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The prayer-hall atrium of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

No. 66 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

The UAE's capital: a gleaming white grand mosque, world-class museums, beaches and theme parks.

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Photo: Francesco Bini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Abu Dhabi is No. 66 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The capital of the United Arab Emirates is built on an island in the Arabian Gulf, about 1.5 hours by road from Dubai.

Its sights range from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island to the theme parks and motor-racing circuit on Yas Island.

The Abu Dhabi skyline from the Corniche
The Abu Dhabi skyline from the Corniche. Photo: FritzDaCat, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Best time to go

November to March is the best time, with warm, sunny days and comfortable evenings.

From June to September temperatures often exceed 40°C; plan for indoor sights and early mornings.

Top sights

  • 1

    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

    A vast white marble mosque with 82 domes and huge chandeliers. Entry is free; book a visiting slot online and dress modestly.

  • 2

    Louvre Abu Dhabi In our Top 100 Museums

    A universal museum under a great perforated dome by Jean Nouvel, on Saadiyat Island.

  • 3

    Qasr Al Hosn

    The city's oldest stone building, a former fort, now a museum of Abu Dhabi's history.

  • 4

    The Corniche

    A long waterfront promenade with beaches, cycle paths and skyline views.

  • 5

    Yas Island

    Theme parks including Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, a water park and the Yas Marina Circuit.

  • 6

    Mangrove National Park

    Kayak through the mangroves on the eastern edge of the city.

Getting there

Zayed International Airport (AUH) is about 30 km from the city centre; taxis and buses run into the city.

Buses and taxis link Abu Dhabi with Dubai in about 1.5 hours.

Getting around

Taxis are plentiful and metered, and ride-hailing apps are widely used. Public buses take the Hafilat card.

Distances are large and the heat is intense for much of the year, so walking between areas is rarely practical.

Practical tips

Currency
UAE dirham (AED). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Language
Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken.
Local customs
Dress modestly in malls, government buildings and religious sites; cover shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection, drunkenness and swearing or rude gestures can lead to fines or arrest. Check the rules on medicines before you travel.
Safety
Abu Dhabi has a low crime rate. For the police, dial 999; for an ambulance, 998.
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and EU countries, get a free visit visa on arrival; others need to arrange a visa in advance. Check the UAE government portal (u.ae) or your airline before you travel.
Power
230 V, 50 Hz; plug type G.

Official information: Visit Abu Dhabi (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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