Flights from Gladstone to Abu Dhabi

What are the dos and don’ts of visiting Abu Dhabi?

Do keep shoulders and legs covered

The United Arab Emirates has a conservative culture. While visiting the country after your cheap flights to Abu Dhabi, respect the local culture by keeping legs and shoulders covered while in public. Women are also expected to cover their hair when visiting a religious site, so it’s a good idea to keep a scarf with you after arriving on flights to Abu Dhabi.

Don’t engage in public displays of affection

In the UAE, it’s seen as inappropriate to show physical forms of affection in public. If you book return flights to Abu Dhabi with your partner, avoid hugging or kissing in public as it will likely offend the locals.

Do drink alcohol in moderation

Since the UAE is a Muslim country, the majority of its residents don’t drink alcohol. There are bars that you can visit after your flights to Abu Dhabi, but make sure to drink in moderation. It’s against the law to be under the influence of alcohol in public.

What are Abu Dhabi’s most famous landmarks and monuments?

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

As its name suggests, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the grandest places you can visit when you have airfare to Abu Dhabi. It’s the UAE’s largest mosque and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the country. The mosque is fairly modern, with construction beginning in 1996. It was commissioned by the late president Sheikh Zayed as a way to unite the Islamic world with modern architecture and art. When you have return flights to Abu Dhabi, spend some time at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to appreciate its striking white colour, traditionally Islamic arches and minarets, domes, and beautiful reflective pools.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

You’ve likely heard of the Louvre museum in Paris, but you may not know that it has a Middle Eastern equivalent. The Louvre Abu Dhabi first opened in 2017 and was built in partnership with the French government. It covers an impressive 24,000 square metres, making it the largest art museum in the Arabian peninsula. If you visit the museum after your flights to Abu Dhabi, you’ll see art from around the world as the Louvre’s mission is to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western works. The museum features permanent exhibitions as well as four temporary exhibits that rotate throughout the year.

Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace, also called Qasr Al-Watan, is one of Abu Dhabi’s most elaborate landmarks. Until March 2019, the palace was used solely for official government purposes; however, today you can explore its interior when you book airfare to Abu Dhabi. The Presidential Palace was constructed from white granite and limestone and features traditional Arabian domes; in fact, its main dome is the largest in the world! While the palace is impressive on the outside, there’s even more beauty to discover inside. There are a variety of artefacts you can view after your cheap flights to Abu Dhabi, including an ornate crystal chandelier, rare Arabian manuscripts, and examples of traditional calligraphy.

What is the best way to get around Abu Dhabi?

After arriving on return flights to Abu Dhabi, you can catch public transport into the city. Five bus routes depart from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and offer services to the city centre and suburbs of Abu Dhabi. Catch bus A1 after your flights to Abu Dhabi to reach the centre. This bus departs from Terminals 1 and 2 and terminates at Al Zahiyah City Air Terminal in the city.

In central Abu Dhabi, there are plenty of public transport options that you can use to explore. A metro system is currently being built, but in the meantime, there are public buses that you can take after your cheap flights to Abu Dhabi. There are dozens of bus routes through Abu Dhabi and its suburbs. Buses are available from many stops around the city centre and offer service to tourist destinations such as Al Ain Souq, Al Marina, and the Grand Mosque.

Other options in terms of transport are taxis and Careem, which is a Middle Eastern version of Uber. If you’re hoping to take a day trip to Dubai, that’s also an option with public transport. Buses depart from Abu Dhabi’s Al Ghubaiba bus station every half hour, arriving to Dubai in about 90 minutes.

How much time should I spend in Abu Dhabi?

When you book tickets to Abu Dhabi, plan to spend between three and five days in the city. After spending time in the capital following your flights to Abu Dhabi, continue your explorations of the Arabian peninsula by spending a few days in the desert, heading to Dubai, or booking a cheap flight with Webjet to another nearby Middle Eastern destination.