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.
17 things in this story
- Dubai CreekSightwhere the city began, along the creek
- Bur DubaiNeighborhoodThe name is a reference to the traditional separation of the area from Deira by the creek.
- Global VillageSightdeliciously kitschy turbocharged amusement park
- Frying Pan AdventuresPlaceoffers walking tours with focus on immigrant cultures
- DeiraNeighborhood
- Elsewhere
- Saadiyat Cultural DistrictNeighborhoodAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirateswill showcase largest cluster of cultural structures
- Louvre Abu DhabiMuseumAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesbreathtaking with palm-frond-inspired interior
- Qasr Al SarabHotelAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesdesert resort with coffee-drinking hospitality
- Sheikh Zayed Grand MosquePlace of worshipAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesmasterpiece of contemporary Islamic design
- Capital GateHotelAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesbuilding with the world’s greatest tilt
- Masdar CitySuburbAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesbuilt with recycled materials, focused on energy efficiency
- Yas IslandNeighborhoodAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesisland dedicated to high-adrenaline fun
- Ferrari WorldTheme parkAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesworld’s fastest roller coaster
- CornicheSightAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesstroll along the waterfront
- Arabian Saluki CentreSightAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesplace for dog-rearing
- Falcon HospitalSightAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesplace for bird-husbandry
- Liwa OasisAttractionAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratessand dune for storytelling
