Discover Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi — literally "Father of the Gazelle" — is the capital and the largest of the seven emirates by area (67,340 km², which is 87% of the total UAE area). While Dubai focuses on tourism and trade, Abu Dhabi sits on the largest oil reserves in the UAE and is one of the richest cities in the world.

Abu Dhabi uses this wealth with a long-term vision that thinks beyond oil: The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim (under construction), the Zayed National Museum, and Masdar City (eco-city) are building blocks of a cultural transformation that is unparalleled.

For visitors, Abu Dhabi offers an exciting mix: the spiritual majesty of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the world art of the Louvre, the adrenaline rush of Yas Island, and the relaxed elegance of the Corniche. Additionally, Abu Dhabi is significantly less hectic than Dubai — things are more refined and quieter here.

Getting there from Dubai: 1.5 hours by car/bus (E11 highway), 25 AED (6 EUR) by RTA bus. A day trip is doable, but 2 nights are ideal to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace.