Abu Dhabi rewards travellers who appreciate their luxury understated, and their culture experienced first-hand. Think sunrise over a silk‑white mosque, lunch at a Michelin‑starred dining room, an afternoon exploring a world‑class museum by the sea, then sunset drinks back at a private beach resort. If you’re planning to fly privately, the emirate is purpose‑built for smooth arrivals and flexible schedules – exactly where AirX excels. This Abu Dhabi city guide highlights where to stay, where to eat, what to see, and how to get there in style.

Arriving in Abu Dhabi (Airports, Routes & Timing)

Zayed International Airport (AUH) is the main gateway. All commercial flights now operate from Terminal A, the vast new “Midfield” terminal designed to handle peak volumes with modern biometrics and fast processing. For most international arrivals, especially long‑haul, this is the obvious choice.

Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI) is Abu Dhabi’s dedicated private-jet airport, just a short drive from the city. For discreet movements, swift turnarounds and line‑free formalities, AZI is the preferred field for business and leisure charters. AirX can also reposition to Dubai’s Al Maktoum (DWC) if your itinerary spans both cities.

Indicative non‑stop flight times (routing can vary):

  • London → Abu Dhabi: around 7 hours.
  • New York → Abu Dhabi: about 12–14 hours.
  • Mumbai → Abu Dhabi: roughly 3 hours.

With AirX, you choose your departure window, aircraft type, and onboard service, then keep the programme flexible – ideal for last‑minute dinner plans or an extended desert stay. Explore our dedicated route page for taking a luxury private jet to Abu Dhabi, or speak to our team.

Finding The Perfect Luxury Accommodation In Abu Dhabi

From city‑edge palaces to island escapes and desert fortresses, the emirate’s hotel scene is built for high‑end stays. Five standouts:

1) Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

A modern icon set on a private beach with sweeping gardens, two Michelin‑starred dining options, and an address that places you minutes from the Corniche and cultural attractions. Suites, club benefits and impeccable service make it a favourite for celebratory trips and VIP business travel. 

  • Average rate: around €700–€1,000 per night. 
  • Distance: approximately 35 km (25 minutes) from Zayed International Airport (AUH) and 15 km (20 minutes) from Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI)

2) Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

A glass‑sleek urban resort on the waterfront, directly connected to The Galleria – the city’s premier luxury mall – via an internal walkway. Expect polished rooms with skyline views, a destination spa and pool deck, and restaurants that draw a local crowd. 

  • Average rate: roughly €500–€700 per night. 
  • Distance: around 32 km (25 minutes) from AUH and 10 km (15 minutes) from AZI.

3) The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

For a gentler pace, Saadiyat’s long natural beach delivers. St. Regis pairs elegant, Mediterranean‑inflected interiors with excellent leisure facilities and easy access to the Saadiyat Cultural District and golf. 

  • Average rate: about €550–€750 per night. 
  • Distance: approximately 35 km (30 minutes) from AUH and 17 km (20 minutes) from AZI.

4) Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

Loved for its light‑filled design and strong sustainability credentials, this beachfront resort suits families and couples who want a refined island base close to museums and downtown. 

  • Average rate: typically €450–€650 per night. 
  • Distance: about 35 km (30 minutes) from AUH and 18 km (20 minutes) from AZI.

5) Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara (Rub’ al Khali)

If you can stretch the itinerary, add a night or two in the Empty Quarter. This spectacular desert fortress sits amid rolling dunes – sunrise walks, camel treks and star‑heavy skies included. It’s a scenic 2.5‑hour drive from the city, so it works beautifully as a dedicated add‑on at the end of your stay. 

  • Average rate: around €600–€900 per night. 
  • Distance: roughly 205 km (2.5 hours) from both AUH and AZI.

Gourmet Dining: Where To Eat On Your Trip

Abu Dhabi’s dining scene mixes destination restaurants with big‑name brands – many inside luxury hotels (where licenses and terraces make for lively, late settings). Reserve ahead for these highlights:

  • Hakkasan, Emirates Palace – Michelin‑starred Cantonese with polished theatre; ideal for a celebratory dinner.
  • Talea by Antonio Guida, Emirates Palace – A refined Italian kitchen led by a two‑star Milanese chef; house‑made pastas and terrace tables are the draw.
  • COYA Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island – Upbeat Peruvian plates (think ceviche and ‘iron‑pot’ rice) with waterfront views; a strong lunch choice on shopping days.
  • Zuma Abu Dhabi– Slick, contemporary Japanese and one of the city’s most consistent “see‑and‑be‑seen” addresses for power lunches or dinners.
  • Butcher & Still, Four Seasons – A Chicago‑inspired steakhouse with serious chops and a handsome room; ask for a booth.

Tip: If you’re staying on Saadiyat, book an early table and pair dinner with a sunset stroll – then let your chauffeur return you to the hotel.

Luxury Shopping In Abu Dhabi

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, is the city’s luxury nerve‑centre, home to houses like Hermès, Chanel, Cartier, Dior and Louis Vuitton alongside fine‑dining spots and a river‑like promenade – perfect for combining a few key purchases with lunch. For a broader family day, Yas Mall on Yas Island offers 370+ stores, a cineplex and direct links to Ferrari World and other attractions.

Immerse Yourself In Exclusive Cultural & Modern Attractions

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Vast, serene and exquisitely detailed, the mosque is Abu Dhabi’s most recognisable landmark. Entry is free, but pre‑book an access pass and review modesty dress guidelines. Aim for golden hour to see marble and gold filigree glow.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Jean Nouvel’s “museum city” floats under a latticed dome on Saadiyat Island. Galleries cover global civilisations and often host blockbuster temporary shows. Even if you only have an hour, walk the waterside courtyard at dusk – it’s magic.

Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace)

Part working palace, part cultural showcase, Qasr Al Watan opens its grand halls, libraries and gardens to visitors most days. Timings can vary with state activity, so check the schedule before you go. Evening light shows add drama.

Yas Island (Modern Thrills)

Between Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and record‑tall climbing walls at CLYMB, you can dial your day up or down as you please. It’s a straightforward drive from downtown – and a quick hop from Zayed International.

Practicalities For Private Flyers

  • Aircraft & handling: Al Bateen Executive (AZI) streamlines private‑jet operations with short taxi times and discreet VIP facilities. Zayed International (AUH) remains a strong alternative for mixed commercial & private itineraries.
  • Seasonality: November to April brings balmy days and cooler evenings; summer offers excellent availability and value, with indoor culture, shopping and spa days filling the hottest hours.
  • Getting around: Distances are modest. Allow 20–30 minutes between Al Maryah, Saadiyat and the Corniche; 35–45 minutes to Yas Island; ~2.5 hours to Qasr Al Sarab.

For tailored aircraft options, menus and ground transfers, explore what the AirX Experience has to offer or speak with our capable and attentive team.

Plan Your Trip To Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi threads substance through its sparkle: priceless art in a waterfront museum, a mosque that feels like a prayer in marble, desert horizons that reset the mind – and a hospitality scene that treats service as a craft. If you’re ready to experience the emirate at its refined best, our charter specialists can align your flights, transfers and timings around the moments you want most.

Start planning your luxury private jet Abu Dhabi escape via our Abu Dhabi route page or get in touch with AirX Concierge.