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Abu Dhabi is without a doubt one of the world’s most luxurious and wealthy destinations. Much like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a sprawling Middle Eastern metropolis, where you’ll find five-star resorts, immaculate beaches, designer boutiques and futuristic skyscrapers.
The emirate's beautiful mosques and ancient fortresses give holidaymakers a real insight into the Middle East’s rich Arabian heritage.
The UAE’s dazzling capital may be a millionaire’s playground, but you don’t have to be a millionaire to holiday here. In fact, Abu Dhabi holidays are great value for money.
Flights: You can fly to Abu Dhabi International Airport direct from Manchester Airport and from most London Airports. Other airports in the UK may include a stop off on the way.
Passport/visa requirements: Your Passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date you enter the United Arab Emirates. You will be granted a visa free of charge for a single visit of 30 days upon arrival in Abu Dhabi.
Packing essentials:Abu Dhabi enjoys fantastic weather all year round, so you should make sure you pack light clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat and sun cream. Away from the beach and resort women should ensure that shoulders and knees are covered at all times.
As well as being one of the world’s most luxurious cities, Abu Dhabi is also blessed with immaculate beaches and shimmering blue seas.
Arguably the most popular stretch of sand in Abu Dhabi is Corniche Beach. Offering an abundance of water sports, trendy beach clubs and the chance to stroll or even rollerblade along the boardwalk, there are plenty of activities for those looking for more than simply to relax in the sun.
Another stunning stretch of shoreline is the Al Bateen Beach. This family-friendly beach offers clear, calm waters for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. Al Bateen Beach also boasts children’s playgrounds and is a superb spot for beach volleyball and a host of water sports.
An ideal setting for a blissful day of relaxation or fun is Saadiyat Public Beach, on Saadiyat Island. This magnificent stretch of white sand attracts sunseekers with comfy loungers, tempting waters, and weekly yoga classes.
Saadiyat Island is also a nesting site for Hawksbill Turtles. To protect these critically endangered creatures, elevated boardwalks have been created to stop people disturbing the nests in the sand dunes.
During nesting season, night lighting close to the beach is also reduced so as not to distract the baby turtles and stop them from heading in the wrong direction away from the sea. Nests are monitored and avoided by beach maintenance crews and all beach furniture is moved off the beach at night.
For those seeking to escape the crowds, there’s no better place than the white sands of Mirfa Beach.
An ideal place to sit back and let the world go by, Mirfa Beach is also home to the Al Gharbia Water Sports Festival, featuring events such as kiteboarding, wake boarding and surf-ski kayaking. The event also features live evening entertainment, children’s play areas and a Sunset Souk. Camping facilities are also provided.
As well as Abu Dhabi’s public beaches, a number of resorts and hotels also offer the use of their private beaches to non-guests for a small fee. These beaches often include added luxuries, including sumptuous loungers, bars and restaurants.
Reflecting the UAE’s trading heritage, Emirarti cuisine features ingredients from across Asia and the Middle East and is infused with spices to create flavours not to be missed during your holiday in Abu Dhabi.
One dish popular with locals is Al Madrooba, a delicious combination of salted fish, spices and a thick sauce. It is often sprinkled with saffron, nuts and spices and served with rice.
Another delicious dish, that is a must-have at weddings and after fasting during Ramadan, is Al Harees. Made with meat, wheat and salt, it is slow-cooked in a clay pot and served with ghee.
Al Majboos is another Emirati favourite, which is usually made with chicken or lamb boiled with a blend of spices and layered with rice.
One Arabic dessert that stands out among the crowd is Luqaimat. Similar to doughnuts, this sweet treat takes the shape of delicate little fried balls of dough, drizzled beautifully with date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The ideal finish to your scrumptious Abu Dhabi meal.
Abu Dhabi has become quite the hub for top class sport in recent years, with a host of major sporting events being hosted in this sensational destination.
Since 2009, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit has played host to Formula One motor racing. Located on the spectacular Yas Island, the circuit enjoys a scenic waterfront setting that rivals similar races at Monaco and Singapore. It is also now the traditional final race of the season, ensuring excitement and all-out action. With five grandstands specifically designed to protect spectators from the desert sun, Abu Dhabi is one city that’s certainly in the fast lane.
Although not always held here, Abu Dhabi has proved a popular location for the Club World Cup in recent years. It pits together the six champions of their respective continental tournaments plus the host nation’s national league champions. With the UEFA Champions League winners taking part each year, it ensures some of the world’s best footballers are in participation.
A popular part of the Abu Dhabi sporting calendar since 2009 has been the World Tennis Championship. Big crowds flock to the International Tennis Complex to try and catch a glimpse of the sport’s stars in action as they compete to be crowned champion. Past winners of the men’s singles include Andy Murray, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic. It is usually held in January or December.
Part of the competitive European Tour, greats of modern golf compete in four days of thrilling action, in the hunt to claim the coveted falcon trophy. Since its inauguration in 2006 the contest has been lauded by players past and present. For those wanting to watch this championship in all its glory, you’ll certainly be treated to a raft of unforgettable golfing memories. The Arabian Gulf’s most impressive course plays host, but will you be there to witness a new champion in the making?
Due to security reasons in Pakistan, since 2010 the country has played most of their ‘home’ matches in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, the 20,000 capacity Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium has played host to some memorable matches in Test, ODI and T20. It also regularly hosts pre-season training camps and domestic T20/T10 tournaments.
Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims fast between dawn and dusk to commemorate the revelation of the Quran (Islam’s holy book). Shops and restaurants change their working hours, often opening in the evening; a time when people eat at home alongside friends and family or visit festive tents and enjoy traditional Arabic mezze and sweets. Ramadan ends with a three-day celebration called Eid-Al-Fitr, where families and friends exchange gifts. Abu Dhabi also hosts a dazzling firework displays to mark the occasion.
Eid Al Adha is the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, celebrating the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorating the sacrifice of the prophet Abraham. Families mark Eid Al Adha by dressing in their best clothes and attending their local Mosque. People also give donations of money and food to charity.
Since 2009, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit has played host to Formula One motor racing. Located on the spectacular Yas Island, the circuit enjoys a scenic waterfront setting that rivals similar races at Monaco and Singapore. With five grandstands specifically designed to protect spectators from the desert sun, Abu Dhabi is one city that’s certainly in the fast lane.
One of the most popular events on the sporting calendar in Abu Dhabi is the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. Since its inauguration in 2006 the contest has been lauded by players past and present. For those wanting to watch this championship in all its glory, you’ll certainly be treated to a raft of unforgettable golfing memories.
The United Arab Emirates National Day falls on December 2, marking the day the seven emirates banded together to form the UAE in 1971. Spectacular firework displays are organised around the city, as are national heritage programmes, such as music concerts, art festivals and theatrical shows; all of which commemorate this special event.
Here at Destination2 you can choose from a wide variety of lavish Abu Dhabi hotels and resorts.
We work hard to bring you the very best prices and ensure you get value for money when booking your holiday to Abu Dhabi.
Our dedicated Middle East specialists are on hand to assist with any queries and ensure the booking process goes as smoothly as possible.
With a wealth of knowledge regarding travel to Abu Dhabi, they will strive to unearth superb deals and help you jet off on the trip of a lifetime to this dazzling destination.
When booking with Destination2.co.uk, you also benefit from our Triple Financial Protection and the fact that our package holidays are fully ATOL bonded.
We believe that every customer should benefit from a competitive price on their next dream holiday, no matter where they are travelling. That’s why we operate a Price Match Promise.*
Therefore, if you’ve find a package holiday price with one of our competitors (including Expedia, Destinology, FlightCentre, Trailfinders, BestAtTravel, Letsgo2, SouthallTravel, Away holidays and many more) which looks to be more competitive than your next Destination2.co.uk package price, just call us!
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Where is Abu Dhabi located?
Abu Dhabi is located in the western and southwestern parts of the United Arab Emirates, along the Persian Gulf’s south coast.
What language is spoken in Abu Dhabi?
Arabic is the official language of Abu Dhabi, but English is also widely used.
What is the currency of Abu Dhabi?
The currency of Abu Dhabi is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).
What's the time difference between the UK and Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is 4 hours ahead of GMT.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is either April to May or September to October to avoid the crowds and peak temperatures. However, if you're looking for affordable travel options or want to experience local traditions, you may consider visiting during the summer or Ramadan.
What is the temperature in Abu Dhabi?
The temperature in Abu Dhabi can vary depending on the time of year. Summer months, from May to September, are extremely hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 33°C to 41°C and sometimes even higher. Winter months, from November to March, are milder, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C.
When is the coolest time to visit Abu Dhabi?
The coolest time to visit Abu Dhabi is the winter from December to March, with the coolest month being January.
Do you need a visa in Abu Dhabi?
UK passport holders will be granted a free-of-charge visitor/tourist visa upon arrival in Abu Dhabi. No application in advance of travel is needed.
How long can you stay in Abu Dhabi without a visa?
Your free visitor/tourist visa entitles you to a stay of 40 days.
Where is Abu Dhabi airport?
Abu Dhabi International Airport is located about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) east of the city centre of Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.
How long is the flight from the UK to Abu Dhabi?
Direct flights to Abu Dhabi International Airport from London Heathrow take approximately 6 to 7 hours.
Who flies to Abu Dhabi from the UK?
Etihad provides direct flights from London Heathrow and Manchester Airport to Abu Dhabi.
Is Abu Dhabi safe?
Abu Dhabi is generally considered a safe city to live in and visit, due to having a low crime rate and a well-developed infrastructure for maintaining public safety.
Can you drink in Abu Dhabi?
Drinking alcohol is permitted in Abu Dhabi, but it is strictly regulated. Non-Muslim residents and visitors over the age of 21 can purchase and consume alcohol in licensed venues such as bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, and also purchase alcohol from licensed stores with a valid liquor license. However, it is illegal to consume alcohol in public places, including beaches and parks, and driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
What age can you drink in Abu Dhabi?
The legal age for drinking alcohol in Abu Dhabi is 18, but hotels are prevented from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21.
Does Abu Dhabi have Uber?
Yes, Uber operates in Abu Dhabi, and you can use the Uber app to request a ride in the city.
Do Abu Dhabi taxis take credit cards?
Yes, many taxis in Abu Dhabi do accept credit cards as a mode of payment. However, it's always a good idea to confirm with the taxi driver before starting your journey to avoid any confusion or inconvenience.
What’s the best way to get from Abu Dhabi Airport to my hotel?
At Destination2, we offer airport transfer options at the time of booking, so you can arrange the easiest transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport to your hotel.
Are Abu Dhabi and Dubai the same?
No, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are not the same. They are both cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are located within close proximity to each other, but they are separate cities with distinct identities and characteristics.
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE and is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the country. It’s known for its modern architecture, cultural attractions, and vast oil reserves.
Dubai, on the other hand, is the largest city in the UAE and is known for its towering skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, and extravagant tourist attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah.
When is Ramadan in Abu Dhabi?
The exact dates Ramadan begins and ends changes each year. Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. For more information, check our blog on holidaying in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan.
Are Abu Dhabi plugs the same as the UK?
Abu Dhabi uses the same UK 3-pin plugs and operates on the same voltage (230V), meaning you can use your UK appliances without a travel adapter.
What’s the best way to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
Dubai is accessible from Abu Dhabi by car, bus and train. All options should take no longer than 2 hours.
Is Abu Dhabi expensive for a holiday?
While Abu Dhabi offers a luxury experience, depending on the type of holiday you are after, you can spend as little or as much as you like. Most expenses are similar to other major cities around the globe and you will find hotels and restaurants to suit a range of budgets.
Does Abu Dhabi have a beach?
Yes, Abu Dhabi has several beautiful beaches where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy various water activities.
Which is the best mall in Abu Dhabi?
Some of the best-known malls in Abu Dhabi include The Abu Dhabi Mall, The Marina Mall, The Yas Mall, The Galleria and The World Trade Center Mall.
