Visit Abu Dhabi with nothing but beaches and sunshine on your mind, and you won’t be disappointed. But you might struggle to find time to laze on the sand in such a cultured and interesting place.

For a spot of culture, visit Louvre Abu Dhabi and spend some time in the imposing Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – it’s one of the largest in the world. Looking for adrenaline thrills? Head to Yas Island to hit the rollercoasters of Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, splash about at Yas Waterworld, and zoom around Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Or go on a wildlife safari on Sir Bani Yas Island – one of the UAE’s great sustainable success stories.

For the best urban overview, climb aboard Marina Eye and soar over the Corniche. Or see Abu Dhabi from another angle on a cruise from Emirates Palace Marina – the iconic skyline looks even more astonishing from the ocean.

Urban Abu Dhabi is glossy, new and endlessly entertaining. But if you want to discover the Emirate’s ancient heritage, head out of the city and into the desert. Even driving there’s an experience in itself, when it includes snaking up the mountain road in a 4x4. You could take a tour of the 5,000-year-old Jebel Hafeet Tombs or explore Al Ain. It’s the oldest, continuously inhabited settlement on Earth and the UAE’s only World Heritage site – and it’s just two hours’ drive from Downtown Abu Dhabi.

For another unique ‘only in Abu Dhabi’ experience, go west to Al Gharbia, where enormous Rub Al Khali meets the Arabian Gulf, and sensational desert views are paired with pristine beaches. While you’re here, make time for the Liwa Oasis and its magnificent plantation. If you have a few more hours to spare, Al Gharbia’s also great for dune walking and camel trekking. 

Abu Dhabi’s less than a seven-hour flight from the UK, which is just one of the reasons why it’s perfect for year-round holidays. To find the other reasons, you only need to look at the Emirate’s Arabian Gulf beaches. Naturally, just about every luxury resort comes with its own stretch of flawless, manicured sand, although beaches like Blue Flag Al Bateen to the west of the city are so peaceful and pretty they could easily pass for private sands.

One must-visit beach in Abu Dhabi is the enormous Corniche Beach. Just minutes from Downtown Abu Dhabi, this place is loved for its boardwalks, waterfront restaurants and the Marina Eye Ferris Wheel. Or you could choose Yas Beach for glamorous cabanas, where cool drinks are delivered to your sun lounger. Alternatively, there’s eco-friendly Saadiyat – the iconic island beach that’s almost as famous for nesting Hawksbill Turtles as its soft sands and clear seas.   

Since Abu Dhabi’s surrounded by desert, you can expect blue skies and sunshine year-round. It hardly ever rains here, temperatures are always toasty, and the Arabian Gulf is warm and swimmable throughout the year.

Abu Dhabi is at its hottest from May to October, when daytime temperatures can rise to 42°C. The nights aren’t much cooler, and even acclimatised locals tend to spend a lot of time inside, close to the air-conditioning.

Between November and April, the heat is less intense – so winter and spring are by far the best seasons for a holiday to Abu Dhabi. The weather’s perfect for the beach with average temperatures of 30°C and plenty of sun – but it’s still cool enough for desert adventures and island-hopping.

Before you book, just remember to check when Ramadan falls, as opening times for restaurants and attractions may be different during this holy month.