Abu Dhabi holidays

GMT +4 hours

Arabic. English is widely understood.

Dirham

The United Arab Emirates is considered a very safe destination, but as with any major city or resort, take care of your valuables.

The Corniche
Abu Dhabi’s famous seafront boulevard is perfect for a nearly morning or late afternoon stroll. Marvel at the impressive Blue Mosque on the corner.

Fishing Harbour and Dhow Yard
See how these sturdy wooden vessels, which once ferried Arab seafarers to China and East Africa in quest of trade, are made.

Forts
Just east of the city, the 200-year-old Al Maqtaa Fort was built to keep bandits away from the city’s riches. Diwan Amiri, the famous White Fort nearby, was built in 1793.

Futaisi Island
Take a boat trip across to this pretty eco-tourist resort - home to gazelles, flamingos and eagles.

Golf
Boasting world-class facilities, a striking clubhouse, flawless fairways and seven salt water lakes, Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton is an oasis of tranquillity carved out of the desert.

Al Ain
Often described as the ‘Garden City of the Gulf’, Al Ain is a lush green desert oasis that has forever been a stop on the camel caravan trail. It's backed by the imposing backdrop of Jebel Hafit.

Jebel Hafit
Journey up the 13km long road to the summit of this mountain for magnificent views of the city and surrounding area on a clear day.

Abu Dhabi has white-sand beaches lapped by warm waters that are teeming with marine life.

•  Make sure you have a full 10-year passport.
•  British and Irish passport holders don’t need a visa.

January
Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
Held at the pristine Abu Dhabi Golf Club, this tournament sees 120 players compete for the Falcon trophy. There's a spectator village with diversions to keep kids occupied.

February
Gourmet Abu Dhabi
A two-week gastronomic festival featuring some of the world's top Michelin-Starred chefs and a host of unique gourmet experiences.

March
Abu Dhabi International Triathalon
More than 1500 international athletes compete for $250,000 worth of prize money through a grueling course around some of Abu Dhabi's most iconic landmarks.

May
Al Gharbia Water Sports Festival
Numerous sporting competitions and activities open for anyone to join. Includes kite surfing, surf sea kayaking, power-boating, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, beach volleyball and Beach football.

July
Summer in Abu Dhabi
The Summer in Abu Dhabi family festival includes great activities, award-winning international acts and best-in-class edutainment.

November
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The world’s most advanced and comprehensive motor-sport centre, Yas Marina Circuit, will once again host the Etihad Airways F1 Grand Prix, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre of motor-sport excellence.

December
Al Ain Aerobatic Show
Stand by for an aerobatic extravaganza that combines awesome displays of military and civil aircraft, dizzying stunt flying and knuckle-gnawing, high-soaring, wing-tip-to-tip competitions. One of the longest running events in the emirate, the Al Ain Aerobatic Show continues to live up to its billing as one of the world’s foremost aerobatic spectaculars.

F1 Powerboat Championship
F1 Powerboats is a global series taking place in six countries on three continents. Team Abu Dhabi F1 Powerboat squad includes two local drivers, Thani Al Kanzi and Ahmed Hameli.

Shop till you drop at Abu Dhabi Shopping Mall.

7 hours

Beach, Eat & Drink, Shopping, Culture, Nature & Quietness, History & Tradition, Events & Festivals, Sport in general, Watersports, Hiking, Biking, Golf, Wellness / Spa, Outdoor / Adventure

•   Try mezze, a selection of starters that's as filling as a main course. It includes:
    o   Tabbouleh (a salad of chopped parsley, cracked wheat, tomatoes and mint)
    o   Hummus (chickpea and sesame seed dip)
    o   Moutabel (aubergine puree)
    o   Waraeinab (stuffed vine leaves with rice)
    o   Tahini (sesame seed paste, yoghurt and lemon dip)
    o   Arabic bread
•   Main dishes include:
    o   Machbous (spiced lamb with rice)
    o   Hareis (simmered wheat and tender lamb)
    o   Meshwi (a mixed grill of various types of meat and sausage)
    o   Locally caught fish or shellfish.
•   For a snack, try shawarma - slivers of grilled lamb carved from a vertical spit and served with salad in a pocket of Arab bread.
•   For desert try esh asaraya (cheesecake) and umm’ail (bread pudding with cinnamon and nutmeg).
•  T he middle east is famous for its sweet pastries, although fruit is the usual dessert.

Religion
Islam

Dialling code
+971 2

Summer, Winter

Al Ain Palace Museum
Gain a fascinating insight into the region's history. The Palace was once the home to the late ruler Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Heritage Village
This small museum depicting the the local community's traditional daily activities before Abu Dhabi's oil was discovered.

A service charge of 15–18% will usually be added to your bill.