Flights to Abu Dhabi
Walk the white marble courtyards of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, see the light filter through the Louvre Abu Dhabi's dome, and paddle through mangroves minutes from downtown. The UAE's capital moves at a calmer pace.
- Currency
- UAE dirham (AED)
- Language
- Arabic; English widely spoken
- Time zone
- GST (UTC+4), no daylight saving time
- Plug type
- Type G, 230 V
- Main airport
- Zayed International (AUH)
Overview
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is built on an island off the Gulf coast, with a long Corniche of beaches and parks along its western shore. The city's best-known landmark, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is clad in white marble and topped by more than 80 domes, and it's open to visitors of all faiths. Downtown, Qasr Al Hosn preserves the 18th-century fort where the city began. Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace, opens its great halls to visitors.
On Saadiyat Island, the Saadiyat Cultural District is becoming one of the Gulf's major museum quarters. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, beneath Jean Nouvel's latticed dome, has been joined by teamLab Phenomena, the Natural History Museum, and the Zayed National Museum, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open on December 11, 2026. Yas Island, near the airport, is home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Zayed International Airport is Etihad Airways' hub. Etihad flies nonstop from New York JFK, Chicago, Washington Dulles, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Toronto, and it's expanding its North American network. Dubai is about 90 minutes away by road, so you can easily combine the two cities in one trip.
Highlights of Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visit the vast marble courtyards, floral inlays, and huge hand-knotted carpet. Come near sunset to see the domes change color, and follow the dress code.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Explore a collection that spans world civilizations beneath a dome that filters sunlight like palm fronds, with views of the sea on Saadiyat Island.
Qasr Al Watan
Tour the grand halls and library of the working presidential palace, and stay for the evening light show on its facade.
Yas Island
Ride Formula Rossa at Ferrari World, spend a day at Yas Waterworld, or take a track experience at Yas Marina Circuit.
Mangrove kayaking
Paddle through the Eastern Mangroves or Jubail Mangrove Park, where herons, crabs, and sometimes turtles live alongside the city.
Where to stay
Corniche and Al Markaziyah
Downtown seafront with public beaches, Qasr Al Hosn, and plenty of dining. It's convenient for first-time visitors.
Saadiyat Island
Beachfront resorts next to the Louvre and the Saadiyat Cultural District, perfect for culture lovers and couples.
Yas Island
Theme parks, the F1 circuit, a golf links, and Yas Mall, just minutes from the airport. It's ideal for families and motorsport fans.
Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands
Modern business district with the Galleria mall and waterfront promenades. It suits business travelers and longer stays.
Airports and getting into town
Airport bus route A1 runs to Al Zahiyah bus station, and A2 serves Khalifa Street in the downtown core, with journeys of roughly 45–60 minutes. Route A10 runs past the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque toward Mohamed Bin Zayed City. Taxis from Terminal A take about 30–40 minutes to downtown and Saadiyat Island, or about 10–15 minutes to Yas Island.
Best time to visit
November to March has warm, dry days that are perfect for the Corniche beaches, mangrove kayaking, and desert trips to the Liwa dunes. That's also when the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place at Yas Marina Circuit, usually in late November or early December, and when the Sheikh Zayed Festival runs in Al Wathba. Summer brings temperatures above 104°F (40°C), so visits then are best built around indoor attractions like Yas Island's theme parks and the museums.
Airlines flying to Abu Dhabi
Popular routes to Abu Dhabi
Flying out of Abu Dhabi
Travel tips from our desk
- At the Grand Mosque, women need an abaya and headscarf and men need long trousers, and the mosque sometimes lends suitable clothing. Hours are shorter on Fridays, so check before you go.
- Download the Abu Dhabi Link or Darbi transit apps for bus routes, or use app-based taxis. Distances between the islands are large, and walking between them isn't practical.
- The UAE weekend is Saturday–Sunday. During Ramadan, which moves about 11 days earlier each year, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is discouraged.
- Plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings, and carry water. Even in winter, the midday sun on the Corniche is strong.
Related destinations
United Arab Emirates
Flights to United Arab Emirates
Explore United Arab Emirates →
Dubai
Gulf city of record-breaking towers, creekside souks, desert dunes, and beaches, served nonstop by Emirates from across North America.
Explore Dubai →
Doha
Striking museums, Souq Waqif's lanes, and a waterfront Corniche, with Qatar Airways nonstops from across North America.
Explore Doha →Flights to Abu Dhabi — frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from New York to Abu Dhabi?
Etihad Airways' nonstop flights from New York JFK average about 13 hours. Etihad is the only airline flying this route nonstop.
Which airport serves Abu Dhabi?
Zayed International Airport (AUH), formerly Abu Dhabi International, is the city's airport and Etihad's hub. All flights now use its Terminal A.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
November to March has the most comfortable weather and the main events, including the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Summer is very hot.
How do I get from Abu Dhabi airport to the city?
Airport buses A1 and A2 go downtown in roughly 45–60 minutes. A taxi takes about 30–40 minutes, or 10–15 minutes to Yas Island.
Is it easy to combine Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
Yes. The cities are about 90 minutes to 2 hours apart by road, with intercity buses and taxis, so many travelers fly into one and spend a few days in the other.
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