Corniche & Al Bateen
expensivePalm-lined waterfront with cycling tracks, public beaches, and upscale apartments
Best for families, joggers, sunsets
GoFarGuide.org
UAE capital with Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre museum, luxury hotels, and desert landscapes.
Hot desert climate with blazing summers, mild winters, and humid evenings along the gulf
Jan
24° / 13° 12 mmFeb
25° / 14° 18 mmMar
29° / 17° 15 mmApr
34° / 21° 7 mmMay
39° / 25° 1 mmJun
41° / 28° 0 mmJul
42° / 30° 0 mmAug
43° / 31° 0 mmSep
40° / 29° 0 mmOct
36° / 24° 1 mmNov
31° / 20° 3 mmDec
26° / 16° 10 mmAbu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · 30 km east of city center
Bus A1 (45-60 min, AED 4 (~$1.10)) · Taxi (25-35 min, AED 60-80 (~$16-22)) · Uber/Careem (25-35 min, AED 50-70 (~$14-19))
Bus
No metro - bus system only · Not very walkable - city spread out · Taxis/ride-sharing recommended · Air-conditioned bus stops in summer
low
Arabic. English very widely spoken
UAE Dirham (AED)
Islamic values with modern outlook · Extremely wealthy and luxurious · Mix of Emirati and expat cultures · Friday is holy day · Ramadan widely observed
Right hand for greetings and eating · Remove shoes when entering mosques · Don't eat/drink in public during Ramadan · Men and women may not shake hands · Public displays of affection forbidden
Free 90-day visa on arrival for US/UK/Canada/Australia/EU
220V, 50Hz · G
Excellent modern healthcare. Very expensive. Travel insurance essential.
VERY SAFE · Extremely safe, very low crime · Strict laws - be aware · Public intoxication illegal · Drug laws extremely strict - zero tolerance · Dress code enforced in public · Photography restrictions at government buildings · Safe for solo female travelers if modestly dressed
Police 999 · Ambulance 998
Palm-lined waterfront with cycling tracks, public beaches, and upscale apartments
Best for families, joggers, sunsets
Cultural hub with Louvre Abu Dhabi, white-sand beaches, and luxury resorts
Best for culture, luxury stays, quiet beaches
Theme parks, Formula 1 circuit, malls, and hotels built for families and adrenaline seekers
Best for theme parks, families, events
Financial district anchored by The Galleria mall, world-class hospitals, and business hotels
Best for business travel, fine dining, shopping
Older downtown pocket near the port with budget hotels, shisha cafés, and souks
Best for budget stays, street food, night markets
Heritage town 90 minutes inland with palm oases, forts, and desert resorts
Best for culture trips, road trips, desert escapes
Elegant waterfront spot combining Lebanese mezze with elevated seafood.
Must-try: Sayadieh rice, Eggplant fatteh, Baklava
Retro 1960s décor and traditional Emirati stews, grills, and desserts.
Must-try: Machboos, Harees, Luqaimat
St. Regis fine-dining venue focusing on Tuscan classics and handmade pasta.
Must-try: Bistecca fiorentina, Truffle risotto, Tiramisu
Glowing latticed interiors and DJ-backed evenings inside Emirates Palace.
Must-try: Dim sum platter, Peking duck, Crispy lotus chips
Casual favorite for huge portions of mandi rice, lamb, and mezze.
Must-try: Lamb mandi, Chicken madhbi, Karak tea
Design-forward café serving sourdough pizzas, shakshuka, and specialty coffee.
Must-try: Wood-fired burrata pizza, Short rib pita, Basque cheesecake
From Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Louvre Abu Dhabi and sunset dhow cruises
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque guided tour · Qasr Al Watan palace visit
Mix high culture, desert eco-adventures, and Yas Island thrills over a long weekend
Manarat Al Saadiyat exhibitions · Louvre Abu Dhabi deep dive
Ferrari World or Warner Bros. World · Lunch at Yas Mall food hall
Road trip to Al Ain Oasis · Al Jahili Fort + Al Ain Palace Museum
Blend Abu Dhabi’s cultural core with desert resorts, Sir Bani Yas wildlife drives, and island hopping
Check-in at Qasr Al Sarab shuttle / city hotel · Coffee at Observation Deck at 300
Transfer to Qasr Al Sarab desert resort · Camel trek + sandboarding
Seaplane or ferry to Sir Bani Yas Island · 4x4 wildlife drive
Return flight/ferry to Abu Dhabi · Check-in at Yas or Saadiyat resort
Mangrove morning SUP or kayak · Brunch at Graphos Social Kitchen
150 km southeast · Full day (10 hours)
UNESCO oasis paths, camel souks, and the switchback road up Jebel Hafeet for sunset views
340 km southwest + ferry · Full day or overnight
Nature reserve island packed with Arabian wildlife, mangroves, and luxury resorts
140 km northeast · Full day (12 hours)
Hop to Dubai for Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, souks, and desert shows without changing hotels
230 km southwest · Full day (11 hours)
Journey to the edge of the Empty Quarter for towering dunes, forts, and date farms
300 km north · Full day (12 hours)
See a quieter side of the UAE with traditional dhow yards, mangrove kayaking, and Ajman Museum