Merging heritage and innovation, adventure and relaxation, Abu Dhabi is the year-round sunshine destination for your radar. All eyes are on the UAE capital now too, as it was hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix — the last race of the F1 season. If you’re already there, or are considering it for your next vacation, read on for our travel guide to Abu Dhabi and its best hotels, attractions and dining spots.
A region that’s easy to reach — its airport services non-stop passenger flights to 99 destinations in 56 countries — and has it all, there is so much to discover. This includes its rich arts and culture, thanks to the Louvre and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi that’s set to be located on Saadiyat Island, the cultural district in Abu Dhabi. Then there’s the pull of the gastronomic scene, especially with the arrival of the Michelin Guide last year.
Not forgetting its top-rate hospitality, luxury residences and exciting future developments the likes of Saadiyat Grove, Nobu Hotel & Residences, The Louvre Residences, Sadiyaat Lagoons and The Source Sadiyaat.
These combined with the fast-growing economy with a high GDP of USD 268 billion (it is the wealthiest emirate of the UAE) and zero taxation, it comes to no surprise then, that there has been a significant uptick in people not only holidaying but buying homes in the area within the last three years. In fact, the first nine months of 2023 alone saw more than 25% of recorded sales registered by overseas buyers. Evidently, now’s the best time to visit Abu Dhabi and buy properties there.
From buzzing promenades to peaceful marinas, white sand beaches, thrilling attractions, and Michelin-starred restaurants, here’s your ultimate travel guide to the bustling region of Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi travel guide: Best hotels, attractions and dining venues
The best time to visit
Abu Dhabi has year-round sunshine thanks to its desert climate, and for comfortable temperatures it’s recommended to visit from October to May when it starts heating up. It’s worth noting that August is usually its hottest month, reaching around 36°C.
How to reach Abu Dhabi
The flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Abu Dhabi is approximately 7 hours and 25 minutes for direct flights. Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and flies from Kuala Lumpur.
Related Stories
Where to stay
Anantara Eastern Mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The 5-star Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel is on the edge of the city, just 25km from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and is a little slice of tranquillity. The hotel consists of 150 deluxe rooms, 66 Kasara Executive rooms, and six suites, donning a contemporary design. Look out to one side to view Abu Dhabi’s skyscrapers, and the other out to the mangroves, complete with a balcony.
As for the suites, they range from super deluxe to one-of-a-kind, with a private entrance, rooftop terrace and infinity pool. Complete your stay with the hotel’s award-winning spa and Turkish hammam, along with a gym and outdoor swimming pool. For F&B offerings, try the hotel’s all-day restaurant Ingredients, which serves up an international menu to suit all palates; and indulge in cocktails at the Impressions Bar, a rooftop lounge with stunning views of Abu Dhabi.
Nurai Island Abu Dhabi
Just a 15-minute boat ride off the shores of Abu Dhabi is the ultra-luxurious Nurai Island. The boutique private island resort offers a luxurious oceanside spa, five food and beverage outlets, along with a beach club that takes advantage of its paradise-like setting.
Accommodation here is pure luxury, with various room types including the Beach Villa, one-bedroom villas that have been designed to merge with the landscape, mirroring the beauty and tranquillity of the environment; and the Beach House which are elegant homes that don a terrace, pools for each bedroom, and direct beach access. For larger groups, the Two Bedrooms Pool House is ideal for families with its two bedrooms, a living room, large 18 sqm pool, and optimum privacy; while the Water Villa offers a 10,000 sqft space of comfort and luxury with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to sea, and four bedrooms. If you’re planning an even bigger gathering, the Estate Villa boasts five-bedroom villas, with a generous living space, private gardens and beach, infinity swimming pools and reflecting pools.
Dining options are aplenty. Frangipani serves up culinary influences of the Middle East, Asia and the West; while Hooked specialises in fresh seafood, and Dusk restaurant focuses on Mexican-inspired fare. Tuck into gourmet wood fired pizza to the soundtrack of live music at Smokin’ Pineapple, or head over to Ginger Mermaid for Asian-inflected cuisine.
For further relaxation, the Nurai Spa is a must-visit, with an extensive treatment menu showcasing everything from purifying and glow facials, to yoga sessions.
W Abu Dhabi Yas Island
For those who want to be in the literal centre of the action, the 5-star W Abu Dhabi provides thrills and spectacular architecture. Set in the heart of the buzzy Yas Island, expect incredible views of the racetrack and marina — you can’t get any better, as it spans across two buildings, set half on land and half on water.
When it comes to the architecture and design, the hotel draws inspiration from the UAE and the vibrancy of Emeriti culture with columns to signify fossil dunes, and forms that mirror the wetlands, salt flats and dunes.
Accommodation-wise, there are 499 guest rooms and suites equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, and direct access to the track, or the marina vistas. For the best of the best, book the Extreme WOW Suite that boasts 409 sqm of luxury, over two floors with its own private lap pool, sauna and 180-degree views of Yas Island.
There are plenty of F&B options too, with seven restaurants and bars including the Garage offering five cuisines, Amici serving up authentic Italian dishes, and the fun WET Deck for cocktails and music.
Work off the indulgence at its gym that overlooks Yas Marina, relax at the hammam-inspired spa, or go for a swim at one of the two rooftop pools. If you want to hit the beach, guests can take advantage of complimentary access via the direct Yas shuttle to the Yas Beach club with its beach facility, pool, bar and dining area.
Attractions and things to Do
Saadiyat Beach Club
For a classic beach club experience replete with swimming, dining, and relaxing, Saadiyat Beach Club is a must-visit. There is a temperature-controlled pool, complete with luxury pool-side cabanas and loungers.
For a hit of wellness, head to the steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, or take a refreshing dip in the plunge pool. Saadiyat has been voted Abu Dhabi’s best beach club on TripAdvisor, so you can be assured of a good time.
Marsa Al Bateen Marina
Marsa Al Bateen forms part of Abu Dhabi’s extensive western waterfront located right next to Bloom Marina and the high-end Marasy residential and retail development. One of the oldest inhabited areas on the west side of Abu Dhabi island, fronting the Musaffah Channel, there are two wet berth marinas (the 324-berth West Marina and 48-berth East Marina), along with a dry-stack building occupying the east and west sides of Al Bateen Wharf.
Eastern Mangroves Marina
Overlooking the protected mangrove coastline of eastern Abu Dhabi, is the picturesque and upscale Eastern Mangroves Marina. Inspired by souk-style avenues, the buzzy promenade sees the coming together of high-end residential apartments, shops, a luxury hotel, restaurants and cafes.
The 50-berth marina sits adjacent to the five-star Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, accessed via a pedestrian walkway connected to the Eastern Mangroves Promenade. Take part in some watersports here such as kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and water-based explorations of Abu Dhabi’s lush mangroves.
Al Bandar Marina
Al Bandar Marina, a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city, sits amongst residential towers, shops, health clubs, F&B outlets, and a promenade within the Al Raha Beach development. The marina has 130 berths up to 24 metres for resident and visiting yachts of all types, and here there are companies offering watersports experiences and charter trips around the waterways.
Yas Island
As multifaceted destination, Yas Island has much to offer with dining options, luxury hotels, a white sand beach, marina, so whether you want to stay, play or dine, it’s a must-visit whilst in the region.
Explore Yas Bay, Yas Marina, Yas Beach, Yas Mall and The Fountains. There are also attractions and family-friendly theme parks in the form of Ferrari World Yas Island complete with Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, plus Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Warner Bros. World and Seaworld Yas Island.
For those who to enjoy thrilling activities, there is Yas Marina Circuit — home of the Grand Prix — along with CLYMB and Yas Links. There are entertainment spots here, such as Eithad Arena, the Middle East’s largest indoor multi-purpose entertainment venue, plus Eithad Park for concerts, including the F1 after-race gigs.
Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Take in the views of Soul Beach at Mamsha Al Saadiyat, and go for a stroll along the promenade while indulging in the F&B offerings along the way. NIRI Restaurant & Bar is popular for sushi, while The Steak Room is famed for its succulent prime cuts, and Beirut Sur Mer for a taste of the Middle East.
Mamsha Al Saadiyat is only a 20-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city and is completely worth the detour.
Where to Eat & Drink
Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar
For an evening to remember, head over to the rooftop Siddharta Lounge on Yas Bay Waterfront. This lively haunt combines music, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, crafted cocktails and fabulous views of the Arabian Gulf.
LPM Restaurant & Bar
This award-winning French restaurant with Mediterranean influences is located at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. Try its new French Riviera-inspired ‘La Vie en Rosé’ brunch every Sunday. Bien sur.
The Oak Room by Tom Aikens
You’ll find renowned British chef Tom Aikens and his debut Abu Dhabi outpost The Oak Room in the EDITION hotel. A modern steak restaurant, seasonal produce and juicy meats take centre stage here.
Talea by Antonio Guida
The Michelin Guide came to the region last year, and since then, there has been a lot of excitement surrounding the F&B scene. Make a stop at the one-Michelin-starred Talea by Antonio Guida, which is recognised for its family-style cuisine and modern interpretations of classic Italian dishes.
Where to Shop
The Souk at The World Trade Center
Set in the historic district is The World Trade Center Mall, a mixed-use development in the heart of the city with a mall, modern souk, offices and residences. The Souk is located on the site of the original commercial district and spans three levels, with a design that draws influence from Arabian architecture and combines it with modernity and innovation.
Here, there are public squares, two central atriums beneath a fully retractable roof, 3,000 sqm of terraces and landscaped rooftop gardens; connected to The Mall at World Trade Center by Khalifa Bridge. It is a go-to for traditional artefacts, authentic henna, local spices, jewellery, Arabic perfumes, and fashion.
Yas Mall Abu Dhabi
Yas Mall serves as a place for shopping, dining and entertainment, attracting both residents of Abu Dhabi and Yas Island, and tourists alike. Spanning 2.5m sqft, it houses some 360 globally renowned brands mixed with smaller local labels, along with 68 F&B outlets, plus entertainment in the form of 24 Screen Vox Cinemas, family-entertainment venue Fun Works, and a direct connection to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The mall is 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and 30 minutes from the city centre.
Arts & Culture Destinations
Al Raha Mural
A celebration of creativity, this mural-meets-landmark is must-see. Unveiled by Aldar Properties in 2016, it’s designed to exude the spirit of Emirati culture. The artwork showcases a boy walking his camel, and an Emirati woman heading to the desert. There is plenty of local symbolism with the depiction of an Arabic coffee pot and a traditional lantern.
Carsten Holler installation
Conceptual artist Carsten Höller is now at Manar Abu Dhabi, showing in a public exhibition that’s all about light and light sculptures. The viewer is taken on an immersive light journey with twenty spotlights in four different colours that follow the movements of the participants, to form an immersive game. Abu Dhabi Dots is the second edition of his Dots series. The show runs till 30 January 2024.
Cartier Exhibition at the Louvre
Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design opened this month at the Louvre and is dedicated to the influences of Islamic art on Cartier’s designs. Discover over 400 works including jewellery, masterpieces of Islamic art, textiles and photographs, along with immersive digital projections. The exhibition has been co-organised by Louvre Abu Dhabi, the musée des Arts décoratifs, the musée du Louvre, France Muséums, with the support of Cartier. It’s currently ongoing and ends on March 24, 2024.
New Property Developments
It’s an exciting time for Abu Dhabi in the realm of real estate. Leading developer Aldar has witnessed a significant growth in overseas interest in Abu Dhabi residential property over the past three years.
In 2021, overseas buyers accounted for approximately 5 percent of Aldar’s overall sales – this figure jumped to 14 percent in 2022, spurred on by a range of positive government reforms, new long-term residency visas, and Abu Dhabi’s effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the first nine months of 2023, more than 25% of sales recorded were registered to overseas buyers, highlighting the growing attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as both an investment destination and a second-home market of choice.
Saadiyat Grove
An inclusive community complex, Saadiyat Grove has the ambition to transform the way people live, stay, shop and play. The progressive development comprises residential homes, retail outlets, business premises and leisure facilities.
Nobu Hotel & Residences
Set on the cultural hub that is Saadiyat Island, Nobu Hotel will boast 165 luxuriously spacious guest rooms and suites, including a stunning Nobu Villa. Of course, it’ll be a place for dining — cue the Nobu restaurant with its waterfront and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi views.
Alongside this, the Nobu branded residences will offer a mix of multi-bedroom waterfront residences and penthouses with unobstructed views of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, complemented with the highest level of service — it’s set to be the most sought-after address in the region.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences
The debut project in collaboration with the eminent Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the largest developer in Abu Dhabi, these deluxe residences will offer studios to 3-bedroom apartments, facing the Louvre art museum. For those seeking luxury, this is the place as it comes with an elevated pool and sunset deck, gym and sauna, private cinema, elevated gardens and residence lounge, and library.
Saadiyat Lagoons
Saadiyat Lagoons residences are an oasis of sustainable luxury, where eco-conscious design meets upscale living surrounded by over 900,000 sqm of protected wilderness. There will be 4- to 6-bedroom villas set in the vibrant cultural heart of the island with immediate access to art, music, and gastronomy on one side, and a tranquil eco corniche on the other.
The Source Saadiyat
For a residence that’s rooted in wellness and holistic wellbeing, The Source Saadiyat is the place to be. It offers 1- to-3-bedroom apartments, as well as an array of facilities and amenities, such as a wellness concierge, squash courts, yoga and meditation room, thermal suite with sauna and steam room, a panoramic pool, and a rooftop zen garden.
(Main and featured images: Ammar el Attar/ Unsplash)
This story first appeared here
Related: A Guide To Abu Dhabi’s World-Class Museums And Galleries
Written By
Felicity Carter
Felicity is a writer based in London covering luxury lifestyle, from travel and dining, to culture and style. Her writing has appeared in the likes of Forbes.com, Vogue Italia, MUSE, i-D, Dazed and Numero.
