Abu Dhabi, long overshadowed by Dubai, has recently emerged as a popular tourist destination, especially for families. However, the UAE capital is not much cheaper than its glitzy neighbor, as both cities ranked among the top 50 most expensive in Mercer’s Cost of Living 2023 survey. Budget accommodations like hostels are also scarce.
With careful planning, though, you can enjoy Abu Dhabi without overspending. Many cultural and natural landmarks are free to visit, and there are numerous deals and discounts available for theme parks and beach clubs. Here are some tips to help you explore Abu Dhabi on a budget.
Daily Costs
Three-star hotel per night: Dhs226–289
Public transport (bus): Dhs2 per trip
Karak chai (strong tea): Dhs2–5
Shawarma sandwich: Dhs7–11
Dinner for two: Dhs65–120
Desert safari: Dhs75–150
Average daily cost: Dhs485
1. Visit During Shoulder Season
Abu Dhabi’s summer temperatures can exceed 40ºC (104ºF), so it's best to avoid visiting between May and August. While the winter months from November to February offer pleasant weather, they also bring higher prices due to the peak tourist season. Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November attracts many visitors, driving up costs.
The shoulder seasons, from March to April and September to October, offer a balance of manageable weather, reasonable hotel rates, and fewer tourists. This is an ideal time to visit for those looking to save money.
2. Consider Abu Dhabi as a Stopover Destination
Abu Dhabi is well-suited for a stopover on a long-haul flight. Check out Etihad Airways, which offers a Free Stopover package with complimentary stays in three-star hotels for up to two nights. Alternatively, budget airlines like Wizz Air, Pegasus, or IndiGo may have affordable flights. If these airlines don’t operate from your location, you can fly into Dubai International Airport with Emirates and use their free shuttle bus service to Abu Dhabi, ensuring you reserve a seat at least 48 hours in advance.
3. Book a Hotel in the City Center
Accommodation is typically the most expensive part of a trip to Abu Dhabi. With limited hostel options, your best bet is a budget hotel in Downtown Abu Dhabi. Hotels on Yas and Saadiyat Islands tend to be more luxurious and farther from the city center, increasing transportation costs. Instead, consider centrally located budget hotels like Strand Hotel, Top Stars Hotel, and Al Diar Mina Hotel, with room rates starting at Dhs200 per night during high season.
4. Use Buses Over Taxis
Abu Dhabi’s public bus system is affordable, with a single journey costing just Dhs2, and trips capped at Dhs5 for transfers. The Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus offers complimentary service across key locations like Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and the city center. If you need a taxi, choose a Hala taxi or book through the Careem app, as Uber rides are generally more expensive.
5. Buy the Abu Dhabi Pass
The Abu Dhabi Pass provides free and discounted access to top attractions, along with perks like buy-one-get-one-free offers at over 500 dining outlets and 10% off hotel stays. The pass starts at Dhs149 and is available in three versions: Culture Pass, Essentials Pass, and Prime Pass. If you’ve already experienced a desert safari, the Culture Pass is a good choice.
6. Visit Free Cultural Landmarks
Abu Dhabi emphasizes cultural tourism and cross-cultural dialogue. Start with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which offers free guided tours. The Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith complex, is also free to visit with advance booking. 421 Arts Campus and Manarat Al Saadiyat showcase the city’s growing art scene with exhibitions, talks, workshops, and film screenings.
7. Use the VoiceMap App for Self-Guided Tours
VoiceMap offers free self-guided audio tours, a great way to explore Abu Dhabi without the cost of expensive tours. Download the app, select a walking tour, and explore at your own pace. Ensure you enable location access to receive audio at the right time and place. VoiceMap also works offline, so download tours in advance while connected to Wi-Fi.
8. Dine at Cafeterias
Despite its reputation as an expensive city, Abu Dhabi has many affordable dining options. Walk to the nearest cafeteria, a no-frills eatery common in the Gulf region, often run by immigrants from Kerala, India. They serve a variety of parotta (flatbread) sandwiches, including the popular Chips Oman sandwich, for only Dhs5.50.
9. Explore Pool Passes
With year-round sunshine, pool and beach days are a staple for tourists. Corniche Beach is a budget-friendly option with a Dhs10 entrance fee per adult. Many hotels and beach clubs offer day passes that are fully redeemable on food and beverages, providing access to private beaches as well. Websites like DayPass and Best Bites list updated day pass options.
10. Visit Al Ain
For those looking to explore beyond the city, the X90 bus to Al Ain costs just Dhs25. Al Ain, part of Abu Dhabi, is a lush oasis in the Rub’ al Khali desert and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has remained largely unchanged, preserving many traditional practices. Al Ain Oasis features an ancient falaj irrigation system, while the Al Ain Camel Market is a vibrant auction site. Both attractions are free to visit.
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