Abu Dhabi or Dubai: where should you stay?

"Abu Dhabi or Dubai, which is better?" is one of the first questions people ask when planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates. The two cities are neighbours, yet they feel very different, and that difference should guide your choice of hotel. Here is how they compare, the best areas to stay in each, and how to combine both in a single trip.

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Two emirates, two moods

The UAE is a federation of seven emirates. Abu Dhabi is the capital; Dubai is the name most travellers know first.

Dubai is all about towers, giant malls and lively beaches: people come for the buzz, the shopping and the nightlife. Abu Dhabi moves at a calmer pace, with wide avenues, a long waterfront, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as its landmark, and islands devoted to museums, beaches and theme parks.

Many visitors stay in one city and see the other on a day trip, since the two are linked by motorway. Just check the journey time from your hotel before you plan your days.

Staying in Dubai: beaches, towers and shopping

In Dubai, the area matters as much as the hotel. For a first visit, Downtown puts you at the foot of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall; the Armani Hotel Dubai occupies part of the tower itself. Dubai Marina and JBR combine the beach with a lively evening promenade. Palm Jumeirah, the palm-shaped artificial island, is home to big resorts such as Atlantis The Palm. Around the Creek, Deira and Bur Dubai keep the souks and the atmosphere of old Dubai.

Our guide Hotels in Dubai: which area should you stay in? covers each neighbourhood in detail.

Staying in Abu Dhabi: three areas to know

The Corniche and downtown. The Corniche is Abu Dhabi's seafront promenade, running along the city centre. On the western Corniche stands the Emirates Palace, now operated as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. This is the most convenient base for city sightseeing and for a drive to the Grand Mosque.

Saadiyat Island. The island of culture and beaches: it is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and to a long sandy beach lined with resorts. Well-known hotels here include The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas. A good pick for a quiet stay, as a couple or with the family.

Yas Island. The leisure island: Ferrari World, the Yas Waterworld water park, Warner Bros. World, Yas Mall and the Yas Marina circuit, which hosts the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix every year. The W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is one of the hotels on the island. If the theme parks are the main reason for your trip, this is the obvious base.

Which one suits your trip?

• First visit, shopping, nights out: Dubai, in Downtown or the Marina.
• Beach and an all-in-one resort: Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, or Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi if you prefer peace and quiet.
• Theme parks with children: Yas Island in Abu Dhabi; in Dubai, the Atlantis hotels are linked to the Aquaventure water park.
• Culture and museums: Abu Dhabi, between Saadiyat and the Grand Mosque.
• Both cities: book two hotels on the same trip, a few nights in each, rather than long daily return journeys.

When to go

The most pleasant months run from November to March, with mild, sunny days that are ideal for the beach and walking around. Summer is very hot, with highs around 40°C or more in July and August, so most of the day is spent indoors or by the pool. Winter holidays and the end-of-year festive period sell out fast: book early.

Before you book

• Check the exact address: some hotels have very similar names (there are two Atlantis hotels on the Palm, for instance).
• See what is included: breakfast, beach or water park access, any fees payable at the hotel.
• Choose a refundable room until your trip is fully confirmed.
• Work out travel times between your hotel and the places you want to see, especially if you combine both emirates.

Book your hotel in Abu Dhabi or Dubai

On Nreservi, you can search and book your hotel in Abu Dhabi as well as in Dubai. From Algeria, you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly agency. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you once payment is made. Questions about an area or a hotel? NIA, our WhatsApp assistant, and our team are here to help.