Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE: modern, orderly, full of beautiful architecture and attractions (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the theme parks on Yas Island). And importantly, many people perceive it as “calmer” and often a bit cheaper in day-to-day spending than Dubai—though it all depends on your travel style.
Is a vacation in Abu Dhabi expensive?
This is one of the most common questions: is Abu Dhabi expensive for tourists? The answer is: it can be, but it doesn’t have to be.
If you’re aiming for 5-star hotels, dinners at top restaurants, and paid attractions every day (especially theme parks), the budget climbs quickly.
If you choose a 3- or 4-star hotel, eat some meals in food courts or local restaurants, and get around by bus, Abu Dhabi can be done reasonably.
Cost of travel in Abu Dhabi: what’s the most expensive, and what may surprise you?
When it comes to tourist costs in the UAE, Abu Dhabi usually “hurts” the most in three areas:
Accommodation (the biggest part of the budget)
Paid attractions (especially Yas Island)
Taxi/Uber transport if you take many rides per day
On the other hand, people are often pleasantly surprised by:
inexpensive Arab/Indian food,
the ability to get around cheaply by bus,
free attractions (e.g., the Grand Mosque) and excellent promenades.
If you want a simplified comparison of living/travel costs in the UAE: Dubai more often turns out pricier when you’re “out in the city” (restaurants, premium attractions), while Abu Dhabi can feel more price-stable and calmer overall.
Transport in Abu Dhabi: how much does it cost to get around?
Buses (the cheapest option)
Abu Dhabi doesn’t have a metro, but it does have an efficient bus network. So if you’re asking whether transport in Abu Dhabi is expensive—the answer is no, if you use buses.
a single bus ride usually costs a few dirhams (AED),
it’s most cost-effective if you take multiple rides per day,
a good option for reaching city attractions, as long as you don’t mind longer travel times.
Taxi / Uber / Careem (convenient, but it adds up)
Taxis are very popular and convenient. Price-wise they’re often “reasonable for individual rides,” but if you take 6–10 rides a day, your budget starts to grow.
short rides around the city are often in the range of a dozen to a few dozen AED,
longer distances (e.g., between islands / to the parks) can be noticeably higher.
Car rental (for families and trips outside the city)
Renting a car makes sense if:
you’re traveling as a family and want convenience,
you plan day trips outside Abu Dhabi (e.g., Al Ain),
you don’t want to count every taxi ride.
In the city center and for a typical attractions list, taxis + buses are usually enough.
Food in Abu Dhabi: restaurants, food courts, and supermarket shopping
Another common question: what are the prices of food and accommodation in Abu Dhabi? Let’s start with food.
Restaurants – price ranges (approx.)
cheap meal in a simple restaurant: about 30–50 AED per person
mid-range restaurant: about 70–120 AED per person
a “more elegant” dinner: 150+ AED per person (and much more in hotels and top venues)
A lot depends on the neighborhood, the standard, and whether you order drinks (which can be the most expensive part).
Where to eat cheaper and well?
If you want “cheaper, but tasty”:
mall food courts,
Indian/Pakistani/Arab cuisine,
local cafeterias and places where residents eat.
Supermarkets – a budget game-changer
Supermarkets help cut costs: water, fruit, yogurts, ready-to-eat snacks, simple breakfasts. It’s one of the easiest ways to do budget travel in Abu Dhabi without feeling like you’re “cutting corners on everything.”
Check: Abu Dhabi – supermarket and restaurant prices
Accommodation: hotel and stay prices in Abu Dhabi (2025)
This is usually the biggest part of the budget. In 2025, prices depend heavily on the season (winter is more expensive), location, and how early you book.
Approximate ranges (per night, double room)
3-star hotels: often from about 250–450 AED and up (depending on dates)
4-star hotels: often about 450–900 AED and up
5-star hotels / resorts: from about 900–1500 AED and up (no real upper limit)
If you want the “sweet spot,” 4-star hotels often offer the best value (comfort + price), while for tighter budgets, 3-star options can work well.
Abu Dhabi attractions: what’s free, and what drives the budget up the most?
Which attractions in Abu Dhabi are the most expensive? Most often: Yas Island (theme parks). Tickets can be several hundred AED per person.
Free or almost free attractions
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – usually free entry (remember the dress code)
promenades and walks: Corniche, viewpoints, beaches (some beaches are paid, some are free)
evening walks along bays and marinas
Check: Free attractions in Abu Dhabi – list
Paid attractions (approximate price levels)
museums/palaces: often around 50–80 AED
theme parks: often around 250–350 AED and more
extra experiences (tours, safari, activities): depends on the package
See all available attractions.
How much does a week in Abu Dhabi cost? Sample budgets
Below are simple ranges “per person” (excluding flights) so you can estimate quickly. These are averages—real costs depend on season and travel style.
1) Budget option (budget travel in Abu Dhabi)
accommodation (shared, 3-star): 150–250 AED/day
food: 70–120 AED/day
transport: 15–40 AED/day (bus + occasional taxi)
attractions: 0–80 AED/day (mix of free + an occasional paid one)
Total: about 235–490 AED/day → about 1650–3430 AED/week
2) Standard budget (comfortable)
accommodation (shared, 4-star): 250–450 AED/day
food: 130–250 AED/day
transport: 40–120 AED/day (mostly taxis)
attractions: 60–350 AED/day (depending on a theme park day)
Total: about 480–1170 AED/day → about 3360–8190 AED/week
3) Premium budget (luxury)
This depends entirely on the hotel, restaurants, and how often you choose premium parks/tours. In practice, the budget can exceed several thousand AED in just a few days.
Travel budget planning: how to calculate it quickly
If you want a simple planning model, ask yourself these questions (they also answer “how much does a stay in the UAE’s capital cost?”):
Do you want to stay overnight in Abu Dhabi, or do a day trip from Dubai?
How many days will you spend on paid attractions (museums/palaces/parks)?
Do you mostly use taxis, or mix in buses?
Do you eat out most of the time, or cover some meals via supermarkets?
Those answers determine your Abu Dhabi travel and attraction spending more than the “city itself.”
Money-saving tips in Abu Dhabi (without losing quality)
Mix expensive and cheaper days: one theme-park day, then a day of mosque + promenade + free spots.
Food courts and Indian/Arab cuisine = great value for portion size.
Use buses for longer rides, taxis only for “shortcuts.”
Book accommodation early, especially in winter.
Buy tickets in advance if you already know you want theme parks or specific attractions.
Get travel insurance—why it’s worth it.
Travel insurance: why it pays off
Insurance is a small cost compared to potential expenses in case of:
a doctor visit,
baggage issues,
flight delays,
accidents (especially if you plan water sports, desert activities, and tours).
In the UAE, it’s definitely worth having a policy with solid medical coverage and assistance.
If you’re combining Abu Dhabi with Dubai
Many people plan the trip like this: Dubai as the accommodation base, with Abu Dhabi as a full-day excursion (or 1–2 nights). It’s convenient logistically and often works better budget-wise.
If you’re planning this scenario, helpful resources are:
an accommodation in Dubai (to choose neighborhoods and standards for your budget),
ready-made Dubai attractions,
a Dubai guide (transport, neighborhoods, daily plans, practical tips).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Abu Dhabi expensive for tourists?
It can be expensive with 5-star hotels and theme parks, but budget travel is possible thanks to buses, cheaper restaurants, and free attractions.
What are the prices of food and accommodation in Abu Dhabi?
Eating out can range from about 30–50 AED for a cheap meal to 150+ AED per person in premium places. Accommodation depends on season: 3-star hotels often start from a few hundred AED per night, while 4-star hotels are typically higher.
Is transport in Abu Dhabi expensive?
Not if you use buses. Taxis/Uber are convenient, but multiple rides per day can significantly increase the budget.
How much does a week in Abu Dhabi cost?
On a budget (excluding flights), it’s often possible to stay around 1650–3430 AED per person, while a standard trip can be 3360–8190 AED per person—depending on accommodation, attractions, and transport.
