United Arab Emirates · Culture, beaches & theme parksSheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A masterpiece of white marble, mosaics and chandeliers, especially magical at sunset; modest clothing covering arms and legs is required.
United Arab Emirates · Culture, beaches & theme parks
Hotels in Abu Dhabi
Find hotels in Abu Dhabi near the Grand Mosque, on the beaches of Saadiyat or next to the Yas Island theme parks, about 3.5 hours from Yerevan.
Quick dates:
- Best timeOct – Apr
- Ideal stay4–7 nights
- From Yerevan~3 h 30 min, direct
- Local timeSame as Yerevan
- CurrencyDirham (AED)
- VisaCheck before travel
- LanguageArabic, English
Overview
Why travel to Abu Dhabi
The capital of the United Arab Emirates is a calmer, greener and more spacious alternative to Dubai. Direct flights from Yerevan take about three and a half hours, the clocks show the same time as at home, and hotels in Abu Dhabi often offer large rooms, long private beaches and excellent value compared with its famous neighbour.
Abu Dhabi is built on an island and a cluster of smaller islands, each with its own character. The city centre runs along the Corniche, an eight-kilometre seafront promenade with beaches, parks and cycle paths. Nearby stand the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most beautiful buildings in the region, and Qasr Al Watan, the grand presidential palace that welcomes visitors. On Saadiyat Island the Louvre Abu Dhabi sits under its vast latticed dome beside some of the cleanest beaches in the Gulf.
Families and thrill-seekers head to Yas Island, home to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the end of the season. You can also kayak through the mangroves, take a desert safari or visit Dubai on a day trip, as the drive takes around an hour and a half. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-oriented, which makes Abu Dhabi a great choice for a beach holiday combined with culture.
Top experiences
Best things to do in Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi
A world-class museum on Saadiyat Island where art from many civilisations is shown under a floating dome that filters the sunlight.
Qasr Al Watan
The working presidential palace opens its richly decorated halls and library to visitors, with an evening light show on the facade.
Yas Island theme parks
Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World sit close together, making it easy to plan one or two full days of rides.
Corniche & Saadiyat beaches
Swim at the city beaches along the Corniche or relax on the long white sands of Saadiyat, where turtles sometimes nest.
Mangroves & desert
Paddle a kayak through the Eastern Mangroves, then head out to the dunes for a sunset safari and dinner at a desert camp.
Live prices
Popular hotels in Abu Dhabi
Where to stay
Best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi
Corniche & city centre
First trip · Sightseeing
A convenient base on the seafront, close to the promenade, malls and Qasr Al Watan. Here you will find many city and beachfront hotels at a wide range of prices.
See hotelsSaadiyat Island
Beach · Couples
A quiet island of natural white beaches next to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Hotels are mostly upscale beach resorts, ideal for a relaxing and stylish holiday.
See hotelsYas Island
Families · Theme parks
The entertainment island with theme parks, Yas Mall, the Formula 1 circuit and a beach. Modern hotels of different categories make it a favourite for families with children.
See hotelsAl Maryah & Al Reem Islands
Business · Modern city
Sleek towers, waterfront promenades and the Galleria mall just off the city centre. Contemporary hotels here suit business travellers and couples looking for a modern urban stay.
See hotelsWhen to go
Abu Dhabi weather by month
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is from late October to April, when it is warm and sunny, the sea is pleasant and evenings are ideal for the Corniche, the desert and outdoor restaurants. December to February is the high season, and hotel prices rise again around the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend at the end of the season, so book early. From May the heat grows quickly and July and August are very hot and humid, but this is when Abu Dhabi hotels are at their cheapest and indoor attractions on Yas Island work all year round.
Best monthsOct – Apr
Daytime air, °C
Sea, °C Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime air, °C | ||||||||||||
| Sea, °C | 22° | 22° | 23° | 25° | 28° | 30° | 31° | 32° | 31° | 29° | 26° | 23° |
Good to know
Travel tips for Abu Dhabi
Cards work almost everywhere, but keep some dirhams in cash for taxis, small cafes and tips.
For the Grand Mosque, women need a headscarf and long loose clothing and men long trousers; dress modestly in malls and public places too.
Taxis are metered, comfortable and the easiest way to get around, as distances between the islands are long; public buses are cheap but slower.
Tipping is not mandatory, but around 10% in restaurants and a small amount for drivers and porters is appreciated.
Reserve Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan time slots and theme park tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
Help
Abu Dhabi: questions & answers
Still deciding? Our team in Yerevan answers by phone, email and chat.
Contact our teamWhen is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
The most pleasant months are from late October to April, with warm sunny days and comfortable evenings. December to February is the busiest time, and prices also rise around the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Summer is very hot and humid, but hotel rates fall significantly, and you can spend the days at the beach club, the pool or the indoor parks on Yas Island.
Which area of Abu Dhabi is best to stay in?
For sightseeing and a first visit, stay near the Corniche in the city centre. For a quiet beach holiday, Saadiyat Island with its white sands and upscale resorts is the top choice. Families who plan to visit Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld or Warner Bros. World will find Yas Island the most practical, with the parks just minutes away.
Do Armenian citizens need a visa for Abu Dhabi?
Entry rules for the UAE for Armenian citizens can change, so please do not rely on old advice. Before booking flights, check the current requirements on our Visa page or ask the UTours team in Yerevan. The same applies if you travel on another passport. We will explain which documents you need and help you prepare for the trip.
How many nights do you need in Abu Dhabi?
Four to seven nights works well for most travellers. Plan a day for the Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan, half a day for the Louvre, one or two days on Yas Island and the rest at the beach. If you want to combine Abu Dhabi with a day trip to Dubai, a full week is the most comfortable option.
Is Abu Dhabi or Dubai better for a holiday?
Both are excellent and only about an hour and a half apart by road. Abu Dhabi is calmer and more spacious, with long beaches, great museums and family theme parks, and hotels in Abu Dhabi often give more space for the money. Dubai is busier, with more nightlife, shopping and famous skyscrapers. Many travellers stay in one city and visit the other on a day trip.
How do I book a hotel in Abu Dhabi with UTours?
Choose your dates and number of guests in the search above to see live prices for hotels in Abu Dhabi. Compare them by area, rating and meal plan, then pay securely online. Our team in Yerevan will gladly help with airport transfers, visa questions and any changes to your booking.
You may also like
More destinations
Indian Ocean
Sinai, Egypt
Ready for Abu Dhabi?
Pick your dates above to see live prices for hotels in Abu Dhabi and book the right one in minutes.
