Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Abu Dhabi stopover in August?

Country forums / Middle East / United Arab Emirates

Hey all,

I can make a stopover in Abu Dhabi around the 15th of August for 2 days. However I got a little bit worried if this is a good idea when reading about the heath and the ramadan. I would want to relax there a bit, but would also like to go around and get a good impression of Abu Dhabi (so not only shopping malls), visit the mosque, do a boat tour, go on a desert safari, .... However I got the feeling that life in Abu Dhabi will be on a hold during that time. Would it be better to forget about the stopover and just travel on to my next destination or would it be worth to take the time in Abu Dhabi?

Thank you for your comments

Personally I'd give Abu Dhabi or any other location in the ME a miss during Ramadan. You might be fortunate enough to find a safari or boat tour but for the most part everythig shuts down for the month inculding most resturants during the day. It may be a long day on a boat with no water or food. Although any tour operator would probably wave the requirement for you to fast during your stay on board. It would be much more enjoyable to visit after the holidays when taxi's are more readily availible to get around.

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AVOID the Middle East in Ramadan the city is shut down due to the Ramadan – the city will come to life after sun-set which Muslim in city will be opening the fast.

Regarding heat it hell on earth) it will be around 47C and 35C at night.

Almost Locals in Abu Dhabi will be on summer holidays run away from heart – visiting London Paris Egypt Lebanon and fair east countries.

Regarding doing a tour of the city, visit after the Eid) in mid September when whether stated cool down from the 40s to 30s.

If you are transit in Abu Dhabi stay in airport if you have long layover then airlines will be able to arrange hotel only go out at night time.

Good Luck

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