How Much Does it Cost to go to Abu Dhabi
When it comes to the United Arab Emirates, Dubai tends to get most of the hype and attention. However, for those looking to change things up and explore somewhere new, you might want to consider Abu Dhabi. Despite being only a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai, Abu Dhabi has its own major international airport making it easy to fly directly in and out of the city from many worldwide destinations. Abu Dhabi also tends to be quieter than Dubai with less traffic but still offers the glitz and glam that the UAE is known for. So, how much does it cost to go to Abu Dhabi? Read on to find out.
For the purpose of this itinerary, I’m going to suggest three nights and four days. Abu Dhabi is small, so you can see and do the main highlights in a short period of time. If you would like to spend longer in the area, I suggest combining Abu Dhabi with a couple of days in Dubai. Also, keep in mind that this budget is based on a single traveller. So, if you are planning on travelling as a couple then you will need to double this budget (except for accommodation).
| Estimated cost | |
|---|---|
| Airfare | $950 |
| Accommodations | $600 |
| Transportation | $120 |
| Attractions | $200 |
| Food and drink | $200 |
| Random spending | $150 |
| Total | $2,220 |
The above estimate is in American dollars, so please use xe.com to find the average costs in your home country.
If you’re Canadian, you may want to consider applying for one of the best travel credit cards in Canada to help offset your costs by collecting points. For example, the American Express Platinum Card gives you a generous welcome bonus that’s often worth more than $900 (potentially more if you transfer your points to Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy). There’s also the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card that has no foreign transaction fees, and it comes with airport lounge access.
Airfare
As mentioned above, Abu Dhabi has its own international airport making it a very easy destination to get to. They also have their own airline; Eithad Airways, which offers plenty of international routes. You can expect to pay about $950 for roundtrip flights from major hubs in North America to Abu Dhabi.
Chances are you can probably get cheaper flights in the summer months, but before you get too excited, consider that this is the hottest time of year in the UAE and spending time outside is pretty much impossible with temperatures soaring to 50 degrees Celsius. The best time to go to Dubai is in the winter months for a more comfortable travel experience, and spending a little more on airfare to visit during these times is worth it for a more enjoyable experience.
Accommodation
Since Abu Dhabi is smaller than Dubai, there aren’t nearly the same number of hotels to choose from. However, there are still options for different budgets. That said, hostels really aren’t a thing in Abu Dhabi. So for the most budget-friendly option, you will want to look at apartment hotels to save some cash. These can also be handy if you prefer to cook your own meals rather than eat out.
I’m using a midrange hotel for the cost estimate in this budget. However, Abu Dhabi has some nice luxury properties as well if you do want to splurge. Probably the best hotel in Abu Dhabi is the Emirates Palace which you may recognize from the movie Sex and the City 2.
Looking for some accommodation recommendations? Consider the following:
- Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Grand Millennium Al Wahda Abu Dhabi
- Bab Al Qasr Hotel
- The Ritz-Carleton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
- Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
If you have the right credit card, you can save a fair amount of money on hotels. Americans should strongly consider the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card since you can earn up to 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and $300 back at U.S. restaurants as a welcome bonus.
Canadians should consider the Marriott Bonvoy American Express, which gives you up to 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. That’s enough points for a few free nights at some hotels, which could easily have a value of over $500.
Transportation
Public transportation is incredibly limited in Abu Dhabi. The best way to get around is by car which means, for the majority of tourists, using taxis, Uber or Careem. These options are readily available across Abu Dhabi, especially the main tourist areas and pricing is pretty reasonable. Especially since Abu Dhabi doesn’t have the same amount of traffic as Dubai. How much you spend will depend on how much you move around, but you can probably be safe allocating about $120 for getting around Abu Dhabi over the course of your four days.
By the way, if you are a woman travelling alone, don’t worry about safety in Ubers and taxis. Abu Dhabi is incredibly safe for female travellers.
Attractions
Abu Dhabi doesn’t have as much to do as Dubai, but what it does offer visitors is pretty impressive. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must-see, as is the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace.
If you want some scenic views, head up to the Observation Deck at 300 for a bite to eat. Families might enjoy Ferrari World, the waterpark on Yas Island, or the Abu Dhabi Louvre. Don’t forget about the beaches either, especially on a hot day. And if you have some extra time, consider a desert day trip.
Food and Drink
Abu Dhabi has a vast selection of food, including many familiar chains and brands that most of us are familiar with from home. As a Canadian, I got a good laugh when I saw Tim Hortons. On top of these familiar favourites, Abu Dhabi also has some fine dining options as well that foodies may want to give a try. As you can guess, with this large range of options you can keep your food and drink budget quite minimal or splurge. However, for a more average daily breakdown of food costs you can expect to pay the following:
- Breakfast -$10
- Lunch – $15
- Dinner – $25
That’s a daily total of $50. Note that alcohol isn’t as readily available in Dubai as you may be used to, and it is also quite expensive. Most hotel bars and resorts do serve alcoholic beverages but it is also common to come across dry restaurants. As for buying alcohol from a store, it is possible, but these stores tend to be tucked away. You will also need to show your passport to purchase alcohol or, visit with a resident who has a license to buy alcohol.
Random Spending
It’s always a good idea to have some extra cash on hand for random spending. Things like souvenirs, maybe a nicer meal, or an extra excursion or activity. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is known for its world-class shopping. There are a few massive shopping malls filled with some of the top designer brands in the world. Or, you may choose to pick up something more local and traditional such as spices or perfumes. For this reason, I suggest having an extra $150 on hand for random spending.
Cost to go to Abu Dhabi
So, how much does it cost to go to Abu Dhabi? I estimate it will be about US $2,220 for three nights and four days. That said, most people do Abu Dhabi as a stopover or side trip from Dubai. Using some of the tips above you can cut down this cost a little. Or, if you have a higher budget, you may want to splurge. Abu Dhabi is not a budget destination by any means, but it’s a pretty cool place to visit for a few days. Plus, if you have more time, it’s a great option to combine a few days in Abu Dhabi with Dubai. Other places in the Middle East worth checking out include Jordan and Israel.
