Plan around the Abu Dhabi Festival season

Abu Dhabi hotels add government tourism and municipality fees to guest bills, so the price shown while searching can end up higher at checkout. When you book, ask whether the quoted rate is inclusive of all fees and taxes, compare the final total instead of the nightly rate, and keep the confirmation email that shows…

Stay near the Corniche for a first visit, with the beach, parks and bike paths close to the old centre. Choose Saadiyat Island for quiet beach resorts near the Louvre, but expect fewer budget options and little nightlife. Yas Island suits families, with theme parks and dining at the marina, though it is far from the…

The Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba, outside the city, runs through the cooler months with a Heritage Village, national pavilions, the Emirates Fountain show and laser displays. Fireworks go off every Saturday, so weekends are busiest. Allow time for the drive from the city, go in the evening and buy tickets…

Frieze Abu Dhabi, the successor to Abu Dhabi Art, is an annual fair held at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island each November. International galleries show alongside commissioned works and talks. Book tickets as soon as they open, go on a weekday morning for easier viewing, and pair the visit with the Louvre Abu…

Etihad Arena on Yas Island is the city's main indoor concert hall, with international pop, orchestral shows and comedy through the season. Check the official events page for the show you want, then use the venue's parking and directions page to plan your arrival. Pair the night with a day on Yas Island and book your…

Souk Qaryat Al Beri is a canal-side market at the Shangri-La complex, styled on an Arabian bazaar. Small abra boats serve as water taxis along its canals, so ride one even if you shop very little. Come in the evening when the heat has eased, browse perfume and oud shops, and check the souk or the boat operator for the…

The Gold Centre inside Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre in Al Danah gathers many jewellers under one roof. Visit outside weekend peaks, compare several shops on making charges and karat before you choose, and bargain politely on the making charge rather than the daily gold rate. Carry some cash, because small shops may…

Qasr Al Watan is the working presidential palace, and one ticket covers its halls, the library and the Palace in Motion light and sound show on the palace front. Tour the halls in the late afternoon, then stay for the show after dark. Park free at the visitor centre, which is also where you enter, and ask at the desk…