Abu Dhabi prices

Last Updated: Jan 2024

As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is more traditional than nearby Dubai, and also much more compact. Unlike the sprawling nature of Dubai, Abu Dhabi has one discreet downtown area along the water, and most of the best shopping and attractions are in or near the area.

If you can only visit one it might be better to choose Dubai, but if you have time for both you might be one of many visitors who prefers Abu Dhabi.

Is Abu Dhabi Expensive or Cheap?

Abu Dhabi is impressive, but unfortunately it seems to have virtually no interest in visits from “budget” travelers. There are no hostels or cheap hotels at all, though value in the 3-star and 4-star hotels is actually quite good.

If you really want to see the place on a shoestring budget you are probably best off visiting by bus from Dubai, which at least has some budget facilities.

Abu Dhabi City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Abu Dhabi

Population 920,000
Area 920,000
Timezone UTC+4
Currency UAE dirham
Airports Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$74.99
1 USD = 3.6700 AED
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Hotel Seasons

Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar-
starstarstarstarstar86.65 - 116.62
starstarstarstarstar62.94 - 125.61
starstarstarstarstar58.04 - 141.96
starstarstarstarstar110.63 - 172.75

Abu Dhabi Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed-

Abu Dhabi Attractions Prices

Best tours in Abu Dhabi

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Big Bus TourThis hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is probably the best way to see all the main sights in a few hours.
Adults
Children
86.92
55.04
Ferrari WorldThis Ferrari-themed amusement park is mostly indoors, and is located on nearby Yas Island.
adults
children
94.01
72.21
Family beach admissionThere are free beaches as well, but there's a small admission price to the gated family areas.
adults
children
9.54
5.45
Louvre Abu DhabiOpened in 2017, the UAE branch of the famous museum is worth a look.
adults
ages 13-22
17.17
8.45

Abu Dhabi Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastLook for Indian, Chinese, or kebab shops for cheap meals around the clock.4.09 - 6.27
Budget lunchSame advice as for breakfast, although there are also fast food chains at the malls that are budget friendly as well.6.54 - 10.35
Budget dinnerAssuming a sit-down dinner, for best value you have to avoid hotel restaurants and follow locals. Lebanese places are great value.10.08 - 16.35
Pint of beer in a barAlcohol is only served at bars that are attached to hotels, and nothing is ever cheap.7.63 - 12.26

Abu Dhabi Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center20.44 - 24.52
Public bus from airport to city center1.09
3km taxi ride in Abu Dhabi1.91 - 3.00
Public bus ride in Abu Dhabi0.54

Getting to Abu Dhabi

Getting around Abu Dhabi

HAVE MORE INFORMATION OR AN UPDATE? SEND US YOUR TIPS.

When to visit Abu Dhabi

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January75570.3
February77580.8
March83640.6
April91690.2
May100770.1
June102800.0
July105840.0
August105850.1
September102800.0
October95740.0
November86660.0
December78600.2

Abu Dhabi Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar6:26am6:34pm
21 Jun5:35am7:14pm
21 Sep6:11am6:20pm
21 Dec7:02am5:39pm

Where to go before and after