Where endless sunshine meets vibrant culture, enriching experiences and limitless adventure.
Abu Dhabi is about 5000 km away from the Netherlands. You can fly to Abu Dhabi from Amsterdam in 9 hours with, for example Etihad. We drove to Dusseldorf and flew from there with Pegasus, because of the lower price.
It is therefore best to compare all flight tickets on the Skyscanner or Tix website. At Skyscanner you can easily see on the calendar which day is the cheapest to fly. Once you’ve found a date, you can also compare prices on Tix’s website. The prices and conditions can sometimes differ, so you can always compare. The conditions at Tix are often more flexible, so paying a little more also has its advantages.
✈ Flying: You can get a return ticket to or compare all flight tickets on www.Tix.nl
✈ Parking: Are you still looking for a cheap parking space at Schiphol? Then make sure you reserve your parking space online as soon as possible. It is cheaper to arrange this early in advance and you can often cancel it up to a few days before departure. Always check the conditions on the website. We recommend Parkos for Eindhoven, Maastricht and Rotterdam.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Visa information
Many countries visit Abu Dhabi visa free upon arrival at Zayed International Airport. However make sure to check if you need to apply for a tourist visa, transit visa or visit visa prior to your trip. Best to check: www.visauae.online
If you are flying Etihad Airways, a visit visa may be arranged for you upon request. If you have booked your trip through a travel agency, in most cases they will be able to arrange this for you.
Alternative methods to apply for an Abu Dhabi visit visa would be to apply through your nearest UAE embassy. An eye scan will be required at the airport. Cruise passengers can now apply for the multiple visa entry for AED 200 (divide by for 4 to get Euro’s).
Hotel and resorts
The best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi are:
- Saadiyat Island
- Al Reem Island
- Al Raha
- The Corniche
- Al Reef
- Khalidiya
- Al Maryah Island
- Al Zahiyah
- Al Markaziyah
✈ Accommodation tip: Beach Rotana www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/abudhabi/beachrotana
Essential information
✈ Best time to travel: The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between April and May or from September to October. The spring and fall shoulder seasons yield pleasant weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel rates. For the best weather — not too hot and not to humid — you’ll want to visit in the wintertime (December through March)
Getting around in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Taxis: Fares are calculated based on the distance travelled, so the further you travel around the city, the more expensive your ride will be. Generally, you can expect to pay around €3 (AED 12.00) for any trip within Abu Dhabi during the day. In Abu Dhabi, a taxi is about 33% less expensive than Uber.
Public Transport: Buses are by far the cheapest way to navigate Abu Dhabi’s bustling city, and fares start from Dhs2 (US$0.50) per ride. They also conveniently run 24 hours a day and are air-conditioned, offering cool respite from the strong summer sun.
✈ Tips: Downtown Abu Dhabi features pedestrian-friendly areas, sidewalks, and walkable promenades, especially around landmarks such as the Corniche, which offers scenic walking paths along the waterfront.
✈ Tips: Plan you itinerary in advance in order to skip long lines, www.getyourguide.nl
Avoid peak hours, they will charge you extra.
Culture
Be inspired by Abu Dhabi’s culture. Beyond Abu Dhabi’s futuristic city skyline and pristine shorelines lie a wealth of cultural landmarks and experiences deep-rooted in the emirate’s heritage. Abu Dhabi is a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted heritage, offering more than just its modern marvels. From the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, showcasing stunning Islamic architecture, to the historic Al Ain Oasis, a testament to traditional desert life, each corner of Abu Dhabi tells a story. The city’s museums and cultural centres, like Louvre Abu Dhabi, provide a window into the artistic heritage of the region and beyond. In the bustling souks, the aroma of spices and the charm of local crafts offer an authentic cultural experience. Or how about;
- Qasr Al Watan
- Qasr Al Hosn
- Al Jahili Fort
- House of Artisans
Adventure
Excite your adventurous spirit. Immerse yourself in Abu Dhabi’s world of adventure, from the thrill of dune bashing to the exhilaration of record-breaking theme parks. Abu Dhabi is a haven for adventure, offering unique experiences that encourage every visitor to step out of the ordinary. Even if adventure isn’t usually part of your holiday plans, this dynamic emirate has a way of enticing you with its mix of thrilling activities. From the exhilaration of dune bashing in its expansive deserts to the joy of kayaking through peaceful mangroves, Abu Dhabi ensures that there’s an exciting discovery for everyone. It’s a place where the adventure-curious can find their thrill, transforming an ordinary trip into an extraordinary journey of memorable experiences. We also recommend doing;
- Theme & Water Parks
- Desert safari
- Motor sports
- Cycling
- Relaxtion
Restore and rejuvenate your soul. Abu Dhabi offers the ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation, with its tranquil beaches, luxurious spas and serene resorts. Abu Dhabi is a sanctuary of relaxation, perfectly tailored for everyone – from families looking for a peaceful getaway or couples seeking a romantic retreat to solo travelers in search of rejuvenation. Families can enjoy leisurely days at child-friendly beach resorts, while couples can find intimate moments in secluded desert oases. For solo explorers, the calm of mangrove kayaking or the quiet of a spa day provides the perfect setting for self-reflection and restoration.
No holiday is complete without an exciting culinary adventure that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the destination, so don’t forget dining on this list. Emirati cuisine promises to delight your senses with its unique blend of Arabic, Persian, Indian, and Mediterranean influences.