ABU DHABI

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, experience unparalleled luxury and desert charm on the banks of the Persian Gulf in Abu Dhabi. With close to 250 miles of coastline, more than 200 natural islands and a modern cityscape, Abu Dhabi offers visitors an expansive tourist trail. Go camel trekking across powdery white sands, learn about falconry, admire one of the world’s largest mosques and enjoy souk shopping.

GETTING THERE

Visitors from the United States and a plethora of other countries receive a free-of-charge entry visa upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), located approximately 24 miles southeast of central Abu Dhabi. For taxi service, fares start from $30. Pink taxis driven by women are exclusively for female passengers and boys under the age of 10 and cost the same. Public bus transportation is also available. The green and white 901 buses leave every 40 minutes 24 hours a day; a one-way ticket costs about $1. Etihad Airways offers complimentary door-to-door luxury limousine service from the airport for first- or business-class guests.

GETTING AROUND

Hail a cab or opt to travel around town via Abu Dhabi’s far-reaching, modern fleet of air-conditioned buses. From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., metered taxis have a starting fee of about $1 and increase about 30 cents per half-mile. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. there is a minimum charge per fare of $2.72, and the starting fee and subsequent miles are a few cents higher. If you plan to use the bus regularly, purchase a day pass for about $1 or a monthly for $10.90.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
The world’s largest and most advanced falcon hospital, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital provides visitors with insight into the history of the aristocratic desert sport of falconry. This unique attraction features guided visits to the museum and the examination room, where you’ll see birds undergo feather repair and get pedicures. The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to have a falcon sit on your arm in the lush hospital gardens.

Saadiyat Island Cultural District Exhibition
This exhibition details the development plans for the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island, an island off the coast of Abu Dhabi currently being transformed into an upscale leisure and cultural destination. Check out the models of the five major cultural projects currently underway, including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Maritime Museum, the Sheikh Zayed National Museum and the Performing Arts Centre.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The world’s third-largest mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a work of art, wowing visitors with its 82 domes of seven different sizes, approximately 1,000 columns, 24-carat gold-plated chandeliers and the world’s largest handwoven carpet. Open daily to visitors 9 a.m.–8 p.m., except on Friday mornings. Complimentary one-hour guided tours are available at select times each day of the week.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Abu Dhabi Festival
The largest classical arts event in the United Arab Emirates, this festival is a three-week program of dance and musical performances held annually in March.

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
Watch the world’s best golfers tee off in mid- January at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. Off-course action at the Championship Village includes live performances, competitions and an interactive zone that lets visitors practice their golfing techniques.

SummerFest Abu Dhabi
A 52-day extravaganza running from June to August, SummerFest Abu Dhabi showcases the many activities the city has to offer. Visitors will enjoy a variety of family-friendly events including comedy shows, stunt-based performances, musical acts and theater productions.

RESOURCES

For more information, visit visitabudhabi.ae