly when visiting mosques or heritage sites in which you must be fully covered.


It's also worth being mindful of public displays of affection. Holding hands is generally accepted for married couples, but kissing and hugging is strictly prohibited in public.

The best approach is simple: enjoy yourself, respect the local culture and remember that what is normal at your hotel isn't necessarily appropriate everywhere else.

Ramadan in Abu Dhabi


Ramadan is an important time in Abu Dhabi and can be a fascinating time to visit, giving you the chance to experience the city during one of the most significant periods in the Islamic calendar.


You can still enjoy a holiday in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan, but it’s worth being aware that restaurant, attraction and shopping hours may change. Many hotels continue to serve food and drinks to non-Muslim visitors during the day, although this may be in designated areas, while some restaurants may only open after sunset.



Visitors should also respect local customs during Ramadan, including avoiding eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours and dressing modestly when visiting religious or cultural sites. In return, you may get to experience a particularly special side of Abu Dhabi, with Iftar experiences, evening markets and a lively atmosphere after sunset.

FAQs

  • What is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?

    The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is generally between November and April, when temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing, beaches and outdoor activities. December to March is particularly popular.

  • Is Abu Dhabi good for families?

    Yes. Abu Dhabi is an excellent family destination, particularly if you stay on Yas Island. Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World provide plenty of entertainment, while the city's beaches and hotels offer plenty of opportunities to relax.

  • What should I wear in Abu Dhabi?

    Abu Dhabi is modern and international, and normal holiday clothing is perfectly acceptable in hotels and at private beaches. However, more modest clothing should be worn when visiting religious and cultural sites, and shoulders and knees should generally be covered.

  • Can you wear a bikini in Abu Dhabi?

    Yes. Swimwear is perfectly acceptable around hotel pools and private beaches. It isn't appropriate to wear swimwear away from the beach or pool areas, so you'll need to cover up when exploring the city.

  • Do I need to cover my hair in Abu Dhabi?

    You don't normally need to cover your hair around the city or in hotels. However, women visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will need to follow the mosque's dress requirements, including covering their hair.