The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a luxurious and glittering city that has transitioned from a modest fishing village to a global hub for luxury and entertainment in just 50 years. Today, package holidays to Abu Dhabi are more popular than ever, due to the city's sprawling shopping malls, high-end restaurants, opulent seven-star hotels, and dazzling architecture.
The history of the city can be traced back to around 3000 B.C, while present-day Abu Dhabi presents visitors with a fascinating blend of progress and tradition. It maintains the distinctive Arab culture and ambience allowing visitors to enjoy the essence of a true Arabian experience. A wonderful place for a weekend getaway, Abu Dhabi promises familiar comforts alongside exotic experiences. Find your ideal flight and hotel package and start planning your adventures.
There are regular daily flights to Abu Dhabi from around the world, such as a direct flights from Dublin and from Cork. Destinations throughout the UK also have regularly scheduled direct flights, meaning you can reach Abu Dhabi with ease. Arabic is the official language spoken in the city, though many people speak English, particularly in hotels, shops and in restaurants. Note that the local currency is the UAE Dirham and the time zone is GMT+4.
Climate wise, December to March is the best time for a weekend in Abu Dhabi as it is neither too hot nor humid. However, city breaks in Abu Dhabi can also be enjoyed in spring and autumn, when the weather is still moderate. It's also worth casting an eye over the city's events calendar before booking your flight and hotel. Abu Dhabi plays host to numerous exciting events including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit each November, attracting racing fans from across the globe.
Abu Dhabi city breaks are especially recommended for avid shoppers, as the city is a hub for world-class malls that sell everything from electronics and jewellery to clothes and household goods. The Yas Mall enjoys the distinction of being one of the biggest in the world while the Galleria, Al Wahda Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall are other great places for some serious retail therapy. To experience the more traditional ambience of shopping in a souk, visit the Souk Al Zafarana. Most nightlife in Abu Dhabi is centred around its hotels, with many of them being home to excellent restaurants and nightclubs.
For a memorable experience amidst the striking landscapes that surround Abu Dhabi, be sure to join a desert safari and try dune bashing - this involves a specially trained driver taking you on a roller coaster joyride over giant dunes in an SUV. It is then followed by a traditional dinner, accompanied by a live performance of Arabic music and dance as the sun sets dramatically over the desert. One of the oldest parks in Abu Dhabi, the Al Safa Park is the best venue to enjoy sports including soccer, volleyball and tennis. There are also bumper cars, a Ferris wheel and a video arcade for children. Make the most of the balmy evenings here too, by having dinner in either the barbeque or picnic area.
Package holidays to Abu Dhabi promise plenty of variety, with everything from fascinating historical sites to entertainment centres for you to discover. The following are some highlights:
Though you might think Arabic food is primarily tabbouleh, hummus, shawarma and kebabs, they are not the only dishes that Abu Dhabi has to offer. When in the city, try other authentic dishes like harees (made from wheat and meat), machboos (made with rice and meat), a meat soup called salona, a chicken soup called madrooba and the delicious dessert called Luqaimat (a sort of sweet dumpling).
For a quick and tasty lunch, you'll find no-frills restaurants on every corner serving up mouthwatering falafel sandwiches. International cuisine is also well represented, with Chinese, Indian, Italian and much more available in restaurants across the city. When it comes to fine dining, Abu Dhabi excels. For expertly crafted Japanese dishes served amid a stunning interior, head to Tori No Su in the Jumeirah Ethiad Towers. Li Beirut, meanwhile, celebrates the very best of Lebanese cuisine and is a must for lovers of richly flavoured Arabic cooking.
Amongst the best souvenirs to bring back home are the ornately woven traditional carpets, Arabic coffee pots and cups, gold jewellery, silver pillboxes, local art, and exquisite wooden carvings that reflect the aesthetics of Abu Dhabi’s Arabian culture. Brass or wooden ornaments of camels are also one of the classic souvenirs people bring back from Abu Dhabi. Whatever you choose, you'll certainly take back fantastic memories of a wonderful holiday.