Abu Dhabi
01/15/2026 Reading time: 5 Minutes
A Bedouin settlement 60 years ago, today a cultural and entertainment mecca with towering dune wonders and a showcase beach with a Caribbean touch: ABU DHABI is refreshingly hot - also because it doesn't crave superlatives and attention as much as its neighbor Dubai.
The "Empty Quarter" of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not called that by chance. If it weren't for the quiet trickle of sand in this nowhere - not a sound would be audible. The silence is so all-encompassing, as if all the noises and discords of the world had been blocked out. The largest continuous sand dunes in the world are piled up here, four times higher than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The colors of the grains could be taken from a paint box: reddish, orange, mustard, ochre, whitish - depending on the course of the day. The awe of these majestic peaks up to 300 m high in the Liwa Desert lasts a long time. But then: out of the shoes. Barefoot and with childlike enthusiasm, we plunge down from the dune crests. Jumping, gliding, sliding until it crunches. Yet people leave no impression here. Today's footprints will be history tomorrow - blown away by the wind. There is only one oasis far and wide that makes these almost unreal sandbox games an effortless experience: the luxury hotel Qasr al Sarab.
But Abu Dhabi, the largest and richest of the seven sheikhdoms with the capital of the same name, has so much more to offer than fairytale desert adventures far away from civilization. Just a two-hour drive from the heat-shimmering remoteness, you can immerse yourself in a magnificent sea with a Caribbean feel, a habitat for dolphins and hawksbill turtles. Saadiyat Island, "Island of Happiness", is the name of this sparkling Happiness waterhole.
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Art and sport as big business
However, the location is not just a bathing paradise, but also a veritable art and culture district that, after many delays, now fully deserves this designation: Jean Nouvel's branch of the Louvre in Paris has been a pioneer for eight years now, while the teamLab Phenomena, an "immersive digital art experience" on 17,000 m2, has only been open for a few months. The Zayed National Museum has also recently opened with its five bold, cooling steel structures inspired by the wings of a falcon, the national symbol of the UAE. The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is still a construction site but, like the Natural History Museum, is set to make a spectacular addition to the portfolio by the end of 2026.
In November 2025, Abu Dhabi welcomed the world to the largest edition of "Abu Dhabi Art" to date: over 140 local, regional and international galleries were accredited for this art fair. A 20 million dollar investment by Art Basel as an operating partner was already rumored in advance.
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But it's not just collectors and star architects who have discovered Abu Dhabi as a new playground. Even if there is no need to worry about Dubai, the entertainment business seems to be slowly gaining a foothold in Abu Dhabi. Formula 1 has been a guest for some time now. But global sports ambassadors such as two teams from the American basketball league NBA last October, US comedians and musicians have also recently performed at the Etihad Arena. British pop supergroup Coldplay wowed fans at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City Stadium rather than in Dubai on their latest tour. And John Legend ("All of me") was booked as a vocal firework for the New Year's Eve party at the Emirates Palace. Is Abu Dhabi the new, more likeable Tomorrowland?
Happiest place in the world
Perhaps Dubai has overdone it a little with its superlative power play of "higher, faster, further" and has literally dug itself out of water with its crazy expansion. Of course, construction projects in Abu Dhabi have also recently increased at a breathtaking pace. The 200 natural islands are being joined by more and more artificial ones. The creation of new living space as well as leisure and hospitality facilities can be observed particularly well when driving along the multi-lane highway from Yas Island to the Corniche. A Disneyland is set to further fuel the theme park business and be ready in the early 2030s, preceded by a Bulgari hotel, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a Waldorf Astoria plus residences. Traffic is not yet as much of a problem as in Dubai. The generally more relaxed lifestyle is a pull factor that should not be underestimated. Newcomers describe life not only as quieter, but also as more affordable. Only recently, residents voted Abu Dhabi the "happiest city in the world" (Time Out Index 2025), and the title of safest city is a given.
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Not everyone has a stunning sight like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque: 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, a 9.5-ton Swarovski chandelier and the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world in the main prayer hall - this work of art is a must-see even for non-Muslims.
Happy ending after exit 399
You can experience what hidden glamor looks like halfway from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Get off at highway exit 399, "Ghantoot", continue for about 15 minutes, past traffic signs warning of crossing camels. Until you think you're looking at a mirage, similar to the sister hotel Qasr al Sarab in the Empty Quarter. This time, a glistening white sanctuary invigorates the senses: the "Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat" - a sheikh had previously lived out his Greek dream here. Only 22 residential units, a dreamlike private beach, maximum exclusivity. In addition, there is an unexpected area for a sense of community, around which Dubai would make a maximum PR fuss: a real movie theater, not with upholstered seats, but with two dozen comfortable first-class reclining beds. Those who have had enough of stargazing outside can check in indoors for the star-studded 10 p.m. screening. Drinks, popcorn or even more sophisticated greetings from the kitchen are delivered at the touch of a button.
This Aegean remake in the Abu Dhabi desert is simply Oscar-worthy.
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Location
Vereinigte Arabische Emirate
Area
972 km²
Population
2.784 million
Arrival
Abu Dhabi
Capital city
Abu Dhabi
Climate
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. Temperature | 25 | 26 | 28 | 33 | 38 | 39 | 42 | 41 | 40 | 35 | 30 | 25 |
| Min. Temperature | 15 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 23 | 27 | 29 | 30 | 28 | 21 | 19 | 18 |
| Hours of Sunshine | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Rainy days | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Water Temperature | 22 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 27 | 25 |
Fusion at its finest
Asia, South America, the Middle East, Europe: too many influences spoil the broth? Not in Abu Dhabi, where top cuisine is celebrated as if from a single source. Some of the most delicious examples are served here:
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■ Villa Toscana
It's no wonder that the Michelin Guide 2026 awarded the Italian ristorante in the St. Regis Abu Dhabi the "Young Chef Award". What chef Vittorio Nania from Calabria serves up is numero uno: a sensational burrata with tomatoes and tuna tartare tacos with mango chutney to warm you up, followed by great spaghetti with anchovies and breadcrumbs and cauliflower risotto with pieces of eel. Buonissimo!
www.villatoscana-abudhabi.com
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■ Catch
This restaurant in the St. Regis Abu Dhabi also produces culinary fireworks, both in the elegant rooms and in the palm-fringed garden with a view of the marina. Jumbocrab salad, short ribs - and then the "Patagonian Toothfish" aka Patagonian toothfish, the Wagyu of (cold-water) fish, with sushi rice and coconut infusion. Can it get any better? The patisserie added a "Catchamisu" with "coffee caviar" and plenty of show smoke. So: yes.
www.catchatthestregis.com
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■ Strawfire
The newcomer at the Emirates Palace is sure to set you on fire: in Australian chef Ross Shonhan's almost mystically furnished restaurant with DJ beats, the show kitchen is fiery and smoky and the ancient Japanese art of warayaki is upheld. The freshest seafood such as "prawn toast" or Chilean sea bass with miso glaze, meat and vegetables land on the plates after "special treatment" with burning straw, balanced to the tables by exquisitely friendly and knowledgeable staff. Long may this straw fire burn!
www.mandarinoriental.com
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■ Taparelle
This trendy venue in the Manarat Al Saadiyat art hub creatively combines French and Italian cuisine - "Scallop Grenobloise" and pasta with oxtail ragout are just two of the many exciting dishes. Very popular: the Saturday brunch.
www.taparelle.com
■ Erth
A noble establishment that has successfully defended its Michelin star. Just as special as its location as part of the Qasr Al Hosn cultural site is its interior design and cuisine. While respecting tradition, it is modern, almost experimental. The best proof of this is the incredibly tender lamb in the rice dish machboos, which is typical of the Middle East.
www.erthrestaurant.ae
■ Sushisamba
High above the Corniche, in the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, the Emirates' second Sushisamba brings the flavors of Brazil, Peru and Japan to your plate. Signature dishes: Chilean Seabass Anticuchos and Asevichado Samba Rolls, a Peruvian take on sushi. The kitchen performance is rounded off by samba dancers, DJs and live music.
www.hilton.com
Journey
Etihad Airways flies non-stop from Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Vienna and Zurich to Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport. Possible alternative: With Emirates to Dubai, then into the car - about 90 minutes in reasonably normal traffic.
www.etihad.com www.emirates.com
Best time to travel
November to April. Brutal heat before and after.
Time difference
CET + 3 hours
History
It was oil discoveries that made Abu Dhabi the richest of the seven Gulf emirates. And, psssst: it is so wealthy that in 2009 it is even said to have helped out its more publicity-hungry and more populous neighbor Dubai with a 10 billion dollar cash injection to ensure its survival. Back in the 1950s, a shower of money from a cloudless sky seemed utopian and the lifestyle in Abu Dhabi was Bedouin. The scenery: small villages with mud huts, date farms, fishermen, pearl divers, nomads. Today, the cityscape looks Americanized: Skyscrapers, luxury apartments, residences, malls, high-end hotels, theme parks.
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Cultural highlights
■ Zayed Mosque
With 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns inlaid with semi-precious stones, 15 different types of marble, a 10-ton Swarovski chandelier and the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world (around 5,400 m2) in the main prayer room, this architectural wonder is also one of the largest mosques in the world. The dream in white aims to be open to all denominations, standing as a symbol of tolerance and unity. Admission is free, but the dress code must be observed.
■ Zayed National Museum
The latest major addition to the cultural district of Saadiyat Island honors the legacy of the founding father of the Emirates and ex-ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan (1918 - 2004). Opened on December 3, 2025, designed by Sir Norman Foster, advised by the experts at the British Museum. The building cannot be overlooked with its five steel wings, which trap the air and cool it down - after all, the room temperature is supposed to be "cool" at the locals' exhibition.
■ Louvre
Its silvery dome made of steel and aluminum is considered by experts to be a perfect symbiosis of Arabic building tradition and high-tech modernity. Translucent and delicate, it seems to float in the air - and yet it is about as heavy as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Opened in 2017, the largest museum on the Arabian Peninsula was Abu Dhabi's first step towards becoming a serious player on the global art scene - crowned by temporary exhibitions of works by da Vinci, Van Gogh, Manet & Monet.
www.louvreabudhabi.ae
Excursions
■ Hudayriayat Island
The new hotspot for outdoor and wellness enthusiasts who don't want to stray too far from the city. Cycling and obstacle courses, beach promenades and, above all, Surf Abu Dhabi, the largest artificial surf park in the world, are among the attractions. There is also space for eco-friendly camping.
■ Al Ain
The flourishing oasis city on the border with Oman is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of UAE founder Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan and a green lung with a 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation system and more than 147,000 date palms. The Al Jahili Fortress is one of the most historic buildings in the Emirates, built in 1891 to defend the city and its precious palm groves. The National Museum takes visitors back to the Stone Age. Children and teenagers will probably be more fascinated by the zoo and the "Wadi Adventure" theme park. The Al Ain Souk is recommended for a family stroll. The summit is literally reached 20 km outside the second largest city: a road winds its way up Jebel Hafeet until, after 60 bends and just over ten kilometers, the highest point in Abu Dhabi is reached, at 1,200 m above sea level. It's a real burner, especially at sunset.
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■ Sir Bani Yas
Far away from the capital and the artificial amusements of Yas Island, the late ruler of Abu Dhabi fulfilled his dream of having his own safari park. Sir Bani Yas has long been open to the public, but it is still an arduous 250 km to the nature reserve. Anantara, the hotel's top dog, offers various tours on the 87 km2 island, which was made habitable at the beginning of the 1970s with enormous effort, water pumped in from the mainland and thousands of planted trees. The rare oryx antelopes and gazelles were then introduced. Flamingos provide a splash of pink color. Sporting opportunities: Snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking through the mangroves.
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■ Theme parks
Yas Island, 25 km2 in size, is considered the epicenter of entertainment. The annual Formula 1 season finale on the "Marina Circuit" is almost a classic. In "Ferrari World" next to the Grand Prix circuit, visitors can also look forward to thrills and exciting rides - as safe passengers: on the fastest high-speed track in the world, the "Formula Rossa", you can race at up to 240 km/h, while "G-Force" takes you down from a 62 m high tower. Fun for young and old also awaits in the adjacent "Yas Waterworld" with over 45 "Rides and Slides" on an area the size of 15 soccer pitches. In the indoor park "Warner Bros. World", visitors can laugh at live shows with Buggs Bunny or help Batman save Gotham City. Last but not least, there is also a "SeaWorld" to woo the public. Yes, Yas Island is really stepping on the gas - even away from the theme parks with more and more top hotels, chic beach clubs and fine dining restaurants. Abu Dhabi's largest shopping center (Yas Mall), the Etihad Arena for concerts and sporting events, a golf course (Yas Links) and CLYMB with the "highest indoor climbing wall in the world" round off the offer - further multiplying the reputation as a diverse leisure oasis.
www.yasisland.com
■ Golfing
The "Saadiyat Beach" course, designed by Gary Player according to strict environmental guidelines and featuring 18 windy holes, has many fans. The location is incredibly privileged and the view of the golf course is unique. Occasionally, gazelles come to watch, apparently equally fascinated by the manicured greens and sand dunes. "Yas Links" also has a very special location on the water and was designed by Kyle Phillips. Voted one of the top 100 courses in the world by Golf Digest, the course has also hosted the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a stop on the European Golf Tour, since 2022. Previously, the Abu Dhabi GC (27 holes) hosted the event. But this course has lost much of its appeal and iconic status, even among recreational golfers - some even speak of a "decline".
www.viyagolf.com
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Further information:
www.abu-dhabi.de www.abudhabigolfclub.abudhabi
Hotels
