Abu Dhabi vacations - The gem of the Middle East

A destination that lets its authenticity do the talking

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the United Arab Emirates. Its confusingly-named largest city, Abu Dhabi, is the capital of the UAE even though it’s often overshadowed by its glitzy little brother Dubai.

The city of Abu Dhabi is the epicenter of everything in the Emirate and home to amazing hotels, fabulous shopping and sugary beaches.

While it’s still a huge and hectic cosmopolitan city, Abu Dhabi has a far more relaxed and friendly feel than Dubai. You’ll still find the plush shopping malls and the huge range of restaurants, but the crush of people isn’t as fearsome and the shortage of taxis not as dire.

By Middle Eastern standards, Abu Dhabi is a relatively liberal country (although not compared to the western world). The people are very friendly, respectful and always ready to help if you get lost or need advice.

The native Emiratis now make up only a small minority of the whole population with many expatriate workers coming from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and east Africa. This impressive mixture of cultures has given Abu Dhabi a truly international flavor.

Why visit Abu Dhabi?

• Powdery white-sand beaches like the Seychelles combined with an upmarket city experience like Dubai
• Hotels seemingly competing to come across as the most ludicrously lavish – if you’re looking for once-in-a-lifetime luxury, Abu Dhabi can provide it
• Yas Island is a true modern playground with the high-octane Ferrari World boasting the world’s fastest rollercoaster and the sprawling Yas Waterworld water park
• This is one of the world’s premier shopping destinations with a mixture of high-end malls and bargain-price markets

Important information:

The holy month of Ramadan will be celebrated in Oman every year according to the lunar cycle (approximately 17 February-18 March 2026 and 7 February-8 March 2027). During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink and other physical needs during daylight hours. As a result, there are many restrictions in place during this time. Hotel restaurants and local city restaurants are closed until Iftar (the fast-breaking evening meal after sunset), though some hotels let one restaurant open for buffet breakfast and lunch. Alcohol is restricted in public, but can be delivered to the room. Non-Muslims are not expected to fast but be aware that in Qatar you cannot eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.

Eid Al Fitr, otherwise known as the Festival of Sweets, is an annual Muslim holiday that celebrates the ‘breaking of the fast’ (approximately 19-20 March 2026 and 9-10 March 2027).

Eid Al Adha is the second major holiday celebrated annually in the UAE (approximately 26-30 May 2026 and 16-20 May 2027). During these festivities, the UAE can be very busy, however, there are no restrictions during these times.