Abu Dhabi skyline

Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai: Which City Should You Visit?

Find out which of the Emirati nations intrigues you the most.
By Katie Sagal

Wondering which city to visit: Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi? We've rounded up the major highlights of each city and compared the biggest differences.

If you’re planning on traveling to the UAE, you’re probably searching for that perfect combination of traditional culture and modern comforts that the Emirates has to offer. Figuring out where, specifically, you want to focus your explorations can be a little bit of a challenge.

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have excellent attractions for Western visitors to enjoy, along with a nice selection of more traditional Arabic activities. To help you decide whether you want to visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi, we’ve put together a guide comparing the two on multiple points, including:

  • Location & Demographics
  • Popular Cultural Attractions
  • Popular Outdoors Attractions
  • Popular Tours

Location & Demographics

While both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is further north. Dubai is also the largest city in the Emirates, and the most densely populated. It’s typically a popular destination for travelers from the West looking for city-based explorations because it has a luxurious, urban vibe as well as plenty of family-style attractions.

Abu Dhabi

abudhabi-corniche-view-top-abu-dhabi

Abu Dhabi is further south, about an hour and a half away from Dubai (measuring from city center to city center).

Abu Dhabi offers the glitz and glam of Dubai, just with a little less hectic energy. It’s the capital city of the Emirates and the second most populated city. Abu Dhabi is also known for its natural attractions and outdoorsy activities due to its unique location on an island that juts out into the Persian Gulf.

It’s filled with parks, gardens, public beaches, and more. You can easily travel between the two via bus or car, but keep in mind that it is a 3-hour round trip, so it may make sense to stay in each city on the days you’ll be exploring there to avoid losing too much time to transit.

Popular Cultural Attractions

Both cities offer a bevy of cultural attractions to curious travelers from the West. You’ll find everything from historic buildings to hyper-modern construction, as well as museums and adventurous activities like theme parks.

Dubai

wow-view-dubai-skyline-night-city

Dubai is home to one of the most iconic buildings on Earth – the Burj Khalifa. The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa has an impressive observation deck, spanning multiple stories in the tower and providing panoramic vistas of the city and ocean below.

It’s also home to luxury hotels on a scale practically unheard of outside of the Emirates. The Burj Al Arab, for example, is one of the world’s most elite hotels. Even if you can’t stay there, it’s worth walking by to see their signature sail shape.

If you’re a fan of theme parks, you’ll find that Dubai is unrivaled when it comes to these types of attractions. You can explore IMG Worlds of Adventure, MOTIONGATE Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, LEGOLAND® Dubai, and so much more. As far as water parks go, Aquaventure is a top destination.

In terms of museums, Dubai is home to many smaller cultural attractions (many of which offer free or low-cost admission), as well as the Dubai Museum, the expansive new Etihad Museum, and the fascinating, family-friendly Hatta Heritage Village.

Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

As the wealthiest city in the Emirates, Abu Dhabi is no slouch when it comes to amazing architecture and beautiful buildings. Their most famous offering comes in the form of the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, which some say is the most visually striking mosque in the entire world.

Abu Dhabi is also home to a selection of athletic venues with impressive architectural designs, including the Zayed Sports City Stadium, Al Jazeera Stadium, and the Yas Marina Circuit, host to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

There are also some theme parks and water parks here, although fewer than in Dubai. The most popular are Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and the indoor Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. For museum lovers, Saadiyat Island is a must-visit destination that will only become more popular as it continues to be developed. For now, you’ll find the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which is the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula.

With a pass by Go City, you'll find numerous tours and attractions that take you from Dubai to Abu Dhabi so you can experience the best of both these wonderful cities.

Popular Outdoors Attractions

Both cities are subject to the same extreme temperatures during certain times of the year, but when it’s not summer you’ll find plenty of outdoorsy activities to do in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There are more water-based activities in Abu Dhabi by virtue of its island location, but Dubai has Palm Jumeirah and its associated activities.

Dubai

If you want to enjoy essentially any water sport you can think of, Dubai is an excellent destination. Embark on a kayaking adventure, try your hand at windsurfing, or get a bit of exercise with some stand-up paddleboarding.

You also have multiple cruise options (including a few dinner cruises), so you can enjoy the vibrant waters around Palm Jumeirah at your leisure. Cycling enthusiasts will also love the opportunity to explore Jumeirah Beach with a convenient bike rental. 

4x4 Dubai

For those visitors looking to explore the greater natural world of Dubai, a desert safari is a top option. Alternatively, a 4x4 quad bike ride in the desert is a thrilling way to enjoy the sand dunes.

Abu Dhabi

Home to the Eastern Mangrove Lagoon National Park, Abu Dhabi is an outdoor lover's paradise. Visitors love to explore these gorgeous waters, whether by kayak tour or a boat. There are other places to enjoy the water in Abu Dhabi, including the region around Yas Island. Take a sightseeing cruise that allows you to sit back and relax and spend some time swimming.

There are also some charming sunset cruise options that are great for couples. An especially unique thing to do in Abu Dhabi is a camel-trekking tour: this distinctively Arab activity is often on many bucket lists. You could also choose from a desert safari with a BBQ dinner to immerse yourself in Emirati tradition.

Popular Tours

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer a variety of tours to help visitors explore their respective neighborhoods, highlights, and hidden gems. Many of the same companies operate in both cities (in terms of big, international tourism organizations), although each also plays host to many small businesses.

Dubai

The hop-on hop-off Dubai tour from Big Bus is the most popular way of exploring this city. It offers multiple stops across several tourist-friendly neighborhoods with three routes to choose from. Sightseeing doesn’t have to be confined to land, either – especially in a city like this! There are speedboat sightseeing tours around Dubai Marina, which is another must-see part of the city.

Abu Dhabi

Big Bus Abu Dhabi

There’s also a hop-on hop-off Abu Dhabi tour from Big Bus that’s very convenient for visitors to this city. Choose from two routes (Yas Route or City Route) and enjoy pre-recorded commentary in eight languages. If you want to explore the city via the water, there are many daytime cruise options to choose from.

The biggest differences between visiting Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have much to entice the Western traveler. From food and culture to entertainment and water sports, you’ll find it all at these top destinations. However, there are some key differences.

At the risk of generalizing a bit, you’ll find more nature-oriented activities and eco-friendly things to do in Abu Dhabi. Because of its island location, Abu Dhabi has plenty of cruises and boat activities, too. On the other hand, you’ll find more high-end things to do in Dubai, from shopping and dining to theater and music. It’s the flashier city and has a lot to offer those looking for top-notch entertainment.

Dubai Business bay

Dubai is a slightly more popular destination for Westerners. It's more densely populated, so you’ll find a greater familiarity with English, better nightlife, and more tolerance of Western habits (including alcohol consumption – available at the resorts and hotels).

Abu Dhabi, however, has much to offer curious travelers who are interested in exploring the cultural side of things, including mosques, museums, and even a famous falcon hospital. It’s a bit more peaceful but can also be such an exciting getaway.

Thinking about visiting Abu Dhabi or Dubai?

If you’re interested in exploring the wealth of cultural and natural attractions that either Emirate has to offer, you’ll want to check out the passes offered by Go City®. You can save on admission to top Dubai and Abu Dhabi attractions, including tours, cruises, cultural attractions, and more.

Whether you want to see Dubai icons like the Burj Khalifa or local colors like a camel-trekking tour (or both!) Go City® has got you covered.

All you have to do is take your pick between the All-Inclusive Pass or the Explorer Pass, grab the Dubai pass that suits you, and go exploring!

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A woman tries sandboarding down a Dubai desert dune
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Outdoor activities in Dubai you have to try

With temperatures during its coldest months still hitting lows of 16°C and daily highs of 24°C, Dubai has been attracting those seeking out winter warmth for years. And though images of this constituent part of the United Arab Emirates tend to focus on its modern architecture and air-conditioned malls, there are few limits to getting out and about into the fresh air and sunny skies. Let’s take a look at the outdoor activities in Dubai you won’t want to miss! Desert safaris A dream world of lofty dunes and wandering antelope, Dubai is one of the easiest places in the world to get out into the desert. Just a short drive will have you waving goodbye to the towers of downtown and gazing in wonder at expansive desert panoramas. Don’t worry about having no off-road skills though, there are plenty of guided desert safaris to choose between, combining the experience of capping the dunes in a 4x4 with some time on the back of a camel or sitting around the open fire of a Bedouin camp come evening. If you’re a morning person, you can swap the sunset for the sunrise, with hot air balloons drifting across this ethereal landscape as oryx and gazelles feel the first warmth of the new day. Sailing adventures Before the advent of international air travel, it was the seas and waterways around Dubai that were its lifeblood. Signs of its significance aren’t hard to find, from the design of the Burj Al Arab to the stumpy hand-carved trading vessels called dhow which still dock at wharves within Dubai Creek. Smaller abra remain a popular alternative to the metro system for transporting people between one side of the creek and the other. However, to fully discover the sparkling waters head out on an organized sightseeing tour of the creek or Dubai Marina. Green spaces Dubai may not be known for its parks, but know where to look and you’ll find small pockets perfectly suited for getting away from it all. When it was first inaugurated, Safa Park was on the outskirts of the city. Today its palms and public boating lake are at the heart of it all, with views facing back towards downtown and the Burj Khalifa. Facing downtown from the opposite direction is Zabeel Park, whose grasses also include Dubai Frame. Another alternative is Creek Park, whose length of almost three kilometers is covered in flowers and liberally sprinkled with benches. Amusement parks Straddling multiple past times, Global Village is part funfair and part market, sharing the traditions of 78 different cultures across 26 pavilions. Whilst the replicas of the leaning tower of Pisa and London’s Big Ben are impressive enough, many visitors come for the food alone, since there’s around 200 different stalls in all – a similar number to the dining options at Dubai Mall. For splashing around there’s a couple of great options, with La Mer’s Laguna Waterpark and Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm leading the way. At Laguna cabanas overlooking the Persian Gulf make it as easy to relax as it is to get the heart pumping with its Free Fall plunge and surf machine. Meanwhile Aquaventure mixes lazy river rides with the twisted slides of aquaconda and over 100 other water-based activities for all the family. Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing Take to the open top deck of a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus and let the most instaworthy of Dubai sights come to you without having to move from your seat. Stay onboard for the entire route and you’ll get two hours of commentary on attractions including Deira’s Gold Souk and downtown’s Burj Khalifa. Of course, there’s no better way to experience them than by seeing them for yourself. This is actually what a one day ticket allows you to do without having to pay any more to rejoin a later bus. Win-win. Beaches Beaches line Dubai’s coastline and are universally well-kept stretches of sand. Hitting their busiest on the weekends and during holiday periods (which does not include Christmas), they are also relatively popular on warmer evenings. Sundown at The Palm Jumeirah’s Palm West Beach is a particular favorite, since it gives visitors views of the setting sun. Its promenade’s 300 palms are lit up not long after, creating an attractive place for an evening stroll. At other times of day the beach hums with the sound of jet ski engines and speedboats towing inflatables, with wakeboards, efoils and flyboards all available too. Heritage village Created in 1997 but harking back to the time of Dubai’s earliest settlers, Al Shindagha district’s Heritage Village seeks to keep the emirate’s culture and tradition alive for future generations. It provides a space for visitors to explore traditional ways of life in the mountains, on the coast and in Dubai’s desert regions. A living museum, craftspeople such as potters and weavers sit within historic structures, whilst there’s also a functioning fishing village using age-old techniques to haul in the daily catch. Diving A much more modern approach to interacting with the region’s fish stocks is by snorkeling and scuba diving. Dubai itself is short of major dive sites, with Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo one of its top locations. On the plus side, Fujairah – another of the United Arab Emirates – has a number of sites and can be reached by road from Dubai in a couple of hours without having to worry about any passport formalities. Situated on the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah has both natural and artificial coral reefs, with most tours taking divers to Dibba Rock, Martini Rock, Snoopy Island or Inchcape, where species including green turtles, black-tipped reef sharks and clownfish can be encountered. Enjoy the best outdoor activities in Dubai with Go City You don’t have to look too far to find fun in the sun on a trip to Dubai. Nor does it take much searching to find ways of receiving significant savings on admission to many of its top outdoor attractions, since Go City does just that! So whether it’s desert safaris, the amusement parks or diving opportunities, don’t miss your chance to enjoy the outdoor activities in Dubai you just have to try.
Ian Packham
A woman points to the opposite side of Dubai Creek
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The best neighborhoods in Dubai to explore

Often thought of as one seamless city of towering modern skyscrapers, Dubai is actually made up of a series of distinct neighborhoods. Each offers visitors something different, from historic mansions to what’s possibly the world’s most famous building – the Burj Khalifa. But which are the best neighborhoods in Dubai to explore? Where should you spend your time – downtown, Bur Dubai, d3 or somewhere else completely? A lot will depend on your interests, with this guide designed to help you decide. Downtown Dubai – the one not to miss It may be the neighborhood in Dubai not to miss, but you probably couldn’t even if you wanted to. At its center lies the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. A structure three times taller than the Eiffel Tower, it’s visible from 95 kilometers away. The emirate’s pride and joy, the Burj’s 124th and 125th floors contain the At The Top observation decks, standing more than 450 meters above the ground and providing unparalleled vistas through floor to ceiling windows. Return to ground level to take in Burj Lake at its best. Created by the same team behind the Bellagio’s fountains in Las Vegas, its jets dance to a jukebox’s worth of international hits every half an hour from 6PM, featuring stars including opera tenor Andrea Bocelli and king of pop Michael Jackson. Right next door is Dubai Mall, which continues the record-breaking theme of downtown by being the world’s largest. Take your pick of more than 1000 stores and 200 places to eat and drink before delving to the bottom of the Earth’s oceans at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Al Barsha – little known but with a huge personality Alongside Barsha Heights, Al Barsha doesn’t trip off the tongue like Dubai Marina or downtown, partly because a lot of it forms quiet low-rise residential dwellings. However, within its bounds you’ll find the Mall of the Emirates. Like Dubai Mall, it’s more than just a place to shop till you drop, being the home of the penguins and snow runs of Ski Dubai, totaling more than 22,000 square meters of indoor snow field in one of the hottest places on Earth. At the southern end of the Al Barsha neighborhood lies another climatic surprise, fittingly called the Miracle Garden. Rather less naturalistic than the other great botanic gardens of the world – there’s a giant topiary form of Mickey Mouse amongst other attractions – it still manages to elicit wows from most of its visitors, since there’s 250 million different plants to see, smell and touch. The same complex contains multiple climate-controlled domes forming an ideal habitat for around 15,000 butterflies belonging to 50 different regional and international species. Though thrilling in their own way, the need for an adrenaline rush can be met at IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park a short distance away. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm does the same with H2O being the overarching theme – swimwear is the order of the day. Dubai Marina – the best neighborhood in Dubai for nightlife & beaches Water is never far from the center of the action in Dubai, and nowhere epitomizes this better than Dubai Marina. A complex of cafés, stores and high-end apartment buildings edging a completely man made waterway, this traffic-free neighborhood is a good place to relax at any time of day. However, it really comes to life in the evening hours, when expatriate workers returning home take advantage of Dubai’s weather to enjoy a drink or two on an open terrace. One way to enjoy the marina from afar is to drift skyward in one of the plush gondolas of Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. Not to be outdone by the attractions in the other neighborhoods in Dubai, Ain Dubai towers over its international cousins, reaching a maximum height of 250 meters – equivalent to the height of a 75 story building. The wheel is best admired from the Marina’s beaches, facing out into the Persian Gulf. Waterside markets provide further purchase opportunities, whilst the shallows ring with the sound of children having the time of their lives. Cabanas and a range of water sports seal the deal for adults. Bur Dubai – for a sense of old Dubai Is Bur Dubai the coolest neighborhood in Dubai? That’s up to you to decide. Is it one of the best neighborhoods in Dubai to visit to experience its history and culture? There’s nowhere better. Disappearing into residential properties towards its southern end, focus your attention on its northern portions, bounded by Dubai Creek. Stroll along the attractive waterfront at any time of day to disappear back two centuries, or better yet, take to the waters of the creek by kayak to enjoy the sunset in the most evocative part of the city. But to take in one of Bur Dubai’s most important structures, Dubai Museum, you’ll have to stay on dry land. The museum is important not only for its collection of ethnographic objects but also because it occupies Dubai’s oldest building – the Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787. Not far away a series of historic mansions have also been brought back to their former glory, with several converted into additional museums and public spaces. d3 – Dubai’s design district Tucked into a once unloved semi-industrial area of Dubai enclosed by some of the emirate’s busiest roads, d3 still has the feel of a local secret. The purpose-built home of all manner of independent creatives, its streets are dotted with works of public art and its buildings are crowded with stores, design houses and pop-up exhibitions. This makes d3 a neighborhood in Dubai to escape the hustle and bustle without having to give up those things that make Dubai so special and life worth living, from lazy cups of coffee to November’s Dubai Design Week. Discover Dubai’s neighborhoods with Go City Look beyond the Burj Khalifa and you’ll find neighborhoods in Dubai which tick every box going. It doesn’t matter whether you’re into amusement parks or beaches, history or design, Dubai has a neighborhood worth exploring. Travel with Go City and you can do this whilst saving huge amounts on admission to many of Dubai’s best-loved attractions – including the observation decks of the Burj Khalifa!
Ian Packham
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Things To Do In Palm Jumeirah During Your Trip to Dubai

In a city full of world record breaking wonders and awe-inspiring architecture, the man-made Palm Jumeirah stands out as one of Dubai's most intriguing and enticing areas for visitors and locals alike. Palm Jumeirah is an engineering and design feat, an oasis of luxury and entertainment on the Persian Gulf, situated on an island that resembles a palm tree. From shops, to hotels, to restaurants, and beach clubs the Palm offers something for everyone and is one of the best places in Dubai to relax and soak up the sun. We've drawn up a list of some of the most essential attractions and things to do in Palm Jumeirah on your visit to the Emirate, including: Dubai Palm Cruise Tour Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm Standup Paddleboard Lesson Kayak Tour of Palm Jumeirah Windsurf Lesson Save on Palm Jumeirah Area Attraction Admission Admission to a number of these top Dubai attractions and activities are included on the Go Dubai Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Dubai Palm Cruise Tour Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour Enjoy the scenic route to Palm Jumeirah via Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road to the island aboard the comfort and climate controlled environment of the Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour. This tour from Big Bus is among my favorite Dubai sightseeing tours and is hands-down one of the best ways to explore Dubai, especially for first timers. Your seat on the bus will give you a great view of the city as you make your way up the Palm trunk into the lush, beachy borders of Palm Jumeirah. The glass top of the bus allows you the perfect chance to snap photos while you avoid the sweltering heat. A particular benefit of this tour is the luxury of hopping on and off whenever you'd like so you can more fully take in the environment. Each tour includes commentary, background, and tourist narration in 12 different languages. You'll disembark from this tour feeling much more informed about the Emirate and its top landmarks. Getting In: Big Bus Dubai tickets are included with the Go Dubai Card. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm Standup Paddleboard Lesson by SeaYou Kayak Tour of Palm Jumeirah by SeaYou Windsurf Lesson by SeaYou Remember to Save on Palm Jumeirah Attraction Admission There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do in Palm Jumeirah Dubai during your trip. Remember, many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go Dubai Card, where you can save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your Dubai vacation itinerary.
Lindsay Eagan

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