“The pace feels different than in Dubai and can be perceived to be less glitzy.

This isnt to say [it’s] less luxurious than Dubai.

Here’s how to plan a visit.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.

Woman inside of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.Credit:Buena Vista Images/Getty Images

Located along the stunning Corniche, this iconic hotel has exceptional views of the Persian Gulf.

Guests can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, and boat tours in the mangroves, providing unique nature experiences.

(Spoiler: it’s infused with za’atar.)

Hotel courtyard

Courtyard outside of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oreintal.Courtesy of Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

Things to Do

There’s no shortage of activities in Abu Dhabi.

Still, here are some standout things to experience when you’re visiting the emirate.

Visitors can marvel at its stunning chandeliers adorned with millions of Swarovski crystals and the worlds largest hand-knotted carpet.

Exterior of a hotel on the water

Exterior of Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel.Courtesy of Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

The majestic Great Hall is so stunning, in fact, that you could get lost in its beauty.

Mangrove National Park

Mangrove National Park gives travelers a unique glimpse into the emirates unique ecosystem.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Paris' iconic Louvre has an outpost in Abu Dhabi:Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Luxury resort bedroom with balcony overlooking the ocean, bed with decorative pillows and patterned headboard, large sliding door nearby.

Guest room in The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi.Courtesy of Marriott

Plan a trip around golden hour to enjoy the sunset from the outdoor space.

While here, travelers can also visit Jebel Hafeet, the only mountain in Abu Dhabi.

“All of our bars start with a feeling or memory.

Architecture inside the great mosque

Architecture of Grand Zayed Mosque.Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure

(Hamouda said her favorite right now is the Catch Me If Pecan bar.)

However, budget travelers can score deals between June to September, according to Noubani.

“It is more lively, outdoor cafes and restaurants thrive, and it is generally busier.”

Architecture and sculpture in Qasr Al Watan

Architecture of Qasr Al Watan.Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure

Noubani advised keeping Ramadan in mind for planning purposes.

Ramadan changes annually according to the Islamic calendar, which is based on lunar cycles.

Travelers can hail a taxi via theAbu Dhabi taxi appor opt for ride-hailing options like Uber or Dubai-basedCareem.

Landscape views of mangroves

Views of a mangrove park in Abu Dhabi.Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure

Is Abu Dhabi Safe?

“In fact, it was named the safest city in the world byNumbeo.”

(As a solo female traveler, I never felt unsafe while exploring.)

Aerial view of a museum with interesting architecture

Aerial view of The Louvre Abu Dhabi.Courtesy of Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

Noubani noted that English is readily spoken in the country and within the service industry.

He also said that all hotels, restaurants, and sites have information in both Arabic and English.

As for tipping, Noubani said gratuity is common (10-15 percent) but never expected.

Al Jahili Fort with palm trees and surrounding walls, a historic structure in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.

The famous Jahili fort in Al Ain.swisshippo/Getty Images

Bird’s eye view of a few dishes

Food from Erth Restaurant.Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure

Wide image with camel caravan in the desert of Abu Dhabi. Saddled camels waiting for camel ride.

Camels in the desert of Abu Dhabi.NANCY PAUWELS/Getty Images