72 Hours in Abu Dhabi
A Desert Gem Layover
On my way from Australia to Italy, I decided to break up the journey with a 72-hour stopover in Abu Dhabi. It turned out to be a whirlwind of culture, adventure, and a bit of luxury—here’s how I made the most of my short stay.
Day 1: Settling into Luxury
Where I Stayed: The Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
With Abu Dhabi’s heat, I strongly recommend choosing a hotel with a pool—it’s a lifesaver! The Intercontinental Abu Dhabi didn’t disappoint. Its pool area offered a refreshing retreat after my adventures and the marina views added a touch of elegance to the experience.
Day 2: A Cultural Dive
Morning: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The mosque’s grandeur is otherworldly. As I explored its gleaming white marble domes and intricate floral mosaics, I felt like I was stepping into a fairytale. Women, take note: dress codes are strict here. Despite wearing long-sleeve loose clothing, my 3/4 pants showing my ankles weren’t allowed. Thankfully, I was provided an Abaya and headscarf, which enhanced the cultural experience.
Afternoon: Abu Dhabi Golden Palace (Emirates Palace)
This iconic spot radiates opulence! Wandering through its lavish halls, I marveled at its golden accents, expansive courtyards, and fountains. I couldn’t resist trying the famous gold-dusted cappuccino—a sip of luxury, literally.
Evening: Date Market
To round out the day, I explored the bustling date market. Mountains of fresh dates and the inviting aroma of sweets greeted me. Sampling my way through the stalls, I learned about the many varieties and left with a box of my favorites—perfect for souvenirs!
Day 3: Desert Adventures
All Day Sand Dune Tour
This was easily the highlight of my trip! The desert safari took me on an exciting journey filled with dune bashing, sand skiing, camel riding, and a visit to a camel farm. The adventure continued at a traditional desert camp, where I got a taste of Bedouin culture.
Here we got to traditional henna painting, mingling with the other guests and taking the afternoon to pause and soak in the serenity of a desert sunset. Watching the colours change from vibrant orange to deep purple was mesmerizing—a moment of calm to reflect on the journey.
Evening: Desert Sunset
The desert camp experience also included a BBQ dinner under the stars with a belly dance and tanoura dance show — an unforgettable way to end the day.
Tips for Your Abu Dhabi Layover
Choose a Hotel with a Pool: Trust me, the heat can be intense, and being mindful of the dress code when exploring the city, being able to end the data at a pool made a huge difference in my experience.
Mind the Dress Code: Women should be particularly careful at cultural sites like the Grand Mosque and Golden Palace. While Abayas and headscarves are often provided, wearing modest, ankle-covering clothing will save you some hassle.
Stay Hydrated: The desert climate can be deceiving—always have water handy.
Pre-Book Activities: Popular attractions like the quad bike tour fill up fast, so secure your spot early.
Abu Dhabi turned my layover into a mini-vacation packed with unforgettable experiences. If you’re considering a stopover, dive in—you might just fall in love with this desert gem.
