Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, built on an island in the Persian Gulf and joined to the mainland by a series of bridges, including the Sheikh Zayed Bridge, the Maqta and Mussafah bridges, and the Al-Mafraq interchange that connects the city to Reem Island. The city is also linked to Saadiyat Island by a motorway bridge. It is a developed metropolis and the country's centre of politics, industry, culture and commerce.
For a visitor, the practical geography is straightforward: much of the city sits on the island itself, with suburban districts spread across the mainland, and a handful of islands — Saadiyat, Yas and Reem among them — reachable by bridge. The main areas that make sense as a base are the city centre around Hamdan Street and Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, the Corniche and Tourist Club Area along the waterfront, and the island developments at Yas and Saadiyat. This guide covers which of those areas to choose and what kind of accommodation you will find in each.
Best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi
1. City centre (Hamdan Street and Khalifa Bin Zayed Street)
This is the commercial heart of the island, where mid-range and luxury hotels sit within walking distance of shops, restaurants and offices. It suits first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of things and within reach of the rest of the city. You will find large international hotels here, including ones with rooftop bars and ground-floor restaurants.
It is the most connected part of the city for getting around, and taxis are easy to find. Note that some properties here are set back from the main roads and can be awkward for drivers to locate, so have the street names ready.
2. Corniche East and the Tourist Club Area
The waterfront strip along the Corniche and the adjoining Tourist Club Area is where several of the city's long-established prestige hotels are found, many with sea views and beach or pool complexes. It suits visitors who want a resort-style stay with the gulf in front of them, and families who plan to spend time at the hotel itself.
Be aware that this area sits at a fair distance from the city centre. That means less construction noise and quieter surroundings, but very little within walking distance, so you will rely on taxis or the shuttle services some hotels run to the Marina Mall and the centre.
3. Yas Island
Yas Island is a separate development reached by bridge from the main island, built around the golf course and the F1 circuit. It suits visitors whose trip revolves around events at the circuit, golf, or who prefer a self-contained resort environment. Accommodation here is hotel-based, with restaurants and bars on site.
The trade-off is location: the island is removed from the city centre, so a car or taxi is needed to get just about anywhere else. It works well if your plans are centred on the island itself.
4. Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island is connected to Abu Dhabi Island by a five-lane motorway bridge and is home to the protected Eastern Mangroves District, a stretch of mangrove coastline where hotel and spa-style accommodation is set. It suits visitors looking for a quieter, resort-oriented stay away from the city centre, including those who want spa and pool facilities as part of their trip.
Because it is on its own island, you will need transport to reach the city's other districts and sights.
5. Reem Island
Reem Island is linked to the city by the Al-Mafraq bridge, a multi-layer interchange. It is a mainland-facing island district that puts you close to the city while keeping you slightly apart from the busiest streets. It is a reasonable choice if you want easy bridge access in and out of the centre without staying on top of it.
6. Mainland suburban districts
The mainland holds a large number of suburban districts, among them Khalifa City A, B and C, Al Raha Beach, Al Bahia City A, B and C, Al Shahama, Al Rahba, Between Two Bridges, Baniyas, Shamkha, Al Wathba and Mussafah Residential. These are residential areas rather than visitor districts, and they sit away from the island's sights. They suit travellers with a specific reason to be on the mainland, such as work or visiting family, rather than those planning to sightsee across the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: The source material does not describe a dedicated budget accommodation area in Abu Dhabi. Expect to look at simpler options within the city centre and mainland districts, and to rely on taxis to reach the sights.
- Mid-range: Mid-range hotels are well tended and typically include restaurants, pools and other facilities. You will find them in the city centre around Hamdan Street and Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, and on Yas Island.
- Splurge: The high end is concentrated along the Corniche and in the Tourist Club Area, with large beach and spa complexes, multiple restaurants and bars, and gulf views. Resort-style properties also sit on Yas Island and along the Eastern Mangroves District on Saadiyat Island.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the city centre around Hamdan Street and Khalifa Bin Zayed Street. It puts you in the middle of the island's commercial and dining district, with the widest choice of mid-range and luxury hotels and the easiest access to the rest of the city by taxi. If you would rather have the water in front of you and do not mind being further out, the Corniche East and Tourist Club Area is the alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to stay on Yas Island?
Yes, practically speaking. Yas Island is reached by bridge from the main island, and the source notes that a car or taxi is needed to get just about anywhere from there. It suits stays built around the island's own attractions rather than city sightseeing.
Is the Corniche area within walking distance of the city centre?
No. The Corniche East and Tourist Club Area sits a fair distance from the city centre, and there is virtually nothing within walking distance. Some hotels run shuttle services to the Marina Mall and the centre.
How do I get between the islands and the main city?
By bridge. Abu Dhabi Island is joined to the mainland by the Maqta and Mussafah bridges and the Sheikh Zayed Bridge, to Saadiyat Island by a five-lane motorway bridge, and to Reem Island by the Al-Mafraq interchange bridge.
When is the best time of year to book a stay?
The cooler season runs from November to March, when conditions range from moderately hot to mild. May to September is extremely hot and humid, with July and August the peak, and sandstorms and dust can reduce visibility and affect air quality during the hot, dry months.
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