Comparison · Abu Dhabi vs Doha · United Arab Emirates / Qatar
Abu Dhabi vs Doha
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Wadiia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Abu Dhabi for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi; choose Doha for Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 302 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 302 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Abu Dhabi
- November–March
- Best time for Doha
- November–March
Side by side
| Abu Dhabi | Doha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Qatar |
| Known for | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island theme parks | Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif and National Museum of Qatar |
| Best time to visit | November–March | November–March |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$350 | $170–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 43°C (109°F) | June, 42°C (108°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 22°C (72°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Corniche Beach | Katara Beach |
| Airports | AUH | DOH |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Abu Dhabi for…
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, spreads across a main island and a ring of smaller islands on the Gulf coast. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Qasr Al Watan palace carry the cultural side, while Yas Island packs…
Choose Doha for…
Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif and free sights. Qatar's capital curves around Doha Bay, with the I. M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art and the restored lanes of Souq Waqif at one end of the Corniche and the towers of West Bay at the other. Jean Nouvel's National Museum of Qatar, the Msheireb heritage…
Top sights compared
| # | Abu Dhabi | Doha |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Museum of Islamic Art |
| 2 | Louvre Abu Dhabi | National Museum of Qatar |
| 3 | Qasr Al Watan | Souq Waqif |
| 4 | Qasr Al Hosn | Falcon Souq |
| 5 | Corniche promenade and beach | Doha Corniche |
Food compared
| Abu Dhabi | Doha |
|---|---|
| Machboos | Machboos |
| Harees | Madrouba |
| Thareed | Harees |
| Luqaimat | Thareed |
Which is cheaper?
Abu Dhabi and Doha cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $180–$350 in Abu Dhabi and $170–$320 in Doha (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Doha on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Abu Dhabi and Doha are about 302 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Abu Dhabi and 3 in Doha.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Abu Dhabi or Doha cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $180–$350 in Abu Dhabi and $170–$320 in Doha (estimates).
+Is Abu Dhabi or Doha better for a first trip?
Pick Abu Dhabi for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi, or Doha for Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif and free sights.
+How far is Abu Dhabi from Doha?
About 302 km in a straight line.