How to Plan Your Next Vacation in Abu Dhabi - Tips on Organising the Next Trip to Abu Dhabi like a Pro

 Tipped to be one of the region's most popular tourist destinations, Abu Dhabi offers travellers from diverse cultures a host of engaging attractions and activities. Home to some of the Middle East's top shopping venues and recreational hotspots, spending a memorable holiday in Abu Dhabi will require planning and forethought. From travelling during the right period to making the most of your time in the city, here are some tips on planning the ultimate Abu Dhabi getaway.

Image via Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel 

1. Time the Visit

Unlike planning a trip to other destinations around the world, those who are heading to a desert capital such as Abu Dhabi must time their holiday perfectly. This is due to the fact that one is likely to encounter many unpleasant weather conditions if one travels during the wrong time of the year as the heat and humidity during the summer months will prove to be unbearable to most tourists. The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between the months of October and April as this is when the autumn and winter seasons are in full swing. The climatic conditions on the ground are not only pleasant during this time of year but also conducive to taking part in a host of outdoor activities and adventures.  

 2. Secure a Convenient Base

The next step in the planning process is finding a city hotel that's both comfortable and well-situated. One cannot overstate the importance of securing a strategically situated base as the capacity for sightseeing and taking part in tourist activities will depend greatly on the convenience of the location. Whether it's the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel or any similar property, it is crucial to take stock of just how close the resort is to the main attractions in the city while also making sure the venue has other creature comforts. Booking rooms in hotels with a rooftop bar in Abu Dhabi can be advantageous but not if it is located in a location that's difficult to reach via public transport options.

 3. Create a Sightseeing Itinerary

Then it is time to consider how you will utilise the time available on holiday for sightseeing activities. Note that the number of attractions one can visit will depend on the duration of the trip as well as one's budget since access to some highlights will have steep price tags. Taking all this into consideration, draft a mock itinerary with all your most anticipated Abu Dhabi points of interest and make sure you include iconic hotspots such as the Yas Marina Circuit, Louvre Abu Dhabi and of course the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Take care not to pack too many sights into a single day as the humidity, even during the cooler months, can make travellers exhausted after one or two sightseeing expeditions.

4. Explore Local Transport Options

All tourists heading to Abu Dhabi should have a game plan with regards to how they will tackle local transport modes for getting around the city. Download the transportation support app devised by the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi to get an accurate understanding of the various options available to tourists as well as to make use of the interactive maps and other useful information provided. Dubbed DARB, this app will be invaluable when making use of local bus services and even when reserving taxi rides around the city.

5. Pack Right

While Abu Dhabi is a modern metropolis, at least as far as economic prosperity is concerned, it is important to keep in mind that the UAE is still an Islamic holiday hub. This means packing conservative clothing options for visiting public landmarks and religious sites is a must. Ensure that the casual clothing items selected are made from cotton or other breathable materials and don't forget to pack a tube of sunscreen. Sandals and sneakers will suffice in terms of footwear requirements unless one intends to take part in water sports or desert excursions.