Let’s dive into a question that sparks plenty of debate: which is better for a holiday—the dazzling city of Dubai or the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi?
Having explored both Emirates, each offers distinct experiences that merit their own praise. However, one of these remarkable cities stands out as the ideal destination for a warm winter getaway. Curious? Read on to discover which one it is!
(Just so you know, I visited both destinations on a self-funded journey back in 2016 and returned to Abu Dhabi recently as part of a press trip. This article reflects my genuine thoughts and experiences.)
Understanding the Emirates
Before we compare, it’s essential to clarify a common misunderstanding: Abu Dhabi is not a part of Dubai. Instead, it’s a distinct Emirate with its own unique identity and governance.
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are two of the seven Emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates, alongside Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. While Dubai holds the title of the most populous, Abu Dhabi is the largest, encompassing roughly 90% of the UAE’s total land area.
As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is also home to its Emir, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who serves as the President.
For clarity, Dubai’s capital is Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s is Abu Dhabi. I’ll be focusing primarily on what each capital offers, although I highly recommend venturing beyond the cities to explore desert camps or the beautiful ‘garden city’ of Al Ain.
Even though the distance between the two might seem significant, you can travel between them in roughly 90 minutes. This makes it feasible to experience both cities during a single trip.
Diving into the Differences
From my perspective, Abu Dhabi seems to target a distinct type of visitor compared to Dubai.
Being the quieter of the two, Abu Dhabi has been intentional in crafting a unique tourism experience focused on arts, culture, and history.
For instance, while Dubai showcases attractions like the Museum of the Future, Abu Dhabi celebrates its heritage through the meticulous restoration of historic forts and palaces in Al Ain.
(This observation carries a hint of bias as I participated in a press trip centered on cultural experiences. Nonetheless, the details below speak volumes.)
In recent years, Abu Dhabi has heavily invested in the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. This venue, the first Louvre outside of Paris, is the biggest art museum on the Arabian Peninsula.
Plans are underway for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, expected to be completed in 2025. Designed by Frank Gehry, it will hold the title of the largest Guggenheim worldwide. Additionally, the Zayed National Museum and a performing arts center by Zaha Hadid are also in the works, further establishing Saadiyat Island as a cultural epicenter.
In central Abu Dhabi, attractions like Qasr Al Hosn, the city’s oldest building, have recently undergone significant restoration that brings together history, museums, and vibrant coffee shops.
Plus, the beaches, especially on Saadiyat Island, rival those of the Maldives. And the opulence of the palaces is truly something to behold.
Unmissable Experiences in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
I’ve had the privilege of visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque twice, and I would seize any opportunity to go back.
This awe-inspiring mosque ranks as the largest in the world, and its popularity is well-deserved.
The architecture reflects a blend of Muslim cultural influences from across the globe. The mosque took 12 years to complete and cost about $545 million. In simplicity, it is breathtaking.
For more stunning visuals and info, check out my guide to visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
A must-see destination in the city is Louvre Abu Dhabi. Dubbed ‘the $1 billion arts museum in the desert’ by the Telegraph, it stands as one of the most iconic arts venues globally.
Designed by Jean Nouvel, the museum integrates Arabian architectural styles with its striking location, creating an enchanting interplay of light and water through its dome.
Featuring 12 galleries that showcase an exquisite collection of around 600 masterpieces, the museum also rotates numerous world-class works from international partners.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Despite their urban reputation, neither Dubai nor Abu Dhabi is universally recognized for nature reserves, making Jubail Mangrove Park a surprising, yet essential addition to your itinerary.
This nature sanctuary opened in January 2020 and offers a 2km trail for immersive exploration of the local ecosystem.
Ticket prices are an accessible 15 AED (approximately £3), making it an affordable addition that provides a refreshing contrast to the urban landscape.
Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn serves as the historical heart of Abu Dhabi. As a national monument, it embodies the transformation of Abu Dhabi from a fishing and pearling settlement in the 18th century to a modern metropolis.
It houses the oldest surviving structure in the town—a watchtower dating back to the 1790s—and includes a museum detailing Abu Dhabi’s history.
Notably, hidden within the complex is The Espresso Lab Cafe, surrounded by independent coffee roasters and artisanal food vendors.
This delightful fusion of history, culture, and modern cuisine captures the essence of Abu Dhabi admirably.
Qasr Al Watan
One of the most recent attractions in Abu Dhabi is Qasr Al Watan—currently a working palace of the UAE’s President.
Since 2019, visitors have had the chance to explore the palace on non-official business days. And if you ever visit a palace, this one is a spectacle.
Spanning 380,000 acres near the Emirates Palace, it showcases Arabian architecture on a grand scale.
Inside, you can explore meeting rooms, a library, and an ornate banquet hall, plus view the stunning gold calligraphy sculpture named ‘The Power Of Words’ by Emirati artist, Mattar bin Lahej.
The palace is beautifully illuminated on Saturday and Sunday evenings during the Palace In Motion show, making it a must-see after dark.
Soul Beach
Soul Beach is an emerging hotspot on Saadiyat Island, featuring a picturesque stretch of golden sand and rental sunbeds.
The beach promenade is lined with various international eateries, making dining more affordable compared to upscale beachfront resorts while still offering stunning views.
Nurai Island
Dubai and Abu Dhabi both excel at providing day passes to beach clubs and resorts. During our stay, we opted for boutique hotels near cultural attractions while enjoying beach resorts for relaxation.
Nurai Island comes highly recommended—a boutique beach resort accessed via speedboat from Saadiyat Island, exuding vibes reminiscent of both the Maldives and Bali.
The day pass includes speedboat transfers and resort credit for meals and drinks. The AED480 price essentially covered our entire leisure day, frozen daiquiris and all.
The stunning beaches and warm infinity pool made for a memorable experience, and it offered great value for a day in the UAE, especially considering the high prices elsewhere.
We heard about Nurai Island through friends who had delightful experiences there, and we pre-booked via the MyConcierge website. Their blogs provided insightful details worth checking out.
We also enjoyed exploring Al Ain, the ‘Garden City’, which is an outstanding destination for families, complemented by attractions like Yas Island, Ferrari World, and Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.
Top Attractions in Dubai
Dubai is a city filled with superlative experiences. If your goals include checking off iconic landmarks, Dubai will not disappoint. The world’s tallest building? Tick. The world’s largest mall? Tick. Man-made islands? Tick. Floating nightclubs? You bet.
However, Dubai also nurtures its cultural side. From learning about traditional Emirati life in Bur Dubai to cruising Dubai Creek via traditional water taxis, cultural explorations abound.
Alserkal Avenue, a cultural hub, has blossomed since its inception in 2008. Originally a collection of 20 art galleries, it now encompasses a 500,000 sqft urban space uniting art, food, fashion, and music through events like Art Dubai.
In recent years, Dubai’s Museum of the Future has redefined modernity. This living museum, opened in February 2022, merges traditional exhibitions with immersive experiences, encouraging visitors to envision endless future possibilities. The building itself has garnered acclaim as an architectural gem recognized by National Geographic.
Visiting Dubai guarantees plenty of fun, whether you’re shopping, soaking up the sun, or enjoying the iconic skyline from rooftop lounges.
Here are some personal favorites to check out while in Dubai.
At The Top/Burj Khalifa Sky
Observing from the lounge on level 148 of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure, is an unforgettable experience.
The observation deck on level 124 is impressive, but for unparalleled bragging rights, book Burj Khalifa SKY to access the highest outdoor observatory.
Sonara Camp
A traditional desert experience often includes dune bashing and a feast under the stars. However, Sonara Camp offers this in an eco-friendly setting within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where oryxes and gazelles roam—a chic twist on the classic experience. This is ideal for families, as children are welcome.
The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall reigns supreme as the largest mall globally, housing over 1,500 shops and vast entertainment options, including an aquarium and an indoor ice rink.
Just outside, you’ll find the precise choreography of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain. You can enjoy its mesmerizing performances from nearby restaurants or by taking a ride on a traditional abra.
Old Dubai/Al Fahidi Historic District
To grasp Dubai’s heritage, a visit to Bur Dubai and Deira is essential. Exploring the Al Fahidi Historic District reveals insights into traditional Emirati life. Don’t miss the chance to sample Arabic coffee at the Coffee Museum.
A short abra ride across Dubai Creek leads to the bustling Spice and Gold Souks, perfect for souvenir shopping.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
While Abu Dhabi boasts beautiful mangroves, don’t overlook the flamingos residing in Dubai’s Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. This wetland reserve hosts thousands of birds, best viewed during early winter mornings when the flamboyance is at its fullest.
Beach Clubs
Dubai has garnered a reputation for its vibrant beach club scene. Whether you’re after Ibiza vibes at Nikki Beach or family-friendly luxury at Sofitel Dubai Palm, there’s a beach club for everyone’s preference.
Final Thoughts
With all this said, which destination emerges as the better holiday spot—Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
While Dubai offers an abundance of beach resorts and competitive pricing, Abu Dhabi presents a richer, more local experience.
The culture, historical sites, and the serene atmosphere make Abu Dhabi my preferred choice. I could easily spend a week there, while Dubai feels overwhelming beyond a couple of days.
While I appreciate the excitement of Dubai, my heart is drawn back to Abu Dhabi. The Saadiyat Island Rotana Resort is firmly on my radar for my next visit.
What about you? Have you experienced both, and if so, which one did you prefer?
