Hotel
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
A grand palace hotel on its own stretch of beach at the end of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, with domes, gardens and a long private shoreline.
Live prices
Price checked when you search
AUH · 24.45° N · 54.40° E · United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
The UAE capital: a calm corniche, landmark museums and the white domes of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Find flights to Abu Dhabi
About Abu Dhabi
In short
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Qasr Al Watan
- Saadiyat Island beach
- Yas Island theme parks
At a glance
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Region
- Middle East
- Local time
- GMT+4
- Time difference
- 2 hours behind Dhaka
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
- Languages
- Arabic and English
- Main airport
- AUHZayed International Airport
- Flight time
- About 7 hoursFrom London
- Best time to visit
- November to March
- Deals
- 2 deals
Abu Dhabi is quieter than Dubai and proud of its culture. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomes visitors outside prayer times, Qasr Al Watan opens the presidential palace to the public, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi sits under its great latticed dome on Saadiyat Island.
The city centre is set along a long corniche with a beach and cycle path, and Saadiyat has soft sand where turtles nest. Yas Island adds Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and the Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Visit between November and March for warm, dry days.
Before you go
Entry and visas
Abu Dhabi follows the entry rules of the United Arab Emirates, which depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, and can change. Check the official entry requirements for your nationality before you book, and again before you travel.
Health
Read TravelHealthPro's page for the United Arab Emirates and book a travel health appointment well before your trip. From May to September the heat and humidity are intense, so drink plenty of water, use sun protection and plan outdoor visits for the cooler hours.
Money
The currency is the UAE dirham (AED). Carry some cash for small purchases, tell your bank before you travel and check what it charges for using your card abroad.
Official sources
- GOV.UK travel advice for the United Arab Emirates (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK entry requirements for the United Arab Emirates (opens in a new tab)
- TravelHealthPro advice for the United Arab Emirates (opens in a new tab)
- Visit Abu Dhabi (opens in a new tab)
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (opens in a new tab)
General information only, not legal or medical advice. Rules change, so check the official source before you travel.
Checked on 14 October 2026
When to go
- JanuaryBest
- FebruaryBest
- MarchBest
- April
- MayNot ideal
- JuneNot ideal
- JulyNot ideal
- AugustNot ideal
- SeptemberNot ideal
- October
- NovemberBest
- DecemberBest
November to March is the cooler season, with average highs of about 24 to 31°C. May to September is extremely hot and humid, and average highs pass 40°C from June to September.
Deals to Abu Dhabi
See all deals
Flight · Return
Abu Dhabi
Search live prices from
Pictures of Abu Dhabi
The patterned dome and white galleries of Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island 
Stone forms and a pool in front of office towers in Abu Dhabi 
Mangrove shoots in still water at dusk in Abu Dhabi 
Inlaid columns around the courtyard pool of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Questions about Abu Dhabi
See all questionsWhat currency is used in Abu Dhabi?
The UAE dirham (AED), the currency of the whole United Arab Emirates. Carry some cash for small purchases, and check your bank's fees for using your card abroad before you go.
Which airport serves Abu Dhabi?
Zayed International Airport (AUH), about 30 km east of the city. It was known as Abu Dhabi International Airport until it was renamed in February 2024.
Can visitors go inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Yes. Visitors book an online access pass in advance, while worshippers can enter without one. Wear loose, modest clothing that covers your arms and legs, and women also cover their hair. The mosque's official site sets out the full code of conduct.
Checked on 14 October 2026
Do I need a visa to visit Abu Dhabi?
It depends on your passport and the purpose of your trip. Abu Dhabi follows the entry rules of the United Arab Emirates, which can change, so check the official entry requirements for your nationality before you book and again before you travel.
Checked on 14 October 2026
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
November to March, the cooler season, when average highs are about 24 to 31°C. From May to September it is extremely hot and humid, with average highs above 40°C from June to September, so keep outdoor plans to mornings and evenings.
