Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is an alternative to its glitzier neighbour, Dubai. With a firm focus on cultural activities and a more measured approach to tourism development, it is the more appealing of the two for me.
But is Abu Dhabi safe for solo female travellers? And what should you do with three days there?
From the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to coffee & cake sprinkled with gold, here’s my guide to the best things to do during a weekend in Abu Dhabi as a solo traveller. There are also Abu Dhabi solo travel tips, where to stay, how to get there and how to get around.
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It has something for every solo traveller
I enjoyed my solo weekend in Abu Dhabi. I flew from London to Dubai and took an easy taxi transfer to Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, where I stayed four nights.
Abu Dhabi ticks many boxes for a female solo traveller, even if you are travelling alone for the first time. Here is what it has going for it:
Where it falls down a little is transport and cost. City transport is limited, so you will rely on taxis to get around. Abu Dhabi is not cheap for eating and drinking either, so I would consider a half-board option when booking.
Abu Dhabi is considered safe for female solo travellers
Safety is an important consideration for solo travellers, especially for women on their own. Strict laws have led to a largely crime-free environment, making Abu Dhabi a safe Arabian metropolis.
That said, use your common sense. As in your home city, be wary of strangers who try to befriend you. Politely decline drinks or food from strangers if offered.
Although the United Arab Emirates as a whole is not as conservative as other parts of the Gulf, this is a Muslim country, and both men and women should observe the local dress code. Modesty is key. This means that shorts are a no-no in public areas.
Comfortable loose clothing, which covers your shoulders, arms and knees, is the order of the day for your weekend in Abu Dhabi. Restrict beachwear and more skimpy clothes to lounging around your hotel pool or lying on its private beaches.
How I spent a weekend in Abu Dhabi
Three days in Abu Dhabi is enough to see its highlights, get a feel for its culture and still have time to relax. Here is what I got up to.
1. Discover the story behind the world’s largest rug at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Commissioned by, and named after, the first president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can hold up to 40,000 worshippers. It cost more than $500 million to complete.
The interior draws on traditional Islamic architectural styles but has a contemporary feel, with geometric ceramic details set against delicate floral designs inlaid with semi-precious stones. Domes and minarets rise from manicured gardens, and a 12-ton chandelier sparkles with Swarovski crystals overhead.
Look down as well as up. The handwoven carpet in the main prayer room covers 60,546 square feet, is made from 2.2 billion hand-tied knots and weighs 12 tons. It took 1,200 craftsmen from Iran’s Khorasan Province two years to complete.
- Entrance is free and it is open daily. The mosque is closed during Friday prayers.
- To ensure smooth entry, register online before your visit via the official website.
- I highly recommend the free guided tour in English. Check the mosque’s website for times.
- Observe mosque etiquette. All visitors must wear loose-fitting clothes and long trousers. Women also need to wear a headscarf.
- The mosque will loan women an abeyya with a hood at the entrance, though I borrowed mine from my hotel.
2. Stroll along the Corniche
The Corniche stretches five miles along Abu Dhabi’s beachfront, from the Heritage Park in the northeast to Emirates Palace in the southwest.
It is lined with restaurants and hotels and is a popular place for an evening stroll. Take in views of the shimmering Persian Gulf and the city’s skyscrapers skyline, go for a swim or rent a bike.
3. Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi, the largest art museum in the Arabian Gulf
One of the best cultural things to do in Abu Dhabi as a solo traveller is to visit the Louvre Museum (LAD), the largest art museum on the Arabian Peninsula.
Its collection is small but thoughtfully curated, drawing on art from East and West. The building itself is worth the visit alone: the dome is made from 7,850 stars layered together, letting sunlight fall through in shifting patterns of light and shadow, while the reflective pools seem to merge into the sea and then the Abu Dhabi skyline beyond.
- The Louvre Abu Dhabi is located in the Cultural Area of Saadiyat Island. Although a public bus (#94) stops there, going by taxi is easier.
- The museum is closed on Mondays. You can buy your skip-the-line ticket here.
- Download the LAD app to create your own guided tour. Free wifi is available at the museum.
- Free lockers are available for your bags.
4. Visit Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village
Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village recreates the Bedouin lifestyle and gives some insight into the pre-oil era in the UAE, with a handful of artisan workshops, a small museum of guns, daggers and coins, and a mock desert camp.
It is a little rough around the edges, and light on visitors most days, but I have a soft spot for this sort of unpolished attraction, particularly when it is done with good intentions. It is located near Marina Mall, Breakwater.
Or not, as the case may be.
This reconstructed village showcases the Bedouin lifestyle and gives some insight into the pre-oil era in the United Arab Emirates.
5. Have your gold-topped cake and eat it at The Emirates Palace Hotel
The Emirates Palace Hotel is the last word in opulence, with 114 domes, gold leaf and marble in generous supply. It is located at the far western end of the Corniche.
The ATM that once dispensed gold bars has gone, but you can still order chocolate cake sprinkled with gold, which I can recommend from experience. Or swap your usual dusting of cocoa for 24-karat gold sprinkles on a cappuccino.
To be sure of a table, book ahead through the lobby cafe or restaurant. Your hotel should be able to arrange this for you.
6. Get a bird’s eye view of Abu Dhabi
Round off your three days in Abu Dhabi with a trip to the Observation Deck at 300 on the 74th floor of the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel, for a 360-degree view over the city. Order a cocktail and take it all in.
- Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is located at the far western end of the corniche, opposite the Emirates Palace Hotel.
- The entrance fee includes a voucher that can be redeemed against food or drinks on the day of your visit.
Other Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
Channel your inner Lawrence of Arabia on a desert safari
My one regret from this trip is missing a desert safari. The Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world, is the setting for most desert excursions, which typically combine a 4×4 ride with camel rides, belly dancing and traditional food, plus a stop at Liwa Oasis.
For something faster, try dune bashing in a buggy. These trips are popular, so book ahead.
>>> Book a desert safari with dinner and dancing | Book your dune-bashing adventure
Increase your heart rate at Ferrari World
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is is the largest indoor theme park in the world and home to Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster anywhere. Quieter rides take you through an imaginary version of the Ferrari factory and the streets of Italy, and the Scuderia Challenge simulator lets you try your hand as a racing driver for the day.
Have the drive of your life at Yas Marina Circuit
Yas Marina Circuit hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and you can get behind the wheel yourself on the Aston Martin GT4 Driving Experience.
>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Cool off at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Escape the blistering summer heat in Abu Dhabi by spending the day at Yas Waterworld. Located on Yas Island, Yas Waterworld offers more than 40 rip-roaring rides over four thrill levels.
Plan Your Visit
When to visit
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between December and April. During these months, temperatures are generally quite comfortable and rain is rare. I went in January and the weather was perfect, dry and pleasantly warm.
Avoid visiting Abu Dhabi during summer May to September) when temperatures average 45°C with a stifling 95% humidity.
How to get there
From the UK, British Airways and Etihad fly directly to Abu Dhabi from London.
Abu Dhabi Airport is 38km southeast of the city centre. There is a bus service connecting the airport and the city centre, but a metered taxi van to your hotel is the easier option.
For more choices, fly to Dubai Airport. I flew business class to Dubai with Emirates, who arrange a free chauffeur service to and from the hotel.
Where to stay
Much like its glitzier neighbour, luxury hotels dominate Abu Dhabi’s accommodation scene.
There is a good choice of 5-star hotels along the eight-kilometre Corniche, including Emirates Palace. For Abu Dhabi’s cultural attractions, stay on Saadiyat Island. Cheaper options cluster in the downtown area, and if shopping is more your thing, pick a hotel on Al Maryah Island, home to the luxury mall The Galleria.
LUXURY HOTELS
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers – I stayed at this luxurious 5-star hotel in the Corniche area. Booked as part of a package with Emirates Holidays, it was good value.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi – If you want to splurge, make a reservation at this beachfront property close to LAD.
Budget hotels
Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre – I love a good Premier Inn, and Abu Dhabi has a few. This one, opposite the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, is excellent value.
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi – This 4-star property in the business district, close to the Corniche, is another excellent option if you are travelling alone in Abu Dhabi on a budget.
Getting around
The main sights are spread out. Abu Dhabi has a bus network, but I found taxis affordable and more convenient.
There is also a hop-on-hop-off bus service with fourteen stops, including the Presidential Palace, Emirates Palace, Heritage Village and the Louvre Museum. When I did the maths, taxis worked out cheaper, though the HOHO bus may make sense depending on where you plan to go
If you prefer a guided tour, GetYourGuide has a good selection, usually with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your excursion.
Half-Day Guided Abu Dhabi Tour – A 5-hour tour covering Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Heritage Village, the fishing harbour and Yas Island.
Abu Dhabi City Tour with Sheikh Zayed Mosque – A 4-hour tour including Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Founder’s Memorial, the Gold Souk and Dates Market.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.
Can I go to Abu Dhabi I am staying in Sharjah in my own car. Please let me know
Thanks and Best Regards
Hello. I’m sorry but I’m not sure that I can help you. I didn’t have a car when I was in Abu Dhabi.
This might help? (although it relates to Covid)
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/handling-the-covid-19-outbreak/travelling-amid-covid-19/travelling-to-the-uae
Good luck!
Bridget