How to Find Luxury Hotels in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The largest and wealthiest of the seven United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, 'Father of the Gazelle,' is the name of both the emirate and its capital city. Located on island in the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is home to about 1 million residents and famed as much for its shopping plazas as for its beautiful gardens and springs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with internet access for making reservations.

Plan Your Trip to Abu Dhabi

1. Invest in an Arabic phrasebook. The official language is Arabic, although English is widely spoken, especially in realms of tourism and business.

2. Visit in March in order to experience the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival, an annual event since 1998. Shop in luxury with visitors from every corner of the globe at this celebration where bargains of up to 50 percent can be found in Abu Dhabi's participating stores.

3. Plan to visit Heritage Village, located in the city's center to learn more about which Abu Dhabi cultures and traditions are still alive today.

4. Take in some history by visiting the Hosn Palace, also known as the 'White Fort,' the 200-year-old home of the Cultural Foundation of Abu Dhabi. Depending on the current exhibit, you'll be able to enjoy anything from Islamic Art displays to musical or theatrical performances. Afterwards, stop off at the Al Ain Museum, largest in all the United Arab Emirates and containing artifacts from the region dating back 5,000 years.

Select Your Luxury Accommodations in Abu Dhabi

5. To book accommodations, contact Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority at 011 ([phone] or visit the Web site (see Resources below). Budget for hotels ranging anywhere from $70 to $250 per night for the finest luxury accommodations either at the beach or inside the city. Both are conveniently located nearby the international airport.

6. Escape from the summer heat by visiting Al Ain, some 90 miles out of the city of Abu Dhabi. Charming guest house accommodations as well as luxury hotels will accommodate your stay, and tourist attractions such as the country's largest zoo and museum will delight the entire family.

7. Inquire with your hotel about transportation to your luxury accommodations from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Consider traveling by taxi, where as a tourist you may feel more comfortable than on the public buses.

8. Research all luxury accommodations before booking your trip to Abu Dhabi, as definitions of luxury may vary by culture.

Tips & Warnings

• Women unattended by a male companion should use taxis rather than public transportation.
• Everyone traveling during Ramadan, a major Islamic holiday, should wear more modest dress and refrain from eating, smoking or drinking in public during the day--although usually within the confines of your tourist accommodations it will not be an issue.
• Israeli citizens as well as any tourist with an Israeli stamp in their passport will be denied entrance to the United Arab Emirates, so keep this in mind when making your plans.