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Introduction
The capital of the United Arab Emirates may not have all the glitz of Dubai holidays – and that’s intentional, with a much more measured approach to tourism and a big cultural focus. But it still has plenty of superlatives of its own to boast about - from the fastest roller coaster in the world, to cappuccinos sprinkled with gold. In between all that are some excellent beaches, lots of fun ideas for family getaways and historic and cultural attractions aplenty.
Book your holiday to Abu Dhabi today and enjoy guaranteed savings, upgrades and many more extras to make your next holiday truly special. Explore our Middle East holiday offers or call us for more inspiration.
At a glance
Emirates gateway: Dubai International Airport
Time zone: + 2 hours
Currency: Emirati Dirham. Currency is easily exchangeable beforehand. ATMs are plentiful and credit cards widely accepted
Languages: Arabic, with English is widely spoken
Dialing code: +971
Religion: Islam
Plug sockets: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. British-style plugs with three pins are standard
Transfers from Dubai Airport to Abu Dhabi: 90 to 120 minutes
When to visit
During your holiday to Abu Dhabi, expect year-round sunshine and high temperatures. October to April provides the most pleasant option (there is a small potential of rain and wind January through to March), with temperatures around 25-28C, but from May onwards, these really rocket, and between June and September, you could find yourself in upwards of 40C heat and humidity.
Experiences
Soak up the sun on the beach at The Corniche, try the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World, sip a gold-flecked cappuccino at Emirates Palace, or head out to historic sites in the desert – there’s a lot to try in this year-round destination.
• Check out Abu Dhabi’s thrill-filled ** Yas Island**, with its Ferrari-themed rides, adrenalin-fuelled waterslides and the region’s Formula One circuit.
• Make a visit to UAE’s only UNESCO World Heritage site at Al Ain, where signs of life uncovered date back to the Stone Age.
• Admire the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, with space for around 41,000 worshippers beneath its 82 domes.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi is the biggest museum on the Arabian Peninsula with more than 600 pieces of art in 23 galleries.
• Be wowed by other architectural marvels, such as The Capital Gate, which is the world’s furthest leaning man-made tower - it leans 18°.
• Head to the Observation Deck at 300 on the 74th floor of Tower 2 at the Etihad Towers complex – you can even have afternoon tea up there.
Areas of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi City
As the capital of UAE, Abu Dhabi is the centre of government and business life, along with the headquarters of the emirates’ oil operating companies and all international embassies – along with many iconic buildings, such as Etihad Towers.
Most of what you will see in the core of Abu Dhabi lies on a series of interconnected islands jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. This area is where you will find the stunning beaches on Saadiyat Island, all the fun of Yas Island and essential stops such as the Corniche and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Al Gharbia
This western region makes up more than two thirds of the emirate and is home to some very impressive sand dunes, hundreds of kilometres of coastline and ancient forts. Here you will find Liwa, historic oasis town and entry point to Rub Al Khali, or Empty Quarter, the world's largest single expanse of desert.
Perhaps surprisingly, it’s also home to a large date palm plantation of more than 100,000 trees. Stay out here at the Qasr Al Sarab resort and go for dune dawn walks, camel trekking, dune bashing, falconry shows and camp fire barbecues. Throughout the year, there are many events in Al Gharbia, including everything from epic hill climbs to camel beauty contests and date festivals. If you want adventure during your holiday to Abu Dhabi, this is a region you must visit.
Al Ain
Two hours’ drive from Abu Dhabi city lies Al Ain, meaning “the spring” in Arabic, and deriving from its once plentiful supply of fresh water. It was also always known as an important trading post, with traces of settlements going back to the Stone Age. It has the honour of being UAE’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed.
In the area is the Al Ain Palace and Al Ain National Museum, along with the Al Ain Oasis, spread over nearly 3,000 acres, with more than 147,000 date palms. The Al Jahili Fort was constructed as the summer residence of Sheikh Zayed in the 1890s and later expanded by the British in the 1950s. While in the area, you can also go “wadi bashing” – exploring dry riverbeds in a 4WD – hike in Jebel Hafeet, or visit the camel market. There’s even a 1.6km go-karting track – Arabia’s largest – out here at the Al Ain Raceway.
Reasons to be there with Emirates Holidays
1
First-hand knowledge
Our dedicated travel experts visit each of our destinations extensively,
building a wealth of specialist knowledge and advice. You’ll receive
your own personal travel consultant who’ll handcraft your itinerary that
caters for all of your holiday needs.
2
Best value
Thanks to the long-standing relationships we have built with our
suppliers, we are delighted to offer you exclusive benefits and
competitive pricing. From savings on your stay, to complimentary
room and meal upgrades...
3
Award-winning Emirates
All of our holidays include flights with renowned Emirates. With one of
the youngest fleets in the world, you’ll experience world-class service,
award-winning inflight entertainment and seamless connections to
wonderful holiday destinations.
4
Peace of mind
You can rely on our team of destination specialists to be your guide through the whole Emirates Holidays experience, all the way from first concept to the ultra-fine details of your stay. We remain on hand to
ensure you can sink serenely into...
5
Loyalty rewarded
Earn bonus Emirates Skywards Miles when you book a holiday with
us in addition to the points earned from your Emirates flights. This
means you can enjoy more miles, more upgrades and even more
value for your holiday booking.