Plan Your Trip to Abu Dhabi: Best of Abu Dhabi Tourism
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Abu Dhabi travel advice
COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine
According to forum posts, all travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi are required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival and must complete a period of self-isolation or quarantine. The quarantine period can last up to 12 days depending on vaccination status, with additional PCR tests required depending on the length of stay.
Travel Documentation and Apps
Some travelers mentioned the need to register on the ICA website and have the Al Hosn mobile app to access public places within Abu Dhabi. It is also important for travelers to check entry requirements regularly as the rules can change.
Vaccination and Testing Requirements
Travelers have noted that vaccination status affects entry requirements, including the necessity for further testing and the length of quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers may face stricter requirements.
Additional Entry Procedures
Travelers also need to consider additional entry procedures such as wearing a medically approved wristband during quarantine, which is provided at Abu Dhabi airport after clearing immigration.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Recommendations
According to forum posts, popular hotel recommendations in Abu Dhabi include the Conrad at Etihad Towers and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi on the Corniche, noted for their lively areas and proximity to walking routes. The Grand Hyatt and hotels on Yas Island like The Fairmont and W are also favored for their views and accessibility.
Family and Child-Friendly Options
For travelers with children, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche has been highlighted for its prime location near the promenade, variety of eateries, and good views, making it a preferred choice for families.
Convenience for Short Stays
For short stays or layovers, some travelers recommended the Aerohotel located inside the airport, offering convenience and more time to relax without leaving the airport area.
Luxury and Scenic Views
Luxury seekers often prefer the Ritz Carlton and the Sheraton Abu Dhabi for their high-end amenities and scenic views, particularly those looking for a mix of city access and beachfront luxury.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Sleeping Pods and Hotels
Some travelers have mentioned that sleeping pods previously available at old terminals may not have been moved to the new midfield terminal. However, there are hotels like the Premier Inn close to the airport that offer shuttle services, providing more comprehensive amenities compared to airport sleeping pods.
Layover Hotel Usage
For those with shorter layovers, forum posts suggest considering the airport terminal hotel for a few hours of sleep and a shower. This option is deemed worthwhile by some users, especially when followed by dining in the terminal.
Lounge Access
According to forum posts, lounge access can be an alternative for resting, particularly for passengers with appropriate airline status or those willing to pay for lounge entry. The Etihad arrival lounge, for instance, is accessible to passengers with at least Gold status or by paying a significant fee.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Bus Availability and Routes
According to forum posts, Abu Dhabi offers various bus services connecting the airport to the city center and other destinations. The A1 bus heads to Al Wada and the A2 to Khalifa Street, with each trip taking about an hour. There's also a mention of an E102 bus, but it might require a specific payment card as it's operated by Dubai RTA.
Service Frequency and Payment
Travelers have noted that some buses, like the ones from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center, operate every 40 minutes. The cost of a bus ride from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city center is about 5 AED, payable at a machine. For routes like Abu Dhabi to Dubai, tickets can be purchased at the station, indicating ease of access and no need for reservations.
Additional Considerations
Some users mentioned the necessity of having a negative PCR test and vaccination status to enter public spaces in Abu Dhabi, which might be required when using public transportation services. This highlights the importance of health precautions in the current travel context.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Transportation Options
For travelers needing to go from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, several options are available depending on the time of arrival and the airline they flew with. If arriving on Etihad, there's a free shuttle service to Dubai. However, this requires prior booking and is subject to availability.
Public Transportation
For those not flying with Etihad or if the shuttle doesn't suit their schedule, taxis are recommended as a primary alternative. Public buses from Abu Dhabi Central Station to Dubai operate until 11:40 PM, which might not be feasible for late arrivals. The journey by taxi usually costs between 250 and 300 AED and takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Bus Service
Travelers also inquired about the E102 public bus, although specific operational details like the need for a PCR test or a Green app status were not confirmed in the posts.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Camel Rides and Bedouin Tents
According to forum posts, camel rides to a Bedouin tent for an evening meal complemented by dancers is a sought-after activity. This traditional experience provides a cultural immersion into the Bedouin lifestyle.
Dune Activities
Some travelers mentioned that dune bashing, sand surfing, and sunset barbecues are popular activities in the desert near Abu Dhabi. These activities offer a thrilling adventure against the backdrop of the vast desert landscape.
Overnight Desert Tours
For many users, overnight desert tours are an appealing option, especially for families. These tours often include a variety of desert activities and provide a unique opportunity to experience the desert under the stars.
Photography
A photoshoot in the desert is another activity highlighted by travelers, particularly for special occasions. The picturesque sand dunes serve as a stunning backdrop for photographs.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Performers and Entertainment
According to forum posts, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix includes not just the race but also major entertainment events. In 2021, performers like Khalid and Lewis Capaldi were featured at the after-race concerts.
Experiences and Activities
Travelers have called out various experiences around the Grand Prix. These include the opportunity to cycle around the F1 circuit, which is a unique and free activity mentioned by a recent visitor.
Location and Access
Some users highlighted that staying on Yas Island is beneficial as it is close to the circuit and often within walking distance to the track. The island hosts several hotels, making it a convenient location for attendees.
Additional Tips
For many users, attending the Grand Prix offers more than just the race; tickets also provide access to after-race concerts, making the event a comprehensive entertainment experience.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Abu Dhabi, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Abu Dhabi include:
- Abu Dhabi is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Abu Dhabi:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Abu Dhabi between June and August, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between September and November.