Quick facts (updated):
- Abu Dhabi International Airport was officially renamed Zayed International Airport (AUH) on February 9, 2024 (Terminal A).
- Airport → city by bus (A1) runs from Terminal A; official airport page lists A1/A2 and timetables.
- Current Abu Dhabi taxi fares (ITC official): day flagfall AED 5 (night AED 5.5), AED 1.82/km, AED 0.50/minwaiting; airport flagfall AED 20 (booking fee AED 4–5). (Your original fare notes kept below; these are the 2025 official figures.)
- Free Yas Express shuttles connect Yas hotels with attractions daily (routes Y2/Y3; typical hours ~9:00–23:30).
- Grand Mosque dress code: modest attire; women cover hair + wear loose, ankle-length clothing; men cover shoulders and knees.
- Best time to visit: cooler months Nov–Apr.
Our Trip Story
First impressions
We had an amazing time in the City Of Abu Dhabi. We flew in from Amman, Jordan. We spent 7 glorious days relaxing, adventuring, and having the time of our lives. We found the city to be safe, extremely clean and everyone was friendly. Everyone I saw, including myself dressed pretty conservatively. I was not covered totally but I left my booty shorts for another time. The consumption of alcohol is ONLY legal for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi within licensed restaurants, pubs, clubs, or private venues so keep that in mind. Do not get visually drunk and rowdy.
Editor’s note (2025): Alcohol is served at licensed venues only and public intoxication is illegal - good to keep in mind when leaving hotel bars.
Arriving
Getting to the city is easy since there is an international airport, the Abu Dhabi International Airport. You can also fly into Dubai and take a bus, taxi, Uber, etc to Abu Dhabi.
Update: the airport is now Zayed International Airport (AUH) - same IATA code, new name.
Immigration
Getting through immigration was a breeze. Be sure to check current policies regarding covid if you are traveling during that time.
Airport to city (all options you can use)
You can from Abu Dhabi airport to the city center by bus, which is the least expensive way to travel between the two destinations. The bus runs from the three terminals and stops at all legal bus stops going into the city. The bus runs every 40 minutes, 24 hours a day, and costs AED 4 ($1) one way.
2025 note: Airport page lists A1/A2 services from Terminal A with downloadable timetables; expect low fares (around a few dirhams via Hafilat).
The next option is by taxi. 24-hour metered taxi service is readily available.
The fares are as follows
Meter Starting Fare (Flag Fall) – AED 25.00
Every 1 km up to 50 km (6am-10pm) – AED 1.6
Every 1 km up to 50 kms (10pm – 6am) – AED 1.69
Every 1 km over 50 kms – 9 fils extra
Every 1 minute of waiting time (first 5 minutes free) – 50 fils
2025 official fare reference: Flagfall AED 5 (day) / AED 5.5 (night), AED 1.82 per km, AED 0.50/min waiting; airport flagfall AED 20. Booking fee AED 4–5.
The last option is to hire a car. If you are planning on exploring and are comfortable driving in a foreign country, this may be the best way to go. All car rental offices are open 24 hours a day. They are located in Skypark Plaza, opposite Terminal 3, just a short walk from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Coming from Terminal 2? Skypark Plaza is a 5-minute ride or a 1km walk. You will find a number of international and local car hire companies at Abu Dhabi
I decided to use the taxi service. Just go to the designated area and you will be placed by order in a metered taxi so you know you will not be scammed. This was a little expensive but it was best for the kids and me.
Where we stayed (Yas Island)
I decided to stay on Yas Island instead of in the downtown area as Yas is more resort-like, family-friendly, vacation vibes. Just what we wanted. A vacation from our travels. I needed to be able to wake up whenever I want without needing to be at a site or on a tour at a set time, to go down to the buffet and grab a late breakfast. Not having to plan logistics of renting a car or taking the local bus to get to a site.
We just wanted to relax and enjoy the last few weeks of our journey. And our first day that's exactly what we did. Enjoyed a yummy breakfast at the resort, went to the lavish Yas Island Mall, and the kids played video games in the kids' zone while I chilled in the lounge doing nothing. We played in the pool and I even spent an hour in the spa ALL BY MYSELF! It was divine.
We stayed at Yas Island Rotana Hotel and loved it. The resort was central to everything we wanted to do on the island. Yas Island Rotana is located a few minutes away from the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Marina, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall, and Yas Beach. There is a complimentary transport service available to all hotel guests, providing pick-up and drop-off at all attractions on Yas Island throughout the day with regular trips to Yas Beach.
2025 note: Yas Express is the free shuttle linking Yas hotels with Ferrari World, WB World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Mall, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Beach, etc. Typical service spans ~9:00–23:30 daily.
The hotel is 10 minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 20 minutes to Abu Dhabi Business district and 40 minutes from Dubai.
Theme parks
If you are traveling with kids, or are a kid at heart, the parks are a must-visit. We decided to visit the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi park. We lucked out because it was Ramadan and low season we basically had the place to ourselves. No waiting in line, we just walked right into every ride. It is an indoor park so a super awesome way to beat the heat and still have a blast.
Grand Mosque
A visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque or the Grand Mosque is a must. It is evn better since it is tally FREE! It is the largest in the country and one of the largest in the world. It cost around 2 billion dirhams to build and can hold over 41000 people.
Boasting 1,096 amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns, 82 white marble domes, reflective pools, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, an iconic prayer hall, and a courtyard featuring one of the largest marble mosaic artworks in the world.
It holds the Guinness world record for the largest hand-woven carpet and also has one of the largest chandeliers in a mosque.
You have to be covered properly to enter. I had to buy a coverall because they stopped giving them out since covid started. So keep that in mind and be prepared to be fully covered.
Confirmed facts: 82 domes, 1,096 columns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet in the main prayer hall; free guided tours available; strict dress code applies.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a must on most lists. We skipped it because of time and because we have done the one in Paris twice. But if you are an art buff or just want to visit for the sake of it, this should be on your list. The Louvre Abu Dhabi traces the entire history of humanity's artistic achievements, from the Neolithic right up to the current day. I was speaking to a local who also informed me that the Paris location often lends pieces to the Abu Dhabi location to put on display. Seeing the silver dome from afar is an art work in itself.
Yes - Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection includes loans from French partner museums coordinated by Agence France-Muséums.
Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace is a luxury five star hotel in Abu Dhabi and one of the most expensive in the world. We took a taxi to get there from the Mosque since we were in the city from Yas Island. I pulled up and immediately felt like a millionaire. The architect is next level. Amazingly beautiful. You are free to walk around the common areas and bask in its beauty, take pictures and admire the building. Fancy a 24-carat gold-flaked cappuccino, a gold-encrusted ice cream or a gold facial? They are available here for guest and visitors at the palace.
Update: now Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, you can order the famous 24-karat “Palace Cappuccino” at Le Café.
Corniche
Corniche is a pomade about 8 kilometers long with access to the public beach. We started to walk but it was so hot we gave up a few steps in. But the views are spectacular. It’s great to visit for the beach, jog, or grab a bite or a drink and relax.
Note: It’s a seafront promenade ~8 km long with beaches and cycle paths.
Yas Mall
The Yas Island mall is one of the places we frequented. We took advantage of the free shuttle ride here and it was perfect to beat the heat. It had tons of restaurants and our favorite supermarket where we had a few meals. Yas Mall is Abu Dhabi's biggest, and the UAE's second-largest shopping center. The mall is beautiful, tons of luxury and high end shopping, food and more. I recommend taking a trip here if you want to spend some money or just to look around.
Desert day
If you are not venturing out to Dubai, which I cover in a separate post, be sure to head out to the desert for an epic adventure. Camel riding, lunch, ATV action through the sand dunes, sand boarding and so much more. The city is surrounded by desert so a trip out is a must.
Abu Dhabi → Dubai
We took a taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Our hotel concierge called one for us and had it waiting while we checked out. From yas Island to where we stayed in Dubai the ride cost around 200 AED. As always, taxi will be the most expensive option but with 2 kids and luggage it was the best option for us. There are public busses you can take also which will be less expensive but then you have to figure out getting to your hotel from the stops the bus makes. The bus cost around 25 AED and from the station you can grab a taxi to your hotel. If you are traveling alone, and traveling light this may be a great option with little stress and difficulty.
2025 note: RTA E100/E101 connect Dubai ↔ Abu Dhabi; E102 reaches the airport/Mussafah; there’s also a new direct express route (Al Quoz ↔ MBZ City).
A trip to the UAE is not complete without stopping in Abu Dhabi. You will be glad you did.
Practical Tips
What to wear
Dress modestly in public spaces (shoulders/knees covered). Women visiting mosques must wear an abaya/hijab; men should wear long trousers and sleeves.
Alcohol & etiquette
Drink only at licensed venues; public intoxication is illegal. During Ramadan, avoid eating/drinking in public during daylight hours out of respect.
Best months
November, April bring pleasant temps (≈24 °C daytime / 13 °C nights). Summers are extremely hot and humid.
Free Yas shuttles
Use Yas Express to hop between hotels, Yas Mall, Ferrari World, WB World, Yas Waterworld, Marina Circuit, and Yas Beach.
FAQs
Is the airport still called Abu Dhabi International?
It’s now Zayed International Airport (AUH) as of Feb 9, 2024 (Terminal A).
How much is a taxi from the airport into town?
Official base is AED 20 airport flagfall + AED 1.82/km + AED 0.50/min waiting (day/night booking fee AED 4–5).
Is the Grand Mosque free and what’s the dress code?
Yes, entry is free; modest dress is required (women cover hair, loose/ankle-length clothing; men cover shoulders/knees). Free guided tours available.
Can tourists drink alcohol?
Non-Muslims 21+ may drink in licensed venues only; being drunk in public is an offense.
Planning Abu Dhabi? Here’s our 7-day Yas Island trip with kids: how to get from Zayed International Airport, current taxi fares, free Yas Express shuttles, Grand Mosque dress code, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace, Corniche, desert tours, Dubai connections, and practical tips (2025).
