Abu Dhabi - October - UFC 308

[Countdown]

We were originally going to Dubai in September but my wife now has to go elsewhere for the whole month. So instead we're thinking of going in October. As my son is into his MMA I thought I would treat him by taking him to UFC308. My questions are

1. i assume the weather should still be ok?

2. is it better to stay in Dubai and get taxis to the Etihad Arena or are we better off staying closer to the stadium?

3. if we're better off staying closer which hotels in Abu Dhabi are recommended?

Thanks as always

[North West Tom]

I'm no expert on either UFC or UAE, but I wouldn't like to be finding a taxi for a 1+ hour journey at silly o'clock in the morning. I'd stay around Yas island if you're only going to AD for this event.

[22s]

Countdown said:

We were originally going to Dubai in September but my wife now has to go elsewhere for the whole month. So instead we're thinking of going in October. As my son is into his MMA I thought I would treat him by taking him to UFC308. My questions are

1. i assume the weather should still be ok?

2. is it better to stay in Dubai and get taxis to the Etihad Arena or are we better off staying closer to the stadium?

3. if we're better off staying closer which hotels in Abu Dhabi are recommended?

Thanks as always

1. It will be very hot and humid. Not as bad as July / August, but still not pleasant like mid-October onwards.

2. Depends how long you're around for. If it's a quick in and out for UFC, stay in AD. If it's a longer trip, still stay in AD (prob at start of trip) and then come to Dubai after for a few days.

3. I haven't actually stayed in any AD hotels, but tbh in Sept you'll prob be spoilt for choice with top hotels at reasonable prices if it's anything like Dubai.

I'd recommend going to the Grand Mosque in AD if you do go... it's amazing.

[shirt]

North West Tom said:

I'm no expert on either UFC or UAE, but I wouldn't like to be finding a taxi for a 1+ hour journey at silly o'clock in the morning.
.

This would be super easy / extremely normal in the uae.

If going on multiple days I’d stay in AD, you can get comparatively much nicer hotels for the money than in DXB and there’s far better f&b options in the capital than there ever used to be. Grand mosque as noted above is a must do (but go for the guided tour, you get far better access), as is the louvre.

[ThunderSpook]

Why not hire a car?

[Countdown]

ThunderSpook said:

Why not hire a car?

Having seen some of the driving I don't trust myself.

[Countdown]

North West Tom said:

I'm no expert on either UFC or UAE, but I wouldn't like to be finding a taxi for a 1+ hour journey at silly o'clock in the morning. I'd stay around Yas island if you're only going to AD for this event.

Yes, that was my first/main thought and concern.

[Countdown]

Thanks 22s

22s said:

1. It will be very hot and humid. Not as bad as July / August, but still not pleasant like mid-October onwards.

I think UFC308 is 26th October so hopefully not too hot.

22s said:

2. Depends how long you're around for. If it's a quick in and out for UFC, stay in AD. If it's a longer trip, still stay in AD (prob at start of trip) and then come to Dubai after for a few days.

It's going to be for around a week. ideally I just want to laze by the pool but my daughters/wife will probably want to do some sightseeing/shopping. Tbh i do like the malls.

22s said:

3. I haven't actually stayed in any AD hotels, but tbh in Sept you'll prob be spoilt for choice with top hotels at reasonable prices if it's anything like Dubai.

Ive had a google and they dont look too bad price wise. I think I'll end up paying £1.5k - £2k for each of us

22s said:

I'd recommend going to the Grand Mosque in AD if you do go... it's amazing.

We went to the GM last year when we went to Dubai last February - agree it was amazing. We also went to Qasr Al Watan which was pretty good.

[ThunderSpook]

Countdown said:

Having seen some of the driving I don't trust myself.

I’ve driven loads out there, it’s fine. Strangely the videos you see on the Internet are only the more interesting ones. Abu Dhabi particularly is easy to drive around because it’s all a grid system. Dubai is a little more sketchy at rush hour, but generally it’s fine.

[Rob 131 Sport]

ThunderSpook said:

Countdown said:

Having seen some of the driving I don't trust myself.

I’ve driven loads out there, it’s fine. Strangely the videos you see on the Internet are only the more interesting ones. Abu Dhabi particularly is easy to drive around because it’s all a grid system. Dubai is a little more sketchy at rush hour, but generally it’s fine.

I previously lived there (00 to 02) and (08 to 12) for 6 years and the driving in my experience was absolutely fine. There are many other countries much closer to home where I wouldn’t venture onto the roads outside of the big cities.