Abu Dhabi Things To Do
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque white domes reflected in pools at golden hour

United Arab Emirates · Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, runs from the 9 km Corniche on the mainland out to a chain of islands: Saadiyat with Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas with Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World, and Jubail with its 5,000-hectare mangrove park. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque needs an online access pass, booked in advance, and a strict dress code. Al Ain's UNESCO-listed oasis is about 1h30 by road.

Find where to stay in Abu DhabiRead the guide
  • Zayed International Airport (AUH)
  • About 30 min by car from airport to centre
  • Grand Mosque: pre-book an online pass
  • Etihad Rail to Dubai, about 64 min

Why visit Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital emirate of the United Arab Emirates, and most of its sights are spread between the mainland and a string of islands. On the mainland are the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace, which one visitor found less crowded than the mosque or the Louvre. Saadiyat Island holds the Cultural District with Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat, which hosts the annual Abu Dhabi Art fair. Yas Island has three theme parks, Yas Marina Circuit, where you can drive a high-performance car on the Formula 1 track, and CLYMB for indoor skydiving and climbing. For time outdoors there are the Jubail Mangrove Park, the Al Khatim Desert and Sir Bani Yas Island, while Al Ain, the emirate's second city, has a UNESCO-listed oasis of date palms watered by traditional falaj channels.

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Where to stay

Where to stay and explore

The Corniche

Best for first-time visitors

A 9 km road along the city's coastline, lined with public beaches, most with facilities. It is the centre of the city and puts you closest to the mainland sights.

Yas Island

Best for families and theme parks

The emirate's entertainment district: Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Beach, Yas Links golf course and Yas Mall. It is under 20 minutes by car from the airport.

Saadiyat Island

Best for culture and beach resorts

Home to the Saadiyat Cultural District with Louvre Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat, plus a row of five-star beachfront hotels.

Jubail Island

Best for nature lovers

Set between Yas and Saadiyat, with the 5,000-hectare Jubail Mangrove Park for walks among the mangroves.

Sir Bani Yas Island

Best for wildlife and outdoor activities

An island for safari drives, horse riding, mountain biking through sandy wadis and a visit to a centuries-old Christian monastery.

Al Ain

Best for a day trip

The emirate's second city, about 1h30 by road. See the UNESCO-listed Al Ain Oasis, Al Ain Palace Museum, Al Jahili Fort and Al Qattara Arts Centre, with Jebel Hafeet mountain nearby.

When to go

  1. November–March

    The coolest months, with occasional light rain. Best for beaches, desert trips and walking between sights. December to February is the busiest stretch, with the highest hotel rates.

  2. April–May

    Shoulder season with fewer crowds and more reasonable hotel rates. April gets noticeably hotter, and by May the heat is heavy, so plan outdoor time for mornings and evenings.

  3. June–August

    Extremely hot, with temperatures regularly in the 40s °C. Hotels discount steeply, and the day suits air-conditioned sights such as museums, malls and indoor theme parks.

  4. September–October

    The heat starts to ease, crowds stay manageable and hotel rates are still reasonable before the winter peak.

Practical tips

  • Buy a Hafilat smart card from the machines in the airport arrivals hall to pay for the air-conditioned city buses.
  • Download the UAE Fast Track app and register before you fly to speed up your arrival.
  • Dress for the Grand Mosque before leaving your hotel: loose ankle-length clothes for all, and wrist-length sleeves and a headscarf for women.
  • Pre-book your Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visit online to get the access pass needed to enter.
  • Check visa rules for your nationality and make sure your passport is valid for six months from arrival.

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