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A quick introduction to the city
Everyone dreams of visiting the United Arab Emirates at least once in their life – that’s a fact. But what would you say about the capital of this popular destination, loved by travelers from all over the world – the city of Abu Dhabi, located on islands in the Persian Gulf and deserving nothing less than the title of an “Oriental fairy tale”?
Today we want to tell you about Abu Dhabi itself, which is also often called the “Manhattan of the Middle East”. Did you know that? Yes, it’s true, and it got this name thanks to the many skyscrapers that define its skyline. There is so much here that will absolutely amaze you! But let’s go through everything step by step!
Why you’ll love Abu Dhabi
An ultra-modern capital built on islands in the Persian Gulf, with spectacular skyscrapers and the five-kilometre Corniche waterfront promenade.
Ferrari World on Yas Island — the main entertainment complex, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa (up to 240 km/h).
Louvre Abu Dhabi — an iconic museum complex of 55 buildings covered by a huge dome, displaying masterpieces by Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet and more.
Numerous beaches with soft sand and turquoise water — both hotel and public beaches, many of them awarded the Blue Flag for water quality.
A very family-friendly destination: playgrounds, family water parks and green lawns along the Corniche, perfect for picnics and relaxed walks.
Ferrari World Park
Ferrari World is the main entertainment complex on Yas Island. If you’ve always dreamed of riding roller coasters and thought that the fastest ones in the world were in America, you were, unfortunately (or fortunately), mistaken. They are here, in Abu Dhabi, in Ferrari World. They are called Formula Rossa, and they can reach speeds of up to 240 km/h!
The park also has many other attractions that deserve your attention and will leave you with a lasting impression!
Ferrari World is located right in the center of Yas Island, close to the Warner Bros theme park and YAS WaterWorld water park.
For everyone planning to visit Ferrari World, we recommend going on a weekday, because huge queues form on weekends. Smoking is prohibited in the park, and you should definitely not appear on its territory while under the influence of alcohol.
Pay attention to the height restrictions for each ride: to go on all the attractions in the park, your height must be at least 1.4 meters or more.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum
The Abu Dhabi branch of the Louvre Museum opened in 2017, and this was a landmark event. The building itself is a real highlight for everyone who sees it – a complex consisting of 55 separate structures, all covered by a huge dome.
Around 500 works of art are displayed in the museum, including, for example, Leonardo da Vinci’s «Salvator Mundi» and «La Belle Ferronnière». In addition, you’ll find paintings by Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and many other world-famous artists.
To better understand the exhibits, we recommend downloading the Louvre Abu Dhabi — Guide app to your smartphone. It contains descriptions of all the exhibits as well as a map of the museum. By the way, the app is available in Russian and works on both iOS and Android.
Photography of the exhibits is allowed, but without flash. You can also relax in a cozy café inside the museum, although prices are quite high, so we suggest not arriving at the Louvre on an empty stomach.
Corniche Promenade
This is the place often referred to as the main attraction of Abu Dhabi. Every month, around 50,000 tourists from all over the world visit the Corniche.
What does “corniche” actually mean? The term describes a road that runs along the side of a mountain or a steep slope. The Corniche promenade is located in the north-western part of Abu Dhabi. It is about five kilometres long. Access is open 24 hours a day, and some restaurants operate around the clock. As for the beach, it opens at 7 a.m. and closes at midnight. Corniche Beach has been awarded the «Blue Flag» – which means the water here meets the highest quality standards and swimming is considered completely safe.
On the promenade, you can rent a bicycle to move around more easily and quickly. If you are planning to visit the Corniche with children, you’ll be pleased to know there are several playgrounds for young travelers, and you’ll also find the Family Water Park – a wonderful spot with lots of fountains. The lawns along the Corniche are perfect for picnics.
One important tip for tourists planning a walk along the Corniche: make sure you exchange money in advance and get dirhams, because many local venues simply do not accept euros or US dollars.
Beaches of Abu Dhabi
We would actually like to dedicate a separate section of this article to the beaches of Abu Dhabi. Friends, this wonderful city has a huge number of gorgeous beaches with clean sand and azure water. It should be said right away that they fall into two categories – hotel beaches and public beaches.
By the way, it is not at all necessary to stay at a specific hotel to access its beach – you can simply pay for access to the sea and sand.
If you are not planning to pay for beach access, then public beaches are waiting for you. However, it is important to note that not all of them are free, although they are much cheaper than hotel beaches. You will also need to pay extra for renting a sun lounger, an umbrella and a towel (if you don’t have your own).
While relaxing on a public beach in Abu Dhabi, you are not allowed to sunbathe topless or drink alcohol. And under no circumstances should you leave the beach area wearing only your swimsuit – you can be fined for this!
If you’re still undecided and can’t choose, let us help you! Here is a list of the most popular and interesting beaches in Abu Dhabi: Corniche, New Corniche, Lulu Island, Al Bateen, Yas, Saadiyat, InterContinental, and the Emirates Palace hotel beach.
And by the way, you don’t need to be afraid of sharks on the beaches of Abu Dhabi – so far, there have been no recorded shark attacks on people here.
We wish you a wonderful holiday, a beautiful tan, a fresh sea breeze and an excellent mood!
What to do in Abu Dhabi
Start your discovery of Abu Dhabi on Yas Island: here you’ll find Ferrari World, the Warner Bros park, YAS WaterWorld, as well as modern shopping malls and restaurants. It’s the perfect area for anyone who loves speed, adrenaline and bright, theme-park fun.
Next, make sure to plan a visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi. Set aside a few hours to enjoy the art and the architecture of the complex under its intricate dome. After the museum, head to the Corniche promenade for a leisurely walk, a bike ride and to watch the sunset by the sea.
Beaches are another big reason to fall in love with Abu Dhabi. Alternate your beach days with strolls around the city, shopping and relaxed evenings in cafés overlooking the Gulf. If you want a more authentic touch, explore older neighbourhoods, local markets and try traditional Arabic cuisine.
If you have more time, add a desert safari to your plan: dune bashing, a desert sunset and dinner in the open air are a perfect complement to a city-and-beach style holiday. This mix of experiences makes a trip to Abu Dhabi truly memorable.
1-day itinerary in Abu Dhabi
In the morning, start with a stroll along the Corniche. Early hours are the most pleasant: it’s not too hot, crowds are smaller, and the views of the Persian Gulf are especially impressive. Walk along the promenade, step onto the beach, and, if you like, rent a bicycle and ride the path along the sea.
Around midday, head to Louvre Abu Dhabi. Plan at least 2–3 hours for the exhibitions and photos. Download the Louvre Abu Dhabi — Guide app in advance so you can navigate the galleries and understand which exhibits deserve special attention.
After the museum, stop for lunch at a café, then make your way to Yas Island. Spend the evening and part of the night at Ferrari World: attractions, roller coasters, themed zones and shows will help you finish the day on an emotional high.
If extreme rides aren’t your thing, stay around the Corniche or pick one of the city’s beaches. Here you can watch the sunset, walk along the water and end the day at a restaurant with a view of the Gulf.
2-day itinerary in Abu Dhabi
Day 1. In the morning, walk along the Corniche, choose a spot on the beach and spend a few lazy hours by the sea. Around midday or in the afternoon, visit Louvre Abu Dhabi: allow enough time for both the architecture and the art. In the evening, head back to the Corniche or to one of the beaches to enjoy the sunset in a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 2. Dedicate the second day to Yas Island and its attractions. Start with Ferrari World, try Formula Rossa and other rides, keeping in mind height restrictions and safety rules. Afterwards, you can visit the neighbouring parks or head to Yas Beach to unwind after an adrenaline-filled morning.
In the evening, choose a restaurant with a view of the marina or the Gulf: a great way to wrap up two busy days. If you’re travelling with children, add playgrounds on the Corniche and family-friendly zones in the water parks to your plan.
How to get to Abu Dhabi and get around
Abu Dhabi is served by a major international airport with many flights from large cities in Europe, the Middle East and the CIS countries. In some cases, your journey may include a connection, so it’s useful to compare routes and total travel time in advance.
If you enter the UAE via Dubai, you can reach Abu Dhabi by intercity bus, agency transfer, taxi or rental car. The trip usually takes around 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic.
Within the city, it’s convenient to combine taxis, local buses and walking in the waterfront and tourist districts. To reach Yas Island, the Louvre or more remote beaches, many travelers prefer taxis or renting a car for a few days.
Keep local rules in mind: in public places, modest clothing is recommended, and on beaches alcohol and overly revealing swimwear outside designated areas are prohibited. Before your trip, check the current visa requirements and entry rules for citizens of your country.
Frequently asked questions about holidays in Abu Dhabi
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
The most comfortable season is from late autumn to early spring, when there is no extreme heat. In summer, temperatures and humidity can be very high, especially during the day.
How much time do I need for Ferrari World?
Usually you should plan at least half a day, and ideally a full day, so you can try the rides, including Formula Rossa, and still have breaks to rest and grab a snack.
Is Ferrari World suitable for children?
Yes, there are dedicated zones and attractions for kids, but the most extreme roller coasters have height restrictions. Check in advance which rides are allowed for your child’s age and height.
Do I need to buy tickets for Louvre Abu Dhabi in advance?
It’s recommended to buy tickets online beforehand, especially in high season and on weekends, to avoid queues at the ticket office and secure a convenient time slot.
Is there a dress code for the museum and Corniche?
In museums and public places, modest clothing is recommended — nothing too transparent or revealing. On the Corniche, light summer outfits are fine, but swimwear is only appropriate on the beach itself.
Can you swim on Abu Dhabi beaches all year round?
The water in the Persian Gulf is warm for most of the year, but in winter it can be cooler, and in summer it can feel almost hot. Check local conditions and opening hours of the beach before swimming.
What rules apply on public beaches in Abu Dhabi?
Topless sunbathing, drinking alcohol and leaving the beach area in swimwear are prohibited. Breaking the rules can lead to fines, so it’s important to respect local customs.
Are sharks dangerous on Abu Dhabi’s beaches?
Official beaches are closely monitored, and shark attacks on people have not been recorded here. Swimming at designated, equipped beaches is considered safe.
How can I get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi on my own?
Buses run between the two cities, and you can also take a taxi or rent a car. The journey usually takes about 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic and the route chosen.
Where is it better to stay: Yas Island or downtown?
Yas Island is ideal if you love theme parks and entertainment, while the city center is better if you want to be close to the Corniche, museums and business districts.
Is Abu Dhabi suitable for a family holiday with kids?
Yes, the city is very family-friendly: playgrounds along the Corniche, Family Water Park, water parks and soft sandy beaches make holidays with children comfortable and fun.
Do I really need to rent a car in Abu Dhabi?
It’s not essential, but it can be very convenient if you plan to move frequently between Yas Island, beaches and more remote areas. For a short visit, you can easily manage with taxis and public transport.
