4-Day Local's Guide to Abu Dhabi: Outdoor Fun and Shopping
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
4 days
About Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends traditional Arabic charm with modern cosmopolitan life. It offers a rich cultural experience with its grand mosques, like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and traditional markets, or souks. The city is also home to world-class attractions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, and Yas Waterworld. Indulge in luxury shopping at the Marina Mall or enjoy the tranquility of the Corniche, a pristine waterfront. Abu Dhabi's culinary scene is diverse, offering Emirati, Asian, and European cuisines. The city's desert landscapes provide opportunities for thrilling adventures like dune bashing and camel trekking. With its year-round sunshine, Abu Dhabi is a perfect destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
4-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Visiting the Emirates Palace and Yas Island
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Emirates Palace, a real iconic Abu Dhabi landmark. This multi-billion dollar hotel project is the second most expensive hotel ever built in the world.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local restaurant. Try the traditional Emirati dish, Shawarma.
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon at the Yas Mall, the biggest mall in Abu Dhabi. It offers an incredible shopping, dining and entertainment experience for residents and tourists alike.
Dinner
Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant. Try the traditional Emirati dish, Al Harees.
Evening
End your day with a visit to the Yas Marina Circuit. Whether you are a motorsport fan or not, it's worth a visit.
Day 3
Discovering the Qasr Al Hosn and Al Wahda Mall
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest stone building in the city of Abu Dhabi.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local restaurant. Try the traditional Emirati dish, Al Majboos.
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon at the Al Wahda Mall, one of the main shopping destinations in Abu Dhabi.
Dinner
Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant. Try the traditional Emirati dish, Al Madrooba.
Evening
End your day with a visit to the Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a great place to unwind and relax.
Day 4
Touring the Etihad Towers and Marina Mall
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Etihad Towers, a complex of buildings with five towers in Abu Dhabi.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local restaurant. Try the traditional Emirati dish, Al Jabab bread.
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon at the Marina Mall, one of the largest and most luxurious shopping destinations in Abu Dhabi.
Dinner
Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant. Try the traditional Emirati dish, Tabbouleh.
Evening
End your day with a visit to the Capital Gate, known as the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi. It's a great place to take some memorable photos.
Attractions in Itinerary (11)
1Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world's largest mosques, with a capacity for an astonishing 41,000 worshippers. It features 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet.
2Louvre Abu Dhabi
An art and civilization museum, part of a 30-year agreement between the city of Abu Dhabi and France. It is approximately 24,000 square metres in size, with 8,000 square metres of galleries, making it the largest art museum in the Arabian peninsula.
3Emirates Palace
A luxury five star hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Operated by Mandarin Oriental, it is located on 1.3 km of private beach. 85 hectares of lawns and gardens surround the hotel, as well 114 domes that are 80 meters high.
4Yas Mall
The largest mall in Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island. It serves as a place for shopping, dining and entertainment for both locals and tourists alike.
5Yas Marina Circuit
The venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, and is situated on Yas Island, about 30 minutes from the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi.
6Qasr Al Hosn
The oldest stone building in the city of Abu Dhabi, formerly home to the ruling Al Nahyan family. The palace contains a museum that traces the history and culture of Abu Dhabi, with a particular focus on the lifestyle of the ruling family.
7Al Wahda Mall
A popular shopping destination in Abu Dhabi with a wide range of international brands and dining options.
8Al Ain Oasis
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Al Ain Oasis has been a major settlement for millennia and is home to over 147,000 date palms of up to 100 different varieties.
9Etihad Towers
A complex of buildings that includes residential, business, and hotel towers. It is known for its modern architecture and high-end shopping mall.
10Marina Mall
An Abu Dhabi shopping mall and entertainment venue which opened in March 2001. One of the biggest in Abu Dhabi, the Mall is located along the breakwater on Corniche road, close to the Emirates Palace hotel.
11Capital Gate
A skyscraper known as the 'Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi', it is one of the most iconic buildings in the city.
Local Food and Drinks (11)
Harees
A traditional Emirati dish, Harees is a porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, usually chicken or lamb. It is a staple during Ramadan and other festive occasions in Abu Dhabi.
Majboos
Also known as Makbous, this is a spiced rice dish mixed with meat, typically chicken or lamb, and vegetables. It's a popular dish in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.
Shawarma
A popular street food in Abu Dhabi, Shawarma is a wrap filled with thinly sliced meat (chicken, beef, or lamb), vegetables, and a variety of sauces.
Al Harees
A sweet version of Harees, Al Harees is a dessert made from ground wheat and sugar. It's a traditional Emirati dessert often served during special occasions.
Stuffed Camel
A dish reserved for special occasions, Stuffed Camel is considered a luxurious and extravagant dish in Abu Dhabi. It consists of a whole camel stuffed with lamb, chicken, fish, and rice.
Luqaimat
These are sweet dumplings made from butter, milk, sugar, saffron, and cardamom. They are deep-fried until golden and then drizzled with date syrup. Luqaimat is a popular dessert in Abu Dhabi.
Kabsa
Kabsa is a traditional Middle Eastern dish of spiced rice, usually served with chicken, lamb, or fish. It's a common dish in Abu Dhabi and is known for its rich and aromatic flavors.
Falafel
A popular street food in Abu Dhabi, Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. It's often served in a pita or flatbread and topped with salads, pickled vegetables, and hot sauce.
Al Jabab bread
A traditional Emirati bread, Al Jabab is a thin, round bread that is often served with meals or used to make sandwiches in Abu Dhabi.
Balaleet
A traditional Emirati breakfast dish, Balaleet is a sweet and savory dish made from vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar, saffron, cardamom, and rose water, and served with an omelet on top.
Gahwa
Also known as Arabic coffee, Gahwa is a strong, bitter coffee made from lightly roasted coffee beans. It's a popular drink in Abu Dhabi and is often served with dates.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is between November and April. During these months, the weather is relatively cooler with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C, making it perfect for sightseeing and beach activities. The months from December to March are particularly pleasant and are also the peak tourist season. However, if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy lower hotel rates, the shoulder months of November and April are ideal.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
April 10 | Wed | Eid al-Fitr |
April 11 | Thu | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
April 12 | Fri | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
June 16 | Sun | Arafat (Hajj) Day |
June 17 | Mon | Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) |
June 17 | Mon | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
June 18 | Tue | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
July 8 | Mon | Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year) |
September 16 | Mon | Mouloud |
December 2 | Mon | National Day |
December 3 | Tue | National Day Holiday |
How to get around
Public Bus
Abu Dhabi's Department of Transport operates a comprehensive network of public buses serving the city and its suburbs. Buses are air-conditioned, comfortable, and equipped with Wi-Fi. They run on various routes and timings, making it a convenient option for getting around the city.
Taxi
Taxis are a common way to get around in Abu Dhabi. They are metered, plentiful, and can be hailed from the street, booked by phone, or picked up from designated taxi ranks at malls, hotels and other public places. They offer a comfortable and convenient way to travel around the city.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber and Careem operate in Abu Dhabi. These services can be booked through their respective mobile apps. They offer a convenient, reliable, and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. You can choose from a range of car types and payment options.
Car Rental
Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Abu Dhabi, especially for those planning to visit the city's outskirts or other Emirates. A variety of car rental companies operate in the city, offering a wide range of vehicles. An international driving license is required.
Bicycle
Abu Dhabi has been increasingly promoting cycling with dedicated cycle paths in certain areas. Bicycles can be rented from various outlets and are a great way to explore the city at a leisurely pace.
Foot
Many of Abu Dhabi's attractions are located close to each other, especially on the Corniche, making walking a viable option. However, due to the city's hot climate, this method of transportation is more suitable during the cooler months.
Ferry
Ferries operate from Abu Dhabi to various islands like Delma Island. The ferry is a convenient and scenic way to travel, offering beautiful views of the city's skyline and the Arabian Gulf.
Abu Dhabi Metro and Tram
Abu Dhabi is planning to introduce a metro and tram system in the future. This will provide another convenient and efficient way to travel around the city.
Important information
Currencyد.إ AED
Time zoneUTC+4
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone998, 999
Drinking waterYes, but some opt for bottled water
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates as a first time visitor
1
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.
2
The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood.
3
The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets.
4
Abu Dhabi is a Muslim city, and it's important to respect local customs and dress modestly, particularly in public places and religious sites.
5
The city is very safe, but it's always wise to take standard precautions with your belongings.
6
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. A service charge is often added to your bill in restaurants.
7
The city has a hot desert climate. Summer temperatures (June to September) can reach up to 108°F (42°C), while winter temperatures (December to March) range from 59°F (15°C) to 77°F (25°C).
8
Alcohol is available in licensed restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels, but public drunkenness and drinking and driving are strictly prohibited.
9
Public displays of affection are frowned upon and can even be punishable by law.
10
The weekend in Abu Dhabi is Friday and Saturday, with Friday being a holy day.
11
The city is very pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.
12
Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem.
13
Abu Dhabi is one hour ahead of GMT. The UAE does not observe daylight saving time.
14
The city has a high standard of healthcare. It's recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers healthcare.
15
Abu Dhabi has strict laws on medicines, including some over-the-counter drugs. Check before you travel if your medication is on the controlled list.
16
The tap water is safe to drink, but most people prefer to drink bottled water.
17
The power sockets are type G (British three-pin). The standard voltage is 220 V.
18
Internet access is widely available, with free Wi-Fi in many hotels, malls, and cafes.
19
Abu Dhabi is a shopping paradise, with a mix of luxury malls and traditional markets (souks).
20
The city is known for its food scene, with a wide variety of cuisines available, from traditional Emirati dishes to international fare.
Basic Arabic to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | مرحبا | Marhaba | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | وداعا | Wadaeaan | Leaving someone |
Please | من فضلك | Min fadlak | Asking for something |
Thank you | شكرا | Shukran | Showing gratitude |
Yes | نعم | Naam | Agreeing with someone |
No | لا | La | Disagreeing with someone |
Excuse me | عفوا | Afuwan | Getting someone's attention |
I'm sorry | أنا آسف | Ana asef | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟ | Hal tatakallam al'injliziya? | Trying to communicate |
I don't understand | أنا لا أفهم | Ana la afham | When you don't understand what was said |
Where is the bathroom? | أين الحمام؟ | Ayna alhammam? | Looking for the bathroom |
How much does this cost? | بكم هذا؟ | Bikam hadha? | Asking for the price |
I would like to order | أود أن أطلب | Urid an atlub | Ordering food or drink |
Water | ماء | Maa | Asking for water |
Help | مساعدة | Musaeadah | In case of emergency |
Taxi | تاكسي | Taksi | Looking for transportation |
Hotel | فندق | Fanduq | Looking for accommodation |
Airport | مطار | Matar | Traveling to/from the airport |
Can you help me? | هل يمكنك مساعدتي؟ | Hal yumkinuk musaadati? | Asking for help |
Good night | تصبح على خير | Tusbih ala khair | Saying goodbye in the evening |
Packing List
Clothing
Lightweight clothing
Underwear
Socks
Sleepwear
Swimwear
Sunglasses
Hat for sun protection
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals
Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Scarf or shawl for visiting mosques
Long skirts or pants for visiting mosques
Toiletries
Travel-sized shampoo
Travel-sized conditioner
Travel-sized body wash
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Razor
Shaving cream
Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Hand sanitizer
Travel-sized laundry detergent
Personal hygiene items
Prescription medications
First-aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or other ID
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and car rental reservations
Emergency contacts and addresses
Maps and guidebooks
Phrasebook or language app
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
International plug adapter
Camera
Charger for camera
Memory cards for camera
Portable power bank
Headphones
Laptop or tablet
Charger for laptop or tablet
E-books or movies for entertainment
Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow
Earplugs
Eye mask
Snacks
Water bottle
Travel-sized wet wipes
Travel-sized tissues
Notebook and pen
Books or magazines
Travel laundry line and pegs
Zip-lock bags for organization
Weather Conditions
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is known for its hot desert climate. The city experiences high temperatures, especially during the summer months (June to September), where it can reach up to 108°F (42°C). Therefore, if you're planning to visit during this period, it's essential to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The winter months (December to March) are relatively cooler with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). This is considered the best time to visit Abu Dhabi as the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. However, it's still advisable to carry a hat or a parasol as the sun can still be quite strong. The city doesn't receive much rainfall, but when it does, it's usually between November and February. If you're visiting during these months, it might be a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or an umbrella. Regardless of when you visit, it's important to remember that the UAE is a Muslim country and modest clothing is expected. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is recommended to stay comfortable in the heat, but remember to respect the local customs and cover your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites. Lastly, don't forget to check the weather forecast regularly during your stay in Abu Dhabi to plan your activities accordingly and make the most of your visit.
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 28° / 14° | January is a pleasant month to visit Abu Dhabi, with mild temperatures and low humidity. It's perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. |
February | 29° / 15° | February continues the pleasant weather with slightly warmer temperatures. It's an ideal time for beach activities and desert safaris. |
March | 34° / 18° | March marks the beginning of the warm season, but the weather is still comfortable for outdoor activities. The evenings are particularly pleasant. |
April | 38° / 21° | April is warm, but not excessively hot. It's a good time to visit if you want to avoid the extreme summer heat. |
May | 42° / 25° | May is quite hot, but still bearable. Early morning and late evening outdoor activities are recommended. |
June | 45° / 28° | June is the start of the summer season with high temperatures. Indoor activities and water sports are popular during this time. |
July | 48° / 30° | July is the hottest month in Abu Dhabi. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions like malls, museums, and indoor theme parks. |
August | 48° / 30° | August is equally hot as July. The city's indoor attractions and beautiful beaches are the main attractions. |
September | 43° / 28° | September is still quite hot, but the temperature starts to drop slightly. It's a good time to enjoy the city's luxurious resorts and indoor attractions. |
October | 39° / 24° | October sees a significant drop in temperature. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city. |
November | 34° / 20° | November offers pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring the city's cultural heritage. |
December | 30° / 16° | December is one of the best months to visit Abu Dhabi. The weather is cool and perfect for enjoying all the city has to offer. |
Did you know?
Places near by Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene.
Al Ain
A city in the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, on the United Arab Emirates' border with Oman.
Sharjah
The third largest city in the United Arab Emirates, known for its Arabic history, culture and heritage.
Ras Al Khaimah
Known for its Arabian Gulf beaches. In the city, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah occupies a centuries-old fort.
Fujairah
Known for its beaches and the Hajar Mountains, which run through much of the emirate.
Muscat
The capital of Oman, known for its dazzling souks and superb seafood, but its terrain brings the biggest thrills.
Doha
The capital of Qatar. It's known for its futuristic skyscrapers and other ultramodern architecture inspired by ancient Islamic design.
Manama
The capital of Bahrain, a small Arab monarchy in the Persian Gulf.
