Abu Dhabi — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetOct 13, 2026

Dubai vs Abu Dhabi: Which City Should You Visit in the UAE?

Just how different are Dubai and Abu Dhabi? Two writers go head-to-head to try and convince you to choose their beloved destination.

17 things in this story

Saadiyat Cultural DistrictNeighborhoodwill showcase largest cluster of cultural structures
Louvre Abu DhabiMuseumbreathtaking with palm-frond-inspired interior
Qasr Al SarabHoteldesert resort with coffee-drinking hospitality
Sheikh Zayed Grand MosquePlace of worshipmasterpiece of contemporary Islamic design
Capital GateHotelbuilding with the world’s greatest tilt
Masdar CitySuburbbuilt with recycled materials, focused on energy efficiency
Yas IslandNeighborhoodisland dedicated to high-adrenaline fun
Ferrari WorldTheme parkworld’s fastest roller coaster
CornicheSightstroll along the waterfront
Arabian Saluki CentreSightplace for dog-rearing
Falcon HospitalSightplace for bird-husbandry
Liwa OasisAttractionsand dune for storytelling
Elsewhere
Dubai CreekSightDubai, United Arab Emirateswhere the city began, along the creek
Bur DubaiNeighborhoodDubai, United Arab EmiratesThe name is a reference to the traditional separation of the area from Deira by the creek.
Global VillageSightDubai, United Arab Emiratesdeliciously kitschy turbocharged amusement park
Frying Pan AdventuresPlaceDubai, United Arab Emiratesoffers walking tours with focus on immigrant cultures
DeiraNeighborhoodDubai, United Arab Emirates

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 12

I Took the UAE's New Train Service From Dubai to Abu Dhabi—Here’s What It's Like

Sophia Dyer, associate editor at Condé Nast Traveller Middle East, hops aboard Etihad Rail's sleek new train.

16 things in this story

Abu Dhabi-Fujairah routePlacebegan operating in June as part of a phased expansion
Mohamed bin Zayed CityNeighborhoodstation location puts you in the heart of this residential area
Dalma MallSightThe mall is prominently situated on the Abu Dhabi–Tarif–Al Ain highway, opposite Mohammed Bin Zayed City.
Reem MallSightThe mall will feature 400+ international and local store brands, approximately 85 restaurants, & "Snow Abu Dhabi", the…
Sheikh Zayed RoadPlacepreviously the main route between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
MussaffahCafé
ADNOC headquartersSight
ADNEC CentreSight
Elsewhere
Etihad RailPlaceDubai, United Arab Emirateslaunched its first passenger service between UAE's two biggest cities
Al Yalayis StationTrain stationDubai, United Arab Emiratesopened beside Jumeirah Golf Estates
Dubai MetroTrain stationDubai, United Arab EmiratesRed Line will soon connect directly to the station
McDonald'sFast foodDubai, United Arab Emiratessoon-to-open for standard class passengers
karakRestaurantDubai, United Arab Emiratesspiced tea dreamed up by chef Maitha Warshaw
StarbucksCaféDubai, United Arab Emirates
Shot Neighbourhood CoffeeRestaurantDubai, United Arab Emirates
WHSmithPlaceDubai, United Arab Emirates

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Lonely PlanetSep 20

A Cultural Guide to Abu Dhabi

Discover the culture behind the skyscrapers with this guide to the museums and cultural spaces of Abu Dhabi.

17 things in this story

Zayed National MuseumMuseumshowcases the history and culture of the UAE
Louvre Abu DhabiMuseumiconic work of contemporary architecture with a geometric steel dome
Abrahamic Family HouseSightbrings together a mosque, church, and synagogue
Qasr Al HosnMuseumfortress where the city’s story begins
Cultural FoundationSighthosts a busy schedule of performances and creative workshops
Natural History MuseumMuseumtraces 13.8 billion years of planetary history
Sheikh Zayed Grand MosquePlace of worshipdefining landmark and final resting place of Sheikh Zayed
Etihad Modern Art GalleryGalleryindependent gallery showcasing Emirati artists
Qasr Al WatanSightworking palace opened to public for tours
Heritage VillageParkreconstructed village showing life before oil discovery
World Trade Center SoukMarketcontemporary replacement for the original central market
Sheraton Khalidiya HotelHotelmid-range accommodation option
Lunar HostelHostelbudget accommodation option
Espresso LabCaféserves coffee
Al AjaweedRestaurantserves chicken shawarma
Al Mrzab Traditional RestaurantRestaurantserves Emirati main course
Adam's Beer KitchenRestaurantserves craft beer

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Condé Nast TravelerSep 1

Asanas at Sea? The Best Places for Yoga Around the World Are Also the Most Unconventional

From a rocky mountainside to the middle of the ocean, explore these singular places to practice your suryanamaskars.

9 things in this story

Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by AnantaraHotelWellness center opens to panorama of the golden Liwa Desert.
Elsewhere
Lux* South Ari AtollHotelSouth Ari Atoll, MaldivesPractice asanas while sailing on a traditional wooden dhow.
The KyagarHotelNubra Valley, IndiaBoutique hotel on the ancient Silk Route in Ladakh.
Haritha Villas and SpaRestaurantHikkaduwa, Sri LankaOpen-air jungle yoga pavilion overlooking forest canopy.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar ResortHotelAl Jabal Al Akhdar, OmanSpectacular deck for yoga with breathtaking canyon view.
Keemala Resort and SpaHotelPhuket, ThailandTwo outdoor yoga spaces, one amid lush foliage.
Aro Hā Wellness RetreatHotelQueenstown, New ZealandYoga classes in the Aro Hā Room with lake views.
Jumeirah Olhahali IslandHotelOlhahali Island, MaldivesOceanic Balance Retreat on a private sandbank.
Acro SuitesHotelCrete, GreeceRestorative retreat with studios overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Atlas ObscuraAug 28

Unusual Picnic Places Around the World

There’s nothing quite like a picnic surrounded by friends and family, soaking in the sun, sharing snacks, and enjoying the sounds of nature. Whether you prefer to use one big blanket, sit at a table with benches, or plop right onto the grass, it’s the perfect good-weather get together (and a great excuse to load up on delicious food). With this guide, you’ll find a picnic spot that’s guaranteed…

13 sights in this story

Al Wathba Fossil DunesSightUnique desert landscape shaped by winds and sediment.
Elsewhere
Old Zoo Picnic AreaSightLos Angeles, United StatesRemnants of the first zoo with picnic tables and grills.
Sports CitySightAmman, JordanCrumbling complex with drained pools and empty gymnasiums.
Bomi Blue LakeSightTubmanburg, LiberiaAbandoned pit mines filled with spring water, open for swimming.
Christy Buchanan’s SHE Garden & GallerySightWinnsboro, United StatesFolk garden with found objects, Love Shack, and bicycle arch.
Old Wardour CastleSightTisbury, United KingdomRestored castle estate, favorite for picnics and weddings.
Woolshed FallsSightBeechworth, AustraliaReclaimed by nature, with natural showers, baths, and waterslides.
Tuzluca Salt MinesSightTuzluca, TurkeyMedieval salt caves with a boardwalk and picnic tables.
Gravelly Point ParkParkArlington, United StatesPark with close-up views of aircraft approaching the airport.
La PlantaSightSan Agustín Etla, MexicoFormer water-powered electric power plant with sweeping city views.
Tiger CaveAttractionMahabalipuram, IndiaCarved with 11 tiger-esque heads, likely a former portico.
Sa StiddiosaSightGadoni, ItalyGentle waterfall translating to 'dripping', with a river for bathing.
The Dick Lane VelodromeSightEast Point, United States1/5-mile track with banked turns, a point of civic pride.

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AfarJul 28

The Best Country for Living Abroad Is Closer to the U.S. Than You Might Think

Foreigners living in to Panama appreciate the country’s pleasant climate and how easy it is to travel to places like the San Blas Islands, pictured here. This article was originally published in 2023 ...

10 things in this story

United Arab EmiratesPlaceRanked No. 4 due to impressive ratings on quality of life
Elsewhere
PanamaPlacePanama City, PanamaVoted best country to live and work abroad for third year
MexicoPlaceMexico City, MexicoRanked No. 1 for ease of settling in since 2014
BrazilPlaceBrasilia, BrazilJumped to No. 5 thanks to ease of settling and leisure options
SpainPlaceMadrid, SpainRanked No. 1 for quality of life for fifth year
PortugalPlaceLisbon, PortugalRanks No. 8 thanks to moderate cost of living and good weather
LuxembourgRestaurantLuxembourg City, LuxembourgRanks No. 1 for job security and overall job satisfaction
ThailandPlaceBangkok, Thailand86 percent of expats are happy there; cites friendly locals
MalaysiaPlaceKuala Lumpur, MalaysiaSits at No. 9 thanks to affordability and ease of finding housing
Singapore Has 123 Hawker CentersPlaceSingaporeDishes worth queuing for

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Condé Nast TravelerJan 19

A Guide to Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi's Art-Centric Island

Two new museums on Saadiyat Island are bolstering the emirate's bid to be a world-class cultural destination.

30 things in this story

Natural History Museum Abu DhabiMuseumFirst major museum exploring history of evolution.
Zayed National MuseumMuseumCelebrates UAE's history, culture, and natural beauty.
Guggenheim Abu DhabiMuseumUpon completion, it is planned to be the largest of the Guggenheim museums.
AntoniaRestaurantItalianesque trattoria serving pizza and pasta.
Beirut Sur MerRestaurantLebanese spot known for alternative takes on classic dishes.
NiriRestaurantQuietly serving some of the capital's best Japanese plates.
Soul BeachSightHalf-mile strip of white sand behind the Cultural District.
Louvre Abu DhabiMuseumExhibits 600 artifacts in 12 chapters.
Abrahamic Family HouseSightCombines three houses of worship: church, synagogue, mosque.
teamLab Phenomena Abu DhabiMuseumFeatures 17,000 square meters of immersive digital artworks.
Saadiyat IslandNeighborhoodThe project is located in a large, low-lying island, 500 metres (1,600 ft) off the coast of Abu Dhabi island.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and VillasHotelGrand dame of the Saadiyat hotel scene.
MatéRestaurantArgentinian Lebanese restaurant with mouthwatering steaks.
Beach HouseRestaurantBuzzes with music and atmosphere, serves Mediterranean-Italian menu.
St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu DhabiNeighborhood376-room resort beloved for sea views and dining.
MaziRestaurantGreek restaurant for sharing plates.
Buddha Bar-BeachBarServes sushi with a laid-back vibe.
SontayaRestaurantServes Southeast Asian fare in pretty floating pavilions.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island ResortHotelMinimalist design ethos, determined effort at sustainability.
Mare MareRestaurantServes Italian classics alfresco.
Saadiyat Rotana ResortHotelCurves around a glorious palm-fringed pool.
Nasma Beachfront BarRestaurantPull up a bean bag.
Hamilton'sPubGastropub concept.
Si RistoranteRestaurantContemporary Italian.
Roof Bar @Turtle BayRestaurantEnjoys sushi with a view.
Rixos Premium Saadiyat IslandHotelFirst all-inclusive five-star hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Fouquet'sRestaurantFrench fine-dining outpost with lunch and dinner sittings.
Saadiyat Cultural DistrictNeighborhood
Saadiyat GroveNeighborhood
Mamsha Al SaadiyatNeighborhood

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerDec 15, 2025

The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2026

Our editors across the globe share their favorite places to stay.

20 things in this story

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu DhabiHotelGrandest luxury resort on beautiful beach.
Elsewhere
Al Moudira HotelHotelLuxor, EgyptOasis on Luxor's quiet west bank.
Bvlgari Resort DubaiHotelDubai, United Arab EmiratesSecret refuge with understated luxury.
Kinondo KwetuHotelGalu, KenyaBarefoot Indian Ocean retreat.
Mount Gahinga LodgeHotelsouthwest Uganda, UgandaUnderstated luxury with Virunga views.
Our Habitas AlUlaHotelAlUla, Saudi ArabiaVillas dissolve into sandstone cliffs.
HegraSightAlUla, Saudi ArabiaUNESCO-listed tombs, 20-minute drive.
Raffles DohaHotelLusail Marina, QatarLandmark hotel shaped like a scimitar.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi DesertHotelRas Al Khaimah, United Arab EmiratesDreamy escape with wildlife and desert adventures.
Somalisa CampHotelHwange National Park, ZimbabweSafari lodge in Hwange National Park.
Sterrekopje FarmHotelWestern Cape, South AfricaThoughtful healing hotel on a farm.
SussurroHotelMozambique Island, MozambiqueArtistry in every corner on a peninsula.
Wilderness Bisate LodgeHotelVolcanoes National Park, RwandaLuxury conservation tourism base camp.
Buahan, A Banyan Tree EscapeHotelTaro village, IndonesiaOriginal property with volcanic views.
Cape WeligamaHotelSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaClifftop hotel with new beach club.
The AtlasRestaurantSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaAll-day dining at Cape Weligama.
TableauRestaurantSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaLive cooking experience on cliff's edge.
The SocietyRestaurantSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaRevamped bar with inspired tipples.
Capella SingaporeHotelSentosa Island, SingaporeHilltop haven in former barracks.
CassiaRestaurantSentosa Island, SingaporeFine dining at Capella Singapore.

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Condé Nast TravelerNov 6, 2025

The 15 Best Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Classic Arabian hospitality and striking views are never too far away in the UAE capital.

30 things in this story

Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by AnantaraHotelcommissioned by the royal family, built in 2007
The Edition Abu DhabiHotelSet the scene for us.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat IslandHotelDriving up the welcome ramp to Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort almost feels though you're about to board a luxury…
Rosewood Abu DhabiHotelglass building on edge of Al Maryah Island
The St. Regis Abu DhabiHoteltowering landmark connected to beach club
W Abu Dhabi Yas IslandHotelbuilt directly above a Formula 1 circuit
Qasr Al SarabHotelReminiscent of a Bedouin village, the resort sits among the rolling dunes of the world's largest uninterrupted sand…
Oak RoomRestaurantMichelin-rated, serves steak and sides
Library BarRestaurantserves experimental cocktails
ErthHotelreimagined from former Armed Forces Officers Club
Al RimalRestaurantall-day dining, Emirati traditions
BeetzaRestaurantserves Neapolitan fare
Erth Qasr Al HosnRestaurantfirst Emirati restaurant awarded Michelin star
Ergon Deli & CaféRestaurantinspiration from the Aegean, serves Greek dishes
Mare MareRestaurantbeachside Italian with fresh pasta and seafood
Jumeirah Saadiyat IslandHotelall-glass lobby with Arabian Gulf views
TeanRestaurantLevantine grilled meats
OffsideRestaurantcasual pub grub
WhiteRestaurantall-day dining
Dai Pai DongRestaurantCantonese restaurant, consistently busy
La CavaRestaurantSpanish-inspired, candlelit wine bar
Crystal LoungeRestaurantafternoon tea
St. Regis BarRestaurantexpertly made Bloody Mary
Villa ToscanaRestaurantItalian food
CatchRestaurantseafood restaurant
GarageRestaurantmulti-kitchen dining space
Brooklyn Chop HouseRestaurantdelivers steaks and Asian-inspired dishes
Erth Abu Dhabi HotelHotel
Abu Dhabi EditionHotel
Ergon Deli & CaféRestaurant

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

National GeographicFeb 1, 2023

A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi

From the distinctive aroma of Emirati coffee to hearty local cuisine, a trip to Abu Dhabi provides abundant opportunities to delight the senses.

4 things in this story

Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable SoukMarketOffers dates, spices, and photo opportunities.
Mina Zayed fish marketMarketWindow shop and eat fresh seafood at nearby restaurants.
Al Hosn FestivalFestival
Elsewhere
Souk Al ZafaranaMarketAl Ain, United Arab EmiratesShop for spices and dallah coffee pots.

Read the full piece at National Geographic →