Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Downtown Abu Dhabi

  • Accommodation: Stay at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers (5-star luxury) or Yas Island Rotana (4-star affordable).

  • Transportation: Taxis are widely available, or you can use the city’s bus service (Dubai Mall to Abu Dhabi is approximately AED 20 by taxi or Bus E100 for AED 7).

  • Activities: Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Explore the souks at Mina Zayed and Heritage Village. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along Corniche Road.

  • Food & Drink: Dine at Cé La Vi on the 63rd floor of the Jumeirah Etihad Towers for panoramic city views, or try local Emirati cuisine at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe.

  • Things to Note: Dress modestly when visiting mosques and public places. Ramadan hours may affect operating times of restaurants and attractions during the holy month.

Day 2: Yas Island Adventures

  • Activities: Visit Ferrari World, the world’s first Ferrari theme park. Spend the afternoon at Yas Waterworld or catch a Formula 1 race at Yas Marina Circuit (race dates vary).

  • Food & Drink: Eat at Riyadh Street in Ferrari World or grab a bite at Yas Mall, which offers a variety of dining options.

Day 3: Cultural Exploration

  • Activities: Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi to appreciate its stunning architecture and world-class art collection. Explore Qasr Al Hosn, the capital’s landmark fort that serves as a museum and cultural hub.

  • Food & Drink: Lunch at Man’oushe Street for authentic Arabic flatbread or try local seafood dishes at Marina Social by Jason Atherton.

Day 4: Desert Safari & Stargazing

  • Activities: Embark on a desert safari, which typically includes dune bashing, camel riding, and henna tattooing. End the day with a barbecue dinner under the stars.

  • Things to Note: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the desert activities. Some operators offer pickup from hotels in Abu Dhabi.

Day 5: Relaxation & Departure

  • Activities: Spend your last day relaxing at Saadiyat Public Beach or enjoying a spa treatment at your hotel. Visit the recently opened Zayed National Museum if it’s open during your visit.

  • Food & Drink: Have a farewell meal at Li Beirut for Lebanese cuisine or try Turkish delights at Karak House.

  • Departure: Head to Abu Dhabi International Airport in time for your flight home.