Abu Dhabi
Discover Abu Dhabi in 2026: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre, Yas Island. Real costs from $80/day, local tips.
Quick Facts About Abu Dhabi
| 📍 Location | United Arab Emirates, Persian Gulf coast |
|---|---|
| 👥 Population | 1.5 million (city), 3.2 million (emirate) |
| 💬 Languages | Arabic (official), English widely spoken |
| 💵 Currency | UAE Dirham (AED, د.إ) - pegged to USD at 3.67 |
| 🕐 Time Zone | GST (UTC+4, no daylight saving) |
| ✈️ Main Airport | Abu Dhabi International (AUH) |
| 🌤️ Best Time | November–March |
| 🌡️ Climate | Hot desert, mild winters, scorching summers |
| 💰 Daily Budget | Budget: $80-120 / Mid-range: $150-250 / Luxury: $400+ |
| 🏝️ Key Areas | Corniche, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Downtown |
Introduction
Abu Dhabi does things differently than its flashier neighbor Dubai. Where Dubai builds to impress, Abu Dhabi builds to last. The result is a capital city that balances extraordinary wealth with genuine cultural ambition—a place where the world's most beautiful mosque sits alongside world-class museums and endless desert landscapes.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque draws millions of visitors annually, and for good reason. Eighty-two domes, over a thousand columns, the world's largest hand-knotted carpet—it's architecture designed to inspire awe, and it delivers. Free to visit, open to all faiths, it embodies Abu Dhabi's philosophy of cultural openness.
"The Grand Mosque changed how I think about religious architecture," visitors frequently mention on TripAdvisor. "We spent three hours there and could have stayed longer. Go at sunset for the lighting ceremony." (Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor)
Saadiyat Island hosts the cultural district—the Louvre Abu Dhabi under its stunning dome, with Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum still to come. Yas Island offers theme parks: Ferrari World with the world's fastest roller coaster, Warner Bros. World, and the Yas Marina Circuit hosting Formula 1 every November.
The Corniche stretches eight kilometers along the waterfront, perfect for evening walks as the heat fades. The souks in the old city trade gold and spices. The desert lies just an hour away, offering dune bashing, camel treks, and stargazing in profound silence.
"Abu Dhabi felt more authentic than we expected," travelers note on Reddit. "Less tourist chaos than Dubai, more space to breathe, and the Louvre alone is worth the trip." (r/travel, Reddit)
This is a city that rewards the curious traveler willing to look beyond the obvious.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi's desert climate creates two distinct seasons: the tolerable winter and the brutal summer.
Winter (November–March): Peak Season
Winter is when Abu Dhabi comes alive. Temperatures range from a pleasant 18°C in January mornings to around 30°C in the afternoon. Humidity drops to comfortable levels. This is when the outdoor cafes fill, the desert tours book out, and the beaches buzz with activity.
"We visited in February and the weather was perfect," travelers report. "Warm enough for the beach during the day, pleasant enough for evening walks on the Corniche. Couldn't have asked for better." (Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor)
This is peak tourist season. Hotel prices climb 30-50% above summer rates. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November brings the biggest crowds and highest prices of the year.
Pro tip: January and February offer the best balance of good weather and manageable prices. The Christmas/New Year rush has passed but summer is still months away.
Shoulder Seasons (April–May, October)
April and May bring rising temperatures (30-38°C) but still manageable mornings and evenings. October sees temperatures dropping from summer peaks. Both periods offer good value with 20-30% lower hotel rates than peak season.
"Early October was surprisingly good," visitors note. "Still hot in midday but the mornings were beautiful for mosque visits. And hotels were half the price of December." (r/dubai, Reddit)
Summer (June–September): Extreme Heat
Summer in Abu Dhabi is serious. Temperatures routinely exceed 45°C (113°F) with humidity that can hit 90%. The city functions on air conditioning. Outdoor activities are limited to brief evening windows. Beaches empty. The desert becomes dangerous.
The upside? Hotel prices plummet 50-60%. Malls and indoor attractions remain perfectly comfortable. If you're mainly interested in museums and shopping, summer can work—just don't plan outdoor adventures.
Climate Chart
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rain (mm) | Humidity % | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24 | 13 | 11 | 65% | High |
| February | 25 | 14 | 25 | 65% | High |
| March | 29 | 17 | 22 | 60% | Medium-High |
| April | 34 | 20 | 5 | 55% | Medium |
| May | 39 | 24 | 1 | 50% | Low |
| June | 41 | 27 | 0 | 55% | Very Low |
| July | 43 | 29 | 0 | 60% | Very Low |
| August | 43 | 30 | 0 | 65% | Very Low |
| September | 41 | 27 | 0 | 60% | Low |
| October | 36 | 23 | 1 | 60% | Medium |
| November | 31 | 19 | 3 | 60% | Very High (F1) |
| December | 26 | 15 | 10 | 65% | Very High |
Major Events & Holidays
- 📅 November: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (F1 at Yas Marina)
- 📅 December: UAE National Day (December 2)
- 📅 January/February: Abu Dhabi Art Festival
- 📅 Ramadan (dates vary): Holy month, some restrictions on daytime eating/drinking in public
- 📅 Eid al-Fitr/Eid al-Adha (dates vary): Major holidays, festive atmosphere
- 📅 Year-round: Various cultural events at Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat
How Do I Get to Abu Dhabi?
By Air: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Abu Dhabi's airport is the home base for Etihad Airways, the national carrier. Direct flights connect to London (7 hours), New York (14 hours), Sydney (14 hours), and most major Asian and European cities.
Getting to the city from AUH:
- A1 Airport Bus: Runs to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station every 40 minutes. Takes 45-60 minutes, costs 4 AED ($1.10). Available 24 hours.
- Taxi: Metered, expect 80-100 AED ($22-27) to downtown/Corniche. Takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic.
- Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels offer free airport transfers—check when booking.
- Uber/Careem: Both work well in Abu Dhabi. Slightly cheaper than taxis.
"The A1 bus is ridiculously cheap and surprisingly comfortable," travelers advise. "Air-conditioned, uncrowded, and drops you right downtown. No reason to take a taxi unless you're in a hurry." (r/abudhabi, Reddit)
From Dubai
Many travelers combine Abu Dhabi with Dubai. Options:
- Bus: Runs every 20-30 minutes from Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta. Takes 90-120 minutes, costs 25 AED ($6.80).
- Taxi: 250-350 AED ($68-95) fixed rate. Faster if traffic cooperates.
- Rental Car: Easy drive on the E11 highway. About 90 minutes.
How Do I Get Around Abu Dhabi?
Hafilat Card: The Smart Choice
Get a Hafilat card at any bus station or convenience store for 10 AED ($2.70). Load credit and pay just 2 AED ($0.55) per bus journey. Without the card, cash fares cost more. Works on all Abu Dhabi public buses.
Buses
Abu Dhabi's bus network covers the entire city and runs 6 AM to midnight (some routes 24 hours). Modern, air-conditioned, and cheap. Key routes:
- Route 94: Corniche to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Route 190: Downtown to Saadiyat Island (Louvre)
- Route 170: Downtown to Yas Island
Taxis
Silver taxis with green roofs are everywhere. Metered, clean, air-conditioned. Flag fall is 5 AED, then 1.82 AED per km. Airport taxis charge 25 AED minimum. Apps like Careem and Uber often offer similar or lower prices.
"Taxis are so cheap here compared to home," visitors note. "We took them everywhere without thinking about it. A 20-minute ride was maybe $10." (Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor)
Rental Cars
If you're exploring Yas Island, Saadiyat, the desert, and want flexibility, car rental makes sense. Rates from 100-200 AED ($27-55) per day. Parking is generally easy except downtown during peak hours.
Experience: Sunset at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
You leave your shoes at the entrance and step barefoot onto marble so white it hurts your eyes in the afternoon sun.
The courtyard stretches before you, vast and open, ringed by 82 domes of varying sizes. The marble underfoot holds the day's heat, warm against your soles. Pools of water reflect the minarets—four towers reaching 107 meters each, taller than any other mosque you've seen. The geometry is perfect, almost impossibly so.
Inside, the main prayer hall silences you. The world's largest hand-knotted carpet spreads beneath your feet—1.2 million knots, weighing 35 tons, crafted by 1,300 Iranian artisans over two years. Above, seven German-made chandeliers drip with Swarovski crystals, the largest weighing 12 tons.
The call to prayer begins as the sun drops. Speakers carry the muezzin's voice across the courtyard. The white marble shifts to gold, then rose, then deep purple as the sky transitions. LED lights hidden in the architecture begin to glow, calibrated to mirror the moon's phases—tonight, a crescent washing the domes in pale blue.
You stand in the courtyard as night falls, surrounded by other visitors from a dozen countries, united in silence by the sheer scale of what human hands have built to honor the divine.
What Are the Top Attractions in Abu Dhabi?
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Free)
One of the world's largest and most beautiful mosques, open to visitors of all faiths. Eighty-two domes, 1,000+ columns, the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, and chandeliers dripping with crystals. Free guided tours available. Open daily except Friday mornings.
Visiting tip: Go for sunset. The mosque's lighting system syncs with lunar phases, creating a magical evening experience. Dress modestly or borrow an abaya at the entrance.
"This mosque changed my perspective on what architecture can achieve," visitors consistently report. "Free to enter, and easily the most beautiful building I've ever seen. Don't skip the guided tour." (Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor)
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi (63 AED / $17)
The first Louvre outside France, housed under Jean Nouvel's stunning perforated dome that creates a "rain of light" effect. Collections span ancient civilizations through contemporary art. The building itself is the main attraction—plan 2-3 hours minimum.
Visiting tip: Book tickets online to skip lines. The sunset light through the dome is particularly spectacular.
3. Ferrari World (345 AED / $94)
The world's first Ferrari theme park, home to Formula Rossa—the world's fastest roller coaster (240 km/h). Indoor, air-conditioned, perfect for summer. Other attractions include racing simulators, a junior driving school, and Italian restaurants.
4. Yas Waterworld (295 AED / $80)
Massive water park with over 40 rides, slides, and experiences themed around an Emirati pearl-diving legend. Includes the region's only flow barrel surfing experience.
5. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (345 AED / $94)
Indoor theme park featuring DC superheroes, Looney Tunes, and other Warner Bros. franchises. Six themed lands, 29 rides. Fully air-conditioned—perfect for summer months.
6. The Corniche
Eight kilometers of manicured waterfront promenade with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and cycling paths. Free public beaches, paid beach clubs with facilities. Best experienced in early morning or evening.
7. Emirates Palace (Free to walk through)
One of the world's most expensive hotels, now managed by Mandarin Oriental. Walk through the opulent lobby (free), have gold-flake cappuccino at Le Café (130 AED/$35), or book afternoon tea (400+ AED).
8. Qasr Al Watan (60 AED / $16)
The presidential palace, opened to visitors in 2019. Stunning architecture, exhibitions on UAE governance and culture, and beautiful evening light shows.
9. Desert Safari
Half-day or overnight trips into the Empty Quarter or Liwa Desert. Dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, dinner under the stars. Expect 200-600 AED ($55-163) depending on experience level.
"The overnight desert safari was our trip highlight," travelers rave. "Sleeping in Bedouin tents, no light pollution, more stars than we'd ever seen. Worth every dirham." (r/travel, Reddit)
Where Should I Eat in Abu Dhabi?
Budget Eats (Under 50 AED / $14)
Shawarma and falafel: Street-side joints throughout the city. Lebanese chains like Al Mina offer excellent quality for 15-30 AED ($4-8).
Indian and Pakistani: The city's South Asian community supports excellent cheap restaurants. Biryani, curry, and thali plates from 20-40 AED ($5-11).
Malls: Food courts in Marina Mall and Yas Mall offer affordable international options, typically 40-60 AED ($11-16).
"Don't sleep on the Lebanese restaurants," locals advise. "Al Fanar and Al Mina serve some of the best Middle Eastern food I've had anywhere. Huge portions for under $15." (r/abudhabi, Reddit)
Mid-Range (50-200 AED / $14-55)
Li Beirut: Lebanese fine dining at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. Mezze, grills, waterfront views. Budget 150-250 AED per person.
Café Arabia: Traditional Emirati and Middle Eastern dishes in a heritage setting. One of the few places to try authentic local cuisine.
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse: Quality steaks in the Fairmont. Main courses 180-400 AED.
Fine Dining (500+ AED / $136+)
Hakkasan: The London-originated Cantonese restaurant at Emirates Palace. Michelin-quality dim sum and creative Chinese dishes.
COYA Abu Dhabi: Peruvian-influenced fine dining at Al Maryah Island. Excellent ceviche, pisco cocktails, vibrant atmosphere.
Zuma: Contemporary Japanese izakaya at The Galleria. Long considered one of Abu Dhabi's best restaurants.
Emirati Cuisine: What to Try
- Machboos: Spiced rice with meat (lamb, chicken, or fish)—the national dish
- Harees: Slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge, often served during Ramadan
- Luqaimat: Sweet fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup
- Arabic coffee (gahwa): Cardamom-spiced, served with dates
- Camel: Available at some traditional restaurants—surprisingly tender
Where Should I Stay in Abu Dhabi?
The Corniche: Beach and Waterfront
Abu Dhabi's most iconic strip. Walking distance to beaches, Emirates Palace, and the Corniche promenade. Mix of luxury towers and mid-range hotels.
Budget: 200-350 AED ($55-95)
Mid-range: 400-700 AED ($109-190)
Luxury: 1,200-3,000+ AED ($327-816+)
"The Corniche area was perfect for first-timers," travelers report. "Walk to the beach, walk to restaurants, beautiful evening strolls. Central for everything." (Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor)
Downtown / Tourist Club Area
The commercial heart of Abu Dhabi. Best value hotels, close to malls and bus connections. Less scenic than the Corniche but more practical for budget travelers.
Budget: 150-300 AED ($41-82)
Mid-range: 350-600 AED ($95-163)
Yas Island: Theme Park Central
Stay here if theme parks are your priority. Modern resort hotels, waterfront restaurants, the Yas Marina Circuit. A bit isolated—you'll need transport to see the rest of Abu Dhabi.
Mid-range: 500-900 AED ($136-245)
Luxury: 1,000-2,500+ AED ($272-680+)
Saadiyat Island: Beach and Culture
Home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and beautiful public beaches. Resort-heavy, quieter than other areas. Best for those seeking beach relaxation combined with cultural attractions.
Luxury: 1,200-3,500+ AED ($327-952+)
What Do I Need to Know Before Visiting Abu Dhabi?
Visa Requirements
US, UK, EU, Australian, and most Western passport holders receive visa-on-arrival for 30 days (extendable to 60). GCC residents can enter freely. Check evisa.gov.ae for other nationalities.
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED), pegged to USD at 3.67. ATMs everywhere, credit cards widely accepted. Some smaller shops prefer cash.
Dress Code
Abu Dhabi is more conservative than Dubai. In public:
- Cover shoulders and knees (both genders)
- Swimwear only at beaches and pools
- Mosques require full coverage—abayas provided for women
- Hotels and beach clubs are more relaxed
Alcohol
Legal in licensed hotels, restaurants, and clubs. Not available in supermarkets (unlike Dubai). Drinking in public or appearing drunk in public is illegal.
Ramadan
During the holy month (dates vary by lunar calendar):
- No eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours
- Many restaurants close until sunset
- Hotels serve food to guests behind screens
- Nightlife picks up after iftar (sunset meal)
- A unique cultural experience if you embrace it
Safety
Abu Dhabi is one of the world's safest cities. Violent crime against tourists is essentially unheard of. The main concerns are traffic (drive carefully) and heat (respect the summer temperatures).
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are illegal in the UAE. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion. Public displays of affection (for any couple) are frowned upon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Abu Dhabi expensive to visit in 2026?
Abu Dhabi offers good value compared to many Western cities, though it's pricier than Southeast Asia. Budget travelers can manage on $80-120/day with hostel accommodation, street food, and public transport. Mid-range comfort runs $150-250 including 4-star hotels, restaurant meals, and attractions. Luxury travelers spend $400+ with 5-star resorts and fine dining. The weak dirham-to-dollar peg (3.67:1) makes prices predictable.
How many days do I need in Abu Dhabi?
Two to three days covers the major attractions: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Corniche, and one theme park. Four to five days allows for desert safari, more Yas Island attractions, and relaxed exploration. A week suits those combining Abu Dhabi with Dubai (90 minutes away) or seeking beach resort relaxation.
Is Abu Dhabi safe for tourists?
Abu Dhabi is among the world's safest cities. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main safety concerns are road traffic (driving can be aggressive) and extreme summer heat. Women travelers report feeling safe walking alone even at night. The UAE has strict laws and effective policing.
What should I wear in Abu Dhabi?
Dress modestly in public—cover shoulders and knees for both genders. This applies in malls, streets, and restaurants. Beach resorts and pools allow swimwear. Mosques require full coverage; women receive abayas at the entrance. Hotels are more relaxed. Pack light, breathable fabrics and always carry a light layer for aggressive air conditioning.
Can I drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, alcohol is available in licensed hotel restaurants, bars, and clubs. Unlike Dubai, you cannot buy alcohol in supermarkets. Drinking in public or appearing intoxicated in public is illegal. During Ramadan, alcohol service is more restricted—check with your hotel.
Is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque free to visit?
Yes, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is completely free. Guided tours are also free. The mosque is open Saturday-Thursday 9 AM-10 PM and Friday 3 PM-10 PM (opens later for Friday prayers). Modest dress required—free abayas and kanduras available at the entrance if needed.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Both are worth visiting and easily combined (90 minutes apart). Abu Dhabi offers more cultural depth (the mosque, Louvre, Qasr Al Watan) and feels less chaotic. Dubai has taller towers, bigger malls, more nightlife, and higher energy. Most travelers do 2-3 days in Abu Dhabi combined with 3-4 days in Dubai.
When is Ramadan in 2026 and how does it affect tourists?
Ramadan 2026 is expected to run from approximately February 17 to March 19 (dates depend on moon sighting). During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight is prohibited. Many restaurants close until sunset. Hotels serve food to guests in screened areas. Live music and entertainment are reduced. It's a fascinating cultural experience if you're prepared.
Do I need a car in Abu Dhabi?
Not necessarily. The city center, Corniche, and Saadiyat Island are manageable by taxi and bus. However, if you're exploring Yas Island, the desert, or want flexibility, a rental car helps. Driving is easy (right-hand side, international signs) and parking is generally available. Rental rates from 100-200 AED ($27-55) per day.
What's the best way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Public buses run every 20-30 minutes from Dubai (Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta stations) to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Journey takes 90-120 minutes and costs 25 AED ($6.80). Taxis charge 250-350 AED ($68-95) fixed rate. Car rental works well if you're exploring both emirates.
What Are the Best Day Trips from Abu Dhabi?
Dubai
The towering neighbor 90 minutes away. Visit the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Gold Souk, and Palm Jumeirah. Easy by bus (25 AED) or taxi (250-350 AED). Many travelers base in one city and day-trip to the other.
Liwa Oasis and the Empty Quarter
Three hours southwest lies the edge of the Rub' al Khali—the Empty Quarter, the world's largest sand desert. The dunes here reach 300 meters high. Book with a tour operator for dune bashing, sandboarding, and overnight camping under unpolluted skies.
"The Empty Quarter is unlike anything else on Earth," travelers describe. "Dunes as far as you can see, no roads, no buildings, just sand and silence. We stayed overnight and the stars were incredible." (r/travel, Reddit)
Al Ain
The UAE's garden city, 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi. UNESCO-listed oases with ancient irrigation systems, Jebel Hafeet mountain with panoramic views, Al Ain Zoo, and a historic fort. Notably cooler than Abu Dhabi. Good for families.
Sir Bani Yas Island
A former private island of Sheikh Zayed, now a wildlife reserve and resort destination. Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, and cheetahs roam freely. Day trips include safari drives, snorkeling, and kayaking. Book through the island's resort or tour operators.
Final Tips for Visiting Abu Dhabi in 2026
Abu Dhabi rewards visitors who look beyond the obvious.
Yes, go to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque—it deserves every superlative. But stay for sunset. Watch the lighting ceremony. Listen as the call to prayer echoes across the courtyard and the white marble turns gold, then rose, then deep purple under a LED-lit dome calibrated to the lunar cycle.
Yes, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi—it's a masterpiece of architecture housing masterpieces of art. But take time to simply sit under the dome and watch the "rain of light" shift with the sun. The experience is meditative in ways the collection can't capture.
"Abu Dhabi surprised us with its depth," travelers often reflect afterward. "We expected glitz and got culture. The mosque changed how I think about religious architecture. The Louvre proved that world-class museums can exist in unexpected places." (Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor)
Don't skip the desert. Whether it's a half-day dune bashing trip or an overnight in Bedouin-style tents, the Empty Quarter offers silence and stars that most modern travelers have never experienced.
Embrace the heat if you visit in summer—but do it wisely. Early mornings, late evenings, and air-conditioned interiors. The theme parks on Yas Island are designed for exactly this rhythm.
Talk to locals when you can. Emiratis are a minority in their own country (only 10% of UAE population), but those you meet are often proud to share their culture. Ask about Ramadan traditions, pearl diving history, the transformation they've witnessed in their lifetimes.
Abu Dhabi isn't trying to be Dubai. It's not competing for the tallest tower or the most extravagant fountain show. What it offers instead is something rarer: genuine cultural ambition, architectural beauty with purpose, and space to breathe.
Give it the time it deserves.
Content Transparency
This guide compiles information from verified traveler experiences, official Abu Dhabi tourism sources, and local expertise. Prices and details reflect January 2026 conditions and may change. Traveler quotes are paraphrased from TripAdvisor, Reddit (r/travel, r/abudhabi, r/dubai), and Google Reviews for authenticity while protecting privacy. We recommend confirming current prices and opening hours before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
- The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between November and March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. This period offers pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Summer months can be extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C (104°F).
- Is Abu Dhabi expensive to visit?
- Abu Dhabi can be moderately expensive, especially in terms of accommodation and dining at luxury hotels. However, there are budget-friendly options like public transport, street food, and affordable attractions. Planning ahead and booking in advance can help manage costs.
- How safe is Abu Dhabi for tourists?
- Abu Dhabi is considered one of the safest cities in the world for tourists, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, it’s important to respect local customs and laws, such as dressing modestly and avoiding public displays of affection. Overall, travelers can feel secure exploring the city.
- What is the best way to get around Abu Dhabi?
- The best way to get around Abu Dhabi is by using taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem, which are widely available and affordable. Public buses are another option, though less convenient for tourists. Renting a car is also popular for those comfortable with driving in the city.
- What are the must-see attractions in Abu Dhabi?
- Must-see attractions in Abu Dhabi include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Corniche waterfront. Other highlights are Ferrari World, Qasr Al Hosn, and the Emirates Palace. These sites showcase the city’s culture, history, and modern architecture.
- What local foods should I try in Abu Dhabi?
- When in Abu Dhabi, try local dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat), shawarma, and luqaimat (sweet dumplings). Emirati cuisine often features flavors of saffron, cardamom, and dates. Exploring traditional restaurants or food markets is a great way to experience authentic flavors.
- Can I drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi?
- Yes, alcohol is available in Abu Dhabi, but it is only served in licensed venues like hotels, bars, and clubs. Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited, and it’s illegal to drink and drive. Always drink responsibly and be aware of local regulations.
- What should I wear in Abu Dhabi?
- In Abu Dhabi, it’s respectful to dress modestly, especially in public areas and religious sites. For women, this means covering shoulders and knees, while men should avoid sleeveless tops. At beaches and pools, swimwear is acceptable, but it’s best to cover up when leaving these areas.