Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the official capital of the UAE and the country's second-largest city after Dubai. The city sits on a T-shaped island in the Persian Gulf, linked to the mainland by several bridges, and feels noticeably calmer and more formal than neighbouring Dubai: it's home to the government, embassies and oil company headquarters, and alongside the skyscrapers you'll find spacious waterfront promenades, world-class museums and one of the largest mosques on the planet.

According to the emirate's census, Abu Dhabi's population exceeds 3.8 million, and, as in Dubai, the vast majority are foreign residents. The city gets fewer tourists than Dubai, but it has its own draws: the Saadiyat Island cultural district with Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Formula 1 circuit on Yas Island, surrounded by theme parks open all year round.

Abu Dhabi's districts

Abu Dhabi City Centre — the business heart of the city around Qasr Al Hosn fort, where the emirate's history began; today it's a dense grid of skyscrapers and offices.

The Corniche — a waterfront promenade with city beaches, the Qasr Al Watan palace and the Emirates Palace hotel; the best spot for an evening walk and views over the bay.

Yas Island — the entertainment island: the Formula 1 circuit, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld water park and Yas Mall — easily worth a full day on its own.

Saadiyat Island — the cultural district: Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum (under construction) and one of the city's best beaches.

Best time to visit

As elsewhere in the UAE, October to April is the most comfortable stretch — daytime temperatures of +25…+32°C and cool evenings. Peak season runs from December to February, when hotels are priciest and Yas Island's events calendar is busiest.

In summer, from June to September, daytime temperatures stay above +40°C with high humidity — being outdoors is only comfortable early morning or late evening. Museums, malls and theme parks run year-round, air-conditioned, and hotels are noticeably cheaper at this time.

How to get there

Abu Dhabi International (AUH) is the emirate's main airport, 30 km from the city centre, with direct flights from Europe, the CIS and Asia. Some low-cost and regional flights also land at Dubai's Al Maktoum International (DWC) — from there it's about another 1.5 hours by road to Abu Dhabi.

From AUH you can reach the centre by taxi or a pre-booked transfer — Abu Dhabi doesn't have a metro yet; visa requirements depend on your nationality — check the official ICP UAE website for the current rules before you travel.

Getting around the city

Abu Dhabi never built a metro, so getting around means taxis (yellow, metered) and the Careem and Uber apps. The Abu Dhabi Bus network covers the main districts but takes some familiarity with the routes. Yas Island and Saadiyat Island sit apart from the centre — a taxi or rental car is the easiest way there, especially if you're covering several places in a day.