Dubai is known for luxury shopping and huge architectural feats. Witness iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the worldâs tallest building. Or shop at luxurious malls such as the Dubai Mall, where you can also visit the aquarium and even go skiing. UAE also has a diverse immigrant population and a wide array of dining options from all over the world.
What country is Dubai in?
Dubai is located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country situated in the Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and sharing boundaries with Oman and Saudi Arabia. The UAE has about 9.4 million people and is best known for its oil production and flashy cities.
What is the best transportation within Dubai?
Dubai has plenty of public transportation options within the city, including buses, trains, and trams. Taxis are also plentiful and the best option if your route takes you a long distance with many public transit transfers.
What is the currency in Dubai?
The currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). It's commonly abbreviated as either AED or Dhs. 1 USD = 3.67 AED, and make sure to select AED on the card reader when paying with your bank card for the best conversion. Only take cash out at reputable exchange desks that offer a receipt and have a well-known brand.
What to wear in Dubai?
There is no official dress code for visiting Dubai but dress modestly and respectfully, especially in public places and religious sites. While Western clothing is generally acceptable, avoid clothing that is too revealing or offensive to local customs. Dressing modestly is also important for covering your skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun.
What time is it in Dubai?
Dubai operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is 4 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+4). During daylight saving time, Dubai does not adjust its clocks, maintaining the same time zone throughout the year. Dubai is 8 hours ahead of New York City and 3 hours ahead of London.
Your drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai offers you the opportunity to explore several notable attractions along the route to enrich your appreciation of this unique country.
If you didnât get the chance to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque while in Abu Dhabi, your Daytrip driver will be able to take you. This 30-acre complex is home to the worldâs largest carpet, largest chandelier, and largest marble mosaic. In the UAE, bigger really is better.
Your first stop outside of Abu Dhabi should be the Emirates Park Zoo, situated approximately 20 miles (35 kilometers) from Abu Dhabiâs city center. Take a tour and see exotic animals from around the world, not just the Middle East.
As you get closer to Dubai, make a stop at the Dubai Miracle Garden, famed for its vast floral displays. This oasis in the desert is the worldâs largest flower garden, with almost 18 acres of flower structures and butterfly gardens. Be aware, though, that it is unfortunately closed from May to September due to the extreme heat.
Once you get to Dubai, your Daytrip driver will take you right to the door of your accommodation and help with your luggage. Get the luxury experience in one of the worldâs most elite cities.
About Dubai
Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Dubai Emirate. The UAE functions as a single country with seven emirates, and each emirate is its own monarchy run by an emir. Youâll see some cultural differences as your trip progresses from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Abu Dhabi offers a more conservative, calm vacation, while Dubai is all about glamor.
Situated on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai has transformed from a humble fishing village into a global hub of commerce, tourism, and innovation. Dubaiâs rise as a financial and tourism center for the Middle East was a response to seeing the oil wealth of its neighbors. Instead of trying to compete with its limited oil resources, Dubai turned to other sectors to support its economy.
Today, Dubai is a dazzling metropolis renowned for its futuristic skyline, luxury shopping, and extravagant attractions. It has poised itself as the premier destination for the worldâs elite and a link between the Middle East and the rest of the world, with about 90 million people going through its airport annually. At the heart of Dubai is the Burj Khalifaâthe world's tallest buildingâamong other man-made wonders like giant aquariums and indoor skiing.
From Abu Dhabi to Dubai: travel tips
Make sure your trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai goes off without a hitch by following these travel tips!
Respect Islamic customs and traditions
While Dubai is an international destination and the foreign population outnumbers the locals, it is still an Islamic country. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan, and be mindful of prayer times when planning activities.
Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions to ensure respectful behavior, as they are most likely different than in your home country. For example, showing public displays of affection are frowned upon, and you must be 21 to drink alcohol.
Dress modestly for comfort
Dressing modestly is important in Islamic culture, and even more so in religious sites. Chests, knees, and elbows should be covered at any mosques you visit. Covering your skin is also important for protecting your skin from the harsh sun. Long sleeves and loose clothing will keep you cool, prevent sunburn, and help you blend into the local population.
How to get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
Despite being a short distance from each other, there are limited options for driving from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. We recommend making a day out of your transfer to see some areas of interest with a private driver.
From Abu Dhabi to Dubai via private driver
The drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is about 85 miles (140 km) and will take 1.5 hours. This is a great amount of time for driving while still getting a few stops into your itinerary. Unlike a regular taxi service, hiring a Daytrip driver means you can add stops directly from Daytripâs site. This improves communication between our drivers and you!
Take your trip into your own hands, without having to actually drive the car yourself! Adding detours help turn a regular transfer into a day trip full of cultural experiences you might not be able to get to by bus. Our drivers are insured, speak English, and are local to the region. Choose your pick up and drop off times without being held to a bus schedule.
From Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers bus services (E100, E101, and E102) between Abu Dhabi and Dubai for those who would rather skip ordering a taxi or private driver. The journey by bus typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, and fares start at 7 USD (25 AED).
Tickets can be purchased at bus stations or online through the RTA website. It's advisable to book tickets in advance. These intercity buses are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and onboard facilities.
Flights and trains from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
Although Abu Dhabi and Dubai both have an international airport, it is not possible to take a flight between these two cities. There are also no trains yet for transporting passengers, but as tourism becomes more important to the UAEâs economy, these services may become available in the future.
Things to do when you get to Dubai
Your party in the UAE is just beginning as you go from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Be dazzled by Dubaiâs upscale lifestyle and unique approach to surviving in this harsh landscape!
Shop at the Dubai Mall
If Dubai is known for anything, itâs luxury shopping. Get your souvenirs at one of the largest malls in the world, home to an extensive range of retail outlets, entertainment venues, and attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
Just around the corner is the Burj Khalifa, the worldâs tallest building. It is twice the height of the Empire State Building, so get a unique view on its observation decks.
Go skiing in Dubai
Skiing in the desert? Anything is possible in Dubai! Experience indoor skiing and snowboarding at Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates. It has real snow slopes, chairlifts, penguins, and snow park attractions- the perfect way to cool off in one of the hottest cities.
See Dubaiâs Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah broke ground in 2001 and is the first completed project from the UAEâs plan to exponentially increase its coastline for luxury development. This massive land reclamation project is a series of islands shaped like a palm tree, with luxurious beachfront villas, hotels, restaurants, and malls. See the iconic Atlantis hotel, and spend an afternoon at the Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Palm Jumeirah is part of the UAEâs plan to shift its economic focus away from heavy dependency on oil and towards being a unique, luxury tourism destination. However, it has not fared as well as investors would hope. It is under scrutiny for its effect on marine biology and the natural flow of sediment along the coastline.
Other similar coastline projects have had slow developments and issues with funding. There is even evidence emerging that the entire project may eventually fall back into the sea, so see it now while you can!
Enjoy Dubaiâs fountain show
This is perhaps the only free thing to do in Dubai! Witness the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain Show, a captivating display of water, music, and lights located outside the Dubai Mall, which is synchronized with popular songs and classical music. The show is from 1 to 1:30 PM during the day, and evening shows are every 30 minutes from 6 to 11 PM.
When is the best time to visit Dubai
It comes as no surprise that the UAE has hot summers, with average temperatures in June and July reaching 105°F (41°C). Instead, the best time to visit Dubai is from November to April, Dubai has moderate temperatures and lower humidity levels. Youâll have a much more pleasant trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in the winter.
The weather during this period is generally sunny and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius). This is still considerably warmer than many parts of the world, so if you need some sun in mid-winter, then youâre in the right place!
Winter in Dubai is perfect for outdoor activities, like visiting the Palm Jumeirah Island, Jumeirah Beach, desert safaris, dune bashing, and camel riding experiences. It coincides with Dubai's peak tourist season, and you will find plenty of events, festivals, and attractions to enjoy. If the heat is still too much, even in winter, head indoors to one of Dubaiâs many indoor malls. Enjoy luxury shopping, museums, aquariums, and even indoor skiing.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The UAEâs largest mosque is a marvel of architecture and design, both beautiful and record-breaking. A Welcoming White WonderÂ
Emirates Park Zoo
Nearly 2000 animals are just one of the attractions at this educational and entertaining park. Animals and ActivitiesÂ
Dubai Miracle Garden
At the worldâs largest flower garden, hundreds of millions of flowers are shaped into a myriad of colorful shapes, including a full-sized Airbus A380. A Floral FantasyÂ
Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque
Inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and Andalusian art, offers a beautiful look into Islamic architecture. Blended BluesÂ
Al Noor Mosque
This beautiful interpretation of traditional Ottoman architecture is one of the only mosques in Sharjah open to the public. An Inside Look at IslamÂ
