Abu Dhabi

🏛️ Why Visit Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates?

Abu Dhabi – the UAE's glittering capital that's way more than just Dubai's swanky neighbour. This place has jaw-dropping architecture, world-class theme parks, pristine beaches, and enough luxury to make you feel like minor royalty (on a majorly good trip.) From the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Ferrari World's adrenaline-pumping rides, Abu Dhabi's the perfect spot for jollies that blend culture, thrills, and serious relaxation.

☀️ Abu Dhabi Holiday Highlights 2026

• ☀️ Abu Dhabi averages over 300 days of sunshine a year, with winter highs of 24-28°C perfect for sightseeing and summer temps pushing past 40°C — ideal for pool days and air-conditioned attractions

• 💶 Generally a touch easier on the wallet than Dubai — a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs around £30-40, a pint around £6-8, and a 24-hour Yas Island theme park pass is included free with several hotels

• 🕌 Home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques and free to visit — plus the Louvre Abu Dhabi, two bucket-list attractions you won't find anywhere else in the UAE.

Top reasons to visit Abu Dhabi:

• 🎢 Theme park paradise – Yas Island's packed with Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, and Yas Waterworld for proper adrenaline-fuelled fun

• 🏖️ Beach perfection – Pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for topping up that tan or splashing about

• 🍽️ Foodie heaven – From traditional Emirati dishes to Michelin-starred dining, your taste buds are in for a right treat

🏙️ Where to stay on your holidays to Abu Dhabi

Each area of Abu Dhabi has its own vibe, so picking the right one will make your holiday chef’s kiss.

• Abu Dhabi Mainland - the city’s buzzing core, where you can hop between mega malls, cultural landmarks like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and urban beaches. Perfect for first-timers who want a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and sunny downtime all in one place.

• Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi’s luxury hotspot with soft white sands, high-end resorts, and cultural icons like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Best for couples or culture-seekers who love their beach days with a side of boujee elegance.

• Yas Island – putting the capital F in fun, stacked with Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and beach clubs. Perfect for families and groups chasing high-energy holidays with theme parks, waterslides, and nightlife all in one place.

🏨 The Best hotels in Abu Dhabi

For Couples - Romance & Luxury

• 🏨 The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi - Absolutely stunning 5-star resort that'll make you feel like proper royalty with its Venetian-inspired architecture and gorgeous canal views. Features multiple pools, a private beach, world-class spa, and that brilliant Venetian Village area that's perfect for romantic strolls. Just minutes from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, so you're perfectly positioned for sightseeing too.

• 🏨 Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi - Gorgeous luxury hotel right on the creek with its own private beach and jaw-dropping views. This beauty's got five cracking restaurants, a brilliant spa, and rooms that are properly spacious with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a top-notch hotel.

For Families - Space & Fun

• 🏨 Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Island - This one's a right winner for families with complimentary access to Yas Theme Parks including Ferrari World and Warner Bros World. Features family suites with brilliant bay views, kids' club with cinema room, splash pad pool area, and it's just a short walk to Yas Beach.

• 🏨 Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi - Proper family-friendly resort on a private beachfront with spacious rooms, multiple pools, and the brilliant Dine Around concept that lets you swap between different restaurants. Kids will love the beach activities while parents can indulge at the spa.

For Modern Luxury Seekers

• 🏨 Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi - Recently elevated with gorgeous suites offering everything from VIP amenities to butler service. Premium dining, stunning Arabian Gulf views, and a superb spa that's perfect for serious pampering sessions.

• 🏨 Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi - Beachfront Location and seriously luxurious. With a spa, a mini aqua park, a wave pool, a full timetable of outdoor activities, kids and teens clubs, and one restaurant for each day of the week. What more could you want?

Abu Dhabi Holidays 2026 / 2027 Travel Guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Abu Dhabi for families

From theme parks to family-friendly beaches, Abu Dhabi is a dream for all ages:

• Yas Island’s Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld keep kids and adults buzzing all day.

• Emirates Park Zoo – hand-feed giraffes, spot flamingos and learn about local wildlife.

• Corniche Beach – perfect for paddling, sandcastle-building and easy picnics.

❤️ Things to do in Abu Dhabi for couples

Romantic escapes are effortless here, with golden sunsets and boujee experiences around every corner:

• Sunset boat cruises along the Corniche for dreamy skyline views.

• Qasr Al Watan – explore the jaw-dropping presidential palace and gardens.

• Couples’ spa days at luxury resorts like Emirates Palace or Saadiyat Island.

• Waterfront dining at Byblos Sur Mer for authentic Lebanese cuisine with a view.

🥳 Things to do in Abu Dhabi for groups

Squad goals meet desert glamour – Abu Dhabi’s perfect for celebrations or cheeky long weekends:

• Ferrari World – ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster. Screaming optional (but likely).

• Desert safaris – dune bashing, camel rides and BBQ feasts under the stars.

• Saadiyat Beach Club – music, mocktails, and a sprinkle of VIP vibes.

• Rooftop bars with skyline views, like The Warehouse or Annex.

When's the Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi?

☀️ Peak Abu Dhabi Holiday Season (November – March)

The sweet spot for Abu Dhabi holidays. Temperatures hover between 20-28°C with barely a cloud in sight, making it brilliant for beach days, desert adventures, and exploring the city's outdoor attractions. This is when Abu Dhabi is at its liveliest too, with the Grand Prix, heritage festivals, and shopping events all packed into these months. It's peak season though, so prices are higher and popular hotels fill up fast — booking early is the way to go.

🌡️ Shoulder Season (October & April)

Still gorgeous at 28-35°C, with smaller crowds and noticeably better prices than the winter rush. October catches the tail end of summer deals, and April gives you long, warm days that are perfect for Yas Island theme parks and Saadiyat Island beach days without the peak-season price tag.

🔥 Summer (May – September)

Temperatures regularly hit 40°C+ and humidity is high — but Abu Dhabi is purpose-built for it. Hotels drop their prices significantly, and the city's incredible indoor attractions come into their own. Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Yas Waterworld, the Louvre, mega malls — you can fill entire days without breaking a sweat. Many all-inclusive resorts also ramp up their entertainment programmes over summer, so you get more for less.

Other places to visit nearby:

• 🌆 Dubai The UAE's most famous emirate is just 90 minutes up the coast. Skyscrapers, man-made islands, world-class shopping, and a beach scene that never stops — Dubai holidays are the perfect add-on or alternative if you want more buzz, more bling, and more nightlife.

• 🏔️ Ras Al Khaimah About two hours north of Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah swaps city glitz for desert mountains and quieter beaches. Think all-inclusive resorts, desert safaris, the world's longest zipline on Jebel Jais, and prices that are noticeably gentler than Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

• 🌊 Fujairah Over on the UAE's east coast (around 2.5 hours from Abu Dhabi), Fujairah is a completely different vibe — rugged mountains, coral-rich waters perfect for snorkelling and diving, and chilled beach resorts backed by the Hajar Mountains. One for nature lovers and couples looking for something quieter.

• 🏖️ Ajman The UAE's smallest emirate sits about 2 hours from Abu Dhabi and offers a laid-back beach scene with budget-friendly hotels. It's got a charming local feel, easy access to both Dubai and Sharjah, and a fraction of the crowds — great if you want a quieter base without straying too far from the action.