The Abu Dhabi toll gate system DARB was introduced in January 2021 and applies to four main roads entering the city of Abu Dhabi.

There can be some confusion about how the tolls work in Abu Dhabi, particularly for new visitors to the UAE and day trippers from Dubai who may not realise that there is a different toll system in the capital, nor when tolls apply.

Here to help clear up any confusion, we’ll explain everything you need to know about DARB and road tolls in the capital, with updates due as of 1 September 2025.

What Are DARB Toll Gates in Abu Dhabi

Toll gates in Abu Dhabi operate during peak hours on 4 key designated routes into and out of the city. They automatically identify the registration plate of your vehicle to charge you a toll each time you cross a designated point.

Where are DARB toll gates in Abu Dhabi located?

Abu Dhabi’s toll gates are found in 4 locations, all bridges that lead onto the main Abu Dhabi island; you’ll find them on:

• Sheikh Zayed Bridge (Sas Al Nakhl Toll Gate)
• Mussafah Bridge (Rabdan Toll Gate)
• Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Bridge (Al Saadiyat Toll Gate)
• Al Maqta’a Bridge (Al Maqta Toll Gate)

They operate in both directions, both on and off Abu Dhabi island.

NB – drivers have recently reported seeing two new toll gates on the E11 (Highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai) at Al Qurm and Ghantoot. These rumours have NOT been confirmed by Abu Dhabi mobility, but we can only assume they may well be added to the existing network at some point.

What Do Road Tolls Cost in Abu Dhabi?

Every time you pass under a DARB toll gate during operational hours, you are charged AED 4, up to a maximum of AED 16 per day.

Note that the monthly caps were abolished on 1 September 2025 (previously, AED 200 per month for your first car, AED 150 for a second car, and AED 100 for subsequent vehicles).

More FAQs on Abu Dhabi Road Tolls

We hope this Abu Dhabi toll guide will help you confidently drive to the capital and understand which tolls you may be liable for during peak times.

Remember, if you time your trip to Abu Dhabi for the middle of the day and avoid peak-hour traffic in the capital, there will be nothing further to pay other than your vehicle rental and fuel – well worth considering if you’re hiring a car for a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai.

You can learn more about all the different transport options in Abu Dhabi here

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

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Abu Dhabi is a relatively easy city to navigate, although there are not as many public transport options as you might find in neighbouring Dubai.

The easiest way for tourists to get around if they only have a short time to explore the capital is by taxi or joining an organized tour group or hop-on-hop-off bus service to get between the city’s top attractions.

We share with you all your various transport options for getting around in Abu Dhabi here.

Abu Dhabi Public Transport

Abu Dhabi’s public transport system largely consists of taxis and buses. Abu Dhabi has no Metro, although in recent years it has introduced tram and water taxi options to make it easier to get around in Abu Dhabi. Let’s take a closer look at each type of transport in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Taxies – Regulated by TransAD

Taxies are often considered the best way for visitors to get around Abu Dhabi. Although there are many different taxi companies, they are all regulated and booked via TransAD; you will recognise them from their silver colouring and yellow rooftops.

You can easily find taxis out in front of hotels and shopping malls; otherwise, it is advisable to download the Abu Dhabi taxi app. It can provide you with real-time information on the nearest taxi, including its plate number and driver details, while you wait (albeit, as long-term users, we’d debate its accuracy!).

The latest innovation is booking Abu Dhabi taxis using the YANGO app. This innovation is relatively new but has moved out of the testing phase, and there are now over 1500 cars fitted with Yango – we think it’s more reliable than using the TransAD app.

Alternatively, TransAD offers a call centre option on 600 53 53 53. They answer calls in English and Arabic.

Abu Dhabi’s taxis are relatively affordable, and most drivers (although not all) are fairly knowledgeable about the city’s street system. Although there is often a lack of an exact address, despite best efforts in recent years to name and number all the city’s roads, it is best to give your driver the nearest landmark to head to.

Expect to pay a flagfall of AED 5 and AED 1.82 per kilometre (higher charges at night). A minimum fare of AED 15 must be paid, which can make short hops in the city quite expensive, but might still be more cost-effective than walking in the peak of summer.

• You can find our complete guide to Abu Dhabi taxis here.

AutoGo

These brand new autonomous vehicles have been widely spotted across the city over the summer of 2025. We believe they are still in test mode and not taking passengers, but watch this space as they will likely become a key part of Abu Dhabi’s transport fleet!

Airport Taxi Abu Dhabi

There is a special class of taxis that operates only from Abu Dhabi Airport. These taxis are Black Mercedes minivans, ideal for group travel. There is a 25 AED airport flagfall for catching these taxis – more below!

Abu Dhabi Public Buses

Abu Dhabi has a good network of public buses. The central bus station is the Abu Dhabi Bus Station in Al Wadha, at the corner of 11th Street and Muroor Road.

We recommend you download the DARB app for real-time public transport information in Abu Dhabi (Google Play) | Find it here on the App Store.

The Abu Dhabi bus system is affordable to use, with most inner-city fares costing only AED 2 per journey.

However, you will need to get a  Hafilat smart card, for AED 5 (or AED 10 if you do not want to use it anonymously). The cards can be purchased from some Lulu Supermarkets and Customer Care Centres. You must punch in and out with your Halifat card on each journey to be charged the correct fare.

Note that the Dubai Nol card can be used on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi Intercity bus service, but it cannot be used on local bus services in Abu Dhabi.

DOT Link Buses

Introduced as an experiment in mid-2018, it looks like DOT Links buses are here to stay. These are small minibuses that work for free on a “Hail & Ride” system in more remote parts of the city to get residents from outer areas to the nearest large bus station.

Four routes – M1, M2, M3, and M4 – serve stops such as Mazzyad Mall, Mussaffah Port, Dalma Mall, labour camps, and the main Mussaffah terminal. New routes were added to Khalifa City in early 2019.

ART Tram

After a few mystery sightings across the city, a new trackless tram system has officially been launched!

The Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) service, tested on Yas Island, will initially run a 14-stop route from Reem Mall on Reem Island to Rixos Marina, adjacent to Marina Mall Abu Dhabi.

The rail-less, air-conditioned service will be limited to weekends to begin with, running Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 AM hourly to 2:00 PM from Reem Mall, and 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Marina Mall. The journey will take 1 hour and 15 minutes. Timings can be found on the Darbi App (Download on Google Play | App Store).

We understand that this new public transport service will be free to use for the time being.

Yas Island Tram

Just announced in October 2025, a much-anticipated tram service will soon connect key attractions on Yas Island, including the theme parks and Yas Bay, with Zayed International Airport and Raha Beach.

Visit Abu Dhabi Free Shuttle Buses

Launched in 2021, this complimentary bus service operates between key Abu Dhabi tourist attractions and hotels in the capital. There’s no need to pre-register; wait at the designated stops along the route and scan a QR code upon entry to register your trip.

This is a fabulous cost-saving measure if the journey fits your timetable. Services are not super regular, though, so consider this in your planning – Grab the current timetable here.

Driving in Abu Dhabi

The driving standard in Abu Dhabi has vastly improved over the past decade; roads are clearly marked, and freeways and streets are wide and largely one-way, but traffic does move fast. We only recommend self-driving in Abu Dhabi for confident drivers.

Vehicles in Abu Dhabi are left-hand drive (you drive on the left side of the road), and car seats for children under 4 in private vehicles became compulsory on 1 July 2017 (although many still breach these rules, and no action appears to be taken).

Car Hire in Abu Dhabi

Many car hire companies operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Many shopping malls and hotels across the city also offer branches of popular rental companies.

To hire a car in Abu Dhabi, you will need a driver’s licence from your home country written in English or Arabic. Having an International Driver’s Permit is only required if your license is not issued in one of these two languages.

With your car? Learn more about Zayed International Airport parking charges

Abu Dhabi Tolls

Note that electronic toll gates were added to the four main entry points onto the main Abu Dhabi island in October 2019; they became active in January 2021, charging AED 4 AED per journey.

If you are hiring a car, the toll will go through your hire car company; there is no physical toll booth option. You are charged only when driving at peak times 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Monday to Saturday; Sundays and Public Holidays are free).

• You can learn more about Abu Dhabi tolls here.

NB – if you are driving to Dubai, tolls also operate in Dubai called Salik. If you are hiring a car in the UAE, it should come fitted with a Salik tag. They are not connected to the Abu Dhabi toll system at this stage.

Any rental car you pick up in the UAE should already be registered for DARB, but confirm this with your rental company and any administrative fee they may charge you if you pass through a DARB toll gate in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Airport Transport to the City Centre

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) is 24 kilometres from the city centre. There are a few transport options.

• See private airport transfer options here
• Try Welcome Pickups service

Airport Taxi

The regulated luxury airport taxi service that we mentioned above is by far the quickest and most convenient way to get from Abu Dhabi International Airport to anywhere in the city, albeit not the cheapest.

You can still get a regular taxi from the departures level, though an airport surcharge of AED 20 still applies for using this convenience. If you are with a group, especially, opt for the larger luxury taxis immediately outside the terminal.

(Do not listen to any touts who may operate in the airport offering you a limousine – total rort even if they are considered legitimate operators!)

• To Yas Island, you should expect an airport taxi fare of around AED 45 ($12 USD), and the journey takes less than 10 minutes.
• To Saadiyat Island, you should expect an airport taxi fare of around AED 70 ($19 USD), and the journey takes around 25 minutes.
• To the Corniche, you should expect an airport taxi fare of around AED 90 ($24.50 USD), and the journey takes 30 to 40 minutes depending on if you arrive in peak hour.

The Abu Dhabi Taxi App has a fare calculator to help you judge how much you are going to pay. Note, unlike rideshare services, you do not pay through the app; you still pay a taxi driver in cash/card (unless you’re using YANGO).

There is no problem in Abu Dhabi with taxi drivers using the meters correctly; they are highly regulated and monitored.

Abu Dhabi Airport Bus

The A1 bus service operates from the departures area outside of the terminal. It takes you via the main Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Cnr Muroor Rd and 11th) and goes all the way to the Old Fish Market on Al Nasr Street (Near NY University Abu Dhabi). It operates every 40 minutes and is 4 AED into town.

Use the DARBI app (Google) | Darbi on App Store or check on the DARBI Website for the latest route planning information (NB, it is unfortunately far from one of the most intuitive and user-friendly apps!)

Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal to Abu Dhabi

A fleet of public taxis waits for scheduled arrivals at the cruise liner port at Mina Zayed.

A port flag fall of AED 20 applies from here; you’ll pay regular taxi rates thereafter. As an example, a journey from Mina Zayed Port to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will take approximately 25 minutes, with an estimated one-way fare of AED 50.

Other Abu Dhabi Transport

As a visitor, there are a few more modes of transport you could try:

• Heading to Yas Bay? You may want to consider using the Yas Bay Water Taxi if you need to shuttle between the Al Raha Beach communities. You can now book your journey using the Abu Dhabi Maritime App Al Nalia 9Which is also handy if you plan on taking to the waters and need maritime maps, etc)

• Visitors to Yas Island can utilize the complimentary Yas Express shuttle services, which offer stops at Yas Bay, W Hotel, Yas Hotel Plaza, the theme parks, Yas Mall, Yas Marina, and the Yas Marina Circuit. See the latest timetable for this service here.

• Tourists may benefit from using the Big Bus Hop-on-hop-off service, which not only gets you from A to B for the city’s key attractions but includes commentary and further discounts.

• Why not rent an eScooter to get around in Abu Dhabi? There are several apps you can choose with scooter stations in key locations around the city.

• Around key areas of the city (including the Corniche, Al Bateen, Al Reem, Al Maryah, and Raha Beach), you can find Careem Bikes for hire. You’ll need to download the app and have your own helmet to use the bikes – Learn more about Careem Bike rental in Abu Dhabi

How to Get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai & Other Emirates

Public Transport Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Currently, the only public transport from central Abu Dhabi to Dubai is Intercity Buses (although Etihad Rail is announcing that passenger services between the Emirates could start running from as early as 2026 – watch this space!)

Dubai Intercity buses 100 & 101 leave from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, so from the airport, you would need to catch a city service first to Downtown.

• The cost is AED 25 each way
• They run every 20 to 35 minutes
• There are services to Ibn Battuta Station (the 101, around 100 minutes) and Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (the 100, around 130 minutes to the Bur Dubai area of the city)

• As an alternative to the bus, the RTA is in a trial phase of offering shared taxis between Dubai and Abu Dhabi; up to 4 passengers can use this point-to-point service from Al Wadha to Ibn Batutta (further locations may be added depending on the success of the pilot scheme).

To connect to other Emirates, you’re best getting yourself to Bur Dubai or Deira (take the 101 bus or the Metro once you’re in Dubai), where additional services depart for Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, UAQ, and Fujairah.

If you depart from Zayed International Airport Terminal A, you can pick up the Intercity Bus Service 102, which stops at Ibn Battuta and terminates at Al Jafilya Bus Station, Dubai. This also costs AED 25 one way; services are a bit more spread out.

AUH Express

A new option for arrivals into Dubai is the AUH Express. This bus service operates from arrivals at AUH, regardless of which airline you fly with, and drops passengers at Ibn Battuta in Dubai.

From there, passengers can interconnect with local Dubai bus services and the Metro (during operating hours). The AUH Express costs AED 35 one-way.

• We have a detailed guide to using the AUH Express over here.

Tickets can be purchased at the airport when you arrive, or save yourself some hassle and pre-book tickets here:

Private Transfers to Dubai

With a group, you might find it more convenient to catch a metered taxi (approximately AED 250 – 350 to Dubai, depending on where you are dropped off) or use a pre-arranged hire car service.

• Check prices for airport transfer service offered by GetYourGuide
• Pre-book a door-to-door service with Welcome Pickups
• Try services like GetTransfer to have drivers ‘bid’ on taking your journey in whatever size vehicle you choose

Airline Bus to Dubai

If you have arrived at Abu Dhabi International Airport with Etihad Economy and want to connect straight to Dubai, you can arrange a seat on the Etihad Coach for free, which will take you to the Etihad Travel Mall (Downtown Dubai).

Etihad Rail

It has been recently announced that the rail connection across the UAE is now complete. However, there is still no opening date for public transportation by rail, nor where and how passenger rail services will work in the Emirates. It is fairly imminent, though, so watch this space!

Abu Dhabi to Oman

Want to head even further afield on your trip to Abu Dhabi? The capital city of Oman, Muscat, sits 500 kilometres south of Abu Dhabi. Connecting between the two capitals has just been made easier with the introduction of an intercity service operated by Mwsalat, connecting Abu Dhabi to Muscat, via Al Ain.

Alternatively, you could consider hiring your own car and road-tripping between the UAE and Oman. However, be mindful of land border crossing regulations and arrange the appropriate permissions to drive your car across the international border.

The post Abu Dhabi Transport – Getting Around Abu Dhabi appeared first on Abu Dhabi Travel Planner.

Leaving the airport?

Passport control is usually quite speedy and is largely now e-gates. Be careful to follow the instructions given by the passport control officer and answer any questions honestly.

Once through passport control, you will be required to scan any hand luggage you may have before collecting your main luggage from the baggage hall. Porters can help with your luggage for a small fee (payable in cash only – I believe AED 40 but we’ve not used them in a while!).

Note, if you can’t find your larger items like strollers and car seats on the luggage belt, look for the oversize baggage area near belt 2 and 8.

You will find a few cafes, newsagents, toilets, and cash machines in the arrivals hall to prepare you for your onward journey. Transport connection options are clearly signposted.

Option 2: Sleep it off at a transit Hotel in AUH

There is presently only one transit hotel inside Zayed International Airport, the AUHotel. It is basic but comes with all the mod cons you want, including Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making, and, importantly, comfy beds and showers.

There are no other hotels in the immediate vicinity of the airport if you’re looking for a land side option within walking distance (a surprising design flaw, surely?)

Option 3: Layover Activities in Abu Dhabi

Ideal if you have a stopover between the hours of 8:00 am and midnight, and at least 6 hours between flights

Although Visit Abu Dhabi encourages you to leave the airport with anything more than a 4-hour layover, realistically, you’d want at least 5-6 hours to comfortably make it through customs on either end (longer if you have a US flight as you clear US customs this side of the border).

Many major tourist attractions don’t open until 9:00 or 10:00 AM, so consider leaving the airport terminal carefully.

For a short and straightforward break in the sunshine, you could spend a couple of hours at Yas Bay enjoying the many restaurants and bars – its less than 10 minutes away in a taxi.

1-Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary

One day spent six different ways; mix and match our suggestions for the ultimate 24 hour Abu Dhabi itinerary!

• Culture-Seekers
• Sun & Relaxation
• Adrenaline Rush
• Nature Lovers
• Shopaholics
• Best of Everything!

See itinerary ideas

So, stay in the Airport or explore Abu Dhabi?

Look, we get it, sometimes you just want as direct a journey as possible with minimal layovers. But if you can’t get the ideal connection time in Abu Dhabi, stay longer! The city is built for tourism, with new attractions opening every month. A couple of days in the sunshine could be just what you need to break up your journey.

*Accolades for AUH include:

• “World’s Most Beautiful Airport” at Prix Versailles (The World Architectural Design Awards)
• “Best Airport at Arrivals” ACI Wolrd’s Annual ASQ Awards
• And let’s not forget the airport’s starring role in the opening scenes of Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning

The post Zayed International Airport – What to Expect & Planning Your Layover appeared first on Abu Dhabi Travel Planner.

What will a visit to Abu Dhabi cost you in 2026? Everything you need to know about UAE currency and common tourist expenses in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi might have a reputation as a luxurious and prosperous city, laden in gold leaf tea and fine pearls, but is it really an expensive city to visit?

Can you manage an Abu Dhabi city stopover on a budget, or will it break the bank?

We’ll take a look through all elements of costing out an Abu Dhabi trip, and money matters you need to know before you go.

Read More: You can see all our Abu Dhabi Essential Planning Tips here

Abu Dhabi Currency

The currency in Abu Dhabi (and all of the United Arab Emirates) is the Dirham (AED). The Dirham is fixed to the United States Dollar, but will fluctuate against other currencies.

• The fixed rate is $1 USD = 3.6725 AED

You will find it written as AED, DH, or Dhs – all mean the same thing.

In 2025, the UAE Central Bank announced a new official currency symbol for the Dirham, but it’s unlikely you’ll see it regularly used on menus or in stores yet (we can’t even get the keyboard symbol to publish it here! – it looks like a D with two horizontal lines through it).

The notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 & 1000 AED denominations. Don’t be surprised if an ATM spits out large denomination notes, and you then need to find a shop willing to break it for you!

Each Dirham is divided into 100 fils. There are 50 fils and 25 fils coins (small denominations are rarely seen and no longer in circulation) as well as 1 dirham coins. You will usually find small shops rounding to the nearest half dirham to give you change, and supermarkets rounding to 25 fils.

Wave Pass for cashless payment is catching on and is almost everywhere now. You will still want to carry some walk-around cash and take debit or credit cards with you, but even in the last five years, this has changed rapidly, and even small vendors have access to online payment methods.

As any good traveller knows, you should always choose to be charged in AED on a credit card, not your local currency, as your bank will charge you an exorbitant exchange rate.

Currency Exchange in Abu Dhabi

Given the vast expatriate population in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, there are many cash exchange shops. Do not pay airport prices! With your photo identification, you can get cash out at an ATM or from a currency exchange in a shopping mall.

VAT And Taxes in Abu Dhabi

In January 2018, the UAE government introduced a 5% VAT (Value Added Tax). VAT should be included in the price you pay for goods and services in Abu Dhabi and the whole of the United Arab Emirates.

You won’t notice most other UAE taxes, such as excise on alcohol and soft drinks, as they are included in the price.

You can get the VAT Refunded on certain purchases via the Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme – learn more here.

How Expensive is Abu Dhabi to Visit?

We’re going to break this down by the major cost components you will have when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi:

What Does a flight to Abu Dhabi cost?

This largely depends on where you set out from and how far in advance you book.  The most obvious choice is to use the local carrier, Etihad, but it’s certainly not always the cheapest!

Top Tip: Use a pricing tool such as Skyscanner to see all direct and indirect options, as well as budget carriers that may be able to get you into other UAE airports much cheaper. Look for flights operated by Air Arabia and WizzAir, two new discount operators out of AUH.

You can also check flights with Emirates in comparison. There’s a detailed guide here on how the free airline buses work to transit from DXB into downtown Abu Dhabi. You may also want to understand what it costs if you want to land at Abu Dhabi Airport, then transit to Dubai using the AUH Express service.

How Expensive are Abu Dhabi Hotels?

Whilst you can find some of the world’s most expensive and luxury beach hotels in Abu Dhabi, there are plenty of other budget options, too.

The price for accommodation in Abu Dhabi is hugely variable depending on location and number of guests (upgrading to a suite or 2/3 bedroom apartments can substantially add to the cost).

Also, look out for busy travel periods; prices for hotels in Abu Dhabi will substantially increase during popular public holiday times, and international events, including around the Grand Prix.

You can search for hotel rooms on the likes of booking com. Their search features are second to none on the online market and make it easy to compare both in map view and with hotel features by those who like to self-plan their trips.

• We discuss the best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi in a lot more detail here.

Remember, quoted prices almost always don’t include the municipality charges, tourism fee, service charges, and VAT. These can add >25% to your final price for your Abu Dhabi accommodation.

You can read our complete guide to how hotel and restaurant tourist taxes are calcuated here

Are there any budget hotel options in Abu Dhabi?

Yes! Don’t be mistaken into thinking everything in Abu Dhabi has to be about glitz and glamour. With only a few small compromises, perhaps on amenities, there are still plenty of hotels in the budget range, suitable for singles, couples, and families for under 300 AED per night.

We suggest you search in the areas of Mussafah and MBZ or Mafraq for serious budget digs, but don’t be surprised if you can find some exceptionally good-value brand-name hotels in the heart of Abu Dhabi island too. You might need to compromise on fancy features like pools, bars, fitness centres, etc.

We will note that hotels are one of the expenses visiting Abu Dhabi that have increased the most since COVID; previously, you could get some pretty good staycation deals, but those glory days are gone and resort hotels in Abu Dhabi are now on par with their luxury Dubai counterparts when it comes to priceness (particularly for families that need more than a standard 2-person room).

How much should I budget for food and restaurants in Abu Dhabi?

Food and restaurants come in all different price categories. It really depends on whether you are coming for a romantic getaway and are seeking fine dining, a solo adventure, or a family and fussy pallets to cater to. 

You can find pretty much any sort of food you want in Abu Dhabi; it’s up to you how upmarket you want to go and how much you can spend. The closer you get to tourist areas and beautiful waterfront views, the higher the price.

Most tourists find practical dining options around hotels and malls. There, they can choose from various cuisines and price points, from basic takeaway dishes in a food court to fine dining.

• Quite centrally, you can try Al Wadha Mall, WTC and Abu Dhabi Mall.
• Off-island, look for dining options around Al Qana, Mamsha Saadiyat Island, Mamsha at Al Hudayriyat and Yas Bay Waterfront.

For something more upmarket, look for the areas around Eastern Mangroves or the area known as Bab Al Bahr and Venetian Village overlooking the Grand Mosque.

Note that several areas of the city are popular for food trucks. Food trucks in the UAE do not necessarily equal bargain feeds and tend to offer relatively upscale dining. They are great to experience, but just be prepared for the bill.

We have a detailed Abu Dhabi dining guide here.

Average Abu Dhabi restaurant prices

This is always subject to change, but here are some average prices you can expect to pay at a mall or hotel family dining establishment (as of 2023):

• Soft drinks: AED 18 to 25
• Children’s meal (with drink & dessert): AED 30 to 50
• Main meal dish: AED 50 to 100
• Salad: AED 40 to 60
• Large Pizza: AED 60 to 80 AED
• Medium-sized coffee: AED 19 to 25
• Big Mac Meal: AED 31

How to Save on Dining in Abu Dhabi

There are plenty of ways to get food cheaper if you are willing to self-cater or shop outside the main touristy areas.

• If you’re dining on several occasions, look into the Entertainer App for Abu Dhabi.  This has dine-in and delivery discount vouchers, which generally pay for themselves within a few meals, especially if you are dining as a group. They’ve now introduced a ‘lite version’, though it’s pretty limited. Their tourist product, valid for 30 days, seems to have been scrapped.

• We’d also recommend that if you stay for more than a few days in Abu Dhabi, look out for Best Bites UAE. Not only do they have a fabulous Facebook group for foodie advice in the Capital, but their BB+ membership program can instantly pay itself within a meal or two (we prefer it now to The Entertainer).

Another good value option for meals in Abu Dhabi is the Brunch experience. These all-you-can-eat dining experiences include food and drinks, so they can be a great way to get a lot of value for money (and trust me, you won’t need dinner!).

Traditionally, Brunch was a Friday afternoon affair, but with the change in when the weekend falls, we now have a wide variety of options, including Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon roast versions.

Find all our favourite family-friendly brunch ideas over here, plus these great Sunday Brunch/long Sunday breakfast deals

Look out for Abu Dhabi ladies’ night deals, too. Not always just for the ladies, these are usually mid-week drink and dining specials that can add up to considerable savings.

See more of our Abu Dhabi foodie guides to see where you can grab a dining deal:

• Find the Best Breakfast in Abu Dhabi
• Seek out the Best Coffee in Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi’s fanciest Afternoon Teas
• Best sports bars and pub grub in Abu Dhabi

How much does alcohol cost in Dubai?

Alcohol is available for tourists to buy at licensed premises. It used to be restricted to bars within hotels but is now much more widely accepted, and many clubs can also serve alcohol. Golf clubs, Zayed Sports City, and the Country Club are good options.

You can read more about Dubai’s alcohol and drinking rules here.

You can expect to pay at an average-priced hotel bar:

• Beer pint: AED 35 to 50
• House spirit: AED 40 to 50
• Glass of wine: AED 45 to 60
• Basic cocktail: AED 50 to 60

This is hugely variable by location, though, and if you’re visiting during a happy hour special – which can bring drinks down to around AED 35 or 2-for-1 specials.

It has definitely been our experience in recent years that alcohol is much

How Expensive is Public Transport in Abu Dhabi?

Relative to other countries worldwide, Abu Dhabi’s taxis and buses are not overly expensive, but this may depend on how far out of the city you choose to stay.

The minimum cab fare in Abu Dhabi is 12 AED, which includes 5 AED flagfall (10 AED if booked) and 1.82 AED per kilometre.

Public transport in Abu Dhabi requires a Hafilat card, which can be picked up from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station for 5 AED. (NB, this differs from the Nol Card you need in Dubai). Inner-city bus journeys vary from AED 2 to AED 4, depending on the length of your journey.

You can read our complete guide to Abu Dhabi public transport and pricing here. 

How Expensive is Shopping in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi has plentiful large shopping malls packed with international brands that attract shoppers from around the region. You can get pretty much any international clothing or accessory brand you could imagine, but at a premium to what you would expect to pay in Europe or the US, for example.

Sightseeing in smaller shopping centres and souks can yield bargains, although these are nowhere near the scale of what you will find in Dubai.

What does data cost in Abu Dhabi?

If you’re the type of traveller who likes to stay connected, you’ll find Abu Dhabi is far from one of the cheapest places to pick up a tourist SIM with a small amount of data.

Tourists staying under 24 hours can pick up a free SIM with 1GB data, but buying a tourist SIM in Abu Dhabi isn’t great value for money compared to many other countries.

For the cheapest UAE Data packages with multi-day access and limited data, you’re looking at 49 AED ($13.35 USD). Unlimited data packages, you’re creeping up to AED 149 – 199 ($40-$54 USD)

We have a detailed guide here to explain local SIM/call packages and eSIM options for the UAE

What do activities cost in Abu Dhabi (and how can I save money?)

You may be surprised just how many of Abu Dhabi’s activities are free or cheap – look to balance these with paid activities to keep your budget under control.

A great guide to all the free and cheap things to do in Abu Dhabi can be found here.

Day trips and excursions are no doubt going to cost.  However, attractions such as theme park tickets can be cheaper than some of their overseas counterparts, and the most beautiful building in the city is totally FREE to visit.

How Expensive Are Theme Parks in Abu Dhabi?

The theme parks on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island cost around 345 AED ($94 USD) for a one-day-one-park ticket, but significant savings can be made by combining two, three, or four parks on a single ticket.

Local residents and regular visitors can make big savings with their annual passes, too.

Get Your Guide offers some combination tickets that can help you save (we also love their cancellation policy and the fact you can keep all your ticket bookings on your phone).

Another couple of options to try when looking for cheaper ticketing are Klook and Viator. These are third-party re-sellers but can be cheaper than the parks themselves.

Also, look at the Go City Dubai multi-attraction product. Despite its name, it also covers Abu Dhabi attractions on the Explorer Pass – covering Ferrari World, Warner Bros World and Yas Waterworld.

The other option you should look at is getting your hands on the Official Abu Dhabi Pass. Designed by the DCT (Department of Culture and Tourism), this digital pass has incredible cost savings if you bundle up top attractions such as the Louvre, National Aquarium, kayaking, Yas theme parks, and many more options.

Travelling to Abu Dhabi With Children

Abu Dhabi is an exceptionally family-friendly city with many attractions exclusively aimed at the family audience, but what can you expect to pay when travelling to Abu Dhabi with kids?

The cut-off age for paying for a child’s ticket at different attractions varies from 3 to 6 years.  In our experience, age restrictions are not strictly enforced – i.e., no forced providing of a photo ID! But what is strictly enforced is height restrictions. Some theme parks and water parks base their payment system on height rather than weight!

At most attractions and restaurants, those 12 years and over are considered adults, well worth considering if you are budgeting a trip to Abu Dhabi with teens.

Frequently Asked Questions: Budgeting Your Abu Dhabi Trip

We will leave you with one tip, research in advance, especially if you are visiting at a busy time of year. Booking in advance or finding discount offers can save you greatly in the long run, and make an otherwise expensive Middle East city quite affordable.

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Q&A Guide for Non-Muslim Visitors during Ramadan

One of the big areas of concern for non-Muslim visitors to the UAE is how to behave during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Whilst the basic cultural behaviours for entering a Muslim country can be easy to grasp, visitors need to take a few extra steps during Ramadan in Abu Dhabi to ensure they are respectful.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.  Following the Hijri calendar, the start date of Ramadan is approximately 10 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. In 2026 Ramadan will fall over March-February; the moon sighting committee confirms the exact start date.  

Ramadan 1447 in the United Arab Emirates will start on 19 February and last for 29/30 days

One of the Five Pillars of Worship of Islam—Saum—is fasting during the holiest month of the year. Muslims must abstain from eating and drinking (among other things) between sunrise and sunset to teach themselves self-awareness, patience, and tolerance. It is said that by fasting, the soul is purified of evil influence, and a person’s faith in Allah becomes stronger.

If you are visiting in future years, this is a good source for finding out when Islamic holidays will fall:

What Do Non-Muslim Tourists & Residents In Abu Dhabi Need To Observe During Ramadan?

Non-Muslim expat residents and visitors to the Middle East are responsible for making sure there is a suitable environment for Muslims to observe Ramadan.  Although you are not expected to join in with the fasting, you must show respect to those who are through your conduct.

Eating, drinking, and smoking in public places by adults during Ramadan is prohibited. 

HOWEVER, contrary to laws that carry fines of up to AED 2000 for eating in public during Ramadan, general practice in Abu Dhabi has significantly changed over the last five years.

Eating establishments previously needed licenses to operate during daylight hours of Ramadan and blacked-out windows or curtain partitions. These requirements seemed to all but cease completely during Ramadan 2019, with dining establishments even asked to remove their blackout curtains; customers were advised they would not be fined.

On 6 April 2021, The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi confirmed tourist and hotel establishments to provide catering services during Ramadan without installing curtains or partitions. This continued during the next three Ramadans, so it appears to be a permanent policy change.

Undoubtedly, you can still obtain food and drink in hotels and shopping malls in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan (this wasn’t always the case—be careful not to follow outdated information). However, walking around eating and drinking in public during Ramadan in Abu Dhabi is socially unacceptable, even if it is technically no longer illegal.

In the privacy of your own home or hotel room, you can do as you please.

Breaking of the Fast – Iftar

The fast is broken at maghrib (the sunset prayer time) by a cannon firing (midfa al iftar). This is followed by the sound of azan echoing from the loudspeaker of a mosque.

In Abu Dhabi, the cannon is traditionally fired from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. We understand additional locations this year will include Qasr al Hosn, Umm al Emarat Park, and Al Shahama City in Formula parking (TBC the exact schedule for 2026).

If you are also visiting Dubai during Ramadan, you can capture the cannon being fired with Dubai Police at 6 stationary locations, including Expo City and Burj Park under the Burj Khalifa, as well as a travelling cannon – find the full Dubai Ramadan cannon locations for Ramdan 1446 here.

Iftar is literally the breaking of the fast, the meal taken immediately after sunset.  This is a time for families to come together and eat a shared meal. Usually, an immediate snack of water and dates is taken before prayers, followed by a large meal with traditional dishes.  

Many of the hotels in Abu Dhabi will put together huge buffet extravaganzas and Ramadan dining tents for Iftar. It is an incredibly unique experience to join in with Iftar celebrations and partake in local traditions with the Muslim community.

You’ll find our guide to the best Iftar Buffets in Abu Dhabi for 2026 over here

When is Iftar in Abu Dhabi?

Iftar timings vary by the city as it occurs at sunset for that exact location. Whilst the cannon is considered the “official time,” you can estimate the likely time based on when Maghrib is. (NB Iftar time in Abu Dhabi is always a few minutes later than Dubai as it is further west).

After Iftar, the city really springs to life again in the evenings. If you’re looking for a destination in the city to experience the festivities and community spirit, check out our guide to Ramadan market locations in Abu Dhabi. This is a superb way to feel a part of the local community.

Suhoor

As the fast begins again at sunrise, Suhoor is traditionally the meal taken before sunrise.

Again, many hotels will provide suhoor on a grand scale, some starting their suhoor offering as soon as iftar is cleared and lasting throughout the night. You will notice Abu Dhabi very much becomes an all-night culture during Ramadan!

Find our guide to the best suhoors in Abu Dhabi for 2026 here

Other Things To Be Mindful of During Ramadan in Abu Dhabi 2026

Ramadan is not only about food for Muslims but also about abstention – including tobacco, sex, and music – and tolerance.

Appropriate dress standards must be observed in public (much more stringently enforced than usual).  All grown-ups (including teens) should be dressed conservatively; look to have arms and legs covered in public – and certainly avoid cleavage and tight clothing. This said, just as dining rules have been relaxed recently, clothing rules seem to have followed suit.

Hold fire on any public displays of affection, avoid kissing, and even hand-holding between grown-ups (with your child is fine).

In that hour or so before sunset and Iftar, the patience of many is strongly tested, and you may experience some erratic driving. It is best to steer clear of the roads if you can. If you are going out for your evening meal, be mindful of letting others who might need it more go before you.

It is a time for peace and giving, so try to avoid shouting and anger, and especially no rude words or gestures.

Many workplaces will modify working hours throughout the holy month to accommodate the needs of those fasting, limiting work to 6 hours.

Shops may adopt very different opening times, with many closed all day and open through most of the night.  Major supermarkets and Malls can even be open 24 hours a day!  There’s usually no problem finding an open supermarket throughout the day for groceries; you politely shouldn’t consume anything until you get home.

Find a detailed guide to top Abu Dhabi attraction opening hours in Ramadan 1446 here, along with special offers that run throughout Ramadan.

Eid in Abu Dhabi Explained

To prevent any confusion, there are two Eid celebrations!

Eid al Fitr

Eid al-fitr is the festival of breaking the fast, occurring immediately after Ramadan.  It is a time of festivities and daytime feasts for Muslim families; it is also when people dress in their new Eid clothes, ladies have their hair and henna done, and gift-giving occurs, among other celebrations.

It is a very busy time in Abu Dhabi and also a public holiday—usually four days, but for Government departments, this may be extended to a week (at a minimum, the last day of Ramadan and the first three days of Shawwāl tend to be granted.

The exact date of Eid is also determined by moon sighting. If the crescent moon for the new month (Shawwāl) is not sighted on the 29th day of Ramadan, Ramadan will last for a full 30 days.

Eid al-Fitr public holiday in Abu Dhabi is likely to commence on 19 March

Charity or Zakat—another of the Five Pillars of Islam—is considered very important during Eid celebrations, as is giving and thoughtfulness to those less fortunate. You may see a number of white tents popping up all over town even before Ramadan starts. These are for making donations to the needy—it can be a good way to get your children involved in Ramadan and help them understand the importance of giving.

Eid al-Adha

“The festival of the sacrifice” occurs approximately 70 days after the end of Ramadan. Arafat Day falls first, on the second day of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca –  the 9th Day of Dhu Al Hijja on the Hijri calendar.

Eid al-Adha immediately follows this. Animals such as sheep or goats are sacrificed, and tradition dictates a third is eaten by the family, a third is given to relatives and friends, and a third is given to the needy.

This is another three to four-day public holiday, though it can be extended to a week also for Government departments and schools (always announced very last minute)

Arafat day in Abu Dhabi is due to occur on 25 May 2026, and Eid al-Adha 27 to 29 May 2026, although exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon.

Should I Visit Abu Dhabi During Ramadan?

Many visitors unfamiliar with Islamic culture are understandably nervous when they learn they will be visiting the city during Ramadan. Is there anything you really should worry about? Are there Abu Dhabi Ramadan rules that may catch you short?

Here we take you through some of the questions we have received over the years to put your mind at ease:

Final Thoughts On Ramadan In Abu Dhabi

Remember to park any opinions you may have about whether it is “right” or “healthy” or any other beliefs contrary to the Pillars of Islam; whether you are a visitor or an expatriate resident, you are a guest in the country, and these are the rules that must be observed.

If you’re interested in learning more about correct etiquette for tourists in the UAE and rules that must be observed under Islamic Law, make sure you visit our ‘Abu Dhabi Do’s And Don’ts‘ guide before your visit.

You can learn more about the best time to visit Abu Dhabi, and what to expect during the different times of year here.

Before you go… Important Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Abu Dhabi

• Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack, as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.

• Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi

• Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!

• Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

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To help you compare some more cost comparisons:

• The airport coach from Dubai (Ibn Battuta) costs AED 35 per person each way, plus the cost of the Metro (Nol) or taxi to get to Ibn Battuta Station in Dubai; for a family of four, that’s already AED 280 before considering other transport costs.

• The standard Intercity Bus (Route 102) costs less than the Airport Shuttle Bus and now has a stop at AUH; this will cost you AED 25 per person in each direction.

• A standard taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi costs approximately AED 300-400 one way. Some taxis can theoretically accommodate six people, but not all of them, with luggage, so assume 4 is the maximum for a cab with a small suitcase each. Premium taxis can accommodate more, but you’re looking at a fare of around AED 500 each way.

• If you are flying with Etihad from AUH, you can get a complimentary coach from Dubai—learn more about this here—so there may be no need to bring your own car.

You can find here our complete and up-to-date guide to Abu Dhabi Transport

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For two close neighbouring cities running huge international airlines, there’s one thing you think could be better organised in the UAE – that is a direct connection between Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi Airport AUH) and Dubai’d DXB – and vice versa!

A complimentary airline bus service operates between Dubai and AUH for Etihad customers if they have booked to start/end their journey with the correct airport code. However, its existence remains a bit of a mystery to travellers, and it’s only open to those flying with Etihad who’ve pre-booked.

That’s why we were super excited in 2022 when Abu Dhabi Airports announced the new AUH Express shuttle service! It’s still running in 2024, with a much-expanded timetable—albeit still not an airport-to-airport connection. Here’s what you need to know about using the Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai bus in 2024.

Where do I board the AUH Express?

You can buy tickets and board the service at Zayed International Airport (Terminal A arrivals; they have ceased serving the old Terminal 1 & 3) or Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai.

ABU DHABI: All coach services from AUH leave from the bus stop immediately outside arrivals (turn to the right). Look for this coach.

DUBAI: Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai is connected to the Red Line Metro, from where you can complete your journey in Dubai. Plentiful taxis and buses are also available from Ibn Battuta.

AUH Express vs Regular Intercity services

The AUH Express is a little bit more than the Intercity Bus service E101 that runs from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and vice versa (AED 25), but remember, you are getting a point-to-point service here, so much faster; there is no need to catch a local bus into Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station in Al Wadha first, which will easily add an hour in the wrong direction to your overall journey.

There IS the 102 Intercity bus service, however, from Musaffah to Ibn Battuta, terminating in Al Jaffiliya, which now includes a stop at AUH. This service is only AED 25 and takes only a few minutes longer with an extra stop in Shahamah vs the AUH Express. Look for the cream and red bus parked at the far end of the bus station at the airport.

(Also note that Intercity bus services do not run from approximately 1 am to 3 am, which can be peak arrival times for AUH)

Do I need to pre-book my AUH Express shuttle ticket?

No, passengers can use this as a walk-up service. However, online booking is possible (NB seems to have stopped as of July 2024—we’re seeking clarity on how to now nook in advance).

After you pass customs and collect your bags, there is a bus counter in the arrivals meet and greet hall at AUH.

Coming from Ibn Batutta Bus Station, you’ll find the AUH Express coach at stand 11, where there is an adjacent ticket machine. As far as we’re aware, you CAN NOT use a Dubai Nol card to pay for the fare; you will need cash or a credit card if you don’t have a pre-paid ticket.

Emirates Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Emirates also offers passengers from Abu Dhabi a complimentary coach transfer to DXB, but it’s very important to note that this service does NOT depart from AUH.

The Emirates office is based on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, 30-40 minute drive FURTHER AWAY from Dubai!

If you landed at AUH and wanted to use the Emirates complimentary coach, you’d have to take a taxi or take local bus services to the Emirates office to connect. The coach then drives back the way you just came!

On the plus side, once you’re on the bus, you’ll get dropped at the door for DXB; no further connections are needed in Dubai.

The same service runs in return; you can board the Emirates free coach at DXB, and it will drop you back to the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Like Etihad, this service should be pre-booked in advance.

More FAQs on Abu Dhabi Dubai Shuttles

We hope this guide has assisted you in making your onward travel arrangements in the UAE. Remember you can pop over her to see our complete Abu Dhabi transport guide which will help you with getting into the city centre of Abu Dhabi and onward to the regional cities.

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A first-timers guide to understanding the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

In this section of our travel blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about legally entering Abu Dhabi as a tourist, as well as the religion, dress code, and customs all visitors should be aware of when planning a trip there.

Tourist Visas for Abu Dhabi

To enter the UAE as a tourist, everyone except GCC nationals (passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman & Bahrain) needs a Tourist Visa.

However, for many nationalities, the tourist visa is free on arrival for either 30 or 90 days.

• We share the complete list of countries and how visa extensions work here.

If you are not from one of these countries, you can apply through your airline or a travel agent for a transit visa (free for 48 hours if arranged in advance, or 50AED for 96 hours) or, if staying longer, a 30-day or 90-day eVisa (these come in single and multiple entry).   

• For a complete guide to Abu Dhabi Tourist Visas, click here.

If you have overstayed your UAE tourist visa or wish to renew a 30-day visa, click over to this article, where we detail how to do a “visa run” from Dubai (the same rules are applicable from Abu Dhabi).

Note we are not a Tour Agency registered in the UAE. We cannot help you with this step!

Religion in Abu Dhabi

The UAE is a Muslim country with a Sunni Muslim majority of approximately 76%. The country’s laws are based on a civil law system and Sharia law, which may have some key differences from the legal systems with which tourists are familiar.

• You can learn more about “the Call to Prayer” and Islamic practices in the UAE here
• You can see a full guide to Abu Dhabi Religious and Public Holidays to be aware of here
• You can find a full tourist guide to the Holy Month of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi here

Dresscode in Abu Dhabi

In a Muslim country, there may be a stricter standard of dress expected of you than you normally experience in your home country. Whilst there is no need for non-muslim tourists to be fully covered, tourists are expected to be respectful of the culture and dress in a conservative manner in public places.

The difference between public and private places, as well as what’s considered appropriate, can be tricky in some situations, so we have a detailed guide here to help you navigate the Abu Dhabi dress code.

We specifically cover dress codes at these important venues:

• Grand Mosque Dress Code & Etiquette
• Presidential Palace Dress Code

The Do’s and Don’t Every First-Time Visitor to Abu Dhabi Should Be Aware Of

Particularly if you’ve never visited a more conservative Muslim country before, there may be a few social rules and strict laws you are unaware of that could land you in trouble with the law.

• You can read our full guide to the do’s and don’t for first-time visitors here

We also have these detailed guides that may help you understand local laws and customs to be aware of:

• Am I allowed to drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi?
• Is alcohol served on Etihad flights?

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

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Abu Dhabi Summer Temperatures – How Hot Does it Get?

While summer averages are reported at 45°C (113°F), it is quite typical to experience daytime maximums up to 50°C (122°F). The hottest month of the year in Abu Dhabi is August.

When is summer in Abu Dhabi? “Summer” weather in Abu Dhabi realistically runs from late May until mid-October.

Exactly how hot is Abu Dhabi?  Check out this chart for Abu Dhabi’s average reported monthly temperatures ⁽¹⁾ .

How hot you feel and the temperatures that are actually reported can be two different things. You need to take into account not only the temperature but also the humidity. It helps if you have a weather app that gives you the “feels like” temperature as well!

How to Deal With The Summer Heat in Abu Dhabi

Dealing with the summer heat in Abu Dhabi is not nearly as difficult for most tourists as it might seem. First, nearly everything is air-conditioned to the max—shopping malls can even feel too cold. You will arrive in an air-conditioned airport, transfer to an air-conditioned car or bus, and arrive at air-conditioned accommodation. Even bus stops are air-conditioned in many locations!

Whilst the outside air temperature is extreme, most hotels will chill their pools in the summer months to make them a refreshing retreat. Swimming is best tackled in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. Some hotels even have indoor pools so you can get your laps in during the day’s heat.

Pools can be a refreshing antidote to the Abu Dhabi heat, however, the same cannot be said for the ocean!  You must be mindful that the salty waters of the Gulf can be too hot for swimming in over the summer (reaching up to 32-35°C/90-95°F); it will feel more like spa water than a chance to cool down.

And if it isn’t obvious, the sand becomes excruciatingly hot in the summer. It only takes burning sand to become trapped in your sandals or flip-flops once for you to work this out, let alone if you dare walk on it barefoot!

Another thing to note is that temperature drops between outside and indoor air conditioning can be extreme. Make no mistake, you will still want to pack a wrap or cardigan for those indoor blasts of cold even during the hottest months!

Before you pack for Abu Dhabi, you’ll want to check out our comprehensive guide on what to wear, with the conservative Abu Dhabi Dress Code explained

• Discover Qasr Al Hosn, the city’s historic heart. Most of the site is indoors, although some rooms are accessed via shaded outdoor porticoes and an outdoor courtyard. It’s a great place to visit late afternoon. We recommend teaming up your visit with the adjacent House of the Artisans for a peek into traditional crafts and the Emirati way of life.

• Visit Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation – an interesting building containing a variety of exhibitions, theatre spaces and a beautiful children’s library.

• Check out what’s on at the Etihad Arena! Whether it’s a musical like The Lion King or Matilda or a band like Coldplay or Westlife, this is the Abu Dhabi venue for big-name entertainment in Yas Bay.

• Discover an underwater world at the National Aquarium – the biggest aquarium in the Middle East is home to 46,000 animals. Located in the Al Qana complex, the aquarium is close to other family attractions, including the Adrenark Adventure Park and Pixoul Gaming which are both fantastic if you’re visiting with children or teenagers.

• Have fun at Warner Brother’s World – A world-class indoor theme park with around 30 rides and attractions. Whether you want to talk about fighting crime with Batman or enjoy a log flume ride through Bedrock, Warner Brother’s World is the place to be.

• Boost your adrenaline levels at Ferrari World – Home to the fastest roller coaster in the world! Much of Ferrari World is indoors. You wont even notice the heat as you zoom through the outdoor air on Formula Russo or Flying Aces!

• The brand new SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is another fantastic indoor venue with rides and amusements as well as marine exhibits. For a truly chilly experience, step into the Antractica realm, kept at a chilly 1C! .

• If you really can’t stand the heat, head into temperatures of 2°C at Snow Abu Dhabi. This indoor, winter-themed park for all ages on Reem Island, is a great place to enjoy some family time.

• Sports enthusiast can keep up their fitness and join in with some friendly competition at Abu Dhabi Summer Sports. Daily from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM, between 14 June and 23 August 2024, the main exhibition halls at ADNEC will be taken over y table tennis to indoor football, basketball, tennis, volleyball and many more.

You should take note of how your body feels on particular days. Whilst a morning may start off ‘cool’ or, at least a ‘comfortable’ temperature, it is recommended that you take to the shade (preferably indoors) between at least 11am and 3pm throughout the summer months.

Here are some of our summer outdoor suggestions:

• Visit Umm Al Emarat Park after sunset. Yes, it’ll still be hot and sticky (especially in August), but the beautifully lit fountains and children’s splash park make this a great place to spend some outdoor time in summer. There are also several air-conditioned indoor restaurants onsite to give you some chilly respite.

• Take an early morning or late afternoon swim. Most hotels have pools that are open until late, but beaches usually close at sunset. We recommend sitting in the shade when you are not in the water.

• Visit Yas Water World, one of the region’s best water parks. We recommend water shoes to protect your feet on the hot footpaths, a UV suit or rash vest, a sun hat, and plenty of high-factor sunblock (see our complete guide on what to pack for an Abu Dhabi trip here). There are shaded areas for babies and toddlers, plenty of umbrellas, and some indoor air-conditioned areas for respite.

• Visit a public park early in the morning (before 7am, if possible). While larger gated parks may be closed until later in the day, many smaller playgrounds and public promenades are open 24 hours. An early morning stroll along the Corniche or Yas Bay Waterfront can help relieve any notions of cabin fever!

• Perhaps take an evening desert safari. Desert safaris do still operate in the summer. You are largely in an air-conditioned vehicle. Once you reach the camp area, it is usually cool enough to enjoy the various activities, albeit sweaty. Whilst we think that a safari is still an option in summer, it is important to know your limits and the limits of those you are travelling with; for that reason, we wouldn’t recommend this to people travelling with children, older people or those with health conditions. You can find out more about Abu Dhabi Desert Safaris here.

Best Places to Stay in Abu Dhabi in the Summer

When it comes to picking the best places to stay in summer, you will want to seek those with either easy pool facilities nearby the hotel rooms or attached to other attractions such as shopping malls so you can walk through airconditioned comfort.

Hotels Attached to Shopping Malls

If you don’t want to step out into the heat, some good choices where you are immediately adjacent to an air-conditioned shopping mall include:

• The St. Regis Abu Dhabi – Situated on the Corniche, this beautiful 5-star hotel is attached to a small mall known as the Nation Towers Mall. The mall includes a variety of cafes and restaurants, a cinema, a small selection of shops, several salons and a beauty clinic.

• Rosewood Hotel Abu Dhabi – Another stunning 5-star hotel with excellent spa facilities on Al Maryah Island, with direct access to the sprawling Galleria Mall, one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest and best shopping destinations. Alongside a range of international high-street stores (such as Next, American Eagle, and Zara) is a collection of luxury high-end boutiques (think Gucci, Chanel and Dior). There’s a whole host of eating establishments catering to every taste. So whether you fancy large portions at The Cheesecake Factory, local brewed beers at Craft or carefully curated haute cuisine at LPM, this is the place for you. The Galleria also offers a number of children’s play centres, a cinema, and several licensed bars along its waterside promenade.

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