# 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi — United Arab Emirates

> Abu Dhabi is the Emirates at its most refined, with luxurious Saadiyat Island resorts, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan and the world-class Louvre Abu Dhabi. Israelis mainly visit from November to March for a polished couples’ or family break, combining pristine beaches with Yas Island theme parks, shopping and desert adventures.

## Quick facts

- **Country:** United Arab Emirates
- **Currency:** AED (د.إ)
- **Time zone:** +1 שעה מול ת״א בחורף, ללא הפרש בקיץ
- **Language:** ערבית; אנגלית נפוצה מאוד
- **Power plug:** G · 230V
- **Visa for Israelis:** אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה של עד 90 יום
- **Safety:** בטוח מאוד לתיירים; יש לכבד את החוק המקומי, כללי הלבוש והאיסור על גילויי חיבה בולטים בציבור
- **Main airport (IATA):** AUH
- **Trips from:** ₪2,490 / 3 nights
- **Traveler rating:** 4.7/5

## Best time to visit

- **Recommended months:** November, December, January, February, March

## Weather by month

Measured in Abu Dhabi.

| Month | Avg. temp | Conditions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ינו | 25°C | Excellent |
| פבר | 26°C | Excellent |
| מרץ | 29°C | Excellent |
| אפר | 34°C | Hot |
| מאי | 39°C | Very hot |
| יונ | 41°C | Very hot |
| יול | 43°C | Very hot |
| אוג | 43°C | Very hot |
| ספט | 40°C | Very hot |
| אוק | 36°C | Hot |
| נוב | 31°C | Excellent |
| דצמ | 27°C | Excellent |

## Where to stay

- **Yas Island** — Best for: Families, theme-park fans and travelers seeking resort hotels. An action-packed, convenient base near Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Mall and the Yas Bay waterfront.
- **The Corniche and Downtown Abu Dhabi** — Best for: First-time visitors, families and travelers who want city life, beaches and relatively good value. A modern skyline and long waterfront promenade with an organized beach, malls, restaurants and convenient access to Qasr Al Watan.
- **Saadiyat Island** — Best for: Couples, beach lovers, culture enthusiasts and luxury-hotel guests. Abu Dhabi's elegant, quieter side, with white sand, indulgent resorts, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the evolving Cultural District.
- **Al Maryah Island** — Best for: Couples, younger travelers and fans of dining, shopping and hotel bars. A polished district with The Galleria, chef-led restaurants and stylish lounges, better for urban evenings than a beach holiday.
- **Al Bateen** — Best for: Couples, families and travelers who prefer calm surroundings and a marina. A calm, upscale residential area around the marina, removed from the bustle but close to the Corniche and city center.

## Getting around

- **Airport to city:** From Zayed International Airport (AUH), an official taxi reaches Yas Island in about 15 minutes for roughly ₪30-50; the Corniche or Downtown usually takes 30-40 minutes and costs ₪65-100. Public buses are considerably cheaper but slower and less convenient with luggage.
- **Do you need a car?** A car is not essential. Taxis are widely available, air-conditioned and reasonably priced, making them the easiest option for most couples and short city stays. A rental can pay off for families moving daily between Yas, Saadiyat, the mosque and the Corniche, or heading into the desert, though parking and rush-hour traffic should be considered.
- **Transport tips:** Install the Abu Dhabi Taxi app in advance or book through Careem; not every Careem vehicle is a standard taxi, so fares can vary. Distances between Yas, Saadiyat and the Corniche are substantial, so group nearby attractions into the same day instead of crisscrossing the city.

## What it costs (for Israeli travelers)

- **Round-trip flight from TLV:** ₪700-1,500 (holidays: ₪2,000+)
- **Mid-range hotel nightly:** ₪350-700 (double room)
- **Restaurant meal:** ₪60-140
- **Local beer:** ₪35-55 (licensed hotel)
- **Cup of coffee:** ₪15-25
- **Short taxi ride:** ₪15-35
- **Rental car per day:** ₪100-220 (before insurance)
- **Daily budget per person:** ₪450-850 (excluding flight)

## Kosher food, Chabad & Jewish community

- **Chabad house:** Abu Dhabi has an active Chabad presence and Jewish community institutions offering prayers, Shabbat meals and traveler assistance according to their current schedule. Activities are not necessarily within walking distance of hotels on Yas or Saadiyat, and locations or registration details may be provided in advance, so contact them before traveling rather than arriving unannounced. — Rating 4.8/5 (174 reviews) · Address: 28th St - Musaffah - Z9 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=128160066449615692)
- **Kosher food:** Kosher food and catering options exist, but availability is limited and can change, so meals should be pre-ordered through Chabad or a recognized kosher supplier, with current certification verified. Many kosher-observant visitors reserve Shabbat meals in advance, choose a room with a kitchenette and stock up on sealed products from supermarkets such as Carrefour or Waitrose; vegetarian or fish dishes in an ordinary restaurant are not considered kosher without supervision.

## Attractions

- **Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque** (Duration: 2 hours) — Rating 4.8/5 (61,549 reviews) · Address: אבו דאבי - Al Rawdah - W54 - אבו דאבי - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2634530791612395463) · [Website](https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/)
- **Louvre Abu Dhabi** (Duration: 3 hours) — Rating 4.7/5 (39,612 reviews) · Address: Saadiyat - جزيرة السعديات - السعديات شمال 1 - أبو ظبي - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4762873243859500537) · [Website](https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/)
- **Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi** (Duration: 5-7 hours) — Rating 4.5/5 (61,208 reviews) · Address: Yas Island - YS1 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6950988577216164009) · [Website](https://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/)
- **Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi** (Duration: 5-7 hours) — Rating 4.6/5 (26,045 reviews) · Address: Yas Island - YS4 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6502956188206576569) · [Website](https://www.wbworldabudhabi.com/)
- **Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi** (Duration: 5-7 hours) — Rating 4.5/5 (20,888 reviews) · Address: Yas Island - YS4 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=1356669274650640601) · [Website](https://www.yaswaterworld.com/)
- **SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi** (Duration: 5-7 hours) — Rating 4.7/5 (15,481 reviews) · Address: Yas Island - YS6 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2068439621398228368) · [Website](https://www.seaworldabudhabi.com/)
- **Qasr Al Watan** (Duration: 2-3 hours) — Rating 4.8/5 (10,248 reviews) · Address: אבו דאבי - Al Ras Al Akhdar - אבו דאבי - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8476293913628765466) · [Website](https://www.qasralwatan.ae/)
- **Observation Deck at 300** (Duration: 1.5 hours) — Rating 4.7/5 (3,063 reviews) · Address: Tower 2 - Level 74 King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St - Al Bateen - W32 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14520010828913306563) · [Website](https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/auhetci-conrad-abu-dhabi-etihad-towers/dining/observation-deck-at-300/)
- **Saadiyat Beach Kai** (Duration: Half day) — Rating 4.1/5 (4,752 reviews) · Address: 190 Shati Al Sa'diyat St - Al Saadiyat Island - SDN1 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2364561843959599055) · [Website](https://www.kaibeachsaadiyat.com/?lang=en)
- **Heritage Village** (Duration: 1-2 hours) — Rating 4.3/5 (12,685 reviews) · Address: Abu Dhabi Theatre Rd, Corniche - القرية التراثية - Breakwater Road - near Marina Mall - الكاسر - كاسر الامواج - أبو ظبي - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12623914655674813369) · [Website](https://abudhabiculture.ae/en/cultural-sites/culture-centers/heritage-village)

## Restaurants

- **The Kosher Place** (מלון ריקסוס מרינה אבו דאבי, ₪₪₪) — The city's standout kosher address and a practical choice for observant guests. Confirm opening hours and supervision in advance. — Rating 4.1/5 (100 reviews) · Address: אבו דאבי - Al Rawdah - W65 - אבו דאבי - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15492613965489583817) · [Website](https://www.thekosherplace.ae/)
- **Hakkasan Abu Dhabi** (Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, ₪₪₪₪) — An elegant Cantonese evening in one of the city's landmark hotels, with fish and vegetarian choices. — Rating 4.5/5 (1,147 reviews) · Address: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental - W Corniche Rd - Al Ras Al Akhdar - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2918975589857347337) · [Website](https://hakkasan.com/abu-dhabi/)
- **COYA Abu Dhabi** (The Galleria Al Maryah Island, ₪₪₪₪) — A lively Peruvian restaurant drawing a fashionable crowd, with fish ceviche, corn, quinoa and cocktails. — Rating 4.6/5 (3,541 reviews) · Address: Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria - Al Maryah Island - MI1 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16974778081842204937) · [Website](https://coyarestaurant.com/restaurants/abu-dhabi/)
- **Zuma Abu Dhabi** (The Galleria Al Maryah Island, ₪₪₪₪) — Modern Japanese dining with sushi, fish and vegetarian dishes in a polished evening setting. — Rating 4.4/5 (2,681 reviews) · Address: Island, global market - جزيرة المارية - المارية 1 - أبو ظبي - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16186016262668883638) · [Website](https://www.zumarestaurant.com/en/abu-dhabi?utm_source=InfoButtonClick&utm_medium=Home&utm_campaign=GoogleBusinessProfile)
- **Beirut Sur Mer** (Mamsha Al Saadiyat, ₪₪₪) — A stylish Lebanese seafront restaurant known for mezze, salads, pastries and fish. — Rating 4.6/5 (4,200 reviews) · Address: Jacques Chirac St - Al Sa'DiyatCultural - SDN1 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9547718032126145397)
- **Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe - Yas Mall** (יאס מול, ₪₪) — Emirati cooking in an old-Abu-Dhabi setting, featuring spiced rice, fish and local desserts. — Rating 4.9/5 (12,332 reviews) · Address: The Fountains, Yas Mall - Yas Island - YS1 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8221760576802140629) · [Website](https://www.alfanarrestaurant.com/)

## Nightlife

- **Café del Mar Abu Dhabi** — Beach club — Rating 4.7/5 (3,077 reviews) · Address: Yas Bay Waterfront - Yas Island - YS2 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2168354663573811027) · [Website](http://cafedelmarabudhabi.com/)
- **Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar** — Rooftop lounge — Rating 4.8/5 (2,394 reviews) · Address: The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront - Yas Island - YS2 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4073203323479584362) · [Website](https://www.siddhartalounge-abudhabi.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=wix_google_business_profile&utm_campaign=14431082484941185057)
- **Iris Yas Island** — Bar and lounge — Rating 4.1/5 (1,230 reviews) · Address: FJ85+XG8 - Level 3 Yas Marina Circuit - Yas Island - YS1 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=1908190049184026100) · [Website](https://www.instagram.com/irisyasisland/)
- **ANNEX** — Club and rooftop lounge — Rating 4.1/5 (189 reviews) · Address: Marina - Al Bateen - W35 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9305092059220473647)
- **Lock, Stock & Barrel Yas Bay** — Live-music bar — Rating 4.2/5 (1,926 reviews) · Address: Yas Bay Waterfront - Yas Island - YS2 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14695526093700478014) · [Website](https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0sML7p0)
- **McCafferty's Yas Island** — Irish pub — Rating 4.6/5 (886 reviews) · Address: Hilton - Yas Island - YS2 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=416295660757157039) · [Website](https://mccaffertysyas.com/)

## Shopping

- **Yas Mall** (Mall, Area: Yas Island) — Yas Island's main family mall, connected to Ferrari World and packed with familiar brands. — Rating 4.6/5 (46,253 reviews) · Address: Yas Island - ياس غرب - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16828228745128904472) · [Website](https://www.yasmall.ae/en/home)
- **The Galleria Al Maryah Island** (Mall, Area: Al Maryah Island) — A leading choice for luxury labels, restaurants and air-conditioned evening shopping. — Rating 4.6/5 (21,691 reviews) · Address: 107 Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri St - Al Maryah Island - MI10 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16596784546684167300) · [Website](https://www.thegalleria.ae/)
- **Marina Mall Abu Dhabi** (Mall, Area: Marina and Corniche) — Convenient for Corniche guests, combining fashion, food and entertainment. — Rating 4.4/5 (34,216 reviews) · Address: Ring Road - Al Kasir - Kasser Al Amwaj - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6477400437217346254) · [Website](https://marinamall.ae/)
- **Zara - Yas Mall** (Brand store, Area: Yas Island) — A large, convenient branch to combine with a theme-park and shopping day. — Rating 3.5/5 (227 reviews) · Address: Yas Mall Unit G126 - Yas Island - YS1 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5912034843028101721) · [Website](https://www.zara.com/xe/en/stores-locator/zara-abu-dhabi-yas-mall-s6390)
- **Bershka - Yas Mall** (Brand store, Area: Yas Island) — A go-to stop for teens and younger shoppers seeking accessible fashion. — Rating 4/5 (86 reviews) · Address: UNIT G126 - AL YAS MALL - Unit G126 - جزيرة ياس - ياس جنوب 1 - أبو ظبي - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2036103215026629094) · [Website](https://www.bershka.com/ae/?y_source=1_NDQyNDMwMjUtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D)
- **Pull&Bear - Yas Mall** (Brand store, Area: Yas Island) — Casual clothing and current trends at comparatively approachable prices. — Rating 4.4/5 (7 reviews) · Address: UNIT G126 CC - Yas Island - YS1 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7486006420542188631) · [Website](https://www.pullandbear.com/ae/en/stores-locator/abu-dhabi/yas-mall-s16822)
- **Sephora - The Galleria Al Maryah Island** (Brand store, Area: Al Maryah Island) — Popular for fragrances, makeup and sets that may not be readily available in Israel. — Rating 4.1/5 (509 reviews) · Address: The Galleria Mall - Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri St - Al Maryah Island - MI1 - Abu Dhabi - איחוד האמירויות הערביות · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6000277635863790706) · [Website](https://www.sephora.me/ae-en/store-detail/7510/AE?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Uberall)

## Suggested itinerary

1. **Day 1: The Mosque and the Palace** — Begin at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, ideally in the morning or near sunset, wearing modest clothing that meets entry rules. Continue to Qasr Al Watan, one of the Emirates' most impressive buildings, then finish with a Corniche walk or an exterior view of Emirates Palace.
2. **Day 2: Art and Beach Time on Saadiyat** — Spend the morning at Louvre Abu Dhabi beneath its remarkable dome, exploring collections that connect cultures and eras. In the afternoon, head to Soul Beach or book a day pass at a Saadiyat resort, then return to Mamsha Al Saadiyat for the evening.
3. **Day 3: Yas Island Action** — Choose one major park to suit your group: Ferrari World for speed lovers, Warner Bros. World for families or Yas Waterworld for a splash-filled day. Leave time for Yas Mall, then walk and dine along Yas Bay Waterfront by the marina.
4. **Day 4: Heritage, Market and Desert** — In the morning, visit Qasr Al Hosn and the House of Artisans to see how a pearl-diving settlement became a modern capital. In the afternoon, take a desert safari beyond the city; book an operator that can accommodate your dietary needs and skip any activities that do not suit you.
5. **Day 5: Mangroves and Shopping** — Head out early for a kayaking trip through Eastern Mangrove National Park, when the water is calmer and temperatures are milder. Then choose between shopping at The Galleria Al Maryah Island and a relaxed day at Nation Riviera Beach Club, before dinner on Al Maryah.

## VAYULOR tips

- 📍 For a first visit, stay near the Corniche or on Saadiyat; Yas is better for families whose trip revolves around Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld.
- 🚕 Abu Dhabi is not a walkable sightseeing city, so use official taxis or Careem and allow 25 to 40 minutes between Saadiyat, downtown and Yas.
- 🕌 Reach Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque about an hour before sunset with shoulders and knees covered and no sheer clothing; women also need a head covering, and it is wise to obtain the free entry pass in advance.
- 💳 Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and you should always choose to pay in dirhams rather than shekels at the terminal to avoid an expensive conversion rate.
- ✡️ Kosher-observant travelers should arrange sealed kosher meals with their hotel several days ahead and bring snacks from Israel, as local availability is limited and vegetarian food is not automatically kosher.
- 📵 Do not photograph people, especially local women, without permission or point a camera at government or security facilities, as privacy and photography laws are taken seriously.

## Frequently asked questions

**Do Israelis need a visa for Abu Dhabi?**

Israeli passport holders are generally visa-exempt for tourist visits to Abu Dhabi of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided the passport is valid for at least six months.

**When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi, and how many days are enough?**

The most pleasant time to visit Abu Dhabi is from November to March, and three to four days are enough for the Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, a beach, the desert and Yas Island at a relaxed pace.

**Are there direct flights from Israel to Abu Dhabi, and how long is the flight?**

When schedules permit, direct flights operate from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi in about three hours and fifteen minutes, though operational changes should be checked close to booking.

**How do you get around Abu Dhabi, and what daily budget should you plan?**

In Abu Dhabi, taxis, Careem and Uber are the easiest options, while a comfortable daily budget is roughly ₪450 to ₪850 per person before accommodation, depending on dining and attractions.

**Is Abu Dhabi safe for Israeli travelers?**

Abu Dhabi is considered very safe and orderly, but Israelis should respect UAE laws, avoid photographing people without permission and check Israel’s travel advisory before departure.

**Which beaches and attractions should not be missed in Abu Dhabi?**

In Abu Dhabi, combine Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach or Soul Beach, Qasr Al Watan and a day at the theme parks on Yas Island.

**Is Abu Dhabi better for families or couples?**

Abu Dhabi suits families with Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld, while couples enjoy Saadiyat resorts, spas, private beaches and sunset desert safaris.

**Are there nightlife and kosher food options in Abu Dhabi?**

In Abu Dhabi, nightlife centers on hotel bars and clubs around Yas Island, Saadiyat and the Corniche, while kosher meals are best arranged in advance through Chabad or a recognized kosher caterer for delivery to the hotel.

## Book through VAYULOR

- [Flights to Abu Dhabi](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/uae/flights/abu-dhabi)
- [Vacation packages to Abu Dhabi](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/uae/packages/abu-dhabi)
- [Hotels in Abu Dhabi](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/uae/hotels/abu-dhabi)
- [eSIM data for Abu Dhabi](https://vayulor.com/en/esim)
- [Web version of this guide](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/uae/abu-dhabi)
- [המדריך הזה בעברית](https://vayulor.com/he/destinations/uae/abu-dhabi.md)

_Last updated: 2026-09-08_  
_Source: VAYULOR (vayulor.com) — an Israeli travel platform: destination guides, flights, packages, hotels and eSIM. Prices on the site are live; any price in this document is an indicative starting price only._