Comparison · Abu Dhabi vs Riyadh · United Arab Emirates / Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi vs Riyadh
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, Louvre Abu Dhabi, beaches and day trips; choose Riyadh for Diriyah and At-Turaif and Masmak Fortress. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 779 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 779 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Abu Dhabi
- November–March
- Best time for Riyadh
- November–March
Side by side
| Abu Dhabi | Riyadh | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Saudi Arabia |
| Known for | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island theme parks | Diriyah and At-Turaif, Masmak Fortress and Kingdom Centre |
| Best time to visit | November–March | November–March |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$350 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 43°C (109°F) | July, 44°C (111°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 20°C (68°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 3 |
| Beaches | Corniche Beach | — |
| Airports | AUH | RUH |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Abu Dhabi for…
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, beaches and day trips. 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 Riyadh for…
Diriyah and At-Turaif and Masmak Fortress. Saudi Arabia's capital spreads across the Najd plateau, from the mudbrick Masmak Fortress and the National Museum in the old centre to the Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliah towers on Olaya Street and the glass high-rises of the King Abdullah Financial…
Top sights compared
| # | Abu Dhabi | Riyadh |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | At-Turaif District, Diriyah |
| 2 | Louvre Abu Dhabi | Masmak Fortress |
| 3 | Qasr Al Watan | National Museum of Saudi Arabia |
| 4 | Qasr Al Hosn | Murabba Palace |
| 5 | Corniche promenade and beach | Bujairi Terrace |
Food compared
| Abu Dhabi | Riyadh |
|---|---|
| Machboos | Kabsa |
| Harees | Mandi |
| Thareed | Jareesh |
| Luqaimat | Marqooq |
Which is cheaper?
Abu Dhabi and Riyadh cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $180–$350 in Abu Dhabi and $180–$320 in Riyadh (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Riyadh on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 779 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Abu Dhabi or Riyadh cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $180–$350 in Abu Dhabi and $180–$320 in Riyadh (estimates).
+Is Abu Dhabi or Riyadh better for a first trip?
Pick Abu Dhabi for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, beaches and day trips, or Riyadh for Diriyah and At-Turaif and Masmak Fortress.
+How far is Abu Dhabi from Riyadh?
About 779 km in a straight line.