Abu Dhabi or Dubai: Which is the Better Option for Travellers?

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Dubai-based Emirates and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad — the two high profile international airlines of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — have taken the Australian travel market by storm in recent years.

Both offer efficient service, a superb onboard experience (where even an economy passenger is made to feel pretty darn spesh), and impeccable presentation. And it’s fast becoming the great debate for travellers flying with these airlines enroute to Europe and planning a stopover: Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

Situated just an hour apart by road, you could of course do both of these incredible coastal cities that overlook the Persian Gulf and almost seem to rise from the surrounding desert sands. But if time is limited and you want to give one or the other your full attention, then a choice must be made.

So, what are the key differences? Well, Dubai is often cited as the more dynamic of the two and is known for its luxurious hotels, expansive shopping malls, and world-class entertainment venues. It was the definite forerunner in terms of building a tourism industry and has become hugely popular with international visitors — thanks to the sheer number of attractions on offer. As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is regarded as the more conservative city, and tends to put a greater emphasis on cultural activities and attractions (such as museums and galleries). That said, it’s far from being a stuffy bureaucratic enclave, and you’ll discover great beaches, superb civic spaces, and a multicultural outlook.

It’s not only travellers weighing up the pros and cons of life in both cities; expats and property investors are doing the same. It’s telling that about 85% of foreigners seek apartments to buy in Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay, despite the fact that Dubai has one of the most expensive property markets in the world. That’s quite an endorsement right there!

Here are some of the reasons you might choose to visit either Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

If you like museums and galleries…

If you’re partial to a spot of serious museum and gallery hopping while on holiday, Abu Dhabi possibly has it over Dubai. The only iteration of the Louvre outside of France opened in Abu Dhabi in 2017 and put the capital on the cultural world map. This stunning facility features more than 600 masterpieces, including works by Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Monet.

There are some other big name institutions currently under construction in the city, including the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (scheduled to open in 2025), the Natural History Museum (also scheduled to open in 2025), and the highly anticipated Zayed National Museum, which will honour the UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and showcase thousands of years of local history.

Abu Dhabi also has a large number of culturally significant sites, including the incredible Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Covering an area of more than 12 hectares, it’s equally stunning inside and out — so make the effort to see both. The atmospheric Qasr Al Hosn museum is another must-see, and encompasses the oldest stone building in the city (circa 1761). It was built as a watchtower to defend the emirate’s only freshwater well, and was later expanded into a fort and royal residence.

Up in Dubai, cultural facilities to tick off include the excellent Dubai Museum, which is situated in the venerable Al Fahidi Fort (the city’s oldest surviving building). Across town, Etihad Museum showcases the story of the founding of the UAE. Not too far from there, shiny new-kid-on-the-block (it opened in 2022) the Museum of the Future is a rich imagining of what the next centuries may hold for mankind. Also check out Alserkal Avenue — a once industrial precinct in the city centre, now a thriving arts hub.

Dubai also has a selection of specialist institutions that are likely to appeal to a broad range of ages. So, this might be a factor to consider if you’re travelling with children. Top options include the 3D World Selfie Museum, the super fun Museum of Illusions, the Camel Museum, and Oli Oli — the children’s play museum.

If you like family attractions…

Speaking of family travel, there’s no doubt Dubai has a firm eye on that segment of the market. The list of kid-friendly attractions here is endless and keeping up with the number of new openings is no mean feat. If you’re travelling with children, you’ll want to check out the 17-hectare Aquaventure Waterpark, Kidzania (a theme park where kids get to learn adult skills like managing money and maintaining a budget, all the while having a hoot), and IMG Worlds of Adventure (which has a dinosaur themed section that budding palaeontologists will love).

All of that said, Abu Dhabi is often viewed as the more family friendly of the two cities — given its immersive cultural pedigree and more relaxed pace. And it has the attractions to match. Plan visits to the mind-blowing Yas Waterworld and neighbouring Warner Bros World, along with a local franchise of the Kidzania theme park. Those travelling with teens may want to drop by Clymb — a futuristic adventure activity zone that will push everyone’s boundaries (including parents as they watch on!).

If you like shopping…

OK, if you love giving the cards a workout while holidaying, Dubai probably has that one in the bag. There’s no shopping mall on earth quite like The Dubai Mall — 1,200 shops, more than 200 food and beverage outlets, and a giant aquarium as its centrepiece. And it’s just one of many modern temples to the price tag in this city. For a more traditional Arabian retail experience, dive into the Bur Dubai Souk Market and weave between stalls selling gorgeous silks, glittering lanterns, and an array of leather goods. If the Gold and Diamond Park sounds like your sort of attraction, it can be found between the city and the Palm Jumeirah.

Abu Dhabi is no slouch in the shopping stakes, and your first stop should be Yas Mall. It’s located in the same precinct as Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros World (so yes, shopping and kids can mix!). While not on the scale of The Dubai Mall, Yas is hugely impressive nonetheless. Also check out Abu Dhabi Mall, the Marina Mall, and sprawling Al Wahda Mall — ‘where you can’ (apparently) ‘have it all, and more’. For a brush with old world Abu Dhabi (albeit with some modern refinements), hit the cavernous Old Souk and brush up on your bargaining skills before braving the Carpet Souk.

If you like getting back to nature…

The sheer improbability of these two mirage-like metropolises surrounded by vast tracts of desert seems even more pronounced when you gaze upon their myriad nature-based attractions. Many are manmade, and wow, both cities have taken the natural world and shaped it for their own devices. If you’re keen to view the landscape in its natural state and learn about the ecology of the UAE, Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency controls a network of 19 natural assets — some of which are open to the public to explore. The Eastern Mangrove National Park is situated close to the city centre and is home to more than 60 bird species.

And as in all things, Dubai goes big. That aquarium at The Dubai Mall holds ten million litres of water and 140 species of fish. You can even go shark diving while taking a break from the boutiques! The Dubai Miracle Garden boasts multi millions of blooms shaped into Insta-worthy arrangements, while The Green Planet indoor rainforest at the City Walk mall precinct in Jumeirah is home to some 3,000 animals. And love them or loath them, dolphin and seal shows don’t come any more impressive than at the Dubai Dolphinarium.

Unsurprisingly, both cities have great beaches and offer multiple opportunities to delve into the desert. A range of tour operators run trips to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve — one of the largest protected nature reserves in the UAE. Abu Dhabi Desert Safaris conducts camel treks, off-road vehicle safaris, and overnight stays in the sweeping Al Khatim Desert.

This post was published thanks to Emirates.Estate.

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Do you have any tips for visiting either Abu Dhabi or Dubai? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Additional images: Envato