Abu Dhabi the pefect stopover or holiday!

Abu Dhabi a short stop on my way to Mauritius. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is just 7 hours from London. Leaving Stansted on a horrible wet September evening I landed in Dubai to 42 degrees and sunshine at 7am. Why did I not fly directly to Abu Dhabi I hear you ask, which is a very good question when Abu Dhabi airport is around 30 minutes from the city instead of and 1hr 20 minutes from Dubai by car/private transfer! This was a short stopover as a few days later I flew onto Mauritius from Dubai.

I split my time between the city staying at the Jumeriah Etihad Towers which is located around a 10 minute walk from the Corniche (or Corniche Road which is a long stretch of road which sweeps in a curve and includes children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, restaurants, cafés and the Corniche Beach) and the Abu Dhabi Mall. My room had a stunning view of the famous Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Emirates Palace hotel, and a 360 degree view of the city can also be seen from the observation deck on the 74th floor which is free to all hotel guests. The hotel has three swimming pools, a choice of bars and restaurants and a small man made beach.

Staying in the city is best for sightseeing but if you are looking more for a beach based holiday I would recommend staying on Saadiyat Island which is located around 30 minutes outside of the city. Jumeirah Saadiyat Island was my home for the next few nights, an eco-hotel less than a year old located on the only natural beach in Abu Dhabi. The hotel is low rise and spread out along the coast with a choice of restaurants, direct beach access, four pools and great kid’s facilities. If you want to venture away from the beach there is a shuttle into the city or why not take a taxi to Yaz Island which is home to Ferrari World, the F1 circuit. Yaz Mall and Yas Waterworld which is approx 15 – 20 minutes away.

Would I return to Abu Dhabi?

Yes I would! Fabulous hotels, friendly people, amazing service and great food, I would maybe travel between October to April though when it is cooler as 40+ degrees is just too hotel for sightseeing

What would I recommend?

Abu Dhabi is great for a short stop or a longer week long stay. If you are staying 3 or 4 nights I would stay in the city as you have everything you need a short walk away, but if staying longer I would split my time half in the city for sightseeing and half on the beach giving you the best of everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.