Say goodbye to the chill of home with a magical winter sun holiday in Abu Dhabi.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat or a family getaway, the capital of the United Arab Emirates is a year-round haven of sun-drenched bliss, brimming with exceptional luxury resorts. You’ll discover unrivalled activities and exhilarating attractions, enjoy action-packed water sports and outdoor adventures, embrace thrilling entertainment on Yas Island and seek out cultural landmarks like the presidential palace and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The winter months are also the perfect time for a beach holiday in Abu Dhabi, with the inviting gulf water and golden sand being fabulous sun traps. If you’re considering taking a break from the cold days and dark nights of winter in the UK, let us extol the virtues of holiday in Abu Dhabi and the many delights that await in this Arabian paradise.

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Winter Weather

Abu Dhabi’s winter weather is not that much different to its summer weather. The sunshine remains constant, with temperatures dropping from scorching to an agreeable average of 20℃ between December and March. There can be some rainfall during these months but it is minimal and won’t impact your itinerary too much. This is the best time for partaking in lazy days at the beach, water sports, camping in the desert, sandboarding, safaris and mountain hikes. Families will thrive in these superb conditions as you don’t need to worry about finding shade or air-conditioning and can focus on making long-lasting memories. Just remember your sun hats, sun cream and lots of water to keep hydrated. Abu Dhabi is the perfect location to escape the dreary UK during these months and to feel revitalised by the invigorating winter sun.

Best Winter Activities

The cooler temperatures create the perfect conditions for going out and getting involved in some of the best winter activities. Head out to Rub’ al Khali, also known as “The Empty Quarter”, for a desert safari. You can also try camel riding and a Bedouin camping experience or sandboarding down Tel Moreeb, the “Terrifying Mountain” dune that’s 300-metres high. If you’re more at home in the sea, the Arabian Gulf is a hotspot for water sports, with kayaking, scuba diving, jet skiing and stand-up paddle boarding all on offer. You can also take part in a boat tour for some dolphin watching or swim alongside turtles. Yas Island is home to some of the best family-friendly activities, including multiple theme parks like Warner Bros World™ and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Children will love a day in Waterworld Abu Dhabi and CLYMB™, the tallest indoor skydiving chamber.

Best Winter Attractions

You’ll find many top attractions available to explore during winter in Abu Dhabi. Go inside the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the biggest on the planet, to marvel at the majestic architecture, marble mosaics, jewel-embedded columns, Swarovski chandeliers and the world’s largest handmade carpet. The Qasr Al Watan presidential palace is an icon of Abu Dhabi’s skyline, where you can learn about the legacy of the UAE through their Palace in Motion event. The most historical area of Abu Dhabi is Qasr Al Hosn, with the fort, built in the late 18th-Century, being the longest standing structure in the emirate. Al Ain is the UNESCO world heritage site also known as the “Garden City” due to its lush foliage and green areas. One of the world’s oldest permanently inhabited settlements, you can immerse yourself in nature amongst the picturesque oases that surround the site and explore the area’s past at the Al Ain Museum.

Best Beaches In Winter

With year-round sunshine and warm temperatures, winter in Abu Dhabi is the perfect time for a beach holiday. The Corniche is the picturesque area that joins pleasant promenades to the pristine beachfront. While being a registered Blue Flag beach, there is also a lifeguard constantly on duty so children are safe to splash and play, making this the ultimate family-friendly beach spot. Crystal clear waters harbour an abundance of marine life which you can investigate by snorkelling. Hudayriat Island is the home of Hudayriyat Mar Vista Beach, which has glowing sun-kissed sand and turquoise shores. Offering a secluded environment away from the bustle of Abu Dhabi city, you’ll still have access to showstopping entertainment, leisure facilities and water sports. While being located in the entertainment district, Yas Beach remains tranquil and idyllic. Soak up the winter sun on the sand, in the infinity pool, lounge areas, restaurants and cafés.

Best Winter Events

There are plenty of winter events and festivals to immerse yourself in while on holiday in Abu Dhabi. Every year in early December, right at the start of the winter season, is the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, which draws sports-enthusiasts from near and far. Over five days in mid-December, the Arabian Days Festival celebrates the Arabic language and culture through art, storytelling and musical performances. Out-of-this-world food can be enjoyed by visiting one of the many food trucks. The Al Dhafra Festival runs from December to January, commemorating Abu Dhabi’s nomadic roots. Camel races, falcon competitions, folk music and market stalls are some of the highlights at this event patronised by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. For the whole month of March, the Abu Dhabi Festival promotes art, literature and much more, with a different theme chosen to focus on every year.

“You won’t regret a winter holiday to Abu Dhabi, with its sunny and warm weather the complete opposite to what the UK experiences during this season. Soak up some rays while you explore this emirate’s vibrant culture and history.

“With an abundance of incredible activities suitable for solo travellers, couples and families, you won’t have a dull moment. Dip into the Arabian Gulf for some epic water sports, venture into the expansive desert or hike in the rugged mountain regions. For culture-lovers, the majestic architecture and landmarks will leave you in awe, from their magnificent construction to their deep meaning in the legacy of the UAE.

“Beach holidays in Abu Dhabi are some of the most popular among travellers, who are seeking to feel the warm sand and sparkling sea beneath their feet. You’ll discover a plethora of hotspots across the whole of the emirate, including picturesque areas in the city centre, Saadiyat Island and Hudayriat Island.”

W Abu Dhabi Yas Island

Situated in a bustling and immersive paradise, the W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island is perfectly located for endless fun and memory making. This incredible 5-star resort boasts an abundance of leisure facilities, including multiple international eateries, two rooftop pools, a luxury spa and an ultra-modern fitness centre. Spacious and sleek suites provide spectacular views of the surrounding island and all the entertainment on offer that caters to holidaymakers of every age.

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Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

Bordering sugar-soft shores and the aquamarine waters of the Arabian Gulf, the 5-star Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas offers serenity surrounded by swaying palm trees. Here you’ll have access to unlimited fun and amenities, as well as a variety of inviting dining destinations. Splash around in the pool or relax in the lazy river, soak up the sun on the private beach or spend a rejuvenating afternoon in Zen the Spa at Rotana.

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Jumeirah Saadiyat Island

The blissful Jumeirah Saadiyat Island is a 5-star haven set in a sublime beachfront location. With access to multiple swimming pools and the dazzling Persian Gulf, you’ll have days of endless fun as a family or couple on a romantic getaway. Neutrally furnished accommodations provide a calming space for you to relax on your dream holiday, while the spa, fitness centre and tennis courts help you to rejuvenate your mind and body.

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