Abu Dhabi vs Dubai In case you are making up your mind to travel to the UAE, you must be looking for the ideal mix of old world charm and new world luxuries that the Emirates have in store for you. It could be a bit challenging to decide which places you want to explore, specifically.
Both cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have superb attractions and are able to provide a combination of the most traditional Arabic activities beneficial for the Western visitors. To assist you in making the decision of whether to travel to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, we have prepared a guide that compares both on several factors, such as:
- Location and Demographics
- Cultural attractions
- Outdoor activities
- Excursions
Location and Demographics
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, although both situated on the southeastern shore of the Persian Gulf in the UAE, are of different latitudes as Dubai is positioned northward. Besides, Dubai is the biggest city in the UAE in terms of area and also the most crowded one that people live in. It remains, generally, a favored spot for the Western tourists who are in search of the city’s adventures because it has a lavish, urban atmosphere and a lot of attractions suitable for families.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is farther south and is about one and a half hours away from Dubai if measured from the city center.
Abu Dhabi is like Dubai but with a bit less hustle and bustle; plus, it is the capital city and the second in the line of population in the Emirates. This city also attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers because of its unusual placement on an island that protrudes into the Persian Gulf, thus making it an island city.
The area is lush with parks, gardens, beaches accessible to the public, etc. Taking a bus or a car is the most convenient way to travel between the two places, but note that it will take 3 hours for the whole trip, so it might be a good idea to sleep in each city on the days when you will be exploring there in order not to lose much time in transit.
Popular Cultural Attractions
The two cities are a great choice for Western tourists who seek new sights since the whole range of cultural attractions is waiting for them. From old structures to modern and very innovative ones, to museums and exciting activities such as theme parks, the whole range is available.
Dubai
One of the most recognizable structures in the world is located in Dubai – the Burj Khalifa. Burj Khalifa, being the world’s tallest, offers a stunning observation deck which is spread across several floors of the tower and gives view of the city and ocean in all directions below.
