Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the largest city in the Emirates. It is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernism. From towering skyscrapers to desert safaris, from sandy beaches to theme parks, the city has a lot to offer.

PIA flies to Abu Dhabi thrice a week.

BEST TIME TO GO

April and May or from September to October, the spring and fall seasons have pleasant weather and reasonable hotel rates for tourists. December through March, or winters, is the best tome because it’s not too hot and not too humid in this desert city.

TOP 5 PLACES TO SEE

HERITAGE VILLAGE – a reconstruction of an Emirati village, showcasing the Bedouin lifestyle from a distant past. You can get a glimpse into the desert lifestyle here, with campfire, pots, camels, and falaj irrigation systems. Several artisans also exhibit their skills, like spinning, weaving, metal work pottery, and glass blowing.

SAADIYAT PUBLIC BEACH – stroll along the shorelines of the beach, surf in the blue waters and let the wind blow in your hair as you set sail. The Beach Café has delightful snacks and beverages, and there’s also a retail shopping outlet for some light shopping.

LOUVRE – the building of this museum is an art piece itself. It displays art from all around the world. An interesting item is the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen's steele from 3,000 years ago. The museum itself is a series of white buildings, reminiscent of an Arab medina.

FALCON HOSPITAL – Falcons have played a crucial role in the UAE, as Bedouin hunters used the bird to help find food. This hospital provides care exclusively for falcons and is also used for education and awareness. Falconry is a very popular sport in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.

SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE – sitting majestically at the entrance of the Abu Dhabi City Island, this mosque is a well-known landmark, displaying a blend of Maluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid styles of architecture. The grand mosque, which also allows non-Muslims to visit, is large enough to accommodate 40,000 worshippers, and houses the world’s largest carpet and chandelier.

THINGS TO DO

SHOPPING – while shopping in Abu Dhabi can be an extravagant affair, a trip to the numerous malls will have you find everything trendy. The ‘souks’ are where the tradition and culture are still alive. You can get classic souvenirs like Arabic carpets, the most sought-after and signature Abu Dhabi perfume Oudh, Arabic coffee pots, and of course, Arabian dates.

FERRARI WORLD THEME PARK – housing the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rosa, this amusement park is also the world’s largest, and is a must for all adventure and thrill seekers. Get your high dose of thrill, driving through the world’s longest race track in an Aston Martiv GT4 with a professional driver. Formula One fans have the Yas Marina Circuit Race Track and Formula Yas 300 to take on the wheels and let the adrenalin flow.

DUNE BASHING – or desert safari, another must for thrill seekers, is one the top adventure options in the UAE. Enjoy a roller coaster ride over the sand dunes, in an SUV driven by a certified desert driver. Not for the tender-hearted, desert safaris have some serious rolling and pitching over the sand dunes, giving you adrenaline rush and an experience to remember.

FLIGHTS TO ABU DHABI

UAE AND BEYOND

Discover the world by flying out of Abu Dhabi with our codeshare partner Etihad Airways.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Traveling to Abu Dhabi with PIA? Browse through the relevant information here:

• Travel Requirements and Advisory
• Extra Legroom Seat Select 
• Booking & Baggage Conditions 
• Executive Economy Service