United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi Holidays

Get inspiration

Best time to go

Have a holiday in Abu Dhabi between November and April for perfect beach weather

Top attractions

Make sure you visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island

Activities

Visit Abu Dhabi for desert adventures, island-hopping, watersports and shopping

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Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi? Doddle.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and its largest Emirate by far. This is where the vast sands of Rub Al Khali meet Arabian Gulf beaches, and glittering skyscrapers contrast with the oldest settlement on Earth. A holiday to Abu Dhabi gives your awesome theme parks, incredible museums, desert activities and ancient traditions. It’s also laidback and more than a little cool, and is home to any world-famous restaurant or luxury resort you care to name.

You could easily spend your entire holiday exploring Abu Dhabi city. It might be just over 50 years old, but it more than makes up for a lack of historic districts with its instantly recognisable skyline. This metropolis boasts astonishing architecture, acres of glossy shopping malls and colourful souks, as well as some of Abu Dhabi’s loveliest beaches. And there’s a whole island dedicated solely to theme parks and entertainment.

When you want heritage, head up into the hills and explore unimaginably ancient Al Ain in the Hajar Mountains. Then travel west to Al Gharbia and walk the dunes of Rub Al Khali – the largest unbroken sand landscape on the planet. Cool down with a visit to romantic Liwa Oasis, or go full nomad and have dinner under the desert sky at a traditional Bedouin camp.

You can enjoy an Abu Dhabi getaway anytime. Blue sky and sunshine are constants here, and you can swim in the Arabian Gulf throughout the year. It’s a great choice for family holidays, too, as flights from the UK take less than seven hours – considerably easier on kids than long-haul travel. Or, if you’re a committed adventurer, warm and sunny weather between November and April means this is the perfect time for an activity holiday in Dubai.

Things to do

Days out

Beaches

Best time to go

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

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.

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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.

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Days out in Abu Dhabi

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.

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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.

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Beaches in Abu Dhabi

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.

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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.

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Best time to visit Abu Dhabi

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.

Show Less

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.

Show Less

Things to do

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

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.

Show Less

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.

Show Less

Days out

Days out in Abu Dhabi

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.

Show Less

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.

Show Less

Beaches

Beaches in Abu Dhabi

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.

Show Less

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.

Show Less

Best time to go

Best time to visit Abu Dhabi

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.

Show Less

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.

Show Less

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We recommend

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Not only is this one of the world’s biggest mosques, it’s also home to the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world.

We recommend

Abu Dhabi Corniche

This long and lively city beach district is the place to come for spectacular views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline, scenic boardwalks, and flawless sands.

We recommend

Yas Island

Abu Dhabi’s entertainment island is where you’ll find theme parks like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, as well as Yas Waterworld.

We recommend

Louvre Abu Dhabi

This iconic museum is the first Louvre outside France. Discover major European and international works in a spectacular setting, at the heart of Saadiyat Island.

We recommend

Al-Ain

Set in the Hajar Mountains, ancient Al Ain is Abu Dhabi’s second-largest city, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UAE, and Earth’s oldest, continuously inhabited settlement.

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Itineraries

Hotels

How to do Abu Dhabi

Ready to discover the UAE’s capital? Let our experts tailor your holiday to Abu Dhabi

Multi-centre

Beach

Culture

Abu Dhabi & Mauritius

From £1429pp

Includes return flights

The phrase ‘opposites attract’ has never been more apt for a multi - centre holiday to Abu Dhabi and Mauritius.

Multi-centre

City

Culture

Abu Dhabi & Maldives

From £2159pp

Includes return flights & seaplane transfers in Maldives

Why go to one destination when you could see two? A multi-centre holiday makes it easier than ever to see more of the world, and Abu Dhabi and the Maldives is one of our favourite combinations.

Multi-centre

Beach

Culture

Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Includes return flights

Visit two glittering desert cities on this exciting multi-centre holiday, as you discover glamorous Dubai and the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi.

Luxury

Family

Beach

Fairmont Bab al Bahr 5

From £699pp

Save up to £850 per couple. 5 nights half board including direct Etihad flights

Abu Dhabi is well known for its opulent hotels and grand buildings, but the most famous structure is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – a beautiful and grand addition to the skyline.

Luxury

Boutique

Culture

Andaz Capital Gate, by Hyatt 5

From £919pp

5 nights half board. Includes direct return flights

Andaz Capital Gate, by Hyatt is located within one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic buildings, the “Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi”.

City

Adventure

Couples

W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island 5

From £737pp

5 nights half board. Includes direct return flights

W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island overlooks the exclusive Yas Marina, where many of the UAE’s most wealthy residents choose to moor their superyachtsi. Craving sun, sea and sand? W Abu Dhabi is just a 20-minute walk from Yas Beach, where you can stretch out on the sands.

Family

Beach

Multi-centre

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort 5

From £929pp

5 nights half board including direct Etihad Airways flights

Striking architecture and the picturesque natural world intertwine at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort.

Family

Beach

All inclusive

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island 5

From £939pp

5 nights | All Inclusive | Includes direct Etihad Airways flights | Flexible booking options available*

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is located just steps from the sands of Saadiyat Beach, but you won’t have to fight for a good spot during a stay here.

Couples

Luxury

Boutique

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Hotel 5

From £1349pp

5 nights half board. Includes direct return flights

Experience Abu Dhabi’s desert in style when you stay at Al Wathba a Luxury Collection Hotel. Its whitewashed buildings sit at the edge of Al Wathba’s rolling dunes, making it the perfect base to explore the sands from.

Luxury

Couples

Unique

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villas 5

Call to book

Just a short boat ride from mainland Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island is an unspoilt nature reserve floating in the Arabian Gulf.

Family

Luxury

Beach

Emirates Palace 5

Call to book

You won’t find many places more opulent than Emirates Palace.

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Our tailor-made packages make it easy for you to discover more of the world.

Value

Whether you're looking for luxury or simplicity, we've got the perfect holiday for you.

Trust

Travelbag is fully protected by ATOL and ABTA, so your booking is completely secure.

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