Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary: A Blend of Culture, Luxury & Adventure

This itinerary aims to showcase the diverse experiences Abu Dhabi offers. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Emirates Palace, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi

Where to Eat:

  • Emirati Cuisine:

    • Al Fanar Restaurant (Yas Island): Authentic Emirati dishes like machboos and harees.
    • Mezlai (Emirates Palace): Fine dining experience showcasing traditional Emirati cuisine with a modern twist.
    • The Hidden Brunch: Offers a variety of cuisines in a buffet setting, perfect for trying something new.

  • International Cuisine:

    • Thiptara (Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi): Upscale Thai restaurant with stunning views.
    • Catch at the InterContinental Hotel Abu Dhabi: Seafood restaurant on the waterfront with fresh catches and a vibrant atmosphere.
    • Zuma (Yas Island): Contemporary Japanese cuisine in a sophisticated setting.

Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Transfer to your hotel in the city center (consider the St. Regis Abu Dhabi for luxurious views of the Corniche and stunning cityscape).
  • Afternoon: Wander the Corniche, a beautiful waterfront promenade. Relax on the beach, visit the heritage sites like the Qasr Al Hosn (the oldest building in Abu Dhabi) or the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques and a breathtaking architectural marvel.

Day 2: Island Adventures & History

  • Morning: Explore Yas Island: Visit Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, or enjoy the beach at Yas Beach.
  • Afternoon: Head to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for a guided tour and experience its beauty and grandeur.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view at Emirati Restaurant, a popular choice for its authentic Emirati cuisine and stunning architecture.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion & Desert Dreams

  • Daytime: Discover the rich history of the region at Qasr Al Hosn, the UAE’s first museum.
  • Afternoon:

Embark on a desert safari adventure. Many tour operators offer excursions from Abu Dhabi: experience dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding and enjoy a traditional Emirati dinner.

Day 4: Art & Architecture

  • Morning: Explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a world-renowned museum housing masterpieces from across the globe.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the modern cityscape of Abu Dhabi and visit the Emirates Palace for afternoon tea, or wander the city and enjoy the contrast of the traditional Qasr Al Hosn with the modern marvels of Yas Marina and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Day 5: Theme Park Thrills

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a day at Ferrari World, experience exhilarating rides like Formula Rossa and Fiorano GT Challenge.
  • Evening: Relax and enjoy the luxury atmosphere of Emirates Palace, or dine at one of the many restaurants in the area, offering everything from fine dining to casual Emirati fare.

Day 6: Desert Oasis & Wildlife Encounters

  • Morning: Explore the natural beauty of the desert landscapes near Abu Dhabi. Visit a traditional oasis like the Al Ain Oasis (the largest date palm plantation in the world) and experience the contrast of this natural oasis with the modern city.
  • Afternoon: Head to Abu Dhabi’s Desert Zoo, home to a diverse range of animals from the desert and beyond.

Day 7: Departure Day

  • Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel.

Things to Know:

  • Best time to visit: The weather in Abu Dhabi is hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) in the summer. For a comfortable experience, it’s best to visit during the cooler months (October-April).
  • Currency: The currency of the UAE is the Dirham (AED), but most establishments accept major credit cards and US Dollars.
  • Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Visa Requirements: Check visa requirements for your nationality as many nationalities require a Visa to enter the UAE.

Tips:

  • Dress modestly: Abu Dhabi is a Muslim city so it’s important to dress respectfully when visiting public places.
  • Learn some basic Arabic phrases: While English is widely spoken, knowing a few words in the local language, such as “hello” (marhabaan), “thank you” (shukran), and “excuse me” (samah li) will go a long way.
  • Respect Ramadan traditions: During Ramadan, be mindful of fasting hours and refrain from eating or drinking in public during those times.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi: Explore its impressive collection of artwork and artifacts from across the globe.
  • Experience the Desert: Go on a desert safari, visit the Sheikh Zayed Desert, enjoy the beauty of the Liwa Oasis, or ride through the dunes on a camel.

Things to consider:

  • Abu Dhabi is a hot and sunny city, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
  • Wear light-weight clothing: Choose comfortable clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Things to see:

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: This stunning architectural masterpiece is a must-see for any visitor to Abu Dhabi.
  • Ferrari World: Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions inspired by the world of Formula 1.
  • Yas Island: Explore this modern island with its many entertainment options.
  • Qasr Al Hosn: Immerse yourself in Emirati history at the “Emirates’ first building,” a historic fort and fort-museum complex.

Stay hydrated: The desert climate can be harsh, so it’s important to stay hydrated, especially when visiting historical sites and theme parks.

Day 1:

  • Things to do:
    • Enjoy a delicious meal at the Emirates Palace.
  • Dining Options: Explore the diverse culinary offerings of Abu Dhabi.
  • Evening: Relax on the beach at Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, and take in the stunning views of the city skyline and the Arabian Gulf.

Food Recommendations:

  • Yas Thai Restaurant: Indulge in a delicious and authentic Thai meal with a beautiful view of the sea.

  • Emirates Palace: Enjoy a luxurious dining experience at the Emirates Palace, with its variety of restaurants offering international cuisines.

  • Experience Emirati Culture:

    • Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi for its world-class art exhibitions and stunning architecture.

  • Explore Local Cuisine:

Try the Louvre Abu Desert: A modern take on the traditional museum experience, with exhibits showcasing the rich history and culture of the UAE.

Things to Consider:

  • Dress Code: Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees)
  • Photography: Check for restrictions on photography before entering the mosque.
  • Respect: Remember that it’s important to be respectful of the culture and customs when visiting the Emirates Palace, a place with cultural significance.

Enjoy the Experience:

This is just a starting point.

You can tailor this itinerary to your interests by adding or removing activities. For example, you could:

  • Swap out theme parks for:
    • Exploring the desert on foot or by 4x4 vehicle
    • Visiting an oasis and enjoying its natural beauty
  • Experience the desert landscape: Enjoy a scenic drive through the desert in a 4x4 vehicle.

Enjoy the Desert:

  • Enjoy the traditional Emirati dining experience at the Emirates Palace.

Explore the Desert:

  • Enjoy a day exploring the desert’s unique flora and fauna, like the Qasr Al Hosn, a beautiful fort and museum in Abu Dhabi.

  • Consider visiting:

    • Al Ain Oasis: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with date palms, archaeological sites, and traditional Emirati irrigation systems.
    • Desert Safari:
      • Go on a desert safari and experience the thrill of dune bashing (driving over sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle).

Explore Abu Dhabi’s sights:

  • Take a break from the city: Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which houses masterpieces from across the globe.