Abu Dhabi is out of this world when it comes to exhilarating experiences, unrivalled attractions and unforgettable adventures.

This scintillating sun-kissed destination is a dream come true for couples, families and groups of friends. Abu Dhabi offers a magnificent tale of two cities, where ultra-modern architecture sits in perfect harmony alongside majestic structures from days gone by. This wondrous capital of the United Arab Emirates truly has it all – from big city attractions and theme park thrills to enthralling desert adventures and pristine sandy beaches. You’ll also discover world-class restaurants, fascinating museums and galleries, enchanting mangrove forests, beautiful mosques and palaces, imposing fortresses and bustling traditional souks. Let’s turn the spotlight on some of Abu Dhabi’s major attractions and experiences to find out why it’s an exceptional choice for an unforgettable luxury holiday.

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Island thrills

This incredible destination is home to more than 200 islands, with each one having its own amazing attractions. Yas Island boasts spectacular theme parks, including Warner Bros. World™, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. It has also hosted the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009 at Yas Marina Circuit. Saadiyat Island is an oasis of cultural treasures and luxurious hotels, where attractions include Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and The Louvre Abu Dhabi. Nurai Island will impress you with its stunning sands and water sports action, while Al Maryah Island has an exclusive up-market neighbourhood featuring a shopping mall and a host of fine dining venues. Dalma Island is another gem, which has a 7,000-year-old pearl diving history, and Sir Bani Yas Island is a wildlife lover’s paradise, with 17,000 free-roaming animals.

Waterfront bliss

Hours of fun, sun, relaxation and leisure await on the waterfront of Abu Dhabi, with its white powdery sands and crystal-clear waters. This charming destination is home to opulent beachfront hotels where you can completely unwind and live the dream next to the mesmerising Arabian Gulf. Set sail on a catamaran for a romantic moonlight dinner, snorkel beneath the waves to observe stingrays, turtles and other marine life or enjoy an array of exciting water sports including jet-skiing, kitesurfing, flyboarding, wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. Banana boat rides, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and glass-bottomed boat trips are other popular waterfront activities. Abu Dhabi boasts many pristine private and public beaches, including Al Bateen Beach, Yas Beach and Saadiyat Public Beach. The emirate’s glorious Corniche is a beautiful 8km public treasure featuring a divine promenade, glistening fountains, superb restaurants, play areas and golden sands.

Desert delights

No holiday in Abu Dhabi would be complete without a venture outside the city into the emirate’s beguiling desert wilderness. You’ll be completely awestruck by the beauty of the renowned Liwa Oasis, a jaw-dropping attraction in the Rub’ al Khali, the world’s largest sand desert which is also known as the Empty Quarter. This is also the place to marvel at Tel Moreeb, (Terrifying Mountain), a gigantic sand dune which is more than 300 metres high. Ride on a camel across the sands, enjoy some sandboarding action, set off on a dune-bashing buggy safari in a 4x4 vehicle or dine Arabian-style and spend the night under the stars in a traditional Bedouin camp. Quad biking is another exhilarating activity and an incredible hot air balloon ride above the sands offers the chance to get a marvellous bird’s eye view of the expansive desert below.

City sights

Futuristic architecture, towering skyscrapers, majestic palaces, old fortresses and beautiful mosques are among the city delights which will take your breath away. Gaze in awe at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with its huge chandeliers and the world's largest hand-made carpet, or visit Qasr Al Watan, a working presidential palace where you can enjoy a stunning sound and light show after dark. Qasr Al Hosn Fort, the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi, will impress history buffs, while Heritage Village Abu Dhabi gives a fascinating insight into the emirate’s past. Hours of family fun are on offer in KidZania, Emirates Park Zoo and a plethora of other world-beating attractions. A visit to one of the city’s traditional souks is also highly recommended, while the glitzy shopping malls provide high-end retail therapy.

Natural wonders

Abu Dhabi is steeped in natural beauty, with a multitude of attractions to captivate every holidaymaker. The Mangrove National Park is a magnet for nature lovers. Kayaking and boat cruises along the serene channels offer the chance to see turtles, dolphins and many species of birds. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a haven for pink flamingos, reptiles and aquatic life, while Saadiyat Reef is an underwater wonderland teeming with colourful marine life. Jebel Hafeet mountain, the highest peak in Abu Dhabi, is home to the emirate’s oldest archaeological site where you'll find more than 500 hexagonal-shaped ‘beehive tombs’ dating back 5,000 years. The limestone mountain also offers amazing views of Al Ain, a lush garden city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another wonderful natural attraction is the Al Wathba Fossil Dune Protected Area, which features 1,700 striking fossil structures made of sand, salt crystals and other desert minerals.

Abu Dhabi's year-round sunny climate makes the emirate a dream come true for anyone wanting to enjoy fun-filled days and exciting experiences in the great outdoors. A subtropical climate brings hot summers and mild winters, with October to April being a fantastic time to explore the wonderful attractions thanks to pleasant temperatures in the mid to high 20s. The summer months are from late May to September when the mercury can soar into the low 40s. This is a better time for a laid-back holiday, lazing by the pool, swimming in the sea and catching some rays on the beach. Short-lived downpours and thunderstorms occur in the winter months, but temperatures are still favourable and rarely fall below 20°C. Thankfully, most of Abu Dhabi's indoor entertainment venues, shopping malls, art galleries and theme parks are air-conditioned, which means you can keep cool and have a fabulous time, even in the height of summer.

"If your dream holiday involves theme parks and thrilling attractions, Abu Dhabi - or more specifically, Yas Island - is definitely the place for you.

“The home of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, this epic destination certainly packs a punch when it comes to fun and excitement.

“Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is perfect for adrenaline junkies, boasting more than 40 record-breaking rides, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa.

“Movie buffs may prefer Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, where you’ll enjoy a host of family-friendly rides and attractions dedicated to DC superheroes and iconic cartoon characters. For those seeking aquatic escapades, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is ideal, with more than 40 slides, chutes and splashtastic experiences.”

Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island

Abu Dhabi

Live the dream at this luxurious 5-star waterfront retreat in Yas Bay where you’ll be treated to a feast of fun, entertainment, relaxation and leisure. Soak up the sun beside a palm tree-lined pool, savour culinary delights in a myriad of top-class dining venues and succumb to the ultimate pampering experience in the sumptuous spa. A host of other fabulous amenities at this haven of pleasure include a lively kids club, cutting-edge fitness centre and access to the thrilling Yas Theme Parks.

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The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton

Abu Dhabi

Prepare to be wowed by movie world magic at this sensational 5-star escape where a myriad of legendary theme park attractions are right on your doorstep. Exquisite accommodation, sports and leisure facilities, gourmet restaurants and an amazing dive-in theatre are among the delights in store. You’ll also discover a superb fitness centre for keeping in shape, a plush spa for head to toe pampering and a fun-filled kids club.

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Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

Abu Dhabi

A world of sun-drenched bliss awaits at this ultra-modern sanctuary which boasts beautifully-appointed rooms and suites that are brimming with luxurious furnishings and exceptional amenities. A pristine private beach, glistening swimming pools and an indulgent spa are among the delights in store. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also a range of experiences on offer nearby including kayaking in the mangroves, a desert safari and golf at the famous Al Zorah Golf Club.

Check out Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers