Awe-inspiring Abu Dhabi is a spellbinding escape where you’ll live a life of luxury in the blissful Arabian Gulf sunshine – but what should you know before you go to ensure your holiday there is truly magical?

To help you prepare for an unforgettable experience, we’ve answered some key questions about this sublime destination where you’ll be wowed by world-class hotels, pristine beaches, rich history and culture, fabulous food and spectacular attractions. This magnificent capital of the United Arab Emirates also boasts beautiful mosques and palaces, epic natural landmarks, bustling souks, glitzy shopping malls and enchanting desert landscapes. Abu Dhabi is an archipelago of more than 200 islands where you’ll spend fun-packed hours in award-winning theme parks, enjoy water sports galore and be greeted everywhere by incredible hospitality. With everything from crystal-clear waters, green boulevards and enchanting mangrove forests to big city thrills, vibrant nightlife and 250 miles of pristine sandy coastline, it’s no surprise this glorious getaway has been affectionately dubbed the ‘Garden City of the Gulf’.

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Is Abu Dhabi Expensive?

Abu Dhabi is a superb choice for holiday in a glitzy Arabian metropolis. If a generous helping of the good life is what you’re seeking, then you can expect to pay for the pleasure. However, if you are holidaying on a budget, you can have a great time without decimating your bank balance. The emirate’s lavish 5-star hotels offer every comfort and eating out won’t cost a small fortune, with restaurant prices, for example, being considerably cheaper than those in London and New York. Local souks are great places to pick up a holiday bargain and street food stalls offer cheap traditional local favourites. The city’s bus system is an affordable way to get around, with most inner-city fares costing just AED 2. There are also many attractions which are free of charge, including entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Jahili Fort and the Heritage Village.

Can I Go All-Inclusive?

Absolutely – in fact this is the perfect choice for anyone yearning for a carefree holiday experience in the sun-drenched Arabian Gulf. Opting to go all-inclusive means you’ll have paid for most things in your hotel in advance, with more money to spend during your time in this fascinating destination, with its world-class attractions, desert adventures and high-end shopping opportunities. Staying all-inclusive is likely to see you catching some rays on your hotel’s pristine private beach, taking advantage of sumptuous spas and cutting-edge fitness centres, dining in style in gourmet restaurants and enjoying a plethora of water sports in the ocean. All-inclusive holidays in Abu Dhabi have particular appeal for families, with many resorts providing special treats for young holidaymakers including ice creams, refreshing drinks and dedicated menus for children in their restaurants.

How Long Should I Stay?

A week in Abu Dhabi is long enough for a fabulous luxury holiday experience, but staying for 10 days or 2 weeks will allow you to really discover everything this wonderful destination has to offer. A longer holiday gives you the best of both worlds, with the opportunity for some fast-paced fun and action when you set out to explore the city’s amazing attractions, followed by relaxing days on the beach and enjoying the luxury amenities at your hotel. You’ll have no trouble filling your days in this mesmerising getaway, with its towering skyscrapers, gourmet restaurants, giant malls, majestic palaces, incredible theme parks and beguiling desertscapes. Must-see attractions, no matter how long you choose to visit Abu Dhabi, include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Gold Souk Abu Dhabi, the Corniche, Qasr Al Hosn Fort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the Rub’ al Khali desert.

Can I Visit During Ramadan?

Ramadan is an exciting time to visit Abu Dhabi, with so much to see and do, from enthralling festivities and feasts at the end of the day to fascinating cultural events and activities. Holidaying during the most sacred holy month in the Muslim calendar offers the chance to fully immerse yourself in the emirate’s religious history and tradition. Food outlets and restaurants generally remain closed or offer takeaway services only during the day and then open up for Iftar after sunset, when Abu Dhabi bursts into life with community events, gatherings and celebrations. Most of Abu Dhabi's main tourist attractions remain open throughout Ramadan, including theme parks, museums and galleries, but there may be variations in opening hours. A Ramadan tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the city's architectural wonders, is highly recommended and most of the emirate’s malls stay open later, with many offering special sales.

What Do I Need to Take?

There are various essential items to pack in your suitcase before jetting off for the holiday of a lifetime in Abu Dhabi. The emirate’s radiant year-round sunshine means flip flops, suitable lightweight clothing and swimwear should be high on your list of things to bring, plus a light jacket if holidaying in the winter months. Sunglasses, lip balm and plenty of sunscreen are also essential items, with a sun hat also worth considering. It is also important to pack evening attire for restaurants and events. Other items worth bringing include insect repellent, hand sanitiser, deodorant wipes, travel adaptors and a pair of trainers or open-toe sandals for travelling around the city or venturing into the desert. It is also important to remember to dress modestly and appropriately to respect local laws and customs, which includes refraining from wearing swimwear or short clothing in public places.

Best Time To Visit

Abu Dhabi's subtropical arid climate brings hot summers and mild winters, with year-round sunshine that makes it a great choice for a sensational holiday in the great outdoors. The peak season runs from October to April when average temperatures are in the mid to high 20s, making conditions ideal for getting out and about to visit the emirate's amazing attractions. The mercury can soar into the low 40s in the summer months from late May to September, so this is a good time for a laid-back holiday on the beach, with plenty of water sports action in the Arabian Gulf. It's also the ideal time to clinch a low-price holiday deal. Most of Abu Dhabi's indoor entertainment venues, shopping malls, galleries and theme parks are air-conditioned which means they are cool and pleasant, even in the very hot summer season. Temperatures rarely drop below 20°C in the winter months, when infrequent short-lived downpours of rain and the occasional thunderstorms occur.

“It makes sense to find out as much as you can about Abu Dhabi before jetting off there, so you can really get the best of your holiday experience when you arrive.

“This wonderful Arabian Gulf destination is blessed with invigorating sunshine throughout the year, so it’s vital to bring sunglasses, lip balm, sun cream and any other items which can protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.

“Abu Dhabi is an amazing getaway which makes a big impression on every type of visitor, including families seeking days of fun, couples wanting romantic hours on silky soft sands and groups of friends pursuing water sports thrills and pulsating nightlife.

“Award-winning theme parks, epic historical landmarks, vast wetlands, bustling souks, ancient tombs, colossal shopping malls and fine dining restaurants are among the delights which await.

“No holiday to Abu Dhabi would be complete without a visit to Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world’s largest sand desert, where a plethora of activities include buggy safaris, sandboarding, camel rides, hot air balloon trips and nights under canvas in a traditional Bedouin camp.”

Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi

A world of relaxation, leisure and entertainment awaits at this visually-striking luxury escape nestled beside its own pristine sandy beach in Marina Island. You’ll spend heavenly nights in exquisitely-appointed accommodation, dine in style in superb restaurants and succumb to head to toe pampering in a sumptuous spa. This spectacular 5-star haven of relaxation and pleasure also boasts a cutting-edge gym, shimmering swimming pools, a lively kids club and a packed programme of evening entertainment which includes dance acts, opera singers and live bands. What’s more, choosing to enjoy the new all-inclusive dining option allows you to enjoy a completely carefree stay.

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Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

Jet off for relaxing days and entertaining nights at this sensational family-friendly 5-star beachfront getaway where you’ll be wowed by superb dining experiences, lavish accommodation and a myriad of excellent leisure amenities. Harmonise your body, mind and soul in the plush spa, keep in shape in Bodylines Fitness Club, meander along the lazy river or catch some rays on the beautiful private sandy beach. An array of other fabulous attractions which add to the appeal of this luxurious retreat includes a tennis court, mini golf, beauty salon, a kids club and a gift shop.

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InterContinental Abu Dhabi

Immerse yourself in luxury, elegance and style at this magnificent all-inclusive 5-star oasis of opulence which is located within easy reach of Abu’s Dhabi’s exceptional Corniche. Relax and unwind on the glorious private beach, practise your backhand on the tennis court or enjoy the ultimate pampering experience in the fabulous spa. Restful nights await in your ultra-stylish accommodation offering garden or gulf views, while Belgian, Asian and Lebanese cuisines are among the culinary joys to tantalise your taste buds in a choice of fine dining restaurants.

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