Abu Dhabi Holiday Recommendations

[Seventyseven7]

Can anyone recommend it?

We have done Dubai a few times, have been told Abu Dhabi is very similar just a little less cheesy!

We can do a week at the start of September at the Ritz Carlton or Fairmont, full board, business class flights, for 7k for 2 people which sounds good.

Never been to Abu Dhabi so just looking for some recommendations or opinions on the trip?

[Greshamst]

Unless you are limited to only the Middle East, why don’t you go to a country that’s actually nice and interesting? That’s my recommendation.

[cb31]

My wife has been a few times and enjoys it, only outside of summer though. Why go to Abu Dhabi in Sept when Europe is still hot? It makes sense in winter, I can see that.

[Seventyseven7]

Greshamst said:

Unless you are limited to only the Middle East, why don’t you go to a country that’s actually nice and interesting? That’s my recommendation.

We have been to a LOT of places already, but open to suggestions. As I've not been there I don't know if it's 'nice and interesting' or not, hence this thread

Just want a week away, nice hotel, nice restaurants, relaxing, no long car journeys whilst there, and under £10k for hotel and flight.

[Seventyseven7]

cb31 said:

My wife has been a few times and enjoys it, only outside of summer though. Why go to Abu Dhabi in Sept when Europe is still hot? It makes sense in winter, I can see that.

We are going to Mykonos next week and Ibiza end of July! Though Abu Dhabi is something a bit different than the european scene. Supposed to be the start of their best season in September according to google.

[The spinner of plates]

Greshamst said:

Unless you are limited to only the Middle East, why don’t you go to a country that’s actually nice and interesting? That’s my recommendation.

Have to agree.
Went to Dubai / Abu Dhabi multiple times to visit a family member who was working there..

Now that he’s not, I’ll never return.

Sorry, just imo and not helping you

[findtomdotcom]

I lived in Abu Dhabi for two years. It is by far the nicer place to live of the two, less glitzy and less fake. Not sure I would go back, other than to visit friends, however…. I would consider visiting:

The Grand Mosque - Really worth the visit and tour. They are a few times a day, worth finding out when so that you don’t miss one and then need to wait. Dress for heat but no shorts, (as most of its outside), but ladies will need to wear an abaya (they have them there).

The Louvre Abu Dhabi - Absolutely amazing. Abu Dhabi has rented some of the most spectacular art from all over the world.

Yes Island - For Ferrari World (roller coasters). It’s ok…. But the best/largest shopping mall (if that is your thing) is in Yas Island. There is also a Warner Brothers World. Not been, but its one for the kids.

Eastern Mangroves - Hire a paddle boat and tour the islands. Really cool (fun) and depending on the time of year cooler temps.

Saadiyat - Best beech in Abu Dhabi, great hotels and very good restaurants. My favourite was Sontaya St Regis, but as with all things Abu Dhabi the quality changed from time to time…

[Seventyseven7]

findtomdotcom said:

I lived in Abu Dhabi for two years. It is by far the nicer place to live of the two, less glitzy and less fake. Not sure I would go back, other than to visit friends, however…. I would consider visiting:

The Grand Mosque - Really worth the visit and tour. They are a few times a day, worth finding out when so that you don’t miss one and then need to wait. Dress for heat but no shorts, (as most of its outside), but ladies will need to wear an abaya (they have them there).

The Louvre Abu Dhabi - Absolutely amazing. Abu Dhabi has rented some of the most spectacular art from all over the world.

Yes Island - For Ferrari World (roller coasters). It’s ok…. But the best/largest shopping mall (if that is your thing) is in Yas Island. There is also a Warner Brothers World. Not been, but its one for the kids.

Eastern Mangroves - Hire a paddle boat and tour the islands. Really cool (fun) and depending on the time of year cooler temps.

Saadiyat - Best beech in Abu Dhabi, great hotels and very good restaurants. My favourite was Sontaya St Regis, but as with all things Abu Dhabi the quality changed from time to time…

Perfect, thank you

[Gilmore]

Have had some colleagues comeback recently from inspecting a few different hotels out there.

Drop me a pm if you want and I’ll put you in touch as I haven’t been myself.

[Seventyseven7]

Gilmore said:

Have had some colleagues comeback recently from inspecting a few different hotels out there.

Drop me a pm if you want and I’ll put you in touch as I haven’t been myself.

Messaged you

[85Carrera]

I would recommend Oman over Abu Dhabi.

[ecs]

I've been to Abu Dhabi a couple of times - the above post about Yas and the mangroves reflects my experiences, I regret not making it to the Louvre and had a great time at Yas Waterworld. We stayed at Etihad Towers the first time and Anantara Eastern Mangroves the second. Eithad Towers had a small beach and pool area so wouldn't really recommend that one. I remember the Anantara being very nice.

The above post about Oman raises an interesting point. We went to Alila Jabal Akhdar a few years ago and it was one of the best trips I've had in a long while. Also did a few nights at the Shangri La Muscat on that trip and that's a pretty impressive hotel! Flights there are extremely expensive in comparison though which is why we've not made it back yet.

[findtomdotcom]

85Carrera said:

I would recommend Oman over Abu Dhabi.

Good call, so would I. I worked in Oman too. Lovely place and people.

[z4RRSchris]

i lived in Oman, and have been to AbuD and Dubai more times than hot dinners.

I would go to Oman. I don't go to the other two unless i'm forced to for work.

[The G Kid]

Seventyseven7 said:

We are going to Mykonos next week and Ibiza end of July! Though Abu Dhabi is something a bit different than the european scene. Supposed to be the start of their best season in September according to google.

I go to the Middle East a lot for work, and I wouldn't go the first week of September weather wise for work or a holiday. Just too hot! We often go to Dubai the last week of October for a holiday when it is mid 30's and that's perfect for me. But everyone is different when it comes to heat..... It will be a lot hotter in Abu Dhabi the first week of Sept than Mykonos next week or Ibiza in July.

[WelshRich]

This being Pistonheads, if you go to Yas Marina you can cycle around the Grand Prix circuit… Gives a great perspective when next watching a race and it’s completely free (they even provide the bikes)

[GT03ROB]

Early September no way. Too humid, too hot. Oman is probably cooler & nicer by a country mile if you must do that part of the world at that time of year. The gulf doesn’t really start to improve until Octoberish. I like it hot & would sit out in the 40s, but August/September seems to see rising humidity which is not pleasant even if the actual temperature is falling.

[bennno]

85Carrera said:

I would recommend Oman over Abu Dhabi.

Depends what you want, the big tour of Oman involves a trip to fish market and a place making sweets. Rather more in Abu Dhabi and more again in Dubai.

[Percy Cushion]

Surely there’s better ways to spend £7-£10k on a holiday than Abu Dhabi. Yes it’s guaranteed the weather, but there must be a million more interesting places to visit.

That said, this is PH, go to FerrariWorld!

[85Carrera]

bennno said:

85Carrera said:

I would recommend Oman over Abu Dhabi.

Depends what you want, the big tour of Oman involves a trip to fish market and a place making sweets. Rather more in Abu Dhabi and more again in Dubai.

I think you must have missed the best bits!

It also has a beautiful coastline, mountains and wadis, some interesting old towns and villages and you actually get to meet the locals as they drive taxis, etc unlike in the UAE.

I used to live in Dubai and used to visit Oman frequently when I wanted to get away to a “proper” country (for want of a better expression - I’ve nothing against Dubai or Abu Dhabi but unless you like shopping malls, Oman is a far, far better holiday destination).

I’ve done week long driving trips visiting wadis, forts and bull fights and watching the military play bagpipes, been diving in the Indian Ocean, wandered around a proper working souk (not like the pastiche Dubai versions) and just lazed around the pool in a 5 star hotel. I’ve also been to a 2 star (at best) hotel in Nizwa with a “hidden” bar (no signs, just follow the noise) and watched football with the locals.

There’s plenty to do in Oman. It’s just that it’s not handed to you on a plate and you get proper experiences not manufactured ones.

Edited for typo

Edited by 85Carrera on Tuesday 31st May 18:50