Travel Budget for Abu Dhabi Visit Abu Dhabi on a Budget or Travel in Style

Abu Dhabi, Abu Zaby, United Arab Emirates
Middle East / United Arab Emirates /
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Abu Dhabi is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Abu Dhabi?

You should plan to spend around $197 (AED724) per day on your vacation in Abu Dhabi. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $78 (AED287) on meals
  • $20 (AED72) on local transportation
  • $196 (AED721) on hotels

A one week trip to Abu Dhabi for two people costs, on average, $2,760 (AED10,136). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $197
    AED724
  • One Week Per person
    $1,380
    AED5,068
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,760
    AED10,136
  • One Month Per person
    $5,913
    AED21,720
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,760
    AED10,136
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,519
    AED20,272
  • One Month For a couple
    $11,827
    AED43,440
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Abu Dhabi cost?

A one week trip to Abu Dhabi usually costs around $1,380 (AED5,068) for one person and $2,760 (AED10,136) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Abu Dhabi on average costs around $2,760 (AED10,136) for one person and $5,519 (AED20,272) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Abu Dhabi will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Abu Dhabi on average costs around $5,913 (AED21,720) for one person and $11,827 (AED43,440) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Abu Dhabi expensive to visit?

Abu Dhabi is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.

You can find Abu Dhabi to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.

On average, budget travelers spend $82 (AED303) per day, mid-range travelers spend $197 (AED724) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $439 (AED1,613) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Abu Dhabi.

Within the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Middle East for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Abu Dhabi is generally more expensive than most.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Abu Dhabi?

The average Abu Dhabi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Abu Dhabi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Abu Dhabi cost?

Abu Dhabi on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$40
(AED148) 		$98
(AED360) 		$226
(AED831)
Local Transportation 1 $8
(AED30) 		$20
(AED72) 		$45
(AED164)
Food 2 $33
(AED120) 		$78
(AED287) 		$171
(AED628)
Entertainment 1 $17
(AED63) 		$39
(AED145) 		$75
(AED277)
Alcohol 2 $3-9
(AED11-32) 		$7-20
(AED24-73) 		$13-38
(AED46-139)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Abu Dhabi cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.

What Defines a Budget Traveler?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $82 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

So, are you average?

Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Many visitors to Abu Dhabi are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $197 per person, per day.

There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Abu Dhabi. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Al Manzel Hotel Apartments is a good kid-friendly option, and Hala Arjaan by Rotana is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Abu Dhabi here.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $439 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination, a luxury budget will be necessary. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Traditional Food tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $77, but during peak season they jump to an average of $144. You can find budget options starting at $48 up to luxury rates at $330. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Abu Dhabi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $196 (AED721). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $98 (AED360) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $98
    AED360
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $196
    AED721

Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Abu Dhabi

The average hotel room price in Abu Dhabi based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $77 in the low season and $144 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Abu Dhabi include:

  • Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana starting at $64
  • Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana starting at $72
  • City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel starting at $41
  • Hala Arjaan by Rotana starting at $71
  • Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi starting at $62
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Abu Dhabi

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi does not has a good public transit system.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $20 (AED72) per person, per day, on local transportation in Abu Dhabi. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Abu Dhabi is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $20
    AED72

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Lebanese Terrace and Emirates Palace with Transfer and Lunch for $165 details
  • Entrance Ticket To Ferrari World with Transfers Option for $124 details
  • Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) for $269 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Abu Dhabi
How much does it cost to go to Abu Dhabi? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Abu Dhabi
The price of renting a car in Abu Dhabi will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Abu Dhabi?

Typical prices for transit in Abu Dhabi are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Abu Dhabi. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.


  • Car Rental
    AED115
  • Taxi to Airport
    AED50


Food Budget in Abu Dhabi

Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Abu Dhabi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Abu Dhabi is $78 (AED287) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $78
    AED287

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Abu Dhabi is around $78 (AED287) per person, with previous travelers spending from $33 to $171. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $8 to $23
  • Lunch: $12 to $31
  • Dinner: $23 to $55
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $12

As an international travel destination, Abu Dhabi can cater to any taste you may be interested in, however, keep in mind you'll need to check the calendar before making your travel plans. If you're visiting during the month of Ramadan you should know that restaurants are, by law, closed during the day due to Muslim fasts during the daylight hours. It is also against the law to eat or drink anything in public, during the daytime in that month. Many tourists have been given fines or even arrested for this. However, when the fast ends at sundown, everyone feasts like they've never eaten before. If you can hold out, those meals are worth the wait.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.

Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.

If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Abu Dhabi. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner for $60 details
  • Evening Abu Dhabi Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner- Standard Tour for $99 details
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner for $84 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Abu Dhabi

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Abu Dhabi typically cost an average of $39 (AED145) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $39
    AED145

There isn't exactly much in the way of history or tradition in Abu Dhabi, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything to see outside of boutiques and traffic jams.

The 6th largest mosque in the world is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque that offers guided tours several times each day. This stunning marble mosque is a sight to behold, and can hold more than 40,000 worshipers. Walk around and admire the stunning crystal chandelier of the main prayer hall. Take a few steps on what is said to be the world's largest handmade Persian carpet. Admire the structure's 82 domes and 1,000 columns in the Moorish/Ottoman and Mughal styles. This decadent place of worship will take your breath away, but remember that dress codes are really strict - especially for women.

Visiting the Corniche is another of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi. It's the perfect spot to see the Abu Dhabi skyline while you browse beaches and boutiques. This waterfront area stretches 6 kilometers from the Marina up to the Mina Zayed port, and is home to the still expanding Corniche Beach. This free spot to swim started in 2008, and is perfect if you're looking to wiggle your toes in powdery sand, take a dip in the clearest blue waters and maybe give parasailing a try.

There are several parks and green spaces in this city including Khalifa Park and the Abu Dhabi Cultural Center. Often there are play areas, fountains and sculptures to admire.

Of course, no trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without a trek to Yas Island. This is the ultimate man-cave experience. With a world-class, Formula-1 motorsports racetrack, a Ferrari theme park, a water park and a mall, a trip to this pleasure island is a must for your luxurious getaway.

Many of these sights can be enjoyed even if you only have a day or two in the city. In fact, many people experience Abu Dhabi (and nearby Dubai) as an extended layover or stopover while flying through the region between Europe and Asia. Check out this amazing guide for how to do an Abu Dhabi stopover.



Abu Dhabi is full of luxurious resorts complete with all the amenities - swimming pools, spas and many even have their own private beaches.

While one doesn't consider Abu Dhabi when they think of outdoor adventures, you'd be surprised. Just outside of the city, in the southwest, are crystal waterfalls, cliffs and freshwater lakes.

If you're interested in the more unusual attractions in the UAE, visit the camel races or take a desert safari. Hop in an SUV with specialist desert drivers for an intense ride over sand dunes with some spectacular scenery.

A nice way to explore destinations in Abu Dhabi is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Private - Abu Dhabi Half Day City Tour for $171 details
  • Falcon Hospital Tour Abu Dhabi for $118 details
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour and Desert Safari for $125 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Abu Dhabi

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $13 (AED49) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Abu Dhabi per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $13
    AED49
Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Abu Dhabi

  • During peak season, prices are generally much higher and the destination is more crowded. You can save money and avoid the crowds by visiting during the shoulder seasons or low season instead.
  • Taking it easy while traveling can help you save some cash, letting you appreciate the area's beauty without the stress. If you rush through your days with nonstop activities, you'll end up spending more. Slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable trip and less money spent.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Abu Dhabi has limited options for public transportation. You might want to have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour or private driver. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
  • Hostels are scarce in Abu Dhabi, so if you're expecting a low-cost dorm stay, you might need to change your approach. Seeking out a cheap hotel or an apartment rental could be a smart move.
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It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.

Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.

Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.



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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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