Tailor-made holidays in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi combines beach resorts, contemporary architecture, major museums, theme parks and journeys into the desert. The UAE capital works equally well for a family holiday, a cultural city break, several days beside the Arabian Gulf or a longer itinerary including Dubai, the Liwa Desert and Sir Bani Yas Island.

Hotel location has a significant influence on the stay. Saadiyat Island suits beach and museum-focused journeys, Yas Island provides convenient access to family attractions and major events, the Corniche places guests close to the city, while the Grand Canal area is well positioned for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Saadiyat Island and the Cultural District

Saadiyat Island brings together broad sandy beaches and resorts including The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island and Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas.

Its Cultural District includes Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Museum visits should be planned around current exhibitions, opening times and admission requirements.

Central Abu Dhabi and its landmarks

A city itinerary can connect Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace, the historic Qasr Al Hosn complex and the Corniche waterfront. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers are well placed for exploring this part of the capital.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal offer convenient access to the Grand Mosque. Visits to religious and government buildings should be arranged according to their schedules and dress requirements.

Yas Island

Yas Island is suited to families, sports enthusiasts and travellers attending major events. It is home to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island and Yas Marina Circuit. Hotels and event tickets should be secured well ahead of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and other high-demand dates.

The Liwa Desert and Sir Bani Yas Island

A longer journey can include Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, set among the dunes of the Rub’ al Khali. Activities range from desert drives and camel rides to open-air dining and spa treatments.

Sir Bani Yas Island combines a wildlife reserve with three Anantara resorts. Guided wildlife drives, horse riding, cycling and coastal activities can be included in the programme. This extension requires additional nights and separate transfer arrangements.

The best time to visit Abu Dhabi

October to April offers the most comfortable conditions for beaches, sightseeing and outdoor dining. Summer temperatures are considerably higher, making hotels with extensive facilities, museums and indoor attractions especially important.

Four or five days are sufficient for Abu Dhabi city, Saadiyat and Yas Island. Six to eight days allow time for an additional stay in the Liwa Desert or on Sir Bani Yas Island.