Abu Dhabi: Why You Need It on Your Travel List
Money cannot buy happiness. But it can buy a ticket to Abu Dhabi.
By Marcela Said
It was 2012. “We have to go to Abu Dhabi,” announced my best friend at the time. That one sentence was enough to change my life for good. One trip led to another, and another… until there were about ten. Ten journeys full of sun, adventure and great experiences that you can have too.
- ≈ 140 kmfrom Dubai
- 10trips of mine
- Oct – Aprbest time to go
The city
Land of the gazelle
Legend has it that today’s capital of the United Arab Emirates began on a small island where a gazelle led hunters of the Bani Yas tribe to fresh water. The year is said to be 1761, and the name Abu Dhabi still means “father of the gazelle”.
For years the city lived in the shadow of nearby Dubai. Tourists have found their way here by now, but at the time of my visits this metropolis was far calmer. It cannot be confirmed officially, yet according to my conversations with locals that was no accident. Each emirate is said to have its role in the federation: tourism went to Dubai, while Abu Dhabi contributes nothing less than oil.
Hard to say whether that is true. It makes sense. But it does not mean Abu Dhabi has nothing to offer a visitor. Quite the opposite.
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
How much do you want to be pampered?
When looking for somewhere to stay, you only need to ask yourself one question: how much do you want to be pampered and how much are you willing to pay for it. The city has dozens of luxury five-star hotels as well as more affordable places, in every part of town.
Food in Abu Dhabi
Every flavour in the world, 24 hours a day
Breakfast and brunchBecause breakfast makes the day
At home, locals keep breakfast simple, not unlike ours: bread, cheese, vegetables, eggs, coffee and tea. But when they go out for breakfast at a restaurant or hotel, expect an opulent feast that easily covers two meals of the day.
Eggcellent Cafe
Authentic diningTraditional flavours of Arabic cuisine
You can enjoy Arabic food at every turn: in restaurants, at street food stalls and at markets full of wonderful ingredients. And thanks to the mix of nationalities, you can compare its many shades.
Snacks and fast foodQuick finger food
Yes, the familiar fast food chains have made it here too. But if you like new flavours, it would be a shame not to try something local. You will find brands shaped by the cuisines of every nationality the Emirates have attracted.
SALT
Bars and restaurantsThe perks of a cosmopolitan city
You cannot buy alcohol in an ordinary supermarket. It is sold in licensed shops and served in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars, to those aged 21 and over. Still, you will not look long for a good restaurant or a place for a proper night out.
Hidden Bar, Rosewood
Luxury cravingsFine dining for the most demanding
It would not be the Emirates without ultra-luxurious venues serving the trendiest dishes, the most expensive ingredients and renowned chefs, often with Michelin stars to their name.
Fouquet’s, Louvre Abu Dhabi
Because treating yourself makes sense
Let’s go shopping
Marina Mall
A paradise for shopaholics spread over 122,000 square metres. Brands include Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Hugo Boss, Chanel, Gucci and Prada.
The Galleria
An ultra-luxury mall on Al Maryah Island, right by the equally luxurious Rosewood hotel. Jimmy Choo, Mulberry, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and many more.
Al Ain Mall
It is in the city of Al Ain, about 150 kilometres from Abu Dhabi, so it works best as a stop on a day trip. Besides hundreds of shops it has bowling and a real ice rink. Skates on.
Other big malls in the city: Yas Mall on Yas Island and Reem Mall on Reem Island.
The typical souvenir from the Emirates is not a fridge magnet but a scent: oud chips, perfume oil or dukhoon for the incense burner. Our story on how to find your way around them: Love at First Scent.
Activity list
Ten experiences for your list
The top attractions you should not miss in Abu Dhabi. Mark the ones you want to see.
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Entry AED 10 · dailySheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A must. A breathtaking building that represents Arab tradition and luxury worthy of a capital. It is younger than it looks: it opened in December 2007. You can visit every day, with a midday break on Fridays. Since September 2026 there has been a small entry fee, and it is worth booking online. Clothing must be long and loose, and women cover their hair.
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EUR 70–100 · 6 to 7 hoursA 4×4 adventure in the dunes
Locals love taking powerful off-roaders into the desert too. For tourists the experience comes with traditional coffee and tea, meeting camels and photos in Arab dress.
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Mina Market · Qaryat Al BeriA traditional Arab souk
It would not be a visit to Abu Dhabi without a traditional market. In the city itself you will find Mina Market at the port, The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, the gold souk at Madinat Zayed and the modern souk at the World Trade Center. For Souq Al Zafarana you need to go all the way to Al Ain.
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Al Qana · about EUR 25–30The National Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the region, with the longest underwater tunnel in the Middle East. Ten themed zones, more than 300 species and over 46,000 animals. Allow at least two hours.
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Al Ain · 160 kmThe drive up Jebel Hafeet
If you are staying longer and can travel, head for Jebel Hafeet. The 1,249-metre mountain sits on the border with Oman and offers a stunning view and a memorable drive up a road with 60 bends. Wealthy locals love it too, so meeting some very special cars is nothing unusual.
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Saadiyat · AED 70Louvre Abu Dhabi
If you think the Louvre is in Paris, you are right. But only partly. Since 2017 it has also stood here, under Jean Nouvel’s dome, showing art from antiquity to the present. There is a children’s museum too. Entry is free for under-18s.
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8 km · freeA walk along the Corniche
A sunset, a sea view or a public beach. You will find it all on this eight-kilometre, beautifully kept waterfront with paths for walkers and cyclists. You can hire a bike, and there are playgrounds and plenty of benches.
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about AED 65Qasr Al Watan presidential palace
An architectural gem that has been open to the public since March 2019. The majestic building impresses with its size and luxury: white marble and gold at every step, a vast courtyard and gardens.
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Yas IslandFerrari World
Unmissable for speed lovers. The Formula Rossa roller coaster fires you from zero to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds and was the fastest in the world until 2025. Around it you will find some 40 other attractions.
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Yas IslandYas Waterworld
A water park the size of 15 football pitches. After expansions in 2025 and 2026 it has more than 70 slides and attractions, so there is no shortage of fun.
A lot has opened since my trips: SeaWorld on Yas Island (2023), the digital art museum teamLab Phenomena (2025), and on Saadiyat Island the Natural History Museum and the Zayed National Museum (both late 2025).
Good to know
Questions and answers
Is Abu Dhabi or Dubai better for a stay?
There is no single answer; it depends on what you expect. If you are after unbridled fun and partying until dawn, go to Dubai. If you prefer a calmer, more sophisticated atmosphere and luxury, go to Abu Dhabi.
How do you get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
The cities are about 130 to 140 kilometres apart, around an hour and a half by car. The E100 or E101 bus costs AED 25 (about EUR 6) and takes just under two hours. A taxi costs roughly ten times as much but takes you anywhere. New since late September 2026 is the Etihad Rail train, which links the two emirates in about an hour, from AED 39. The stations are outside the city centres, though.
What are the entry requirements?
EU citizens, including Slovaks and Czechs, need only a passport and no visa. You can stay 90 days within any 180 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, otherwise the airline may refuse boarding. Overstaying is fined. Other nationalities should check their own rules.
When is the best time to go?
October to April, ideally November to February, when daytime temperatures are around 20 to 30 °C. From May to September it is very hot and humid, regularly above 40 °C. During Ramadan visitors are not expected to fast, but eating and drinking in public during the day is considered disrespectful and attractions change their opening hours.
How can you save money?
Since November 2025, every international arrival at Zayed International Airport gets a free SIM card with 10 GB of data for the first 24 hours. If you stay longer or plan to return, top it up or buy a local tourist SIM. It is handy for bookings and for keeping in touch with friends who live in the Emirates.
So, when are you flying?