Holiday rentals in Abu Dhabi

The largest of the seven independent city-states that make up the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Once a fishing and pearling village on the Persian Gulf, it has transformed over the past few decades into a modern, opulent metropolis.

With daring, instantly recognizable architecture like the Etihad Towers and the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi, the city has one of the most dramatic skylines in the world. Qasr al Watan, the Presidential Palace, is striking with its clean lines, white facade, and Arabesque style. Rivalling its beauty is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the country, where thousands of Muslims gather to pray several times a day and where respectful visitors are welcome to stop by.

There is also plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to do, like visiting Mangrove National Park — a biodiversity hotspot, exploring the seemingly endless desert, or encountering the largest population of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins in the world.

The summers are so scorchingly hot in Abu Dhabi that daily life tends to move indoors. Fewer people visit during these months; if heat is an issue, you may want to rent apartments during other times of the year. The weather is a bit cooler, and crowds are still not at their peak during spring and fall, but the nicest weather arrives in wintertime. This is also when Abu Dhabi hosts exciting events. In late November and early December, a popular motor racing event brings lots of spectators. On December 2, the city celebrates National Day with festivals and parades.

Before making travel plans, it’s a good idea to check if your stay in Abu Dhabi will coincide with Ramadan, as UAE is a Muslim country. This is a time of religious reflection, worship, and fasting, with no eating or drinking allowed in public during daylight hours. Be especially respectful of dressing modestly during this time.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

At the heart of Saadiyat Island, you’ll find a 9,200 square metre museum to rival the Louvre Museum in Paris. Permanent and rotating galleries showcase historical, cultural, and sociological exhibits and works of art from all around the world. A huge silvery dome seems to float above the museum, giving the building an architecturally unique design that stands out against the wide Arabian sky, complementing its stunning location on the coast of the island.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The exterior of this Arab, Mughal, and Moorish-influenced house of worship, with its 82 domes, 1,096 columns, and white marble walls (which change in appearance throughout the lunar cycle) is only rivalled by its interior. Able to hold up to 40,000 worshippers, the mosque contains the world’s largest hand-woven carpet and seven Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and seemingly every inch is covered in beautiful, painstaking details. When visiting, be sure to dress modestly, and women are required to cover their hair.

The Corniche

For a different view of Abu Dhabi, stroll this five-mile seaside promenade with the city’s towering skylines in the distance and turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf at your side. There’s a beach area where you can cool off from the heat, ice cream and street food stands nearby when you’ve worked up an appetite, and bikes and carts available for rent if you’d like to explore the walkway with a bit of a breeze on your skin.