A sweeping stretch of pristine white sand beach and sumptuous resorts, Saadiyat Island is a great choice for where to stay in Abu Dhabi if you’re looking to relax and soak up the sun. 

White sand beaches: Crowned as the Middle East’s best beach, this stunning 8-kilometer stretch of coastline is celebrated for its soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and perfect sunny days. The calm waters of Saadiyat Island are great for a relaxing swim, the perfect complement to any beach day. 

Natural beauty and protected wildlife: The waters surrounding Saadiyat Island are part of the Saadiyat Marine National Park, an eco-reserve spanning 59km². From the shore of this natural island witness nesting Hawksbill sea turtles, free-roaming gazelles and even dolphins on the horizon.

Arts and culture: Alongside beautiful beaches and luxury hotels, Saadiyat Island is fast becoming the cultural heart of the city. The island is host to the Louvre, the Zayed National Museum, and the Abrahamic Family House, a site where Islam, Judaism and Christianity have come together as a symbol of religious and cultural acceptance. The Guggenheim is a future addition, due to open in 2026. 

Golf: The UAE’s first beachfront golf course, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club combines picturesque landscapes across the island with a challenging 18-hole par 72 course, featuring saltwater lakes, sand dunes and over 60 bunkers.

Khor, meaning creek, refers to the historic waterway that separates Abu Dhabi’s islands from the mainland, guarded by Al Maqta Fort. This is the ideal choice for where to stay in Abu Dhabi for those looking to explore some local culture. 

The souk Qaryat Al Beri: This beautiful souk is a contemporary adaptation of a typical Arabian market with shops as well as restaurants and cafés. 

Al Qana: This lesser-known waterfront district in Abu Dhabi provides plenty of dining and entertainment options within easy reach of the main canal. Perfect for those who like the option to dine outside of their hotel, Al Qana is popular with local Emiratis and is a great choice for where to stay in Abu Dhabi if you’re looking for some local flavour. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: One of Abu Dhabi’s most important landmarks, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a glistening, snowy-white architectural icon. Wander through the impressive halls and marvel at gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the courtyard’s vast marble mosaic artwork, and the reflective pools that mirror some of the jewel embedded columns.

Abu Dhabi’s relaxed city centre leads onto a scenic waterfront promenade and beach area stretching along the city’s northwest shore. 

Corniche Beach: Consisting of a 2km public beach and 8km boardwalk with views back to the city skyline, the Corniche is an all-day hub of activity. With designated cycle and pedestrian lanes, this lively area is easily explored on foot or bicycle. The beach is divided into three parts so visitors can find the area that best suits them, including family sections which are shielded with a fence for extra privacy. 

Parks and family play areas: Offering children’s play areas, water features, barbecue and picnic facilities, as well as beautiful green spaces, the parks of Abu Dhabi are well worth a visit and a great option for those for those staying in smaller downtown or city hotels. 

Qasr Al Watan: Located at the very end of the Corniche lies the ‘Palace of the Nation’, Qasr Al Watan, an imposing, working, royal palace which welcomes leaders from across the globe. The impressive white granite and limestone façade leads to a carefully considered interior which utilises colour to represent the character of the UAE. A must-see is the Spirit of Collaboration, a circular room specifically designed so that all guests can see each other clearly, ensuring an equal standing for all in the room.

Renowned as the home of Abu Dhabi’s famous Formula 1 circuit, Yas Island is a thrilling entertainment hub guaranteed to leave every member of the family wanting more! This is a great option for where to stay in Abu Dhabi for families and those seeking a vibrant, lively atmosphere. 

Formula 1: Host of the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit is an exhilarating year-round experience. From first-hand driving experiences on the Formula 1 track and action-packed drag racing events to karting at the adjacent Yas Kartzone, there’s always a reason to visit Yas Marina Circuit. 

Exhilarating Theme Parks: A playground for the young and young at heart, the theme parks of Yas Island are home to high-speed rides and immersive experiences, as well as plenty of gentler attractions. Hop on board the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or walk side by side with some of your favourite characters at Warner Bros World™ Abu Dhabi. Yas Waterworld is one of the UAE’s top waterparks with a fun Emirati and pearl diving theme. 

Yas Bay Waterfront: Yas Bay Waterfront is a flourishing entertainment destination with something for every member of the family. Walking along the three kilometre boardwalk unveils a vibrant atmosphere and diverse culinary scene with a wide selection of restaurants; from casual street eats to fine dining experiences and lively bars. The nearby Etihad Arena regularly plays host to worldwide stars as well as popular comedians and west end shows.

Venture beyond the dazzling lights of the city and you will be rewarded with stunning landscapes and unexpected experiences. This is the perfect choice for where to stay in Abu Dhabi for those looking to get off the beaten track. 

Stunning landscapes: Whether it’s the incredible expanse of one of the world’s largest deserts - the Empty Quarter - or the white sand beaches and rainbow coloured salt domes of Sir Bani Yas Island, there are stunning and unexpected landscapes to explore beyond the city of Abu Dhabi. 

Free-roaming wildlife: Sir Bani Yas Island, located on the western outskirts of Abu Dhabi, is a unique and self-contained desert island which is one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves. Founded by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this pristine conservation area is home to 17,000 free roaming animals including giraffes, cheetahs, oryx, and many more species. 

Luxury hotels: In true Emirati style, heading into the wilderness doesn’t mean compromising on luxury. Experience the tranquillity of the desert at the palatial resort of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort of Anantara, a stunning hotel which is nestled deep among the towering dunes of the Empty Quarter.