Ultimate Itinerary For 2 Days In Abu Dhabi, UAE 2026

Golden beaches, gleaming mosques, futuristic architecture and a surprising sense of calm – Abu Dhabi is one of those places that catches you off guard (in the best way). Often overshadowed by its glitzier neighbour Dubai, the UAE capital is more laid-back but packed with culture, nature and serious skyline views.

Which is why in this blog I’m sharing my tried and tested itinerary for the best two days in this special city. From kayaking through mangroves to visiting the country’s most incredible mosque with the world’s largest carpet, here’s exactly how I’d spend 48 hours in Abu Dhabi.

1. Is Abu Dhabi worth visiting & is two days enough?
2. Where is Abu Dhabi?
3. How to get to & around Abu Dhabi
4. When to go
5. Day 1: Experience the city’s most famous natural and man-made wonders
6. Day 2: Learn about local life from the water, desert & above
7. Best places to stay
8. Best places to eat & drink
9. What to pack & know before you go
10. How much a trip to Abu Dhabi costs

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Abu Dhabi at a glance:

• My favourite affordable apartment to stay in Abu Dhabi (from £74 per night)
• Easiest car rental from Abu Dhabi (prices starting at £17 per day)
• Best stress-free UAE eSIM (from £3.50)
• Best 5* sunset desert safari
• My favourite guided speedboat tour

Is Abu Dhabi worth visiting & is two days enough?

Now, before we get into the detail – if you’ve not heard much about Abu Dhabi and only know that it’s another emirate in the UAE, you might be wondering if it’s actually worth visiting. This blog may be a bit of a giveaway but my answer would be, 100% yes!

Compared to Dubai, Abu Dhabi is like the cooler, calmer older brother. While only just over an hour’s drive away, the differences between these two cities is quite striking from the get-go. Firstly, Abu Dhabi is a lot less crowded with a population of 2.1 million compared to Dubai’s 3.5 million and you can feel that on the streets. Where you’ll often get stuck in a traffic jam in Dubai, you can more freely roam through the heart of Abu Dhabi.

Secondly, where Dubai is known for it’s pioneering modern development, Abu Dhabi holds its heritage and history close. Here you’ll find the most magnificent mosque in the country with the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, the UAE’s Louvre with breath-taking art, and the chance to experience a taste of Bedouin life. To be honest, the mosque was so incredible, I’d say Abu Dhabi is worth visiting for that alone – it has to be one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen.

But don’t worry, if you’re still after iconic luxury thrills, Abu Dhabi has that too. In fact, a whole island dedicated to adrenaline seekers with a Grand Prix racing circuit and the world’s fastest rollercoaster. So in short, there’s something for everyone here. But if you’re craving a deeper understanding of the country and a look at it’s rich history, Abu Dhabi is definitely worth the time.

When it comes to how long you need here, I would say two days is the perfect amount of time. While there is a lot to see, Abu Dhabi is relatively compact and you can visit the major sights in just a couple of days with effective planning. Of course you could stay longer but I wouldn’t recommend cutting your trip much shorter if you do want to see all that this city has to offer.

Where is Abu Dhabi?

As I mentioned above, Abu Dhabi is one of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE and the city is actually the country’s capital. Sat in the centre of the UAE, it is not only the largest Emirate but also strategically placed for easy access to the rest of the country.

As you can see from the map below, Abu Dhabi is also pretty close to Dubai which makes it a perfect addition to any UAE itinerary. But more on that next!

How to get to & around Abu Dhabi

Now you know whether Abu Dhabi is the right destination for you and where it actually is, let’s talk logistics. Here are the easiest ways to get to the city…

By air: If you can, by far the easiest way to get to Abu Dhabi is to fly directly there. The international airport services routes all around the globe so you’re likely to be able to find a direct flight that suits you. Plus, the airport is just 30km east of the city so getting into the centre of Abu Dhabi is a breeze in under half an hour.

Discover the best value flights to Abu Dhabi International Airport here.

By car: If you’re travelling from Dubai or another part of the UAE, the easiest option is to drive. The journey from Dubai is around 140km and takes around 1.5 hours depending on traffic.

The quality of roads is generally excellent, just watch out for speed cameras and some drivers who choose to drive a little too fast! Plus, renting a car in Dubai (and across the UAE) is super easy and affordable. Click below to find the best deals.

Find the best Dubai rental car prices from £16/day here.

By bus: If you’d rather not rent a car and drive yourself, you can also get a public bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and a one way ticket costs 25 AED (around £6). The services are pretty frequent and you can book your tickets on the official website here, or in person at the bus station.

Once you’re in Abu Dhabi, by far the easiest way to get around the city is by car or taxi for ultimate freedom. As I mentioned above, renting a car in the UAE is really easy – all you need is your passport and driving license. Then head to the rental shop or book in advance for the best deal.

Find the best Abu Dhabi rental car prices from £17/day here.

If you’d rather not drive, taking a taxi around Abu Dhabi is the next best thing. Uber is available all over the city so you can quickly order a ride and track it’s progress. You can also hail a taxi on the street or pre-book the Emirate taxis using the Abu Dhabi Taxi App. Just look for their distinctive silver cars with yellow roof signs.

Lastly, there’s also the option of getting around the city on the free Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus. This is a service specifically for tourists that stops at all the major sights around the city. This is a particularly great option if your travel budget is pretty tight as the service is completely free. You’ll just need to check the timetable here to ensure you’re on the right route at the right time.

When to go

Now let’s talk timings. As you can see from the chart below, the main thing to consider when planning your trip to Abu Dhabi (and the UAE in general) is the heat.

From mid-March up until the end of October, the rising temperatures can be quite uncomfortable and so unless you’re used to extreme pretty heat I’d really recommend travelling outside of those months. For cooler weather that’s great for exploring, the best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between November and February.

During those months, you’ll still enjoy lovely warm sunny days but without needing a shower to cool off every five minutes 😂

Month	Average High Temperature	Average Low Temperature	Average Number of Rainy Days
January	24°C	12°C	6 days
February	25°C	14°C	3 days
March	29°C	17°C	6 days
April	33°C	20°C	3 days
May	38°C	23°C	0 days
June	40°C	25°C	0 days
July	42°C	28°C	0 days
August	42°C	29°C	0 days
September	40°C	26°C	0 days
October	36°C	22°C	0 days
November	31°C	18°C	1 days
December	26°C	15°C	3 days

Day 1: Experience the city’s most famous natural and man-made wonders

On your first day in the city, hit the ground running by seeing the most mind-blowing buildings and jaw-dropping natural landscapes. Here’s what I recommend…

Kayak in Mangrove Marine National Park

Start your morning at one of the most surprising Abu Dhabi sights – Mangrove Marine National Park.

When you think of the UAE, you’re probably thinking about deserts not wetlands, let alone mangroves. But I’m here to tell you that not only do they exist, but they’re ready to explore. Just off the coast of Abu Dhabi city, you’ll find this wildlife haven developed by the UAE’s environment agency to boost biodiversity in the area and protect against coastal erosion.

The result is a beautifully tranquil and sheltered mangrove forest with crystal clear bright blue waters and plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities. When it comes to exploring the park, you have three options: by foot on their stunning boardwalk, by guided kayak tour, or on a paddle board trip. The boardwalk is completely free to wander while kayak and paddle board tours are run by Husaak Adventures Abu Dhabi and cost £33 per adult. You can find all the tour times and book your place here.

We chose a kayak tour and spent a blissful hour floating through the narrow channels. Even spotting a baby sting ray, plenty of fish, crabs and sea birds along the way!

TOP TIP: Check the tide times in advance. If you’re going to explore the park on the water, ideally you want to take a tour at higher tide. This will ensure there’s enough water to float you through the majority of the park. At low tides the water level can be just a few centimetres and you won’t be able to explore the smaller channels.

GOOD TO KNOW: There’s also a restaurant, gift shop and most importantly, showers on site! So if you are kayaking or paddle boarding I’d recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting wet and packing a dry change for after. I wore sportier shorts and a t-shirt, then hopped into the shower in the toilets to get the salt off and change into my dry outfit. After all, no one wants to be sat in super salty wet shorts for hours!

DON’T FORGET: Sun protection – sun cream, a hat ideally and sunglasses. There’s no need to pack water on the kayaks as the tour provider will offer cold bottles from a cool box half way around the tour.

Explore beautiful presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan

After a morning outside, it’s time to beat the midday sun by heading inside. Just 20 minutes drive from Mangrove Marine Park, you’ll find Qasr Al Watan.

This is an incredible working presidential palace in the city centre that’s become an icon on the Abu Dhabi skyline. Its grand spaces are used to host diplomatic meetings, foreign leaders and meetings of the country’s supreme council. It’s a perfect example of Middle Eastern design, craftsmanship and heritage, which is why it’s perhaps surprising that it was only completed in 2017.

But what this palace may lack in lengthy history, it more than makes up for in grandeur. Today, the palace is open to the public and you can explore the east and west wings as well as the palace library.

The palace is open every day from 11am to 6:30pm and entrance costs 65 AED (around £13). You can buy your ticket in advance online here.

Visit the mesmerising Founder’s Memorial

Just a five minute drive from the presidential palace, you’ll find another key Abu Dhabi landmark. This is the beautiful Founder’s Memorial built in 2018 as a tribute to the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Across the 3.3 hectare memorial park, there are various instillations that help tell the story of the UAE’s history and founding. But at the heart is an incredible portrait of Sheikh Zayed suspended in the air (see the photo above). The golden pieces that help draw the portrait sparkle in the afternoon sun which is a striking sight to see.

So spend some time here soaking it all in at your own pace or join one of the free 30 minute tours in English led by local Emirati guides. The park is free to enter and open every day from 9am to 10pm.

Shop for the best local sweet treats at Abu Dhabi Date Market

After working up an appetite, head over to the city’s historic date market to pick up a sweet treat. Dates are an important part of Middle Eastern cuisine and you’ll see lots of date palm plantations as you travel around the UAE. So stopping here to explore, do a little shopping and sampling some of the best dates the city has to offer is always a good idea.

The market itself is relatively large with vendors selling all different varieties of dates as well as those stuffed with fillings or coated in things like chocolate – I know right, sounds pretty good already!

Don’t be afraid to ask to try a date before you buy more of them and haggling is somewhat expected so consider asking for a better price if the one you’re given is quite high. The market is open every day from 10am until midnight but the best time to shop is in the afternoon onwards. By then it’s a little cooler, the atmosphere is more likely and you have a better chance of getting an even better deal!

Marvel at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Closer to sunset, to better understand the UAE’s religion, take a trip to one of the most incredibly beautiful buildings – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. With ornate inlaid columns, shimmering marble mosaic floors and towering domes of white set against the bright blue sky, I challenge you to find a more impressive space.

This is the country’s largest mosque, built by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (the founder of the UAE) and was opened in 2007 after taking 10 years to complete. Some of the most mind-blowing features include the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world (which covers the entire interior of the prayer room), 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers and more than 1,000 columns.

Anyone can visit the mosque, whether you’re a follower of Islam or not. As you enter you’ll spot the photos of many other famous visitors including Queen Elizabeth II, Pope Francis and even Joe Biden. During a visit, you’ll be able to wander the exterior of the mosque as well as see inside the main prayer rooms. It’s generally open every day from 9am to 10pm except during Ramadan when public visiting hours change (check their website here for the latest updates). All you need to do is book a free entrance pass here. This just helps manage mosque visitor volumes so be ready to show your ticket to staff when you arrive.

GOOD TO KNOW: As this is a place of worship, dressing respectfully is really important. That means wearing clothing that covers down to your ankles and up to your neck. For women it also means covering your head and hair. To avoid being denied entry, make sure you check the full requirements here as they are pretty strict on fabric that’s a little sheer or featuring leg slits. If in doubt, for women a great option is to buy an abaya. This is a common loose fitting dress that you can find in the souks all around the UAE and in the mosque mall. They’re usually pretty affordable and purchasing one can be a fun cultural activity in itself. For men, you could do the same with a kandura – the classic long white robe. My husband and I both wore the traditional dress for our visit.

DON’T FORGET: Being respectful in a mosque also means avoiding PDA, not making gestures or showing symbols (even if that’s just a peace sign in a photo). Not only will the mosque staff pull you to the side, but it would also detract from your visit to this special place.

Visit Wahat Al Karama for the best sunset views of the Grand Mosque

Once you’ve admired the mosque up close, it’s time to take a step back and watch the sun set behind this stunning building. For that, you just need to head across the road to Wahat Al Karama. This park area is not only offers the perfect view of the Grand Mosque but also pays tribute to Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the name of serving or protecting the UAE.

The main feature of this park is a sculpture designed by British artist, Idris Khan. The artwork is composed of 31 massive leaning stone tablets wrapped in aluminium to represent the unity and mutual support that binds the leadership of the UAE with its citizens and service people. There’s also a selection of poems and quotes carved into the stone so take a closer look to find the passages.

The park is free to enter and open every day from 9am to 10pm. There’s also a dedicated visitor centre with more information that’s open from 9am to 7pm each day and you can also book onto a guided tour there too.

Stargaze at Al Quaa Milky Way viewpoint

To round out the perfect day with something quite literally out of this world – seize the opportunity to stargaze. Because of the lack of light pollution and clear desert skies, the UAE is an excellent destination for night sky lovers.

Just over an hour’s drive away at the end of a long road into the heart of the desert, you’ll find one of the best places to see not only lots of stars, but the outline of the Milky Way. This is Al Quaa, a popular spot where the paved road ends and the endless desert begins. It’s an easy (and free minus the petrol) way to have your own stargazing experience.

Just start the journey after dark, pack a blanket, some snacks and a drink and sit back on the sand to take it all in. You might also get lucky like us and spot a meteor burning up as it falls from space.

TOP TIP: For the best starry views, just avoid visiting this spot on a full moon. The moon will be too bright to see very many stars. You can check the moon phase here.

Day 2: Learn about local life from the water, desert & above

On your second day, see the city from new perspectives before meeting some of the city’s most famous residents – camels! Here’s the plan…

Walk along Corniche Beach

Start your morning by walking along the manicured boardwalks or golden sands of the Corniche while it’s still cool. Along this waterfront stretch, you’ll find 8kms of paths, beach, bright blue water and plenty of coffee shops and restaurants.

If you fancy a swim, this is also the place to take a dip as the water has Blue Flag status meaning it’s internationally recognised excellent quality bathing water. There’s also a life guard on duty during the day so you can feel confident taking the plunge!

Just note, while there is a main public beach that’s free to explore. There’s also additional private stretches of beach that you’ll need to pay an entry fee to access. I would say generally this isn’t worth doing unless you plan to stay a while and want to rent a sun lounger or relax in an adults-only area.

TOP TIP: You can also explore the Corniche on two wheels as there’s a dedicated cycle path. Simply rent a bike from one of the self-serve stations along the waterfront and enjoy!

Take a guided speedboat tour to see Abu Dhabi from the water

As the temperatures rise towards midday, cool off by heading out on a speedboat tour. These are an adrenaline rush and sight seeing tour in one. Where else can you spin donuts on the water before learning about the key points on the skyline?!

We took one of these tours in Dubai and it was brilliant so I’d highly recommend joining one in Abu Dhabi if you can. They pick up some serious speed that had me screaming (in the best way! 😂).

There are various length tours from 45 minutes to 75 minutes depending on where you want to start and each will take you to the key sights along the waterfront. Tours run every day and at various times during the day so there are plenty of options to suit your schedule. Tickets start at £30 per person for the shortest tour.

Check availability and book your tickets here 👇

Best Abu Dhabi speed boat tour

Scale Etihad Towers for 360 views on their observation deck

After seeing Abu Dhabi from the water, it’s time to see it from above. For that, head to the highest viewpoint in the city – Observation Deck at 300 in Etihad Towers. Located on level 74 of the second tower, here you’re 300 metres above the ground with incredible sweeping views across the city and out to sea.

Of course you can just visit this spot to take it all in and then head back down again but I’d recommend stopping for a quick drink as there’s a famous café at the top. Plus, entrance tickets are 95 AED (around £20) each but 55 AED (around £11) of that is redeemable on food and drink in the café. So it makes sense to take a little pause here to enjoy a mocktail, coffee or more.

There’s no need to book in advance, simply turn up and pay the entrance fee when you arrive. The observation deck is open every day from 9:30am to 8pm.

Learn about local life at Emirates Heritage Village

After seeing Abu Dhabi’s modern side, step back in time to learn about Bedouin culture at Emirates Heritage Village. The village acts as an immersive time capsule, with an old-world souk, mosque and camp modelled on life in pre-modern UAE.

The village is also home to a host of craftspeople who showcase traditional pottery, glassblowing and weaving. Helping to paint a picture of what life was like in this country before the presence of skyscrapers.

While this is by no means an original historic village, the reconstruction is effective and it’s a great place to have a quick wander. Just don’t expect to spend hours here!

The heritage village is free to enter and open every day from 9am to 4pm.

Visit the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi

To seek some cool, calm shade during the afternoon, head to Abu Dhabi’s Louvre. Like its sister in Paris, the Louvre aims to showcase art on a global scale and demonstrate openness and unity between cultures.

It houses everything from ancient relics to modern masterpieces and sculptures and paintings, to photography and sketches. Plus, if you couldn’t tell from the photo above, the building itself is a work of art. Suspended above bright blue waters and covered with an ornate dome featuring Arabic geometric details that weighs almost as much as the Eiffel Tower, you can easily see why it’s award-winning!

The Louvre is open Tuesday to Thursday from 10am – 6:30pm, Friday to Sunday 10am – 8:30pm and closed on Mondays.

Buy your Louvre entrance ticket in advance here (tickets valid all day).

Explore Yas Island

After all that history and heritage, you’re probably ready for something a little lighter and maybe a little faster… Head to Yas Island – Abu Dhabi’s hub for thrill-seekers, F1 enthusiasts and water park lovers.

Here you’ll find Ferrari World and Abu Dhabi’s F1 Grand Prix race track where you can take a spin for yourself and ride the world’s fastest roller coaster. There’s also Warner Bros World for more rides and movie-themed fun, as well as Yas Underworld and SeaWorld for waterslide enthusiasts and sea life encounters.

Simply put, there’s a whole lot to see here and you could easily spend a whole day exploring and going on rides. But I think if you are limited on time, picking just one area of Yas Island to enjoy for the afternoon is the best strategy. Ticket prices start at 270 AED (around £55) with Yas Underworld being the most affordable park. But you can also buy a combined ticket for access to all three main parks if you prefer. It’s also recommended to buy your tickets in advance online as you can often get a 10% discount.

The parks are open every day from 10am until 8pm or 9pm.

Ride camels, sandboard and enjoy a BBQ dinner on an evening desert safari

To round out your time in Abu Dhabi, head into the desert for a magical evening safari. These tours are brilliant and allow you to see and experience so much in a relatively short amount of time.

Just before sunset, you’ll drive off into the desert in a 4WD jeep ready to be whipped around the dunes. Your expert dune bashing driver won’t hold back so expect to be squealing (like me!) as you drop over the edge of a sandy massive and roll around seemingly impossible bends.

After a serious adrenaline rush on four wheels, you’ll have the chance to ride the dunes on a sand board and even a camel. Then you’ll head to a traditional Bedouin camp to enjoy the sunset with a barbecue dinner, belly dancing performances and traditional henna. All in all, such a fun evening and the perfect way to end your trip!

Book the best 5* desert safari tour here.

The tours generally run every evening starting at around 4pm. Pick up and drop off from your accommodation or other parts of the city is also included in the price.

Best places to stay

After a long day of exploring, you need the best night’s sleep to rest and recover. Here are my favourite hotels for every budget…

Budget: Private sea-view apartment (from £74 per night)

If you’re travelling on a budget but still want your own space and those beautiful sea views, choose this private apartment. Not only do you have your own space with a kitchen, living room and spacious balcony, but you get access to the building facilities too. That means free gym access, outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, terrace and a private beach.

Plus, the location is brilliant. Just opposite Yas Island, you have the best of both worlds with easy access to the main attractions as well as a beach and the seafront on your doorstep. And if that wasn’t enough, the reviews of this place speak for themselves with a 9.7 Booking.com score from over 300 guests.

Check availability and book your stay here.

Mid-range: Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments (from £112 per night)

For a little more luxury and style, head to Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments. These modern and fresh apartments mean you still have your own private kitchen and spaces to relax, but with higher quality furnishings and extra luxuries like a rooftop pool, sauna and restaurant. Overall, it’s a more intimate space that’s designed for pure relaxation.

When it comes to location, if you’d prefer to be closer to the city centre and the heritage sights in Abu Dhabi then this is perfect. You’re just a couple of kilometres from the city’s parks, historic fort and Abu Dhabi beach.

Check availability and book your stay here.

Luxury: ERTH Abu Dhabi (from £151 per night)

For the ultimate escape, choose ERTH Abu Dhabi. This stunning resort actually started life as a base for the UAE armed forces but was repurposed into a luxury hotel in 2021. It’s hard to believe looking at this curved stylish structure that it was ever anything but a place to relax and unwind!

Today, this hotel is just beautiful and really is the place to go if you want to treat yourself for a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon. The rooms are designed with luxe earthy textures and colours that reflect the golden beaches outside. The bright blue sprawling swimming pool makes it feel like you’re miles from the city and all the additional facilities like yoga classes, saunas, hot tubs and fitness centres mean you probably won’t even want to leave.

But if you do get peckish, there’s also five different cafés, restaurants and bars on-site so you won’t have to go far to find a delicious meal. This resort really is a special place and a stay you won’t forget in a hurry!

Check availability and book your stay here.

Best places to eat & drink

One thing you might not know about Abu Dhabi is that not only is there a lot to see, but there’s a lot to eat too. Discover my pick of the top coffee shops and restaurants in the city…

DRVN Coffee

One of my favourite meals was actually at DRVN Coffee. Now I’m not a crazy car enthusiast but the food and service at this motor-themed café was incredible. We had brunch here and the dishes were just excellent – so tasty and fresh with so much choice. Plus, they offer a whole range of coffee drinks so you can enjoy anything from a classic latte to a Hornet (orange juice juice and caramel layered over espresso and ice – trust me, delicious!).

The team here were so friendly, the prices were super reasonable and the space is decked out with chic vintage cars – there’s nothing not to love!

Society Abu Dhabi

For a waterside café option, choose Society. They serve excellent barista quality coffee and a range of delicious brunch and lunch options from their bright and airy space opposite the beach.

Ground Café

For the best breakfast, brunch or coffee stop near Yas Island, head to Ground Café. In this modern stylish space you’ll find treats like french toast, pancakes and egg dishes – the perfect way to start the day.

Marmellata Bakery

For the best pizza in Abu Dhabi (and probably the whole of the UAE), head to Marmellata. You’ll easily spot this place by the queue outside. But don’t be put off by waiting, it just shows how popular this place is and for good reason – it’s delicious. We joined the long-looking line and actually got served within about 20 minutes, assigned a table and chose our delicious pizzas, focaccias and homemade lemonade.

Needless to say, all of it was mouth-wateringly delicious and the buzz around the place only adds to the atmosphere here.

Bosporus Turkish Restaurant

If you’re craving Mediterranean flavours, look no further then Bosporus. This place serves mouth-watering grilled kebabs, fresh salads, rich authentic dips and incredible seafood. Again, this is one of those places where the reviews just speak for themselves – take a peek!

Tazal

For more Arabic flavours, choose Tazal. Here you’ll find dishes inspired by everywhere from the UAE and Lebanon to Egypt. Plus, the restaurant itself is beautiful with lots of outdoor seating and a great atmosphere.

What to pack & know before you go

As with any new destination, there are always tips and tricks it’s helpful to know in advance. Here are some key things to know when visiting Abu Dhabi…

Dress for the heat & culture: As the UAE is a Muslim country, it’s important to respect their views on more modest dressing. This is especially important in cities like Abu Dhabi where more Emirati families and local people live compared with the expat-haven of Dubai. This goes for men and women – generally speaking avoid showing your legs above the knee (so no short shorts/dresses/skirts) and keep your shoulders covered (so no vests or tank tops). Try to pack more loose fitting clothes that will keep you cool and still respect the culture. I opted for lots of light linen trousers with t-shirts and a thin sweater or linen shirt to drape over my shoulders and keep the sun off. There’s no need to cover your head if you don’t normally practice head covering (unless you’re entering a mosque).

Skip the PDA: Similarly, public displays of affection like hugging, kissing and holding hands is frowned upon and in some cases illegal in most Arab countries including the UAE. So if you are travelling with your partner, try to refrain from physical contact until you’re back in your hotel or resort.

Don’t forget sun protection: As the weather can be so hot and sunny, there’s little cloud to block the UV and so skin damage can happen in minutes. To protect yourself, invest in high coverage SPF, wear a hat and sunglasses and where possible, keep your skin covered.

Tipping is appreciated: There’s a strong tipping culture in the UAE so make sure you do have a small amount of cash with you ready to reward good service. In a restaurant, a 10% tip is really fair for attentive service. If it’s hotel staff, drivers or other small interactions, 10 to 15 AED (around £2 – £3) is a good tip.

Learn some easy Arabic phrases: I think regardless of where you travel, learning a little of the local language is always appreciated. We found that to be true in the UAE – even being able to say “hello” (As-salamu Alaikum (which means ‘Peace be upon you’)) and “thank you” (shukran) in Arabic just shows willing to build relationships. The culture in the UAE is built on showing you care about the other person so you’ll generally find in all interactions, local people will ask how you are before anything else. Take the time to respond and ask them the same before you get into buying or booking anything.

The city changes during Ramadan: It’s also worth noting that opening hours and customs change during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar – Ramadan. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk and so will not consume any food or water during the day. Tourists and travellers who aren’t Muslim are not expected to fast, but it is seen as disrespectful to openly eat or drink in public during fasting hours.

While many restaurants and cafés do stay open during during normal working hours throughout Ramadan, others will also adapt their schedule to suit sundown and sunrise, so make sure you check before you turn up. If you’re travelling to Abu Dhabi during Ramadan, you can also expect the city itself to be a lot quieter and some things to be closed as residents spend more time at home resting to conserve their energy.

Alcohol is limited: Again being a muslim country, alcohol isn’t widely available. It’s illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces and in residences or properties without a licence. So don’t be surprised if you only see mocktails and 0% drinks on restaurant and hotel menus. While some resorts and more up-market restaurants will have a liquor license, it’s not as commonplace as you’d think. So consider this a mini detox vacation!

How much a trip to Abu Dhabi costs

Now that just leaves one final question… how much do you need to budget? While the UAE in general isn’t what I’d describe as a budget destination, there are ways to bring the cost down.

If you’re on a tighter budget, expect to spend around £300 on two days in Abu Dhabi including accommodation, activities and entry to the sights mentioned in this blog. If you have a little more room in your budget and want more luxury stays and experiences, expect to spend £400 or more on your two day trip.

That’s a wrap! That was my ultimate tried and tested itinerary for the best two days in Abu Dhabi. I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I did and if you have any questions, comments or tips of your own to add – please write them in the comments box below. Happy travelling!

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