Travel Guide

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

Best time to go: November–March

Sights

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – A white marble mosque with a vast carpet and chandeliers – most beautiful at sunset.
Louvre Abu Dhabi – An art museum beneath a dome through which light falls like rain.
Qasr al-Watan – The presidential palace with lavish halls, open to visitors.
Corniche – A long waterfront promenade with a beach and cycle paths.
Qasr al-Hosn – The city's oldest stone building, a former fort.
Yas Island – A Formula 1 circuit, Ferrari World and other theme parks.
Mangrove National Park – Kayak through the mangroves on the city's edge.

Emirati cuisine – Machboos (spiced rice with meat) and luqaimat, sweet dumplings.
Arabic coffee and dates – A sign of hospitality, spiced with cardamom.
Mina Zayed fish market – Buy fish and have it cooked right next door.
Friday brunch – Lavish weekend brunches at the hotels are an institution.

Liwa Oasis – Towering sand dunes on the edge of the Empty Quarter.
Al Ain – An oasis city with palm groves (UNESCO World Heritage) and Jebel Hafeet mountain.
Saadiyat Island – A quiet beach where turtles sometimes nest.

When to go: November–March
Getting around: Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easiest, plus city buses; Dubai is about an hour and a half by car or bus. Cover shoulders and knees in mosques.
Tipping: Around 10% is customary in restaurants.
Power: Plug type G, 230 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.
Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)

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