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Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates capital, is a sleek and modern city with skyscrapers, shopping malls and luxury hotels. Traces of this once fishing and pearl gathering village are still visible among the modern urbanisation and tourist attractions giving Abu Dhabi a more Arabian feel than perhaps its neighbour Dubai.
General Information
Since the discovery of oil Abu Dhabi has flourished and today offers visitors an abundance of luxury hotels and tourist attractions. It is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates and also the largest of the seven Emirates. Once a quiet fishing village and date producing province Abu Dhabi has now been transformed into a sleek and modern city with luxury hotels, broad boulevards and modern apartments. The city is located on an island linked by two bridges and its most picturesque place is indisputably the Batin, or old town, where walking through the city it is still possible to see the remnants of the old city with its souks and markets. Tourist attractions include the Abu Dhabi Heritage Museum, the beach (or Corniche), the Al Hisn Fort, or the Marina Mall. Once the sun sets the nightlife is restricted to hotels due to licensing laws but great cocktails can be found in the Mai Tai Bar at the Beach Rotana Hotel and Towers whilst the Heroes Diner at the Crowne Plaza provides regular nightly entertainment. For the adrenaline seekers you can experience the dune bashing 4 by 4 jeep safaris where these spectacular sand dunes are amongst the largest in the world. Another attraction to visit are the many offshore islands and the famous city of Al Ain with many archaeological sites. There are also many tourist attractions for children including the Al Ain Zoo and the Aquarium. For music and theatre head to the Emirates Palace Hotel which hosts over 1,100 people from cultural events to concerts. If you plan your trip carefully you can take advantage of the great discounts in March during the Abu Dhabi shopping festival or if music is more your taste head out in February for the Al Ain Music Festival.
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Best Time To Visit
Abu Dhabi enjoys a subtropical climate with year-round sunshine making it a prefect destination. Average temperatures are at their lowest in January ranging from 14 to 24 degrees to their highest July ranging from 30 to 45 degrees and therefore rainfall is very low in this region. The best months to visit are from October to May but bear in mind tourist attractions will be limited during the religious weeks of Ramadan.
Insider Tips
Alcohol is available in hotels and certain designated bars. Modest dress is expected outside beach resorts and it is rude to eat, drink or smoke in public places during Ramadan.
Dubai is only a 30 minute drive from the city so take advantage of this a book a twin centre holiday.
You can make great savings on hotels by visiting in the months of July and August but be prepared for hot temperatures!
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Map
5 Reasons to Visit
Stopover Destination: Ethiad Airways flies to Abu Dhabi daily before heading to international destinations so stop in this great city for a few days before heading onwards to your holiday destination.
Shopping: Abu Dhabi offers tax free shopping and huge discounts during the annual Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival.
Ultimate Luxury: Hosting some of the world’s most luxurious hotels Abu Dhabi boasts five star plus resorts that will satisfy honeymooners, singles or families.
Desert Experience: Impressive desert landscapes are easily accessible from this city. Take to the dunes by 4 by 4 or by camel and spend an evening under the stars at a Bedouin encampment.
Twin Cenre: Combine your stay in Abu Dhabi with a trip to its neighbouring city Dubai or even a further extension to Oman or the rest of the Middle East.
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