Abu Dhabi is the largest city and also the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Abu Dhabi is likened to a shining pearl in the vast desert of Western Asia. Located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi also has a very developed economy and is an attractive tourist destination for international tourists, especially the upper class. If you are planning a trip to visit Abu Dhabi, let’s refer to some Abu Dhabi travel experiences below! So, is Abu Dhabi worth visiting, what to do in Abu Dhabi and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Abu Dhabi for the first-time? Let’s check out our Abu Dhabi travel blog (Abu Dhabi blog) with the fullest Abu Dhabi travel guide (Abu Dhabi city guide, Abu Dhabi guide, Abu Dhabi tourist guide) from how to get Abu Dhabi, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do in Abu Dhabi to find out the answer!

Located in the northeast of the Persian Gulf, in the Arabian peninsula, Abu Dhabi is like a shining jewel in the vast desert of Western Asia. | abu dhabi travel blog
Riding camel on the desert | abu dhabi travel blog
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Abu Dhabi along with Dubai are the two richest and most luxurious emirates among the seven emirates of the UAE, and are also two of the most attractive cities in the Middle East today. Dubai is famous for its luxury services, but Abu Dhabi is the place to bring visitors more wonderful travel, culinary and cultural experiences.

Abu Dhabi travel blog: Overview of Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates (UAE) political map with its capital of Abu Dhabi and its important cities. | abu dhabi travel blog

The city of Abu Dhabi is located in the northeast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian peninsula. It is located on an island less than 250m from the mainland and is connected to the mainland by two bridges, Al Maqta’a and Mussafah. Abu Dhabi is considered the largest, most populous and prosperous emirate of the 7 United Arab Emirates, including deserts, coastlines and modern cities. Financially, Abu Dhabi is stronger than Dubai because it has more oil. Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest oil producer, accounting for more than 9% of the world’s oil reserves.

Abu Dhabi, also known as Abū Ẓaby, located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, is the capital and second most populous city of the United Arab Emirates after Dubai.
sheikh zayed mosque dubai (1)
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Abu Dhabi has a population of about 1.5 million, covering an area of 972 km² and is currently the second most populous city in the UAE. Economically, Abu Dhabi is richer and more prosperous than Dubai because this emirate possesses a huge oil reserves. It is estimated that Abu Dhabi’s oil reserves account for 9% of the world’s oil reserves. Not only that, Abu Dhabi is also home to the headquarters of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates, which is also the residence of the President of the UAE.

Abu Dhabi is also considered one of the safest cities around the world with the crime rate is very low. So, you can rest assured to travel here regardless of day or night. | abu dhabi travel blog
sheikh zayed mosque dubai (1)
Home to great mosques | abu dhabi travel blog

Abu Dhabi owns great and super cultural architectures that gives this emirate its own impressive features that stand out from the countries in the Arabian Gulf. Those are cultural architectures that include Islamic culture mixed with modern architecture. Abu Dhabi is also chosen as a relaxing destination for many stars in the world. It can be said that this is the most attractive tourist destination in the Middle East.

Like Dubai, Abu Dhani welcomes a huge number of tourists every year. This is home to the most luxurious and world-class hotels, architectural works that make the world admire and a very unique culture. | abu dhabi travel blog

Abu Dhabi travel guide: When is the good time to visit?

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Abu Dhabi has a hot desert climate, so it is always hot all year round. From June to September the weather is very hot and humid with an average temperature of over 38°C. This is also the time when there are frequent sandstorms in Abu Dhabi, visibility can be reduced to a few meters. August is the hottest month of the year.

You should not come in May to October because this is the time when the temperature in Abu Dhabi is quite high, around 40 degrees Celsius.

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From November to March, the temperature in Abu Dhabi starts to decrease, the weather is more pleasant and cooler. This period also sees heavy fog on some days and a few rainy days. This is also the best time to travel to Abu Dhabi because the temperature is not too high and many festivals are held along with many great outdoor activities.

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Abu Dhabi guide: How to get to Abu Dhabi?

From Vietnam

The most popular means of transport for you to getting from Vietnam to Abu Dhabi is by plane. At three major airports in Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City, there are daily flights take visitors to Adu Dhabi. You should choose to fly with Vietnam Airlines or Etihad Airways and do not forget to book flight tickets about 1 to 2 months in advance to save costs.

To saving more costs as well as find the suitable flight routes based on your departure point you can access Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kayak to hunt.

Abu Dhabi Airport | abu dhabi blog

Abu Dhabi International Airport is located around 37 km to the downtown. The traveling time by car to the center is around 24 minutes. Taking a taxi can cost you around €19 (80 AED) with traveling time is about 20 to 24 minutes.

Another option to get to the center is by bus by taking A1 bus route, which operates 24/7 and taking you to the City Air Terminal (bus station) in Abu Dhabi centre. The ride takes around 45 minutes and costs €1 (4 AED). The A1 bus line available and runs through Terminals 1, 2 & 3. See detailed route here.

In addition, you can also rent a private transfer service via Klook.

From Dubai

Abi Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates consisting of seven emirates. So from any emirate, you can get there quite easily, especially from Dubai.

  • Cheapest way: By bus. From Ibn Battuta Bus Station take a bus to Abu Dhabi. Buses start at 5am and run every 15 minutes until midnight. The ride takes 1 hour 40 minutes to Abu Dhabi Central Station. This journey is low priced, the bus is new and comfortable.
  • Fastest way: By taxi, it will take you about 1 hour 10 minutes.

Abu Dhabi city guide: Getting around Abu Dhabi

There is a good public transport in the city, and there are hardly any major traffic jams even during rush hours. Modern bus transportation is available at all major locations for 24 hours. Another cheaper option to explore the city is to take a taxi or rent a car, which are conveniently located around the city.

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  • Bus: Comfortable, the fare is quite soft, only USD 1.5, the fastest speed in the world, with stops at all famous tourist spots.
  • Metro: With fare only 0.5 USD to 1.75 USD depending on the distance traveled. Comfort and fastest running speed in the world.
  • Rent a car: In Abu Dhabi to rent a car to explore tourist attractions is very easy. However, with just a little carelessness you can be rented at a ‘too expensive’ price.
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Abu Dhabi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Abu Dhabi blog: Where to go, what to do in Abu Dhabi, top things to do in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street، – 5th St – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 9AM–10PM/Friday: 9AM–12PM, 3–10PM

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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | abu dhabi blog

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is dubbed the “precious diamond” of Abu Dhabi in particular and the UAE in general. This is the largest mosque in the Middle East with a capacity of 40,000 worshipers. It was built from 100,000 tons of marble over the course of 10 years and completed in 2007. The interior of the mosque is decorated with gold, with Swarovski crystal magnificent chandeliers. Sunset is one of the best times to admire the splendor and majestic of the mosque. Visitors are allowed to visit here except during prayer time.

sheikh zayed mosque dubai (1)
Magnificent Mosque | abu dhabi blog
sheikh zayed mosque dubai (1)
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sheikh zayed mosque dubai (1)
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The grand mosque is also a buried place of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE.

The dress code is really strict for women: you must wear loose, ankle-length pants or skirts that cover your arms. If you don’t dress properly, you need to wear an abaya which I personally don’t mind at all. You can choose from three different colors: blue, red or beige.

| is abu dhabi worth visiting
| is abu dhabi worth visiting
| is abu dhabi worth visiting
sheikh zayed mosque dubai (1)
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Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque Half Day Tour from Dubai

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Address: Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 10AM–6:30PM/Monday: Closed

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Even if you don’t like to go to museums, you should definitely visit the impressive  Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum on Saadiyat Island, just a 10-minute drive from the center of  Abu Dhabi City. Opened in 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first museum of its kind to open outside of France. Formed from a partnership with France, this landmark arts and culture destination showcases classical masterpieces and contemporary Arab art along with highlights of the rich heritage of the Middle East. Designed by famous French architect Jean Nouvel, the futuristic building seems to float on water.

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The architecture of Louvre Abu Dhabi is breathtakingly beautiful, combining the curves of the dome and the straight lines of the interior walls, brings lightness and elegance, this is a work of art according to its true meaning. In addition, the exhibits are arranged very differently from the usual, very beautiful and worth seeing.

Consisting of 55 detached structures, the gallery is a center of modern art, with smooth, white, Cubist dry stone walls shaped from sand. There’s even a marina for private yachts to dock with. | abu dhabi travel guide
| abu dhabi travel guide

Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket

The building itself is already a masterpiece, the metal roof looks almost like a cosmic dome! Natural light penetrates the mesh and creates a beautiful illusion inside. The collections here are impressive and cover civilizations around the world, from ancient times to the present day. The museum also features works by Monet, da Vinci and Van Gogh.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Address: Yas Island – Yas Leisure Dr – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 11AM–8PM

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest indoor theme park located on Yas beach, between the coasts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Coming here, you will be immersed in an area of ​​200,000 m2 with a series of games associated with racing cars. This is also the ideal destination to experience the world’s fastest roller coaster Formula Rossa with a speed of 240km/h or the world’s steel tallest roller coaster Flying Aces.

Here you can not only see expensive Ferrari supercars but also have the opportunity to experience the world’s fastest roller coaster called Formula Rossa. | abu dhabi travel guide

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Arabian Wildlife Park

Address: 8HGX+WGC – Sir Bani Yas – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

If you are a nature lover, love animals, you definitely cannot miss the opportunity to visit this wildlife park in Abu Dhabi. This park is currently home to more than 10,000 wild animals. There are many rare species in danger of extinction.

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Located on Sir Bani Yas Island, it is home to more than 10,000 animals, of which the most popular are ancient giraffes. Here, you will discover the world of wildlife and experience giraffe riding.

Qasr Al-Watan

Address: Address: Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 11AM–6:45PM

This is quite a refreshing sight! Qasr Al Watan is a new landmark inside the Presidential Palace and it was only recently opened to the public (on 11 March 2019 to be exact). With its name roughly translated as “Palace of the Nation”, this palace is the venue for official state visits and summits.

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Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Ticket in Abu Dhabi

After visiting the Central Dome inside the majestic Great Hall, take time to tour the other separate areas. These include Presidential Gifts, with gifts from foreign dignitaries; Qasr Al Watan Library, with a collection of books and other literary resources about the UAE; and Spirit of Cooperation designed to host Federal Supreme Council meetings and summits for the Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council and Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

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The palace is already amazing from the outside but once you step inside it is definitely one of the most beautiful places you will ever see, there are no photos to prove how beautiful it is in real life! Visiting Qasr Al Watan is part of a tour to Abu Dhabi. It is a magnificent palace with a very impressive design, not only because of its great scale but also because of the decorations and history.

The Founder’s Memorial

Address: Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 9AM–10PM

This unique Abu Dhabi cultural attraction honor, contribute the life, legacy and values ​​of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, known as the Father of the Nation. This memorial offers locals and international visitors a unique way to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the UAE, with experiences designed to reveal aspects of social heritage, culture and wider environment of the country, from art to stories, exhibitions and more.

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Al Ain National Museum

Address: Central District – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

The Al Ain Museum is ideal for those who want to explore the history of this city. This structure originally was built in 1910 with the purpose of protecting the city of Al Ain. Over a long time until now, this place has become a museum with many beautiful gardens.

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Etihad Towers and Observation Deck at 300

Address: F85C+FPM – King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – opp. Emirates Palace Hotel – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

It is must visit place if you spend a few days visit Abu Dhabi. From here, you will see the view of the Corniche beach, the Emirates Palace, the Presidential Palace… Alternatively, you can enjoy cocktails and cakes. | abu dhabi guide

Abu Dhabi impresses visitors with its skyscrapers, located close together. In which, the most special thing is the Etihad tower cluster. This cluster of towers consists of 5 buildings located close to each other in the central area of ​​the city. You can go to tower 2, go to the observatory on the 74th floor to see a panoramic view of the bustling city of Abu Dhabi below and enjoy afternoon tea.

Observation Deck at 300 is the best way to see Abu Dhabi tourist city from above. It’s located in the Etihad tower and can be easily reached by taxi and the panoramic view of Abu Dhabi here is amazing!

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Etihad Towers Observation Deck Ticket in Abu Dhabi

Emirates Palace

Address: W Corniche Rd – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Among the most luxurious hotels in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace is the place to attract all visitors with its charming Arabian beauty, super beautiful suites and a private marina overlooking the bay.

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Emirates Palace is a luxury 5-star resort, stretching along 1.3 km along the coast, surrounded by 85 hectares of gardens. This resort has 394 rooms, lavishly decorated, making visitors feel like they are lost in the palace of a rich and powerful emperor. Besides, Emirates Palace was also chosen as the setting for the hit movie Fast & Furious 7 in Abu Dhabi.

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Emirates Palace is currently a luxury hotel, tourists are free to visit. If the exterior of the structure is appealing in itself, the interior is so much more. The structure exudes artistry, luxury and shows rich luxury.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi

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It is one of the most beautiful hotels with Middle Eastern architecture and if this weren’t enough, the hotel offers an amazing view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the most admirable place in Abu Dhabi!

Yas Links Abu Dhabi

Address: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 6:30AM–11:30PM

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Known as one of the 10 most beautiful golf courses on the planet, designed by architect Kyle Phillips. The entire Yas island in Abu Dhabi becomes a unique and attractive structure when viewed from above with a length of more than 6,700 m and more than 100 sand pits dotted in the green space of palm trees.

Empty Quarter Desert

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The sand dunes in Abu Dhabi are huge. The Empty Quarter desert has the highest sand dunes in the world called Tel Moreeb (305 m). This sand dune has a 50-degree incline, attracting drivers of 4×4 or 4-wheel motorcycles to participate in the Moreeb Hill Climb competition, a race of the annual Liwa dates festival.

Yas Marina Circuit

Address: Yas Central – Yas Marina Circuit – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

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This is a fun visit but not just for racing fans. The tour lasts 1 and a half hours, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of the Yas Marina Circuit with a tour of the pit track, paddock, race controls, stands and podium. This is a must-visit when visiting Abu Dhabi, especially for Formula 1 racing fans.

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi

Address: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 11AM–8PM

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Both kids and adults love this Abu Dhabi travel experience . The internal structure will take your imagination to another dimension. You will surely spend many hours here having fun, playing and filled with happiness.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Address: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 10AM–9PM/Friday: 9AM–4PM, 5–11PM

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The park has lots of fun for kids and adults with water sides, water sports. If you don’t want to go to the beach, Yas water park has great slides that you will enjoy.

Corniche Beach

The pedestrian promenade along the Corniche is elegant and relaxing, and there are a number of restaurants and cafes that you can stop at along the way, which offer beautiful views of the beach and sea as well. | what to do in abu dhabi

When you strolling along Corniche, you can easily forget that you are in a city of desert. If you want to experience swimming in the Persian Gulf, this is a great and free beach you can free to visit and swim and sunbathe on the beach. The Corniche in Abu Dhabi is a long beach promenade with beautiful walking and cycling paths. It can be easily traversed at various points through a secured tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists. Everything here is clean and well maintained, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.

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Desert Safari

No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without taking a desert safari tour! The desert is less than an hour away from the city and a desert safari tour in the desert is a really fun adventure. You can go safari in the morning or evening, or even camp overnight in the desert!

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By far the most popular tour is the evening safari which usually lasts from 3pm to 9pm when visitors can watch the sunset in the desert which is truly magical. This tour includes pick up and drop off, dune hike, sandboarding, camel ride, falconry (the UAE’s national bird), followed by a BBQ buffet and belly dance performance at the style camp Bedouin under the stars in the desert. It is a truly special and exciting experience and you should definitely try and experience before leaving Abu Dhabi! What a worth try tour!

Desert camping | what to do in abu dhabi

Heritage Village

Address: Near Marina Mall – Abu Dhabi Theatre Rd, Corniche – Breakwater Rd – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 9AM–4PM/Friday: 7:30AM–12PM, 3:30–9PM

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Abu Dhabi Heritage Village run by Emirates Heritage Club in the form of a recreated traditional village. A timeless oasis in a postmodern city with an ever-growing skyline, the traditional buildings and landscapes here offer an immersive experience reminiscent of the desert’s heritage and lifestyle of this region. Things that you can find out in this Abu Dhabi tourist attraction are pre-modern Abu Dhabi residences, to a historic fishing village and Bedouin camp, to a market, to a traditional mosque…

Yas Island

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Yas Island is a Abu Dhabi tourist destination 30 minutes drive from the city center, there are many activities here. Ferrari World, Warner Brothers World, Yas Waterworld, those are amusement parks enough to keep you entertained for a while! Ferrari World has the world’s fastest roller coaster reaching 240km/h while Warner Brothers World has the world’s largest indoor theme park.

Also, Yas Island has the huge Yas Shopping Mall as well as the Formula 1 race track. Formula 1 takes place every November in Abu Dhabi and is a really fun event! The nearby Yas Marina also provides an evening thrill with a number of nightlife options.

Abu Dhabi travel blog: Emirates Park Zoo

Address: 12th St – Al Bahyah – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 9AM–9PM

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The zoo offers visitors the chance to get up close to some 1,700 animals, including rare white tigers, giraffes, elephants, a herd of zebras and Siberian bears. There is also a primate zone, with various types of monkeys, and a flamingo park with sea lions. At the petting zoo, kids can touch and feed the house pets. There are fun activities that you can participate in such as animal watching, breakfast with parrots and giraffes surround, and crocodile feeding.

Eastern Mangrove National Park

Address: FC49+C4F – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 10AM–12AM

For something a little different on your trip tour Abu Dhabi, head to East Mangrove National Park for stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking. The natural mangrove forest is really beautiful, fresh and is home to a wide variety of marine life. Mangrove National Park is one of Abu Dhabi’s most remarkable natural wonders.

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Jubail Mangrove Park is the first self-contained education, nature and entertainment destination of its kind in Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

It’s very quiet here, definitely a world away from the hustle and bustle of Abu Dhabi! For paddle boarding for 2 hours, the price is 140dirham/adult. If you’re interested in trying some other water sports while in Abu Dhabi, you can go surfing at Saadiyat beach or jet skiing at Yas beach.

Qasr Al Hosn

Address: Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St(2nd St) – Al Hisn – W3 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 9AM–8PM/Friday: 2–8PM

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As the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn is one of the city’s most important tourist landmarks. Built in the late 18th century, the building’s watchtower was the city’s first fortified structure, presiding over trade routes. But after 11 years of renovations, it opened its doors as a cultural center, in 2018. Rotating exhibitions take place in two buildings: the Inner Fort and the newer Outer Palace, the former residence of the ruling family, the government, and the national archives.

Liwa Oasis

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Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the calm and peaceful atmosphere that Liwa Oasis has to offer. Located on the edge of the United Arab Emirates’ largest desert region, Rub Al Khali (also known as the “Great Empty Quarter”), Liwa Oasis promises a completely unique experience. Historically, it was home to the Nahyan family, who headed the emirate of Abu Dhabi along with the UAE.

Throughout the time to this day, it has remained a date cultivation area for the local Bedouin tribes, the most famous of which is the Bani Yas. Due to its location in this vast, almost barren desert, it is the perfect place for dune crossings, a form of “off roading” on the dunes usually by Jeep or Land Cruiser – and road trips and other desert safaris.

Umm Al Emarat Park

Address: 15th Street, Mushrif Area – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 8AM–12AM

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Umm Al Emarat Park, a meticulously designed public park, blends nature with modern design. The rows of palm trees leading to the water evoke a man-made oasis, all created to look like a modern fountain. It is home to a number of sites, including an amphitheater, a garden, a playground and an animal enclosure. The Garden of Wisdom is especially beautiful, with well-tended native plants and marble slabs with quotes by the late Sheikh Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Cruise tour

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Abu Dhabi is made up of over 200 islands so the best way to see the city is from the water! Take a boat tour in Abu Dhabi. It covers Abu Dhabi’s most popular tourist attractions, from the striking skyline of downtown Abu Dhabi to the Emirates palace, passing through the Grand Mosque and down to Yas Marina.

Abu Dhabi guide: What to eat?

The streets of Abu Dhabi are popular with traditional Arabic dishes, including burgers and Flafit (fried green bean buns). In addition, there are also fast food shops like KFC, McDonalds, Starbucks… especially, you can easily find Chinese food shops.

Al Harees is a traditional dish usually made during Ramadan, using wheat and optional meat (usually lamb or chicken), soaked wheat overnight then boiled in water with butter until it got thickened like porridge. The pieces of meat can then be added, along with cinnamon, salt, chili and other spices. Although it’s not pretty and the cooking process is quite long, the result is extremely delicious.

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Shawarma: Inside this flatbread is thinly sliced ​​meat with extras like tahini, pickles, vegetables, and even fries. This dish is easy to find on the street, local grocery store or inside the supermarket.

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If you are a vegetarian, don’t think that food in Abu Dhabi doesn’t have something perfect for you either. The falafel remains a quintessential meat-free option, consisting of chickpeas mixed with fresh herbs and spices and rolled into small balls before deep-frying with a crunchy outside, soft inside.

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Al Machboos is one of the simplest and most delicious dish you can eat in Abu Dhabi. This dish is a mixed dish of meat, seafood, vegetables, spices and interesting ingredient – lemon called loomi. This hearty meal is shareable and is definitely a must-try traditional dish.

Halal Indian chicken or mutton Biryani served with yogurt tomato raita over white background. Selective focus. | abu dhabi travel blog

Hummus has become extremely popular around the world, so give it a try with its creamy cream and fragrant olive oil. Head to the famous Zahrat Lebnan restaurant to enjoy their hummus which is rated as the best in Abu Dhabi.

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A little sweetness is always great after a meal and these delicious little balls are a great choice of sweet treats in Abu Dhabi. Luqaimat is the most popular Emirati dessert, you are looking at the small crispy dough dumpling covered with date syrup.

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A truly unique dessert from Abu Dhabi. Think cheesecake, but in the Emirati style. This beautiful dish Aish el-saraya, also known as the ‘bread of the harem’ is made from lemon juice, rose water and bread soaked in orange blossom water, then topped with cream. A must try in Abu Dhabi after a meal and a dessert available in many restaurants.

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Abu Dhabi blog: What and where to buy?

Shopping is the main purpose of many visitors when coming to Dubai Tourism as well as to Abu Dhabi, perhaps because this place has many high-end shopping centers and unique traditional markets. Whether it’s a market or a shopping mall, you can buy souvenirs, gifts, traditional perfumes, handicrafts, spices and rugs as gifts. Of course in traditional markets you can haggle (even bargain quite a lot) so the price will be cheaper.

Here are some suggestions for souvenirs you can buy when coming to Abu Dhabi:

  • Gold: If you want to buy a valuable souvenir in Abu Dhabi, think of gold. As one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, it has everything from pure gold bars to exquisite gold jewelry such as rings, bracelets, etc.
  • Flavors and spices: you can go to the traditional spice market, which sells hundreds of spices and unique traditional cooking ingredients of the Middle East.
  • Persian rugs: Hand-woven Persian rugs with beautiful patterns are souvenirs not to be missed when you come to this land.
  • Dates: Of course, you can leave Abu Dhabi without buying some dried, fresh dates and its related-products because it is a specialty of the Middle East.
dubai deira gold souk market (1)
Gold Souk
Variety of spices and herbs. | abu dhabi city guide
Dried dates | abu dhabi city guide

Abu Dhabi is also a shopping paradise for shopaholics, below are some best shopping malls where you can find a wide range of items from clothings, accessories, electronics to souvenirs, specialties…

Yas Mall

Address: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 10AM–12AM

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This is a very nice shopping mall with a good mix of shops of all kinds of brands and plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious food. It is very spacious and also has some good restaurant options.

Marina Mall

Marina Mall is located on a small island and can be reached by bus or taxi. The shops are not much different from other malls but the mall itself is beautifully decorated and very easy to explore, also a great place for you to explore life in Abu Dhabi and shopping for souvenirs.

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Dates Market

Address: Zayed Port, Near Mina Market, Mina Zayed – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 7AM–12AM

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Visitors can come to this market for Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom and saffron and poured into small, handleless cups. Dates can be purchased from hotels and malls, but also in the Dates Market near Zayed Port (also known as Mina Zayed). This market has many shops selling fresh, dried, chocolate-covered dates and/or nuts. It is also near a vegetable and fruit market.

Abu Dhabi city guide: Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi | abu dhabi blog

Read more top and best hotels in Abu Dhabi on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Abu Dhabi travel blog: Some notes before you go

The people of Abu Dhabi are Muslim, so there are some regulations that you need to pay attention to:

  • According to Sharia law, women are not allowed to interact with men unless they are members of the family. Therefore, when traveling on public transport, you should sit separately, avoiding contact with other people, especially women.
  • Not allowed to wear short pants, short skirts in public places, restaurants, shopping places, not wearing necklaces in public places.
  • During the fasting month of Ramadan (September of the Arabic lunar calendar), Muslims, including children, must fast from sunrise to sunset. At that time, infidels were not allowed to eat or drink in public or in front of Muslims or to be seen as deliberately provoking them.
  • Do not take photos in some government places, military areas, buildings without permission. Especially do not take pictures of Muslim women in public.
  • Abu Dhabi is known as a shopping paradise, so before traveling, you should exchange money first. The countries of the United Arab Emirates use the common currency AED, 1 USD = 3.67 United Arab Emirates Dirham. Besides you can use US dollars.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Abu Dhabi you can refer to

Read more Middle East guide here.