Abu Dhabi Travel Report — Luxury, Desert & Culture
Abu Dhabi Travel Report — Between Desert Luxury and Modern Architecture
Abu Dhabi is a surprise. While Dubai flaunts its glitz and superlatives, the neighboring emirate takes a more subtle approach: cultural depth, architectural masterpieces, and desert landscapes that rank among the best the Arabian Peninsula has to offer. I spent four days in Abu Dhabi in December 2024—invited by the Department of Culture and Tourism for a content production—and discovered an emirate with considerably more substance than its more famous neighbor.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi — The architectural marvel
The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is the most impressive building I've ever been inside. Jean Nouvel's design consists of a colossal dome composed of 7,850 stars arranged in eight different layers. Sunlight filters through the dome, creating an ever-changing play of light on the floor—the so-called Rain of Light. For me, as a photographer, it was like a playground. I spent three hours just taking photos before even seeing the first artwork.
The collection itself is one of the best in the world: works by Da Vinci, Monet, Magritte, and Ai Weiwei—arranged not by culture, but chronologically by theme. Egyptian sarcophagi stand next to Japanese bronzes and medieval European sculptures. Entry costs 63 AED (approximately €16)—a bargain for what's on offer.
Drone tip: Flying drones is prohibited inside the Louvre. But from the promenade in front of the museum, you have a perfect view of the dome and the surrounding water. My DJI Mini 5 Pro delivered the best shots here around 7 a.m. (before the museum opens) — the dome with the rising sun and the mirror-like water is a scene that goes viral.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — The largest mosque in the world
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not just a religious building—it's a statement. With 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, the world's largest hand-knotted carpet (5,627 square meters!), and seven chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals, the mosque offers free admission to visitors of all religions and nationalities—a sign of openness that is not always a given in the region.
Visitor guidelines: Men must wear long trousers and have their shoulders covered. Women will be provided with a free abaya (long robe) and headscarf at the entrance. Photography is permitted and encouraged—the mosque is extremely photogenic and was intentionally designed to be an Instagram magnet.
Best time for photos: 30 minutes before sunset. The mosque's white marble reflects the warm evening light, and the lighting switches on at dusk. The combination of natural and artificial light is most beautiful between 5:30 and 6:15 pm in winter. For drone photography: The mosque is located in a no-fly zone. Drones are strictly prohibited here and will be confiscated immediately by security personnel.
The Desert — Empty Quarter and Liwa Oasis
Abu Dhabi borders the Rub' al Khali, the Empty Quarter—the world's largest sand desert. A desert safari is a must, but forget the touristy dune-bashing tours that race across the desert in two hours. Instead, book an overnight stay in the Liwa Oasis, about 200 km south of Abu Dhabi.
The dunes in Liwa are the highest in the UAE—reaching up to 300 meters. The color of the sand changes depending on the time of day, from golden yellow to orange to dark red. In the mornings and evenings, when the shadows lengthen, the desert landscape looks like another planet. The desert is perfect for drone photography: no no-fly zones, no obstacles, endless expanse. My best drone photo of the entire year, 2024, was taken in Liwa—the sweeping dune lines seen from above at sunrise.
Cost for an overnight desert tour: from €200 per person including transport from Abu Dhabi, desert camp, dinner and breakfast. Luxury option at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort (Anantara): from €500 per night, one of the world's most spectacular hotels, located right in the dunes.
Saadiyat Island — Beach and Culture
Saadiyat Island is Abu Dhabi's cultural hub. Besides the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (scheduled to open in 2026) and the Zayed National Museum are under construction here. But Saadiyat also boasts the city's most beautiful public beach: fine white sand, turquoise water, and nesting sea turtles. Entry to Saadiyat Public Beach costs 25 AED (approximately €6), including a sun lounger and parasol.
Costs — What does Abu Dhabi cost?
Abu Dhabi is more expensive than most tourist destinations, but cheaper than Dubai.
| Items | Cost per day |
|——–|—————|
| Hotel (4 stars) | 80-150 € |
| Hotel (5-star) | 150-400 € |
| Dining (Restaurant, Mid-Range) | €20-40 |
| Taxi (per trip within the city) | €5-15 |
| Louvre Abu Dhabi | €16 |
Desert safari (day tour) | €80-150 |
| Rental car | €30-50 |
| Daily budget (middle class) | 120-200 € |
Money-saving tip: Friday is "brunch day" in Abu Dhabi. Many 5-star hotels offer all-you-can-eat brunch with drinks (including alcohol) for 50-80 euros per person — an experience well worth having.
Practical tips for Abu Dhabi
Best time to travel: November to March. In summer (June-September) temperatures reach 45-50 degrees Celsius — unbearable for outdoor sightseeing.
Transport: Rental cars from €30 per day are the best option. Petrol is cheap (around €0.55/liter). Taxis are inexpensive and safe. Uber isn't available, but Careem (the local alternative) works perfectly.
Alcohol: Available in hotels and licensed restaurants. Expensive (cocktails €15-20, beer €10-12). Prohibited in public.
Clothing: Discreet, but not overly conservative. Shorts and T-shirts are perfectly acceptable in hotels and malls. Long clothing is required in mosques and government buildings.
FAQ — Abu Dhabi
Do I need a visa for Abu Dhabi?
No, Germans receive a free 90-day visa upon arrival directly at the airport.
Is Abu Dhabi safe?
Extremely safe. Abu Dhabi has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. You can walk around the city without any problems at any time of day or night.
How do I get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
By car, it takes about 90 minutes via the E11. Buses run hourly (25 AED / 6 Euro). Taxis cost approximately 250 AED (60 Euro) one-way. A day trip to Dubai is easily doable.
Is Abu Dhabi a worthwhile destination for content creators?
Absolutely. The architecture (Louvre, mosque, Etihad Towers) is extremely photogenic, the desert offers epic drone shots, and the Department of Culture and Tourism actively supports creators with invitations and access to exclusive locations.
What is the best hotel in Abu Dhabi?
For luxury: Emirates Palace (the city's most iconic hotel) or Qasr Al Sarab in the desert. For good value: Yas Island Hotels (from €80, near the Formula 1 circuit and Yas Waterworld).
About the author: Max Haase is Germany's most influential travel influencer with over 4.2 million followers. He specializes in drone footage and luxury travel. Cooperation requests here.
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