Holiday in Abu Dhabi?

[bongsblue]

Had a week there not long after the takeover. Stayed at the Beach Rotana Hotel which was very nice. We were there as Ramadan was coming to an end and a result our hotel wasn't full so room upgrades were cheaply available and worth having. I think we used booking.com flew Etihad and pre booked airport to hotel transits and a number of excursions including a city tour and an evening on a dhow consuming far more than was good for us. Food options in the hotel and elsewhere were plentiful and very good. Alcohol was freely available in our hotel and others we visited. TBH I cannot remember whether it was particularly expensive. Walking along the Corniche on a balmy September evening with loads of locals (and of course being AD lots of expats) was a highly pleasant experience. Most people we met were very friendly and welcoming. It all felt very safe.

 

[BlueMoonday]

I don't know if they still do this but a few years a go, you could either run or cycle round the Yas Marina circuit for free. Bikes weren't too expensive to hire either.

Make sure you book a nice brunch somewhere on the Friday. It's circa £30 to £90 each for all you can eat and drink.

 

[Dubai Blue]

Were looking at booking our holidays for next year and a neighbour who's a City fan suggested Abu Dhabi! He was half joking as he wants to know what it's like.

Anyway, we had a look at the prices etc and it seems you can fly from Manchester with Etihad and get very impressive hotels and the prices are very good.

I must admit it's tempting, but I've never heard of anyone going. I like a few beers on holiday but nothing wild, just a few socials and wonder if they sell beers etc over there?

So, has anyone been and what's it like?

What time of year are you thinking? It's great in the winter but I'd personally head elsewhere between June and October. That said, plenty of tourists still head there in the summer and seem to enjoy it. Just seems mad to me to spend all that money to go somewhere when it can't be enjoyed to its full potential.

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

Were looking at booking our holidays for next year and a neighbour who's a City fan suggested Abu Dhabi! He was half joking as he wants to know what it's like.

Anyway, we had a look at the prices etc and it seems you can fly from Manchester with Etihad and get very impressive hotels and the prices are very good.

I must admit it's tempting, but I've never heard of anyone going. I like a few beers on holiday but nothing wild, just a few socials and wonder if they sell beers etc over there?

So, has anyone been and what's it like?

Gotta be crateloads of Asahi 0%.

 

[GoatersLeftShin]

What time of year are you thinking? It's great in the winter but I'd personally head elsewhere between June and October. That said, plenty of tourists still head there in the summer and seem to enjoy it. Just seems mad to me to spend all that money to go somewhere when it can't be enjoyed to its full potential.

We were thinking August but obviously that's when it's at it's hottest! Not the best idea so probably May.

 

[Ashton Moss Messi]

Better than Dubai in my opinion, but it's only about 90 minutes or so to drive from Dubai to AD.
Think about doing a two-centre stay. Five days in AD is enough for a try, see the grand mosque, the endless shopping malls, the Yas, the Corniche promenade.
Bars are attached to hotels and good value. Plenty of ex-pat aircrew for oggling at.
Watch out for the "clubs" with plenty of East European ladies in them ;)
Only go in July/August if you like sitting in an outdoor sauna pouring ale in one end and watching it come out as sweat.
Late spring good time but avoid Ramadan.
Ask your aircrew on tips where to go - bars, restaurants, etc.

 

[Dubai Blue]

We were thinking August but obviously that's when it's at it's hottest! Not the best idea so probably May.

Whatever you do, do not go in August! It's seriously grim. Go as early as you can in May. Will be mid 30s during the day but still really nice in the evenings for sitting outside. You'll have a great time.