Dubai is the most popular city in the UAE. From its skyscrapers like the world famous Burj Khalifa to the huge Dubai Mall, from Jumeirah beach to the desert safari, from the Palm islands to the Dubai creek, from Dubai marina to old Dubai, from Gold Souk and Dubai Spice Souk, everything is different and amazing.
These photos are from our three day trip to Dubai during third week of July, 2018.
Atlantis The Palm
Skyline of skyscrapers – Dubai Marina from boardwalk on Palm Jumeirah
Skyline of skyscrapers – Dubai Marina from boardwalk on Palm Jumeirah
Atlantis The Palm
View from Crescent Road
Old Dubai
View of the creek in Old Dubai
A traditional abra in Dubai Creek
Old Dubai
Rainbow colored spices in Dubai’s Spice Souk
Deira Spice Souk
Dubai’s Spice Souk
Zabeel Palace
Dubai Museum
Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach
Desert Safari with Quad Biking in Dubai
Dubai Desert Safari
Dune bashing safari drive in 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser
Dubai Desert Safari
Dune bashing safari drive in 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser
Dune bashing safari drive in 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser
Abu Dhabi, which means “Land of the Gazelle” in Arabic, is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The city is the second largest man-made island in the world and is about 80 miles from the most popular city in the UAE, Dubai. From sand dunes to natural islands, from cool oases to lavish resorts, from desert to gardens, Abu Dhabi offers various activities for every traveler. Compared to Dubai, Abu Dhabi is slightly expensive, very traditional, and more peaceful. With the gorgeous skyscraper buildings, the spectacular mosques, the colorful gardens, the beautiful beaches, the city has a significant prominence in the UAE.
These photos are from a short visit to Abu Dhabi on our way to Abu Dhabi airport on July 24, 2018.
Abu Dhabi skyscrapers
Emirates Palace
The Lavish Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace
Fountains in front of the lavish Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace
Palm tree lined fountain in downtown
Emirates Palace
Fountains in front of the lavish Emirates Palace
Gate House of the Emirates Palace
Gate House of the Emirates Palace
Gate House of the Emirates Palace
Road with Palm Trees
Date Trees
Date Trees
Date Trees
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
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Quick Facts and Tips
Make sure you have valid passports, visas, travel insurances and documents.
Carry international driving licenses if you plan to rent a car.
Airports: Abu Dhabi International Airport or Dubai International Airport, whichever is convenient. Commute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
By bus: 2-3 hours ride, costs less than $10, may have to wait up to an hour.
By Taxi: Nearly 2 hours drive, costs upwards of $80.
Other options include Uber and Careem (a local taxi service). Careem is less expensive than Uber for shorter distances and Uber is less expensive for longer distances.
Best Time To Visit
November to April: High season, best time for exploring the outdoors and to avoid the extreme heat. Be prepared for the big crowd.
May to August: Low season, best time for budget travelers, be ready to fight the extreme heat.
September to October: Shoulder Season, best time for the beach
Clothing
Weather is warm throughout the year, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, pants, shorts, sundresses, capris, long skirts, swimsuits, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Keep cardigans or shrugs for covering shoulders.
For Desert Safari: Pants, shorts, or capris, and t-shirts or blouses (preferably no skirts or mini shorts). It is better to wear open shoes, flip flops, or sandals to avoid sand getting into shoes.
A light jacket for the cool winter mornings and evenings.
Dirham is the official currency of the UAE. Money exchange can be done at licensed exchange offices, banks, and hotels with your passport. Credit and Debit cards are commonly accepted in Abu Dhabi, but it’s better to keep some amount of Dirham for tips and pay at local markets and smaller shops.
There are dress codes on mosques and some of the beaches.
The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Traffic is much lighter on the weekends.
There is absolutely no shortage of hotels in Abu Dhabi. Depending on your budget and point of interest, book the appropriate hotels.
For the best prices, avoid luxury taxis, use the regular taxi cabs (Uber is another option too). You can ask the price for your destination and also check if there is a meter in the taxi.
You can rent a taxi or book Hop On/Hop Off Buses to get around.
During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking and partying are prohibited in public places between sunrise and sunset.
How many days: one or 2 days to cover the major attractions.
Abu Dhabi’s Top Attractions
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The largest mosque in the UAE, beautiful architecture built with marbles, elements of gold and other precious stones.
Emirates Palace: A luxury resort that looks like a fairy tale castle.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: Ferrari-branded theme park for speed and adventure.
Louvre Abu Dhabi: Global Culture & Art Collection museum on Saadiyat Island.
Qasr Al Hosn: A historical landmark and oldest stone building of Abu Dhabi.
Corniche Road: A 5 miles long seaside promenade.
Yas Waterworld: A family entertainment Waterpark
Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village: An authentic replica of a typical Bedouin village which gives an idea of Emirati life before the oil boom.
Etihad Tower: An Observation Deck for skyline views of the city.
Saadiyat Island’s Sandy Shore: A long white sand beach with all facilities.
Best things to do
Book any of Abu Dhabi city tours
Go for an evening Desert Safari, Camel Ride and Sand Boarding with BBQ Dinner.
Go for a Kayaking tour on Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves.
Chill out at a long, white sand beach on Saadiyat island.
Walk along the seaside promenade Corniche Road for extensive views of the Persian Gulf and the city skyline.
Get thrilled at the Ferrari Theme park
Book any boat tour to view the city’s skyline.
Spend a full day at the beach at Yas Island.
Splash around to cool off at Yas Waterworld waterpark.
Enjoy a 360 degree view of Abu Dhabi at Jumeirah at Etihad Tower.
Skyline of skyscrapers - Dubai Marina from boardwalk on Palm Jumeirah
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Dubaiis the most popular city in the UAE. From its skyscrapers like the world famous Burj Khalifa to the huge Dubai Mall, from Jumeirah Beach to the desert safari, from the Palm Islands to the Dubai creek, from Dubai Marina to Old Dubai, and from Gold Souk to Dubai Spice Souk, everything is different and amazing.
Make sure you have valid passports, visas, travel insurances and documents
Carry international driving licenses if you plan to rent a car
Airports: Dubai International Airport or Abu Dhabi International Airport, whichever is convenient. Commute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
By bus: 2-3 hours ride, costs less than $10, may have to wait up to an hour
By Taxi: Nearly 2 hours drive, costs upwards of $80
Other options include Uber and Careem (a local taxi service). Careem is less expensive than Uber for shorter distances and Uber is less expensive for longer distances
Best Time To Visit
November to April: High season, best time for exploring the outdoors and to avoid the extreme heat. Be prepared for the big crowd
May to August: Low season, best time for budget travelers, be ready to fight the extreme heat
September to October: Shoulder season, best time for the beach
Clothing
Weather is warm throughout the year, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, pants, shorts, sundresses, capris, long skirts, swimsuits, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Keep cardigans or shrugs for covering shoulders
For Desert Safari: Pants, shorts, or capris, and t-shirts or blouses (preferably no skirts or mini shorts). It is better to wear open shoes, flip flops, or sandals to avoid sand getting into shoes
A light jacket for the cool winter mornings and evenings
There are dress codes on some of the beaches
The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Traffic is much lighter on the weekends
There is absolutely no shortage of hotels in Dubai. Depending on your point of interest book the appropriate hotels
For the best prices avoid luxury taxis, use the regular taxi cabs (Uber is another option too). You can ask the price for your destination and also check if there is a meter in the taxi
Try Dubai’s easy and clean Metro system to avoid weekday/rush hour traffic. Note that it may be crowded on weekdays and it may also be a long walk to go to a Metro station from your point of interest
You can rent a taxi or book Hop On/Hop Off Buses to get around
During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking and partying are prohibited in public places between sunrise and sunset
How many days: Minimum of 3 days to cover major attractions.
Shopping and walking around the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional Middle Eastern style with stalls & restaurants under wooden covered arcade
Taking a abra (boat) ride at Souk Madinat Jumeirah while admiring and enjoying the stunning view of iconic Burj al Arab hotel. You can buy a ticket at Souk Abra Station near Trattoria Toscana at Souk Madinat Jumeirah
The Dubai Fountain show is the world’s tallest performing fountain on the 30-acre man made Burj Lake, at the center of the Dubai Mall. Fountains dance and perform to classical, contemporary Arabic and world music.
There will be 5 minute shows every day. Evening shows are every half hour from 6 pm to 11 pm. Daytime shows are at 1 pm and 1:30 pm. The fountain shows are free and can be viewed from every point on the Burj Lake. The popular areas to watch are the Waterfront Boardwalk and the walkway around the Souk Al Bahar, just outside the Dubai Mall. This area gets extremely busy and crowded as thousands of people pour out of the Dubai Mall. So arrive at least 15 mins before the show starts to secure a good spot to view this spectacular show.
