Qasr Al Sarab, Abu Dhabi

Lonely PlanetOct 13

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.

desert resort with coffee-drinking hospitality

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

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

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 →

Qasr Al Sarab

In the coverage2 stories

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

The 15 Best Hotels in Abu Dhabi