Abu Dhabi is a stunning city with options to travel and discover more throughout this large emirate. It is surprisingly green, full of palm trees, beautiful flowers and generally beautifully landscaped wherever you go. The scenery is breath-taking, considered a top tourist destination, with beautiful sandy beaches and so many different entertainment options for young and old.
Abu Dhabi is considered very open minded and cosmopolitan compared to other parts of the Middle East. The climate is quite comfortable, with temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius from October through March, and in the summer, the weather reaches an average temperature of between 40+ degrees Celsius. As a very open minded city, one can consume alcohol in bars, restaurants, and hotels and there is a lively expat nightlife scene where you can expect to meet foreigners from all over the world working in a whole variety of industries, not just in education.
Location Info
- International expat-friendly environment and tax-free salary
- Safe for solo travellers
- Taxis, driving your own car, and a well-developed, cheap public bus system
Top Experiences
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world's largest mosques, this gleaming white-marble masterpiece holds more than 40,000 worshippers beneath 82 domes, and rolls out the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. Entry is free — just dress modestly and arrive for golden hour.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Jean Nouvel's museum on Saadiyat Island sits under a vast latticed dome that scatters sunlight into a shimmering "rain of light." It's as much a feat of architecture as it is a world-class gallery.
Yas Island
Adrenaline central. Ride Formula Rossa at Ferrari World — the world's fastest roller coaster, hitting 240km/h — then cool off at Yas Waterworld, or catch the season-closing Formula 1 Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit.
Qasr Al Watan
Step inside the working Presidential Palace, an opulent showcase of Arabian craftsmanship with soaring domes, hand-painted detail and dazzling crystal chandeliers in its Great Hall.
The Corniche
An 8km palm-lined waterfront with a Blue Flag beach, cycle paths and skyline views — the city's favourite spot for an evening stroll, a swim or a sunset coffee.
Liwa & the Empty Quarter
Drive a couple of hours south to the edge of the Rub' al Khali, the largest sand desert on Earth, where dunes such as Moreeb rise over 300m. Camp under the stars or try a dune-bashing safari.
Getting Around
Abu Dhabi is spread out, so most expats drive — but you don't have to. Taxis are plentiful, metered and cheap, ride-hailing apps (Careem and Uber) are everywhere, and an extensive air-conditioned public bus network costs just a couple of dirhams a journey. There's no metro yet, though the city is flat, modern and easy to navigate.
When to Go
November to March is prime time, with warm, sunny days around 25°C — perfect for the beach, the desert and the city's packed festival calendar. Summers (June to September) are intense, regularly topping 45°C, so life moves indoors to the malls, beach clubs and air-conditioned everything.
Good to Know
- The UAE dirham (AED) is pegged to the US dollar, so prices stay stable and predictable.
- Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken almost everywhere.
- The weekend is Saturday and Sunday, and the city runs on GMT+4.
- Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants.
- Dress is relaxed but modest in public, and covering up is required at mosques and government buildings.
- Abu Dhabi consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world.
