Find cheap flights to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a hot spot year-round for tourists who want to hit the beach. It also boasts a wealth of history and culture that is ripe for exploring. Summer is the slowest time for tourism, as temperatures can get up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and only dip down to 90 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There are deals for flights and hotels during summer, but the weather can be very uncomfortable. If you can’t handle the heat, try visiting during another time. Fall is busier with tourists, and temperatures are still warm with highs from 82 – 106 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure you are prepared for the heat by hydrating and using sunscreen. Winter is the most popular time of year for tourists to visit. Temperature highs range from 74 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit, however, with the comfortable weather come higher prices on flights and hotels as well as much bigger crowds. Spring can also be busy, more so in March and April. The weather is warm, with highs from 82 – 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is almost never an issue in Abu Dhabi, so enjoy the dry weather and don’t forget to pack sunglasses and a hat.

It’s possible to explore parts of Abu Dhabi on foot, but if you plan on covering a lot of ground, it’s best to stay out of the heat by using Abu Dhabi transportation with air conditioning.

Buses

There are 14 routes that cover the city of Abu Dhabi and will take you to all the major tourist spots. One ride costs 2.00 AED, but you can purchase an Orja pass for 30.00 AED that is good for a week and allows unlimited travel. Buy passes at kiosks by the bus stations.

Taxis

It’s common to take a taxi in Abu Dhabi as they are affordable and abundant. Taxis can be hailed anywhere it’s safe to stop, just look for the silver car with a yellow top, or they can be booked ahead of time over the TransAD hotline. Fares start at 4.00 AED plus 1.60 AED per mile. You will need cash as taxis do not accept credit cards. Be warned that fares do go up between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.

Car rentals

For those who want to explore Abu Dhabi by car, there are plenty of rental options at the airport and at many hotels. To drive in the United Arab Emirates, you must have an international driving license prior to arriving. Parking fees are relatively cheap, at 3.00 AED per hour for up to 4 hours in premium spots, or 2.00 AED per hour for up to 24 hours. Parking is free on Fridays and holidays.

US citizens with a US passport that is valid for more than 6 months do not need to obtain a visa prior to entry to the UAE if the duration of their visit will be less than 1 month. For foreign nationals, please check the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates website.

Things to do and places of interest in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is a winter destination for anyone looking to get away from the cold. However, the city is much more than just sun and surf. Here some of the best things to do while in Abu Dhabi.

• Tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. It can hold up to 40,000 worshippers and is a celebration of Islamic architecture.
• The world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World, is also home to the world’s fastest roller-coaster. The theme park is a must for any adrenaline junkie.
• The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the only branch of the Louvre outside France. Opened in November of 2017, the museum has 23 art galleries with over 600 permanent art pieces to view.
• Visit Abu Dhabi’s oldest building, Qasr Al-Hosn. The 1793-dated palace was built as a residence for the ruling family, and has been turned into a museum tracking the history and culture of Abu Dhabi.
• Take a boat tour around the city and get a new perspective. Some tours offer snorkeling and beach time, while others take you out during the sunset to enjoy the view of the city.
• Take a trip to the Abu Dhabi Falcon hospital, a working veterinary hospital that gives visitors an up-close look at birds of prey, and the chance to feed and hold the birds. The hospital also has a museum attached that is dedicated to the history of falconry.

Tips and tricks for visiting Abu Dhabi

It’s a good idea to wear long, loose clothing, both as a way to fend off the heat and to respect the local culture.

Tipping is not expected as a service charge is added to restaurant and hotel bills. However, if the service is exceptional, a tip of 10% – 15% is graciously accepted.