Home / United Arab Emirates / Abu Dhabi
Flag of United Arab Emirates Capital of United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and the seat of the UAE's Central Capital District. Situated on a T-shaped island extending into the Persian Gulf, this modern metropolis blends contemporary architecture with Arabian heritage.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
United Arab Emirates dirham (AED)
Language
Arabic
Timezone
+04 (UTC+4)
Local time now
23:07:33

Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers a range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. From established properties like Hotel Al Rawda Arjan by Rotana to contemporary options such as Jannah Place and AG Hotel, visitors will find diverse choices for their stay in the UAE capital. See all hotels →

Murjan Asfar hotel
672 m from centre
Jannah Place
1.1 km from centre
AG Hotel
1.3 km from centre

Airports in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is served by several airports facilitating domestic and international travel. Abu Dhabi International Airport (مطار ابو ظبي الدولي) is the primary commercial hub, while other facilities including Zayed International Airport (مطار زايد الدولي), Al Bateen Airport (مطار البطين), and Al Dhafra Air Base (قاعدة الظفرة الجوية) provide additional aviation services to the emirate. See all airports →

مطار البطين
8.6 km from centre
مطار زايد الدولي
27.5 km from centre
مطار ابو ظبي الدولي
28.1 km from centre

Car Hire in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers several car hire options to suit different travel needs. Local agencies including Al Dhaheri Car Rental, From A to Z Rent a car, Thrifty, Passion Car Rental, and Autostrad Rent A Car provide convenient vehicle rental services for exploring the city and wider emirate. See all car hire →

Al Dhaheri Car Rental
732 m from centre
From A to Z Rent a car
741 m from centre
Thrifty
871 m from centre
Passion Car Rental
1.0 km from centre

Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers visitors a rich array of cultural and historical attractions. From the Ittihad House & Garden to historic mosques and palaces, there are numerous sites to explore that reflect the city's heritage and architectural significance. See all things to do →

Ittihad House & Garden Abu Dhabi
1.2 km from centre
Ittihad House & garden Abu Dhabi Cultural Site
1.2 km from centre
مسجد سراقة بن مالك
1.3 km from centre
جامع عبدالجليل الفهيم
1.4 km from centre
قصر الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان
1.5 km from centre
حديقة الدلافين
2.9 km from centre

Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants ranging from casual to upscale establishments. Whether you're looking for international cuisine at IL Forno, traditional Middle Eastern flavors at Karam Al Sham Restaurant or Al Arab Restaurant, or familiar chain options, the city has dining options to suit every taste and occasion. See all restaurants →

Salt Mushrif park
320 m from centre
IL Forno
italian · 592 m from centre
Karam Al Sham RESTAURANT
615 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers a variety of swimming pools catering to different preferences and ages. From dedicated swimming academies to family-friendly water parks, visitors can enjoy facilities such as Splash Park, Arc Pool, and Children's pool throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

Spas in Abu Dhabi

We're still gathering spas listings for Abu Dhabi — check back soon.

Nightlife in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers a diverse nightlife experience with venues ranging from themed clubs to upscale lounges. Popular spots include Indian Night Club, 49ers, and Legends Club, each providing distinct atmospheres for evening entertainment. See all nightlife →

Indian Night Club
4.3 km from centre
49ers
4.8 km from centre
Legends Club
5.3 km from centre

Bars in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers a diverse selection of bars where you can enjoy drinks and nightlife. From Gulf Bride Saloon to Blue Line Bar and Emjay Bar, there are venues throughout the city to suit different tastes and occasions. See all bars →

Gulf Bride Saloon
1.1 km from centre
c.mondo @ Centro Al Manhal
1.7 km from centre
Emjay Bar
4.0 km from centre

Cafes in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers a diverse café scene for visitors and residents seeking quality coffee and tea. From Milestones Coffee and Cafe Arabia to SLASH, Tea Break Br-4, and Al Akkawi Cafeteria, the city's cafés provide relaxed spaces to enjoy beverages and socialize. See all cafes →

Milestones coffee
256 m from centre
Cafe Arabia
298 m from centre
SLASH
593 m from centre

Shopping in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers diverse shopping experiences across modern malls and traditional markets. From Al Wahda Mall to Grand Emirates Market, visitors can find everything from everyday essentials at Al Maqnas Hyper Market to stationery at Royal Stationery. See all shopping →

Al Maqnas Hyper Market
1.1 km from centre
Royal Stationery
1.2 km from centre
Al Wahda Mall
1.9 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers diverse natural attractions for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. From coastal mangrove ecosystems at Eastern Mangroves Park to expansive green spaces like Mushrif Park, the city provides numerous opportunities to experience the region's unique flora and fauna. See all nature & wildlife →

Mushrif Park
423 m from centre
حديقة دلما
2.5 km from centre
Eastern Mangroves Park
2.9 km from centre
Long Leaf Park
3.5 km from centre
حديقة البطين
3.6 km from centre
حديقة الخالدية
3.6 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Abu Dhabi experiences a hot desert climate with scorching summers and mild winters. The city enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, with the most comfortable weather occurring during the cooler winter months.

Interesting Facts About Abu Dhabi — Weird & Wonderful

  • Abu Dhabi is built on a distinctive T-shaped island that extends into the Persian Gulf from the UAE's central-western coast.
  • As the UAE's second-most populous city after Dubai, Abu Dhabi serves as the political and administrative heart of the federation.
  • The city is the seat of the Abu Dhabi Central Capital District, making it the official center of UAE governance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abu Dhabi

What is the capital of the United Arab Emirates?

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and serves as the seat of the UAE's Central Capital District.

What currency is used in Abu Dhabi?

The currency used in Abu Dhabi and the UAE is the United Arab Emirates Dirham.

What language is spoken in Abu Dhabi?

Arabic is the official language of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, though English is widely spoken by residents and in the tourism industry.

Is Abu Dhabi larger than Dubai?

Abu Dhabi is the UAE's second-most populous city; Dubai is the most populous city in the country.

Where is Abu Dhabi located?

Abu Dhabi is situated on a T-shaped island in the Persian Gulf on the central-western coast of the United Arab Emirates.

Map of Abu Dhabi

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors