Abu Dhabi Holidays

What makes Abu Dhabi a strong choice for holidays?

• Winter sun that still leaves room for sightseeing and day trips
• Big contrasts: sea, sand, skyline and desert in the same frame
• Culture and heritage alongside modern architecture
• Major attractions on Yas Island for days when you want something high-energy
• Excellent dining, from fine dining to classic Arabian flavours
• Lots of choice in hotels, including private beaches and high-end resorts

What are the top things to do in Abu Dhabi?

Start with the Corniche and the waterfront

The Corniche is one of the city’s best features, a standout promenade with sea views and an easy evening atmosphere. It’s also a natural fit if you’re building Abu Dhabi holidays around the beach, with plenty of time outdoors and simple access to the water.

Make Yas Island your entertainment day

Yas Island is where Abu Dhabi goes big on theme parks and attractions. Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World are the headline names, ideal when you want a full day of rides and energy between slower, beach days.

Do a desert drive, properly

A 4x4 desert drive and camel safari delivers the classic Abu Dhabi contrast: modern city, then open dunes and wide skies. It’s one of the best ways to get a feel for the emirate beyond the coastline.

Add culture and history

For a deeper look at local heritage, include Heritage Village and Arabian Nights Village. They bring a traditional counterpoint to the modern skyline and help the trip feel more rounded.

Don’t miss the architecture

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must for scale and detail, and it pairs well with time spent taking in the city skyline. If you’re leaning towards luxury, this is the kind of day that suits a slower pace: late start, sightseeing, then a strong dinner reservation.

Take a greener detour to Al Ain

Al Ain, often called the Garden City, is known for its oasis and greenery. It’s a good choice when you want a calmer day out, away from the city’s main rhythm.

Where should you stay in Abu Dhabi?

• Corniche area: best for a city-and-sea feel and easy evenings out
• Private beach resorts: ideal for a beach-focused stay and a quieter pace
• Yas Island: practical for theme parks and water parks
• City hotels: good if you want dining, shopping and skyline views close by
• Split stay: combine city time with the desert or Al Ain for more contrast

If you’re flexible on dates, it’s also worth looking out for special offers that can unlock a better location or a step up in hotel quality.

How do you get to Abu Dhabi from the UK?

Most trips fly into Abu Dhabi International Airport, which keeps planning straightforward whether you’re prioritising the beach, building in desert time, or mixing in the main sights.

How to plan your Abu Dhabi holiday with Southall Travel

• We can combine flights and hotels into one itinerary, matched to your dates and budget
• Help choosing the right base, whether you want the beach, luxury, an all-inclusive deal or a multi-centre holiday.
• Speak to our travel advisors at Southall Travel to tailor the Abu Dhabi holidays and make the planning simple.