Abu Dhabi - The city of architectural wonders

Abu Dhabi Airport Directory (AUH)
Baggage Allowance
30Kg
7Kg
Min °
Max °

From world’s largest handloomed carpet to beautiful man-made islands, tallest skyscrapers, a hospital only for falcons, luxurious malls, biggest sand dunes and lavish hotel chains, Abu Dhabi is a one-stop tourist destination where you can satisfy your wanderlust. The rapid urbanisation has made it one of the wealthiest cities in the world, but still, the place has retained its authentic Arabian feel. The capital of United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi host numerous tourist every year from across the globe and entertain them with its rich cultural essence.

Best time to visit: You can visit Abu Dhabi during winter, between December and March to enjoy the best weather.

How to reach?

By Air: Abu Dhabi International Airport is located at a distance of about 32km (30minutes drive) from the Abu Dhabi city. IndiGo has direct flights to Abu Dhabi from Kochi and Kozhikode along with seamless connections to several other cities in India.

You can also reach Abu Dhabi by taking a flight to Dubai and then travelling by road (one and half hour journey) using public buses, taxis or rental cars. IndiGo operates 14 daily flights to Dubai from Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kochi, Kozhikode and Amritsar.

Getting around: You can travel around Abu Dhabi using taxi, buses and rental cars. Taxis are differentiated into silver taxis operated by taxi companies and pink taxis driven by women and meant for female passengers and boys below the age of 10. And buses are operated within Abu Dhabi and its suburbs.

Baggage Allowance
20Kg
7Kg
Min °
Max °

Places to visit in Abu Dhabi

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The mosque is considered to be the epitome of modern Islamic architecture as it beautifully blends design elements from across the world. There are several highlights of this mosque that makes it a must visit spot in Abu Dhabi. It features more than 1000 columns, 24-carat gold plated chandeliers, 82 domes, world’s largest hand-knotted carpet as well as world’s biggest chandeliers that weighs twelve tones and measures 15 meters in height and 10 meters in diameter. Moreover, natural materials like marble, crystals, ceramics, gold and semi-precious stones have been used in the construction of this stunning mosque. If you are visiting for the first time, then opt for a guided tour to explore it in length. Do remember to dress up appropriately when visiting the mosque.
  • Emirates Palace: Although it's a hotel, it's considered to be a popular tourist destination as well. The palace is an ultimate testimony of luxury that is adorned with the best of Arabian design elements such as the grand dome along with 114 smaller domes spread across the entire structure. You have to visit the Emirates Palace to believe its grandeur as it boasts of 1002 chandeliers, 302 rooms and 92 suits many of which are finished in marble and gold.
  • Falcon Hospital: Sounds strange right – a hospital for Falcons! But that's true. Abu Dhabi falcon hospital is amongst the most prominent and advanced hospitals in the world providing care and services for falcons. These birds are an integral part of the traditional Gulf culture and lot of efforts are taken to take care of them. The hospital also features a museum where you can know more about falcons and try your hands on the ancient art of falconry. A prior reservation is mandatory to visit the place.
  • The Corniche: With white sandy beaches, walkway and a stunning backdrop of the skyscrapers, Abu Dhabi’s beachfront Corniche is the ideal place to relax and experience the city at one place. The 6km stretch also boasts of beautiful landscaped garden, fountains and separate paths for cycling. The best way to discover the Corniche is on a cycle. So, grab a cycle from the cycle-bike share point and start exploring.

Places to eat in Abu Dhabi

Bait El Khetyar
Bait El Khetyar

This place is a must-try for its shawarma (chicken or beef). You must also try their hummus which they serve with tomatoes, onions, chickpeas and parsley and the popular labneh, thick yoghurt with garlic.

VIEW MORE
Li Beirut
Li Beirut

It is among UAE’s best Lebanese restaurants, serving delicious grills and mouthwatering hot and cold mezzeh. You can satisfy your taste buds either by sitting indoors or while enjoying the sea view from the terrace.

VIEW MORE
Finz
Finz

Located on the beach, overlooking Al Reem Island and the sea, you need to sit back, relax and enjoy yummy seafood in the most fashionable and stylish environment. Their menu is focused explicitly on seafood cooked in a variety of method such as tandoori, wok and traditional.

VIEW MORE
18 degrees
18 degrees

The main highlight of 18 degrees is its interactive three show kitchens wherein the chefs prepare Mediterranean specialties in front of the visitors. Located on the 18th floor of Hyatt Capital Gate, the place offers best views of the city along with the irresistible Mediterranean cuisines.

VIEW MORE
VIEW LESS

Shopping in Abu Dhabi

The best way to remember a trip is by stocking up some souvenirs. In the case of Abu Dhabi, buy some local art ornate wooden carvings, carpets reflecting Arabian culture and jewellery. The souvenirs are widely available in the city in varied shapes and sizes, and you need to know the right place to find the authentic items. Also, Abu Dhabi boasts of opulent malls and is a paradise for shopaholics. You will find each and everything in these malls starting from luxurious brands to high-end amusement parks for the children.

Marina Mall: It is one of the leading shopping destinations in the city. Spread over five floors, the mall houses more than 400 outlets of high-end brands like Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Burberry and more. If you are looking to shop from upscale fashion, beauty, electronics or home furnishing brand, then Marina mall is a one-stop shopping hub for you.

Abu Dhabi Mall: It is yet another mall highlighting the mall culture in Abu Dhabi. You will find major international brands like Diesel, H&M, Longines, Michael Kors, Rolex etc. in this mall along with several restaurants, children’s play area and a Cineplex.

Al Wahda Mall: Al Wahda mall mixes local brands with global names and presents an exciting mix of entertainment, shopping, food and leisure activities. Spread over 3.3 million square feet, every year the mall attracts more than 30 million shoppers.

Abu Dhabi Mall

Nightlife in Abu Dhabi

It is quite impressive to know that Abu Dhabi houses some of the most happening clubs in the UAE. These clubs are usually packed with locals, travellers or socialites during live music evenings, ladies’ nights or weekends. So here are some ideal hangout spots where you can relax and have fun after a long day of sightseeing.

Rush: As soon as you enter this club, its stylish décor will set your mood to spend the rest of the night here. The bright coloured lighting and a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Yas racetrack adds up to the cool factor of the place. Do visit the club on a Thursday when international and local DJs play some cool music till 3 am.

Sax Club: This place is known for its amazing ladies' night on Mondays and Wednesdays. On these days, beverages are free of cost for ladies. Apart from this, the club is also famous for playing the most happening music in different genres like hip-hop, EDM, house music as well as R&B. On Thursdays and Fridays, you can enjoy a performance by some of the famous Lebanese superstars.

Sea Lounge: It's a place where you can go for several reasons like to munch some delicious snacks or to enjoy dancing or just for chilling. Sea Lounge is the perfect place to have a drink while enjoying the serene views of the Gulf. Although it's a chilled-out place in the first half of the weekend, in the latter half, it's a place that plays the most happening numbers of soul music, R&B and electronica.

Mad Yas Island: It is touted as one of the best party places along with being the most significant indoor nightclubs in the city. Witness the most prominent music artists, the best of music and entertainment shows clubbed with jumbo-sized LED screens, 360 degrees projection mapping, exceptional sound system, stunning light shows.

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi

Emirates-Palace-Hotel

Emirates Palace Hotel Being among the very few 7-star luxurious hotels in the world, Emirates Palace Hotel is known for its lavish interiors and state-of-the-art amenities like lush green landscaped gardens, private beach, two large swimming pools, a perfect spa and 10 restaurants amongst others. To experience luxury at its best not only in terms of ambience but also its offerings, Emirates Palace Hotel is the perfect address to select for your stay.

jpg

Premier Inn It is directly connected to Abu Dhabi International Airport through the Skypark walkway in Terminals 1 & 3. The hotel boasts of a bar, fully equipped gym, restaurant and a roof-top swimming pool offering spectacular views. It also provides complimentary shuttle service to the main tourist spots that include Ferrari World, Waterworld, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and drops off service to the Corniche.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel One of the most famous hotels in the city, it’s the ideal destination for a luxurious accommodation. The hotel features landscaped gardens and pools and also boasts of private beach and spa. If you don’t want to go somewhere out you can sit in the hotel, relax and enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas Situated on a private beach of Saadiyat Island, its location is the most highlighting factor of this Park Hyatt. The airport is 35 minutes from the hotel which makes it ideal for the business travellers or tourists with interests in beach and relaxation.

Saadiyat

Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas Just 5 minutes away from the beach, this 5-star property boasts of the spectacular Arabian Gulf views and striking Arabic architecture having a royal presence. The hotel is known for its varied range of dining options, exquisitely designed 327 rooms along with 13 beach villas.

More reasons to visit Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: A paradise for car fanatics this place satisfies the need for speed to the utmost level. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a Ferrari branded theme park for all age groups. Here you can live your dream of driving a Ferrari. It is home to various classic cars and more than 20 rides including world’s fastest roller coaster ride, Formula Rossa.

Yas Waterworld: This huge water park is the best option to beat the heat during hot temperature. Being the first of its kind in UAE, Yas Waterworld boasts of 43 slides, attractions and rides including the longest, fastest tornado water slide and first water-laser rollercoaster in the world.

Desert safari: You can’t miss desert safari while in Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most thrilling activity to enjoy in deserts. You must experience Dune bashing riding in an SUV for 20 to 30 minutes. Try to stay overnight in the lap of the desert and enjoy camel rides, scenic sunset and belly dancing along with scrumptious dinner.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Visa and Immigration

If you’re an Indian passport holder having US Visitor Visa/ Green card, you are eligible for visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days in Abu Dhabi, while others would be required to apply for UAE Visa one month prior to your date of travel. For passengers holding ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport and labour and work e-visa, OK to Board (OTB) message, will be necessary.

To ensure a hassle-free and seamless travel, here is a detailed information about the Dubai visa – www.goindigo.in/information/visa-information/dubai-uae-visa.html

Yas-Island

Lowest Fare Flights to

From
To
Departure Time
Duration
Stops
Lowest Fare
Top
2000+ Daily flights
80+ Domestic Destinations
30+ International Destinations
500 Mn+ happy passengers
300+ Fleet tall