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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.

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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
3 hours ahead of London4 hours ahead in January
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
3 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.

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

  1. JanuaryBest
  2. FebruaryBest
  3. MarchBest
  4. April
  5. MayNot ideal
  6. JuneNot ideal
  7. JulyNot ideal
  8. AugustNot ideal
  9. SeptemberNot ideal
  10. October
  11. NovemberBest
  12. 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

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  • 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.

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    Price checked when you search

  • Flight · Return

    Abu Dhabi

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Questions about Abu Dhabi

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What 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.