Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s capital and largest city. It is situated in the southwestern region of the Arabian Gulf and has a population of around 1.5 million. Abu Dhabi is noted for its contemporary infrastructure, stunning architecture, cultural heritage sites, and oil and gas sector. Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and a famous tourist destination.
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Flights To Abu Dhabi Guide
Abu Dhabi International Airport is the main airport in Abu Dhabi, about 30 kilometres from the city centre. It’s a big airport with three terminals and offers many services and facilities to make travellers comfortable. Al Bateen Executive Airport is just 12 kilometres from the city. It mainly serves business travellers with private jets. It’s a good choice if you want privacy and quick access to the town.
Woking Travel makes it easy to get from the airport to your hotel in Abu Dhabi. They provide transfer services from Abu Dhabi International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport. To book a ride, you can visit the Woking Travel Transfers. This service helps you avoid the stress of public transport and long taxi lines, especially after a long flight.
Woking Travel gives you options for all budgets. For example, you can easily compare facilities and holiday packages with the opportunity to book your visit to various hotels and have options at many hotels, such as Woking Travel- Hotels or Woking Travel- Packages. Nevertheless, the following are the top luxury versus budget options with hotels:
- Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island: This hotel offers luxurious accommodations on Saadiyat Island. It is perfect for a peaceful holiday with a beautiful beach, top-notch facilities, and stylish design. It should also cater to travellers looking for unique dining and leisure options.
- Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi: This hotel is synonymous with wealth and luxury. It should offer opulent interiors, excellent service, and royal dining and leisure facilities. It also caters to travellers seeking after-hours decadence.
- Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi: This hotel on the Femina is perfect for those close to the city’s attractions and business district. It offers contemporary rooms, excellent dining, and leisure options. Additionally, it should suit business travellers and people who desire to explore Abu Dhabi’s top locations.
- Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat Island’s Park Hyatt should be ideal for extra space, a tranquil spa, and various dining options. It should also cater to guests who want to discover the island’s cultural sites.
- The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi: This hotel is also on Saadiyat and is suitable for travellers who appreciate elegant rooms, top-notch dining, and a calm atmosphere. It should also cater to everyone who enhances their vacation with a wellness centre.
- Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort: This resort on Saadiyat Island offers moderately clean rooms, spectacular dining, and numerous activities. It should appeal to people who enjoy action-based vacations.
- Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas: This upmarket resort in Saadiyat is the right choice for those who indulge in aesthetic expression and luxurious gardens.
- Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi: A vibrant location to stay, eat, socialise, and meet in the centre of the island that is Abu Dhabi. Yas Island is surrounded by serene Gulf seas and breathtaking sunsets, Abu Dhabi’s premier vacation island is crammed with parks and family-friendly attractions.
- Yas Island Rotana: A place to rest is necessary for everyone. Yas Island Rotana is a great place for visitors to Abu Dhabi to unwind and revitalise.
- The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi: At The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, escape to the height of luxury. This five-star hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has views of sunrises across Al Maqta Creek with the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as a background.
- Public buses: Operated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, this extensive bus network is the most cost-effective and convenient mode of transport. The fleet network covers the city and its surroundings, and residents can air-condition comfortable buses to commute to work daily.
- Taxis: Taxis are available at almost every corner of Abu Dhabi and can be hailed from the streets. The metered fares are among the most reasonable and fastest ways to get from one place to another.
- Personal vehicles: Given Abu Dhabi’s almost perfect road network, many own cars. This option is more for those still moving permanently in the city and to areas where public transport does not reach feasible routes.
- Cycling: As the nation focuses more on sustainability, there is a rare push for more cycling paths. Residents can cycle through the city’s corniche and get a better view of Yas Island.
- Car rentals: Another alternative for tourists who wish to explore the city multiple times daily is renting a car. An individual can easily find a car rental near the airport and other parts of the town, and several companies offer vehicles that suit budgets.
- Ride-sharing apps: Companies like Uber and Careem provide a similar alternative. Passengers who install these applications on their phones can comfortably book a taxi for their desired car. The option also offers a range of prices that clients can choose from.
- Ferries: Another beautiful way to ride is to go on a ferry along the city’s coast. The ferries connect the central Abu Dhabi Island to the nearest islands, especially Saadiyat or Yas. Adventurers who ride on the ferry are treated to the beauty of Abu Dhabi’s various characters from a distance.
- Electric scooters: Electric scooters have been introduced in some city areas, mainly as a pilot project to test their effectiveness. Commuters can ride them for shorter distances in two minutes or less.
- Trams and metro: A plan to install tram and metro systems in Abu Dhabi will significantly enhance the effectiveness of fast and high-capacity public transport.
- Limousines and chauffeur services: Approach one of the several companies offering such services in the city that individuals want to travel comfortably. They may also be hired for special occasions and will give you a long-lasting impression.
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: One of the world’s most enormous mosques, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has beautiful white marble domes, ornate Islamic decorations, and the world’s most giant hand-made carpet.
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, which includes thrilling rides, Ferrari-focused attractions, and the world’s fastest roller coaster, meets any vehicle lover’s fantasies.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: Housed in a giant modernist tower, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is ideal for anyone interested in art. It features an array of artefacts from numerous cultures and eras.
- Yas Island: This popular leisure and entertainment location offers attractions like Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Marina Circuit, a Formula 1 racetrack.
- Emirates Palace: The luxurious facilities include stunning architecture, vast gardens, and many dining and entertainment establishments.
- Saadiyat Island: Saadiyat Island, recognised for its stunning beach shores and cultural centres like the Manarat Al Saadiyat Exhibition Centre, is ideal for a tranquil vacation.
- Emirates Park Zoo: The zoo offers family activities, including touching giraffes, exciting flirting with lions and flamingos, and a fun zoo experience.
- Heritage Village: At the Heritage Village, you can learn about Abu Dhabi’s rich past in Bedouin tents, witness the development of traditional goods by professional artisans, and visit Museums that showcase the emirate’s past and present.
- Al Ain Palace Museum: Learn about the region’s Royal past by visiting the Al Ain Palace Museum, which houses artefacts and photographs, and see the ruling family’s lifestyle in the neighbouring city of Al Ain.
- Observation Deck: The Etihad Towers observation deck provides the finest vantage point of this architectural paradise, offering a panoramic view of Abu Dhabi.
As a melting point of global cuisines and culinary traditions, Abu Dhabi has a plethora of dining destinations. Its variety stretches from lavish fine-dining restaurants to casual eateries, catering to every taste. In this light, ten restaurants in Abu Dhabi that should be on your visit list are listed below.
- Emirates Palace Hotel Restaurants: As the title suggests, the iconic Emirates Palace Hotel restaurants offer a luxurious dining experience for every taste, from traditional Arabic dishes to European and international cuisine.
- Hakkasan: This internationally recognised restaurant serves contemporary Cantonese cuisine in a stylish atmosphere. The venue is renowned for its exclusive dishes, excellent service, and lively ambience.
- Zuma: Zuma is a contemporary Zumba style of authentic Japanese cuisine served to share with a creative twist while staying true to Japanese traditions and spirit.
- Li Beirut: this restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a Lebanese oriental twist on traditional local dishes using innovative cooking techniques in a high-end setting.
- Villa Toscana: a lakeside Italian restaurant in St. Regis offering authentic Umbria and Tuscan cuisine in a rustic-inspired venue.
- COYA: In the city’s heart, this restaurant offers the spirit of Latin America and serves Peruvian traditional dishes in a chic, bright setting.
- Butcher & Stilt is a Four Seasons hotel steakhouse inspired by Chicago’s Prohibition era and features some of America’s finest meat preparations.
- Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi: designed by a celebrated Indian chef, the restaurant provides traditional Indian cuisine cooked and fused with inventive cooking techniques.
- Bord Eau: this French restaurant serves classic and modern French cuisine at the Shangri-La Hotel in a romantic setting.
- Beirut Sur Mer: Nestled on Saadiyat Island, close to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, this lively restaurant effortlessly strikes a balance between providing the laid-back, breezy atmosphere you expect from a seaside location and offering exceptional service, stunning décor, and mouthwatering cuisine.
- Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: This is one of the largest mosques in the world, with impressive architecture and intricate decorations. Guided tours explain its cultural significance.
- Experience Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: Ferrari World is the first Ferrari-themed entertainment park in Abu Dhabi. Appease your need for speed with adrenaline-pumping rides on Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest coaster.
- Walk along the Corniche: This picturesque waterfront promenade offers breathtaking views of the skyline and a wide range of activities and entertainment.
- Explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi: This prominent museum has many treasures and architectural brilliance.
- Discover Yas Island: it offers thrilling rides, aquatic sports, and amusing activities for the entire family at Yas Waterworld, Marina Circuit, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
- Visit Qasr Al Watan: This is the UAE President’s palace, with splendid architecture, an elegant lifestyle, and a cultural heritage.
- Visit Shopping at Yas Mall: Yas Mall is a prominent mall on Yas Island. Diverse international brands, entertainment, and dining spots give visitors a unique shopping experience.
- Visit the Observation Deck: View Abu Dhabi’s skyline from the 300-meter vantage point.
- Explore Saadiyat Island: This serene getaway offers cultural and recreational activities, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Maart Al Saadiyat, and the beaches.
- Sunset Cruise – 2 hours trip: On this small-group, eight-person tour, enjoy cruising the Abu Dhabi Corniche and waterfront while taking in a breathtaking sunset over the Persian Gulf.
Abu Dhabi has two main seasons, and the activities you can enjoy will depend on the time of year.
Summer: May to September
- Temperatures: It gets boiling, up to between 32°C and 42°C
- Rain: It hardly ever rains, and it’s very humid
- What to do: It’s best to stay indoors during the day—go to malls, museums, or indoor play areas. Try to book your flights early to get great deals.
Winter: October to April
- Temperatures: It’s more relaxed, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C
- Rain: There is a bit more rain, but it will only be a lot of light showers
- What to do: It’s the perfect month for outdoor stuff like trips to the beach, desert safaris, or city tours. More tourists come now, so book your flights and hotels early.
For daily weather, you can check this local weather forecast.
- From UK time (GMT): Abu Dhabi is 4 hours ahead.
- During the UK summer time (BST), Abu Dhabi is 3 hours ahead.
Currency:
- The currency here is the UAE Dirham (AED). You can use credit cards in most places, but having some cash is handy for smaller shops.
Language:
- Arabic is the primary language, but lots of people speak English, especially in shops, hotels, and other places tourists go.
Customs:
The people here are very proud of their Islamic culture. You should wear more clothes that cover you up, especially if you go to religious places or older parts of the city. It would be best not to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day at all during Ramadan.
Laws:
You can only drink alcohol in certain places, like hotels and clubs. Don’t get drunk in public. Also, keep things like hugs and kisses more private, as they view it as rude to show public displays of affection. For more detailed travel advice:
Abu Dhabi’s atmospheric backstreets depict a significantly different image from what one initially sees. The sometimes polished and contemporary capital of the United Arab Emirates offers an intriguing blend of history and modernity. With a rich history dating back to around 3000 B.C., Abu Dhabi has a more uniquely Arabian atmosphere than Dubai’s flashy exterior. When visiting places like The Corniche Park, the White Fort, the Heritage Village (which provides a window into Bedouin life), and the Women’s Craft Centre, taxis are a dependable and safe mode of transportation.
Book your flights to Abu Dhabi with Woking Travel and enjoy a seamless travel experience!