The malls here are the size of a small city (we are not overstating!) Well, I would say Abu Dhabi is the better place to relax. Dubai or Abu Dhabi. It’s incredibly safe, has proper facilities, and it really does have everything. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi has actively attempted to diversify its economy in recent years through investments in financial services and tourism. Being located in a desert, the summers here are very intense. Hi, I am Arzo. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi’s landmark monument). Always on the hunt for good vegetarian food and amazing views! Another little argument speaking for Dubai is the proximity to Oman – whether you visit as a day trip from Dubai or for longer, Oman is worth a trip. While most of these are located inside the hotels, there are many pubs and bars that are spread across the city. Yes, Abu Dhabi is definitely more strict than Dubai. Although the UAE is officially Muslim, it’s far more lenient on its dress code than other Middle Eastern nations. It’s undoubtedly more quiet and conservative than flashy Dubai, but that’s part of its appeal. I think Dubai is a much better place to base yourself than Abu Dhabi as there is much more to do and it is more central. It takes around 80 minutes by car to get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. There are many bars and nightclubs that add to the vibrancy of Dubai’s nightlife. The day’s lowest temperature may sink to 31°C, but could reach 46°C. Planning a vacation to Dubai? To find out more about the mosque and tips when visiting (and too see many more images click here). Required fields are marked *, Travelinglifestyle.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Can't decide? Read about my 12 top tips for things to do in Abu Dhabi. I had been on both airport there are some negative & positive points of each airport. If you wish to go local, you can shop at one of the many souks of Dubai. You can actually plan your itinerary by combining both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.You will have enough time to explore both places and it takes only 2 hours travel time by bus, less if by car.. Hotel rates and food prices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are pretty standard and taxis are no more expensive than other cities. Abu Dhabi has Zaya Nurai Island – one of the most beautiful islands in the region. Soaking up the sun while enjoying the shimmering blue Gulf waters seems like a perfect way to enjoy your Abu Dhabi vacation. While luxury hotels have their own private beachfront, there are many public beaches where the entry is free. It’s much bigger with more options for entertainment, nightlife, family activities, luxury hotels but also plenty of budget options. Whereas if you to go for check in while traveling from UAE than Dubai airport is better. Whether to pack for glitzy Dubai? Why is Dubai better than Abu Dhabi? Abu Dhabi has grown to be an advanced cosmopolitan metropolis with its rapid development and urbanization. The distance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is 140 kilometers. Most of these clubs require you to pay a cover charge of approximately AED 200. Want to relax, visit the marina and watch the world go by. Men should wear button-down shirts, trousers, and shoes at all times. I, somehow, also feel less restricted in my clothing than in Abu Dhabi. So, this point goes to Abu Dhabi in terms of Abu Dhabi vs Dubai. Since Dubai is more popular with tourists, you’ll have a better chance of finding affordable hostels and hotels here. In Dubai or Abu Dhabi? It s a more relaxed lifestyle, probably better suited for a family rather than a single or young couple. Zaya Nurai Island – after a 12-minute boat ride you will get to the private island – to be allowed to get on the island you have to get either a day pass or you can stay there as an overnight guest. Hotel rates and food prices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are pretty standard and taxis are no more expensive than other cities. Al Bateen Beach (This one has a very family-friendly vibe to it and is a popular beach destination among the locals as well as the expats). People who are interested in experiencing the area’s authentic Muslim culture will undoubtedly prefer the sights and sounds of Abu Dhabi. Luckily for you, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is free to visit for non-muslims except on Fridays and Saturdays so take advantage of that! Click here to find the best rates for Ibis Al Barsha. You’d be forgiven for thinking Dubai is the United Arab Emirates’ capital city – Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi and Dubai have emerged as the smartest cities in the region, with the UAE capital jumping 14 spots to rank 42nd globally in a new index. There is also a bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or the other way around. With its sweeping-clean beaches, state-of-the-art attractions, excellent kids’ clubs, and child-friendly dining options, atmospheric bazaars, top-class restaurants, and many more natural and man-made attractions, Abu Dhabi surely attracts a large number of crowds. Though you will also find authentic areas in Dubai Abu Dhabi is still a bit more “Arabian like”. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (A working veterinary hospital with guided tours). 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Most of these beaches have no facilities and it is always advisable that you carry your own food and water. Your email address will not be published. Emirates Park Zoo (where animals include rare white tigers, giraffes, elephants, a herd of zebras, a Siberian bear, and many more). From kids to teens to adults, there is something here for everyone. Whether you head to the tallest building of the world (Burj Khalifa), or Miracle Garden, Dubai Mall, or Madinat Jumeirah – there is so much to do, that it was hard for me to pick only 5o top activities in Dubai (click here to read my tips 50 things to do in Dubai). With theatres, amusement parks, child minding centers, art galleries, and even mosques located inside the mall, shopping in Dubai is a must! Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are reasonably good bases for hiking in UAE, and also for more sedentary desert and mountain activities. Driving within Dubai can be daunting for the uninitiated. Abu Dhabi is a smaller city than Dubai (for the time being anyway), a bit quieter and definitely a little more traditional. Most residents own private cars to commute within both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, due to the hot climate. While some beaches allow swimming, some don’t. As a test, I did some further research, so that I am sure it was not only at the time I visited. Plus, Abu Dhabi tends to be less crowded with Western tourists, which makes it great for people who want to escape the maddening crowds of Dubai. Will you visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Unlike Dubai, Abu Dhabi is more laid back and calm; a more traditional city with a healthy work-life balance compared to the fun, fast-paced luxurious life of Dubai. Zaya Nuria Island: Zaya Nurai is like a dream come true. Dubai Mall (a premier shopping mall with an ice-skating rink, gaming zone, and cinema complex). Dubai has transformed from being a small Gulf country to being one of the hottest business hubs in the world in a matter of 40 years. Stay tuned! Dubai has more shopping (and bigger) malls (quick guide for Dubai Mall here) and is the place to shop. Tired of the heat? As the most densely populated emirate, Dubai is home to the area’s tallest buildings, most popular attractions, and hottest clubs (with relatively easy access to libations). You can skydive over this Emirati city. It is a beautiful hotel located in Downtown. There are more attractions, more to see and more to do. Plus, since Dubai is home to so many ex-pats, it has a world-class tourism infrastructure. Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi is not a city mentioned in the same breath as Dubai, New York or Paris but that's all set to change. There are so many things to do and see in Dubai. However, the cost of fuel is the same in both of the emirates and is significantly cheaper than other parts of the world. Light breezes will help the day to feel cooler but may also kick up dust. As you can see, it really depends on what you are interested at and what you like to answer the question whether Abu Dhabi or Dubai is better for a vacation. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are both fun cities to visit with great tours and activities to see – before you plan your trip to Dubai or Abu Dhabi check out visa regulations. Believe it or not, both of these emirates are often ranked as two of the safest cities in the world. Many of the workers are on minimum wage so if you look around you can find plenty of diverse cheap restaurants for the working class. Same as in Dubai the alcohol is restricted to only a few bars so this is not the best place to get drunk. If you’re looking for nightlife and activities, you won’t find it here. See and more to do in Dubai have very strict rules for women and men they. Tourists interested in big-city life will undoubtedly prefer Dubai the better place to get.. 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