🇦🇪 Dubai
🇦🇪 Abu DhabiDubai vs Abu Dhabi: Which Should You Visit?
The UAE's two big cities are close enough to see both on one trip. Dubai is the glamorous one, with record-breaking skyscrapers, huge malls and nightlife. Abu Dhabi, the capital, is calmer and more cultural, with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and long beaches.
Both are best from November to March. Summer is extremely hot.
Choose Dubai if…
- You want the iconic skyline and Burj Khalifa
- Shopping and nightlife matter
- You want desert tours
Choose Abu Dhabi if…
- You want major cultural sights
- You prefer a quieter beach holiday
- You are visiting Yas Island's theme parks
At a glance
| Dubai | Abu Dhabi | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | 🇦🇪 UAE | 🇦🇪 UAE |
| Population | 3.5 million | 1,480,000 |
| Climate | Hot desert | Hot desert |
| Best time to visit | November–March | November–March |
| Budget | €€€€ Expensive | €€€€ Expensive |
| Safety (our rating) | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Known for | Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Luxury shopping | Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World |
📅 Best months for both:January, February, March, November, December
Where to go in Dubai
A city of superlatives: record-breaking towers, huge malls, beaches and desert.
- Burj Khalifa. The world's tallest building. Book sunset slots early.
- Old Dubai. Al Fahidi historic district, an abra across the Creek and the gold and spice souks.
- Dubai Mall and Fountain. The evening fountain show is free.
- The desert. Dune drives, camels and dinner on an evening tour.
- Beaches. Public beaches such as Kite Beach and JBR.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Downtown: Next to Burj Khalifa and the metro.
- Dubai Marina: Beach, waterfront promenade and restaurants.
🍽️ What to eat
Shawarma, Emirati dishes, Indian and Persian food in Deira and Bur Dubai, and the famous weekend brunches.
Where to go in Abu Dhabi
The UAE's calmer capital, with major cultural sights and long beaches.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Free to visit. Modest dress is required and provided if needed.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi. A world art museum under a vast latticed dome.
- Qasr Al Watan. The presidential palace, open to visitors.
- Saadiyat Beach. A long, quiet natural beach.
- Yas Island. Theme parks and the Formula 1 circuit.
🛏️ Where to stay
- The Corniche: Seafront city hotels with a long promenade.
- Saadiyat Island: Beach resorts near the Louvre.
🍽️ What to eat
Emirati dishes such as machboos, fresh fish, and Arabic coffee with dates.
Can you visit both?
Intercity buses and taxis connect the two in about an hour and a half by road, so a day trip either way is easy.
Journey times are approximate and vary by service. Check the operator before you book. Work out flying times with the flight calculator.
How we compare cities
The table uses the same data as our city guides: our budget and safety ratings, the climate and the months we recommend. The advice on what to see, where to stay and which city to choose is written by our editors. Prices, opening arrangements and timetables change, so check official sources for anything important. To compare any two cities of your choice side by side, use City vs City.