Situated in the calm waters of the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is the capital of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including islands, deserts, mangroves, fossil dunes, oases and wadis (valleys). Here, ancient heritage meets modern architectural wonders and a strong theme park adrenaline rush.

If you’re planning a short 4-5 day vacation to Abu Dhabi, you won’t have to loosen the purse strings too much – it’s easily achievable in less than ₹1.5 million. Just choose your accommodation wisely, use public transportation, and eat like a local at traditional restaurants. And if you’re willing to sleep in hostels and backpacker dorms, you can also save up for shopping. (Also read: From Gaza to Beirut: the El Gouna Film Festival in Egypt defies war and celebrates Palestinian and Lebanese cinema)

Unmissable things to see/do in Abu Dhabi:

• Ferrari World Yas Island: The Ferrari-branded theme park on Yas Island is home to more than 40 record-breaking attractions, including the tallest loop, and it all happens beneath the tallest space structure on the planet.

• The Flying Aces ride is where you can experience the world’s tallest roller coaster loop. Climb 63 meters at a 51 degree angle and enjoy the ride! Or hop aboard the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, and race around the park at a breathtaking speed of 150 miles per hour.

• Snow Abu Dhabi: Snow Abu Dhabi offers 12 exhilarating rides and 17 fun attractions spread across approximately 10,000 square feet of winter wonderland.

• Go to Al Ain, an oasis city full of museums and relics. Jebel Hafit, Abu Dhabi’s highest peak, is home to 5,000-year-old tombs to explore at the foot.

• Immerse yourself in culture at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

• Discover Emirati heritage at Desert Rose Bedouin Desert Camp which offers visitors authentic desert activities including camel rides, evening buffets, belly dancing performances and much more.

• Explore Abu Dhabi’s vibrant market culture at Mina Markets. Discover the city’s historic connection to the Persian Gulf at the Fish Souk, pick up a souvenir from your trip at the Carpet Souk, and discover the vibrant selection of fresh produce at the Vegetable Souk.

• Step back in time by visiting Qasr Al Hosn, a fort incorporating the oldest standing structure in the region, a watchtower built in the 1760s, it was also at one time home to the royal family!

Don’t miss: the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December 6-8, 2024).

The must-sees in Abu Dhabi:

• Gahwa (Arabic coffee) is an essential part of Emirati culture. Visit Bait Al Gawha in Qasr Al Hosn to taste the local coffee and learn the art of this social ritual.

• To feel like a local, you have to eat like a local. There’s no better place to do this than the Mezlai at the Emirates Palace. The award-winning restaurant is designed to resemble an airy Bedouin tent and pays homage to the UAE’s heritage through traditional Emirati dishes and drinks. Also try Yadoos House Restaurant & Cafe and Al Mabeet for traditional local cuisine.

• For the best breakfast, check out McGettigan’s, Carluccio’s and Desert Gate.

• Try Emirati cuisine at Al Fair (Yas Island). Don’t miss the balalit (vermicelli noodles sweetened with cardamom and saffron), chebab (Emirati pancakes) and machboos (spicy rice dish).

• For street food, head to Salt (Umm Al Emarat Park).

Visa

Since October 2024, Indian nationals holding a valid visa for the United States, United Kingdom or European Union can obtain a visa on arrival at any entry point in the United Arab Emirates. The visa is valid for 14 days and can be extended for another 14 days. Alternatively, you can apply for a tourist visa online (30-day single entry, fee: US$150).

Flight (around mid-November for Economy class):

The direct Mumbai-Abu Dhabi-Mumbai return flight on Etihad starts at ₹18,000 (duration: 3h25). Etihad direct return flight from Chennai starts at ₹18,500 (duration: 4h35). Several airlines offer direct flights to Abu Dhabi from Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi and other cities.

Hotel accommodation for 4 nights excluding taxes (2 adults, no children):

• Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yes Island: INR 39,000

• Ramada Abu Dhabi Corniche: INR 33,000

• Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center Abu Dhabi: INR 62,000

• Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate: ₹33.00

• On VacationRenter and AirBnB you can find cheaper rooms, studios or entire apartments. Hostels are available for backpackers.

Move

Taxis are reasonably priced and the most popular way to get around the city, but you can also travel by bus, ferry or rent a car. The Visit Abu Dhabi Shuttle is also a convenient option for getting around the city. It’s free and available to local and international tourists who book a hotel or purchase tickets for attractions in Abu Dhabi.

Save a lot of money by using public transport: a single journey on a public bus costs just Dhs2, with the cost capped at Dhs5 per journey for passengers who need to change buses before reaching their destination. The normal taxi fare starts at Dhs12, then goes to Dhs1.82 per kilometer. A one-way ticket to downtown Abu Dhabi generally costs between Dhs70 and Dhs80.

Buy the Abu Dhabi Pass to benefit from great discounts: starting at Dhs149, the Abu Dhabi Pass offers free and discounted access to the city’s top attractions as well as benefits such as buy-in offers -one-get-one-free at over 500 restaurants and 10% off. any hotel stay in the city.

Application : Download Experience Abu Dhabi (available on iOS and Android) for all the information you’ll need.

Currency: 1 United Arab Emirates Dirham (Dhs) = 22.90 INR

Do’s and don’ts:

• Avoid PDA in public places

• Respect prayer times and do not eat in public when residents are fasting during Ramadan.

• Use your right hand when accepting a gift or when eating.

• Do not drink alcohol in public. Alcohol is sold and consumed only in licensed bars and licensed restaurants.

• Do not dance in public.

• Ask permission before taking photos of strangers.

• There is zero tolerance for drugs and any form of narcotics.

• Do not jaywalk: you can receive a penalty of Dh400 for jaywalking; From next March, you risk a fine of between 5,000 and 10,000 Dhs and a prison sentence.

(Note: All flight and hotel rates are valid for mid-November and vary depending on your vacation dates)