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Many people overlook Abu Dhabi for more time in Dubai, but I think you would be remiss to not visit both — especially since they are only 1.5 hours from each other! Abu Dhabi has less to do than Dubai and doesn’t require as much time. A trip to the UAE is the perfect long layover while flying east to west. I recommend spending about 3 days in Dubai to experience the city’s top attractions, beach, nightlife, etc, but Abu Dhabi is also worth seeing. I spent one day in Abu Dhabi and thought it was enough time to see the highlights. This guide is going to cover all essential information you need to plan a trip of your own.
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Why Should You Visit Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates — not Dubai! Aside from being home to the country’s parliament palace and many other official (and stunning!) buildings, it’s also technically richer than Dubai, making it just as impressive, if not more.
Pro-tip: First time visiting the UAE? This guide covers essential “know before you go” information to help you plan.
Abu Dhabi truly offers something for everyone. There is a newly constructed, ever-evolving museum district on Saadiyat Island, where you’ll find world-class institutions like Louvre Abu Dhabi and more cultural spaces continuing to open. There are also amusement parks, massive malls, and the city’s claim to fame: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, which is home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster.
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Best Time To Visit Abu Dhabi
The best time to plan a trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai is between November and March, when temperatures are much more comfortable for walking around and sightseeing. The summer is the UAE is extremely hot!
How To Get To Abu Dhabi From Dubai
Abu Dhabi is located about 140 km / 87 miles from Dubai and takes just 1.5 hours to reach by car or bus. There is currently no direct train between Dubai and Abu Dhabi (though one is in development), so driving, taxis, or guided tours are your best options.
Abu Dhabi is close enough to Dubai that you could visit in just one day. There are numerous full-day tours that offer roundtrip transportation, making it super easy to plan a seamless trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai without worrying about logistics. Or, you can spend the night like I did!
Pro-tip: Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have massive international airports. Dubai is one of the busiest and biggest in the world, but you can also fly to most destinations around the world from Abu Dhabi. I flew from Abu Dhabi to Delhi to begin my journey through India last fall.
What To Do In Abu Dhabi
My number one recommendation for Abu Dhabi is to take this top-rated, full-day, guided tour. It covers all the major sites to see around the city, and also includes round-trip transportation back to Dubai if you just want to take a day trip to Abu Dhabi! If you want to explore the city on your own time, or spend longer than one day in Abu Dhabi, here are the sites you should see and things you should do:
Grand Mosque
This is easily the most stunning place in Abu Dhabi — and honestly one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen. The white marble, intricate art, and massive scale make it feel almost surreal, and it’s completely free to visit (just dress modestly!). I cover what to wear below.
You’ll want at least 1-2 hours here to walk around the property and see the interior, which is home to giant, beautiful crystal chandeliers and the largest carpet in the world.
Emirates Towers Observation Deck
Head up to the Observation Deck for panoramic views over the Abu Dhabi skyline and coastline. It’s the perfect way to get a sense of the city from above… especially around sunset.
Pro-tip: If you’re already in Abu Dhabi, this day tour covers the Mosque, observation deck, and other highlights!
Grand Palace
Qasr Al Watan, often referred to as the “Grand Palace,” is a working presidential palace that is open to visitors and is just as impressive inside as it is outside. Think massive halls, intricate gold details, and insane architecture. You can visit here on a guided day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari World
If you’re looking for something more fun and fast-paced, Ferrari World is worth a visit — especially for thrill seekers. It’s home to Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world, and is located on Yas Island alongside other attractions.
Pro-tip: Looking for more adventure? If you have more than one day in Abu Dhabi, I recommend taking a half-day desert tour! I did something similar from Dubai and was able to sand surf, ride a camel, go ATVing, and take cool photos… highly recommend!
Lourve Abu Dhabi
If you have even a little extra time, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is 100% worth adding to your itinerary. The museum itself is just as impressive as the art inside, with its iconic floating dome and “rain of light” effect — and the collection spans everything from ancient artifacts to modern works, making it an easy, well-rounded stop on a trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai.
Pro-tip: This whole museum area is brand-new and still under construction. Many more museums will be built in Abu Dhabi in the coming years. I found it amazing to visit a city that isn’t even complete yet.
Where To Stay In Abu Dhabi
I stayed at the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi for my one night in Abu Dhabi and can’t recommend it more. This hotel is centrally located downtown, just a 15–20 minute taxi ride from the airport, making it super convenient if you’re short on time.
It also has a few restaurants on-site, plus clean and modern rooms.
What To Wear In Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is more conservative than Dubai, so it’s important to dress modestly — especially at religious sites like the Grand Mosque. Your shoulders, arms, legs, and head must be covered — you can buy a tunic / dress in the shopping area where you check in. Other than this, normal summer clothing is fine… it’s hot here!
Is One Day In Abu Dhabi Enough?
Yes! I thought one day in Abu Dhabi was enough to see the main highlights, especially if you’re coming from Dubai. While you could easily spend longer, a well-planned day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai gives you a really good feel for the city without needing to rearrange your entire itinerary. You could also spend the night and fly out of the airport here, like I did!
That’s my full guide on how to spend one day in Abu Dhabi! I hope this encouraged you to plan a visit… I think it’s just as amazing as Dubai.
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