Comparison · Abu Dhabi vs Dubai · United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi vs Dubai
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 Dubai for Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 123 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 123 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Abu Dhabi
- November–March
- Best time for Dubai
- November–March
Side by side
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | United Arab Emirates |
| Known for | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island theme parks | Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and Shopping malls |
| Best time to visit | November–March | November–March |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$350 | $200–$380 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 43°C (109°F) | July, 41°C (106°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 24°C (75°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Corniche Beach | Kite Beach |
| Airports | AUH | DXB, DWC, SHJ |
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…
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Choose Dubai for…
Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and free sights. Dubai grew from a pearling and trading port on Dubai Creek into a city of skyscrapers stretched along the Gulf coast. The old quarters of Al Fahidi and Deira keep wind-tower houses, gold and spice souks and wooden abras crossing the creek, while Downtown has…
Top sights compared
| # | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Burj Khalifa – At the Top |
| 2 | Louvre Abu Dhabi | Dubai Mall |
| 3 | Qasr Al Watan | Dubai Fountain |
| 4 | Qasr Al Hosn | Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood |
| 5 | Corniche promenade and beach | Abra ride across Dubai Creek |
Food compared
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
|---|---|
| Machboos | Shawarma |
| Harees | Machboos |
| Thareed | Harees |
| Luqaimat | Luqaimat |
Which is cheaper?
Abu Dhabi and Dubai cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $180–$350 in Abu Dhabi and $200–$380 in Dubai (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Abu Dhabi on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are about 123 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Abu Dhabi and 5 in Dubai.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Abu Dhabi or Dubai cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $180–$350 in Abu Dhabi and $200–$380 in Dubai (estimates).
+Is Abu Dhabi or Dubai better for a first trip?
Pick Abu Dhabi for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi, or Dubai for Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and free sights.
+How far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
About 123 km in a straight line.