In February 2023, on my way back from Mahé, Seychelles, I decided to stop over in Abu Dhabi via Dubai for 48 hours. I flew with Emirates on my way there and back. As I had visited Dubai before, I wanted to explore more of what the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had to offer. Those 48 hours in Abu Dhabi solidified my journey to explore all seven Emirate states.
Abu Dhabi is the largest of all the seven Emirate states and is the capital city of the UAE. It is a city where ancient heritage and modern marvels converge. A city where endless sunshine meets vibrant culture and enriching experiences. From its skyline towers, white-marble domes, crystal chandeliers, Persian carpets, stunning shorelines, pristine beaches and renowned theme parks, there is something for everyone.
For anyone who is planning a trip to Abu Dhabi or considering it as a possible destination, here is a travel guide to help you plan your trip there and make the most of it.
Check Out Instagram Video Content On Abu Dhabi
Disclaimer: This post does include some affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I have personally vetted.
About Abu Dhabi, UAE
Usually when people think about the UAE, Dubai is often the first thought that comes to mind. It is a well-known westernised and popular destination for tourists and travellers alike. However, while that does play a part in its association, Abu Dhabi offers you a complete 360 perspective that is embedded in traditional vibrant culture. The UAE is a country made up of seven Emirates states located in West Asia, in the Middle East at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. To the east, it shares its land borders with Oman and to the southwest, with Saudi Arabia. Abu Dhabi is known for its traditional heritage sites to the modern marvels of their skylines. In short, what makes this city so unique is its architecture as it takes your eyes through a journey of time.
The Best Time To Go To Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is an all-year round destination thanks to its diverse experiences. However, it does have two distinct seasons: winter and summer. It does not experience traditional monsoon season like most regions. Winter season runs from November to March, with occasional rainfall in November to February. Summer season runs from late May to September, with August being the hottest month bringing lots of heat and humidity. I went during the winter season in February 2023 and the average temperatures were between 26 to 30°C. It did not rain at all for the two days that I was there. It was very sunny and moderately humid, but comfortable enough to do outdoor excursions.
Getting To Abu Dhabi
I flew from Mahé, Seychelles to Geneva, Switzerland via Emirates and used their stopover programme in Dubai for two days. It is an hour drive to Abu Dhabi from Dubai. The airport that you want to get it to is Dubai International Airport (DXB). There is another airport, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) so double check which one you are flying into. My flight was really good. I took an overnight flight and arrived in Dubai first thing in the morning. Make sure to search for your flights early to catch a good deal. November to March is considered high season so the earlier you book it the better. Also take advantage of the stopover programme that the airline offers to have two trips booked in one.
Some of my favourite flight tracker sites are: Sky Scanner, Hopper and Google Flights.
If I had planned to visit beforehand, I most likely would have flown via Etihad Airways and used their stopover programme in Abu Dhabi. The airport that you want is Zayed International Airport (AUH). It is their only international airport so you cannot miss it.
Regarding travel entry restrictions, as of November 2024, (check the official website for up-to-date information), for the UAE you may be able to get a 30 day or 90 day visa on arrival depending on the passport that you hold. However, you do need to have at least 6 months validity on your passport in order to gain entry into the country. I would highly recommend checking this before booking your flight.
Where I Stayed in Dubai
There are a lot of good options in Dubai. There are luxury five star hotels, boutique hotels, skyscraper hotels and beachfront resorts. In addition, there are also desert retreats, floating hotels, traditional riads, serviced apartments – there is accommodation for any budget.
As I flew into Dubai, I used that as my home base to travel to Abu Dhabi. During my stay, I opted for a Sonder located in Business Bay. I had a great stay as it reminded me of a boutique hotel, due to the intimacy with an apartment look. My room came with a kitchenette, one full bathroom, a guest bathroom, a living room and a master bedroom with a walk-in office space. In addition, they do have a cafeteria of sorts with multiple restaurants on site. I recommend staying here if you want a luxurious, cozy, and affordable getaway that is puts you central to everything in the city. Rates were around $125 per night.
There are other places you can stay at in Dubai such as The Oberoi Dubai and a popular choice: The FIVE Palm Jumeriah Hotel.
What To Do In Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is more traditional than its popular counterpart – even though the high-end things are entertaining. If you are looking for rich, ancient and cultural heritage experiences, high-end luxury adventure, Abu Dhabi is the city for you. Here are my top activity recommendations to do:
1) Visit the Qasr Al Watan Palace, the Etihad Towers and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Exploring some of the most popular landmarks in a city is one of my favourite ways to learn more about the history, the people and the area. While you are visiting the Etihad Towers, make sure to stop over for some leisure dining and shopping. This was such a lovely experience to kickstart my short stay as I was able to visit multiple places in one day. You can book this experience here.
2) Book a desert safari with a BBQ, Camel Ride & Sand boarding
Booking a desert safari is something that you cannot miss out on! It’s a great way to capture your memories, enjoy other outdoor excursions outside of the typical attractions. There is an option to go on a morning or evening safari – especially if you are not a morning person. You can find more information about this here.
3) Explore one of the islands in Abu Dhabi
Did you know that Abu Dhabi has islands? Over 200 islands to be exact. Not all of them are accessible to visitors but many of them are. Each island offers something different whether that is wildlife, thrill seeking adventures in theme parks, art and conservation or wellness. I didn’t get an opportunity to visit any of the islands but would love to when I plan a longer stay there or visit another Emirate state.
Where To Eat
Abu Dhabi cuisine is just as vibrant as its attractions. Emirati cuisine is a unique blend of Arabic, Indian, Persian and Mediterranean influences. That is a celebration of flavours, succulent meats and fragrant spices with simple, hearty ingredients from its nomadic Bedouin lifestyle. As most countries, it does offer multinational dishes. It is no secret that I love food and whenever I travel, I make it a priority to eat like the locals do. That means trying dishes that are native to the land. I didn’t have a favourite restaurant but I made sure to select Emirati cuisine wherever I went.
What To Wear
Abu Dhabi is relatively humid all year round and exceptionally hot during the summer season. One thing that you should take in consideration when packing is that the UAE is a Muslim country that follows Sharia law and all residents and tourists are required to dress modestly. Resorts are more open to allowing tourists to dress as they want. My number one rule is to obey the laws and follow the local culture. I recommend wearing dresses that cover your knees and shoulders. If you have dresses that don’t cover your shoulders, bring a shawl or scarf.
When visiting the mosque, you need to be completely covered from head to toe. If you are going with a guided tour, your tour guide will bring abayas. There are stalls before the entrance that sell them if would like to purchase your own.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had a great 48 hours in Abu Dhabi. I didn’t plan to come to the UAE anytime soon but decided to stopover to visit a friend and didn’t want to waste my opportunity. This trip really solidified my interest in visiting the other Emirate states as I hadn’t heard about them until a few years ago. It is a great travel destination for a short stay or long stay solo trip. Add in the visit to the various islands and the desert safari, you will take your experience to another level! If usually visit Dubai, give that a break and visit Abu Dhabi for a change.
I hope this travel guide has convinced you to add Abu Dhabi to your travel list. Thank you for reading and share this with a friend that might be interested in visiting. Check out all of my other travel guides as you plan your holidays for the upcoming year. Make sure to hit that subscribe button to join the community and never miss out on a post. Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok for more powerlifting and wellness content.
Until next time
Folakemi
Discover more from Confidence Through Fitness
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
