Pristine beaches, the sparkling Arabian Sea, fantastic shopping and world-class restaurants make the United Arab Emirates' capital, Abu Dhabi a dream holiday destination.
Abu Dhabi was first planned in the 1970s with a population expected to reach around 600,000. Today more than two million people call the Emirate home, and the city has grown to become a Middle Eastern hub that plays host to grand-scale sporting events and celebrations of glamour and wonderment.
Abu Dhabi Information
Population: Approx. 860,000
Time Zone: UTC +4
Languages: Arabic (official), English
Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
Currency Exchange: Purchase your AED cash and travellers cheques before you leave Australia
Abu Dhabi Climate
Typical of a hot arid climate, Abu Dhabi experiences consistently warm weather with little rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures in summer reach around 38°C (100° F) during the day and 27°C (81° F) overnight. It can also be quite humid during the warmer months and sandstorms can occur. During the cooler months temperatures range between 13°C (55° F) and 25°C (77°F).
Abu Dhabi Airport
Name: Abu Dhabi International Airport
Website: http://www.abudhabiairport.ae/index.asp
Partner Airline: Etihad Airways
Airport Hotel: Located in T1 transit. View more information on the airport website
Car Rental: Mates' rates on all car hire with our preferred partners
Aloft Abu Dhabi
4 Star Property
An easy breezy adventure awaits at Aloft Abu Dhabi. Set in the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, only a few minutes from the airport and city sights, the hotel brings bold loft-inspired design to a modern Middle Eastern metropolis.
Hilton Abu Dhabi
5 Star Property
Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Hilton Abu Dhabi is on the famous Corniche Road, half a mile from Breakwater and approximately 30 miles from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The hotel is also only two miles from Marina Mall, three miles from the Heritage Bedouin Village and Al Husn Fort, and five miles from the Capital Gardens. This Hilton's amenities include the 12 restaurants and bars.
Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
5 Star Property
This five-star deluxe hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city, close to the business district and shopping areas. Set in lush, beautifully landscaped gardens, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi offers a private beach and a swimming pool, and is an ideal destination for both business and leisure travellers.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi
5 Star Property
The Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi is located approximately one mile from the Gold Souq, and 20 miles from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The hotel is within walking distance of commercial and shopping districts, and is one mile from the beach, six miles from Marina Mall, and 25 miles from a camel racetrack.
Park Inn Abu Dhabi Yas Island
4 Star Property
The Park Inn Abu Dhabi Yas Island is a 20 minute drive from Abu Dhabi commercial centre, and a seven minute drive from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The hotel features two modern meeting rooms and a spacious all-day-dining restaurant called Mint, which features an open terrace.
Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
5 Star Property
Centrally located, the InterContinental Abu Dhabi is near Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, and the famous corniche. The hotel offers a restaurant and a bar/lounge, and features massage and treatment rooms and beauty services. Plus there is a stunning private beach on the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Dining
For the best Arabian barbeque in town, head to local institution Lebanese Flower. Grilled meats, pickled vegetables, savoury rice and homemade breads all come in generous serves at very reasonable prices. On top of a great range of restaurant-quality food Lebanese Flower also has a variety of quick and tasty take away options, and will deliver to your hotel. With service to match its great menu, this restaurant is a must for keen foodies. You will find Lebanese Flower on Kyaladiya Street.
Expatriates and out-of-towners agree... you simply cannot get past the prices and quality of food at The Vista at The British Club. The extensive international menu appeals to all tastes, but it is hard to resist their steak and succulent seafood. Position yourself at an outdoor table with a wine from their extensive wine list, and savour the sunshine and sweeping views of the city. An outdoor mist system will keep you cool so that you can enjoy your meal alfresco any time of year. Make your way to Mina Sadiyat for a guaranteed good night out.
For a truly opulent dining experience, head to Bord Eau at the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri. Located an easy 15 minutes drive from the city centre, Bord Eau is not only one of Abu Dhabi’s finest restaurants, but it is also the city's most romantic. It's chic interiors and highly-acclaimed French cuisine never fails to impress.
Shopping
For an authentic Arabian shopping experience head to one of Abu Dhabi’s Souks (markets). Watch stall holders haggle with locals over the price of spices, silk, perfume and even electronics.
The Central Market, known locally as the Grand Souk is the place to go for the region's famed gold and jewellery. Located on Sheikh Hamdan Street, you can also shop for carpets and traditional tailoring and fashion. A great place to sample traditional foods, make sure you try the Fataya – savoury pastries made with cheese, tomato, honey and chicken. Shawamas, made from spit roasted chicken or lamb served in pita bread with tabouleh salad and hummus, are also popular.
For a truly impressive number of local and international retail outlets head to the Marina Mall on Hamdan Street. With more than 400 stores you will find everything from luxury brands to popular department and grocery stores. With a thriving entertainment precinct, featuring its very own indoor ice rink, you could be forgiven for spending an entire day exploring this retail oasis.
Like all popular tourist destinations there are plenty of traditional souvenir shops on hand. While majestic wooden doors and hand carved trunks manage to make their way home with some of the city's visitors, no trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without a visit to Bateel. The up-market delicatessen specialises in dates, with an extraordinary variety available. Ranging from the soft and sweet, to the chewy and even caramel filled, these dates are a truly unique treat, and a lovely gift to take home.
In addition to the many different date varieties, Bateel also has an innovative range of date preserves, vinegar and jams. Add to the list their Belgium chocolates, pastries and preserves and you will be in foodies' heaven. With on-site cafes at several locations throughout Abu Dhabi there is no excuse for missing a sweet treat.
