ABU DHABI
Dining
As in Dubai, most dining takes place in hotels, the city's only licensed buildings. If European flavours tempt you, the Hilton is home to two of the best restaurants in town.
Culture
For fantastic views of the city, its 18 lush parks, the sea and desert, take the elevator to the 31st floor viewing platform at Le Royal Meridien hotel. For a different perspective, catch a boat to one of Abu Dhabi's 200 small islands such as Futaisi Island, a pretty eco-tourist resort just off the coast, good for it mangroves, wildlife and old fort.
Shopping
Abu Dhabi's handful of malls form an impressive haven for Western high street label lovers. The 3-storey Abu Dhabi mall houses over 220 outlets showcasing both international and local brands. More traditional Arabian items are sold at Khalifa and Hamdan Street.
Getting around
The best way of getting around Abu Dhabi is to hire taxis or rent your own car. There are rental agencies in most of the top hotels.
GMT: +4 hours
Flight Time: 7 hours
Currency: UAE Dirham (Dh)
CHOOSE A RESORT
WEATHER
CLIMATE
Sunshine and blue skies are practically guaranteed. Temperatures between June and September can be incredibly hot with high humidity, sometimes reaching 48°C in July and August. Between October and May and especially in January and February temperatures are cooler. Rainfall is almost non-existent.
TEMPERATURE / RAINFALL
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TEMP (°C) | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 28 |
RAINFALL (MM) | 66 | 28 | 33 | 36 | 58 | 112 | 147 | 147 | 170 | 178 | 206 | 97 |
HOW ABOUT
Bahrain & Doha
Bahrain's reputation as a relatively liberal modern Gulf state has made it a favourite of travellers while Doha's national pastime seems to be sitting in the palm-lined waterfront cafés.
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HOW ABOUT
Dubai
Flashy, fun, flamboyant, Dubai is one of seven sovereign sheikhdoms that form the United Arab Emirates and is famed for its sun, sand and duty-free shopping.
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