AUH · 24.45° N · 54.40° E · United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
The UAE capital, calmer than Dubai: a long corniche, landmark museums and the white domes of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
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About Abu Dhabi
In short
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Qasr Al Watan
- Saadiyat Island beach
- Yas Island theme parks
At a glance
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Region
- Middle East
- Local time
- GMT+4
- Time difference
- 2 hours behind Dhaka
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
- Languages
- Arabic and English
- Main airport
- AUHZayed International Airport
- Best time to visit
- November to March
Abu Dhabi is calmer than Dubai and proud of its culture. Zayed International Airport (AUH), known as Abu Dhabi International Airport until February 2024, is about 30 km east of the city.
The Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomes visitors outside prayer times. Visitors book an online access pass in advance. Wear loose, modest clothing that covers your arms and legs, and women also cover their hair.
Museums and palaces
Qasr Al Watan opens the presidential palace to the public, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi sits under its great latticed dome on Saadiyat Island.
Beaches and Yas Island
The city centre follows a long corniche with a beach and cycle path, and Saadiyat has soft sand where turtles nest. Yas Island adds Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and the Yas Marina Circuit.
Before you go
Entry and visas
Abu Dhabi follows the entry rules of the United Arab Emirates, which depend on your passport and can change. Check the official sources below before you book and again before you travel.
Health
From May to September the heat and humidity are intense: drink plenty of water, use sun protection and plan outdoor visits for the cooler hours.
Money
The currency is the UAE dirham (AED). Carry some cash for small purchases, and ask your bank what your card costs to use abroad.
General information only, not legal or medical advice. Rules change, so check the official source before you travel.
Checked on 14 October 2026
When to go
- JanuaryBest
- FebruaryBest
- MarchBest
- April
- MayNot ideal
- JuneNot ideal
- JulyNot ideal
- AugustNot ideal
- SeptemberNot ideal
- October
- NovemberBest
- DecemberBest
November to March is the cooler season, with average highs of about 24 to 31°C. May to September is extremely hot and humid, and highs pass 40°C from June to September.
Pictures of Abu Dhabi
The patterned dome and white galleries of Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island 
Stone forms and a pool in front of office towers in Abu Dhabi 
Mangrove shoots in still water at dusk in Abu Dhabi 
Inlaid columns around the courtyard pool of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Questions about Abu Dhabi
See all questionsWhat currency is used in Abu Dhabi?
The UAE dirham (AED), the currency of the whole United Arab Emirates. Carry some cash for small purchases, and check your bank's fees for using your card abroad before you go.
Which airport serves Abu Dhabi?
Zayed International Airport (AUH), about 30 km east of the city. It was known as Abu Dhabi International Airport until it was renamed in February 2024.
Can visitors go inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Yes. Visitors book an online access pass in advance, while worshippers can enter without one. Wear loose, modest clothing that covers your arms and legs, and women also cover their hair. The mosque's official site sets out the full code of conduct.
Checked on 14 October 2026
Do I need a visa to visit Abu Dhabi?
It depends on your passport and the purpose of your trip. Abu Dhabi follows the entry rules of the United Arab Emirates, which can change, so check the official entry requirements for your nationality before you book and again before you travel.
Checked on 14 October 2026
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
November to March, the cooler season, when average highs are about 24 to 31°C. From May to September it is extremely hot and humid, with average highs above 40°C from June to September, so keep outdoor plans to mornings and evenings.
