Abu Dhabi
Museums on the water, festival season at Al Wathba and the largest desert in the Gulf.
Abu Dhabi is the capital and the largest emirate by far, and it offers the broadest range in the UAE: world-class museums on Saadiyat, a Formula 1 circuit and theme parks on Yas Island, protected mangroves, a long Corniche and, inland, the dunes of Liwa and the Empty Quarter. The 2026-27 season is one of the busiest yet, with Frieze Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim opening on 11 December, the Grand Prix on 3 to 6 December and Sheikh Zayed Festival running until 14 March.
The city itself is easy: wide roads, plentiful taxis and a compact centre. The distances are in the emirate, not the city, so decide whether you are doing a city break or travelling out to Al Ain, Liwa or the desert.
Experiences in Abu Dhabi
Events in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Comedy Season
Abu Dhabi Festival 2026, autumn programme
Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean
Traditional Handicrafts Festival
Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial
Al Dhafra Festival 2026-27
Nass
Sheikh Zayed Festival 2026-27
Abu Dhabi: common questions
How many days do you need in Abu Dhabi?+
Three days covers Saadiyat, the Grand Mosque and Yas Island at a relaxed pace. Add a day for Al Ain or a night in the desert.
Is Abu Dhabi worth visiting if you have been to Dubai?+
Yes. It is calmer and more cultural, with the Louvre and Saadiyat museums, mangroves and the largest desert in the Gulf.
What big events are on in Abu Dhabi in 2026-27?+
Sheikh Zayed Festival (30 October to 14 March), Frieze Abu Dhabi (19 to 22 November), the Grand Prix (3 to 6 December), the Guggenheim opening (11 December) and the Liwa International Festival (11 December to 2 January).
Next door
Part of the Hadath guide to Abu Dhabi and its neighbours.