How Much Does Abu Dhabi Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Abu Dhabi is a destination of sharp contrasts, where ultra-luxury beachfront resorts coexist with surprisingly affordable city-center options. A realistic per-person daily budget is roughly $118 / AED 432/day on the low end, around $306 / AED 1,124/day mid-range, and $765+ / AED 2,810+/day for luxury (excluding shopping). Costs swing with season and where you stay—Saadiyat and Yas Island are pricier than downtown.
Is Abu Dhabi expensive to visit?
Budget around $118 / AED 432/day per person, ~$306 / AED 1,124/day mid-range, and $765+ / AED 2,810+/day for luxury (excluding shopping).
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Abu Dhabi
$118
per person /day
$306
per person /day
$765
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $353 | $918 | $2,295 |
| 5-Day Trip | $589 | $1,530 | $3,825 |
| 7-Day Trip | $824 | $2,142 | $5,355 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
A 15–25% buffer is recommended for hotel/restaurant bills because multiple line items can apply (commonly tourism fee 4% + municipality fee 4% + VAT 5% + possible service charge). Booking platforms sometimes show base prices before all fees.
How Does It Compare?
See how Abu Dhabi stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Abu Dhabi
Food & Drink (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Typical for a cafeteria or small Lebanese/Indian eatery. | $8.14 AED 30 |
| Mid-range Dinner for Two Three-course meal without alcohol. Includes VAT but may exclude service charges. | $61 AED 224 |
| Pint of Draught Beer (Hotel Bar) Alcohol is only served in licensed hotel bars/clubs and is heavily taxed. | $14 AED 50 |
| Cafe Latte Specialty coffee shops in malls or Al Bateen typically charge ~$6.71 / AED 25. | $6.78 AED 25 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airport Bus A1 (To City Center) Requires a Hafilat smart card. Buses run 24/7 every 30–60 minutes. | $1.08 AED 3.98 |
| Taxi Minimum Fare Day flag fall is ~$1.35 / AED 4.97. Night flag fall (22:00–06:00) is slightly higher. | $3.26 AED 12 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass Unlimited travel on local city buses. Requires a personalized Hafilat card. | $26 AED 95 |
| Intercity Bus to Dubai (E101) Leaves from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Ibn Battuta Metro Station. | $6.78 AED 25 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Hotel (Top Stars Hotel) Standard double room in downtown area. Hostels are rare; budget hotels are the primary low-cost option. | $50 AED 184 |
| Mid-Range Hotel (Rixos Marina) Prices fluctuate significantly between summer and winter seasons. | $218 AED 800 |
| Luxury Beach Resort (St. Regis Saadiyat) Saadiyat Island resorts are the most premium in the city. | $528 AED 1,941 |
Activities (5)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Louvre Abu Dhabi Admission (Standard Adult) Includes access to galleries and exhibitions. Under 18s enter free. Residents over 60 are also free. | $19 AED 70 |
| Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Admission Entry is free. For smoother entry, it's recommended to register/book via the mosque's official site and have your access pass/QR ready (procedures can change during peak periods). | $0 AED 0 |
| Ferrari World Single Day Ticket Buying online saves ~$9.42 / AED 35 compared to gate prices. Includes unlimited ride access. | $94 AED 344 |
| Qasr Al Watan Ticket (Peak Adult) Peak price. Off-peak entry (with restricted 13:00–16:00 hours) costs ~$18 / AED 65. | $22 AED 80 |
| Yas Marina Circuit Venue Tour Guided tour of key F1 areas (race control, podium, garages depending on schedule). Duration approx. 1.5–2 hours; confirm on booking page as prices/timings can change. | $43 AED 157 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining ranges from inexpensive cafeteria meals at $8.14 / AED 30 to a mid-range three-course dinner for two costing approximately $61 / AED 224. Alcohol is a significant budget factor, as it is primarily served in licensed hotel venues where a pint of draught beer typically costs $14 / AED 50 due to high taxation. For the best value, travelers should look to the vibrant Lebanese and Indian eateries in the downtown area rather than relying solely on resort-based dining.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Al Ibrahimi Restaurant
$12–$23 / AED 45–AED 85Electra Street · Local chain
The lunch buffet is the best value in the city for ~$12 / AED 45.
Bait El Khetyar
$5.43–$15 / AED 20–AED 55Najda · Street food area
Their hummus and falafel platters are enough for two people to share.
Zahrat Lebnan
$4.07–$16 / AED 15–AED 60Multiple locations · Local chain
A large shawarma sandwich costs ~$4.07 / AED 15 and is a local staple.
Seashell Cafeteria
$2.72–$8.14 / AED 9.99–AED 30Khalidiya · Street food area
Try the 'Hassan Mathar' sandwich for ~$3.26 / AED 12.
Gad Restaurant
$6.78–$14 / AED 25–AED 50Tourist Club Area · Local chain
Order the Koshary for a filling vegetarian meal under ~$6.78 / AED 25.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is most cost-effective via the public bus system, with the Airport Bus A1 charging just $1.08 / AED 3.98 per trip with a Hafilat smart card. Taxis are common and reliable, featuring a minimum fare of $3.26 / AED 12, though costs can add up quickly when traveling between distant hubs like the Corniche and Yas Island. For long-term stays, a monthly public transport pass for $26 / AED 95 provides unlimited local bus travel.
Accommodation Overview
The lodging market is split between functional budget hotels in the city center starting at $50 / AED 184 and opulent beachfront resorts like the St. Regis Saadiyat, which average $528 / AED 1,941 per night. Mid-range options such as the Rixos Marina offer a middle ground at approximately $218 / AED 800, though prices fluctuate heavily based on the season.
Accommodation Budget in Abu Dhabi
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Purchase Ferrari World tickets online in advance to save approximately $9.42 / AED 35 compared to the gate price of $94 / AED 344.
- 2 Utilize the Hafilat smart card for all bus travel, including the $1.08 / AED 3.98 fare from the airport, as cash is not accepted on board.
- 3 Eat at local mainstays like Seashell Cafeteria or Zahrat Lebnan, where a filling meal costs roughly $8.14 / AED 30.
- 4 Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for free—registering via the mosque's official site for a QR/access pass is recommended for smoother entry.
- 5 Take advantage of the Louvre Abu Dhabi's age policy; while adult admission is $19 / AED 70, those under 18 enter for free.
- 6 Use the E101 intercity bus from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to reach Dubai for just $6.78 / AED 25 instead of hiring a private car.
- 7 Opt for a monthly Hafilat pass at $26 / AED 95 if staying in the city for more than a week to cap transport expenses.
- 8 Limit alcohol consumption to 'Happy Hours' in hotel bars to avoid the standard $14 / AED 50 pint price.
- 9 Stick to public beach sections on the Corniche to avoid the high day-pass fees charged by private beach clubs.
- 10 Bring a reusable bag—single-use plastic bags are banned in Abu Dhabi, and buying a reusable one at supermarkets typically costs a small fee (often under $0.59 / AED 2.16).
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
+40-60%
Jun, Jul, Aug
-30-50%
Apr, Oct
Summer (Jun–Aug) is extremely hot with temps over 45°C (113°F), leading to massive hotel discounts. Winter is perfect at 20–25°C (68–77°F) but requires booking months in advance.
Events to Watch
- ● Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Nov): +200% hotels
- ● IDEX Defense Exhibition (Feb): +100% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Explore the world-renowned architecture for free (registering online for an access pass is recommended for smoother entry).
- 2 Emirates Heritage Village: Discover traditional Emirati life and crafts at this open-air museum in the Breakwater area.
- 3 The Founder's Memorial: Walk through the landscaped gardens and view 'The Constellation' artwork dedicated to Sheikh Zayed.
- 4 Wahat Al Karama: Visit the permanent war memorial located directly across from the Grand Mosque.
- 5 Al Wathba Wetland Reserve: Observe flamingos and local wildlife on the designated walking trails (check seasonal opening hours).
- 6 TrainYas at Yas Marina Circuit: Register for free to cycle, run, or walk the Formula 1 track on Sunday and Tuesday evenings.
- 7 The Corniche Boardwalk: Enjoy an 8km stroll along the waterfront with views of the skyline and Arabian Gulf.
- 8 Al Bateen Public Beach: Access the shoreline for swimming and sunbathing at no cost.
- 9 Jebel Hafeet: Drive up the mountain road for panoramic views of Al Ain and the surrounding desert.
- 10 Manarat Al Saadiyat: View various contemporary art exhibitions and community projects that are often free to the public.
- 11 Qasr Al Hosn Grounds: Wander the exterior of Abu Dhabi's oldest stone building and the surrounding plaza.
- 12 Abrahamic Family House: Visit the mosque, church, and synagogue complex on Saadiyat Island (requires free advance booking).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Afternoon Tea at Emirates Palace
The ultimate luxury experience in a palace made of gold leaf. Includes the famous 24-carat gold-flaked cappuccino.
Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner
Includes dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and a traditional dinner under the stars.
Formula 1 Driving Experience (Aston Martin)
Drive a high-performance vehicle on the actual F1 track with professional coaching.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Abu Dhabi
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Abu Dhabi and what they cost
Al Ain (The Garden City)
$14 / AED 50 by bus
Free
$41 / AED 150
Dubai (Downtown)
$14 / AED 50 by bus
$49 / AED 178
$122 / AED 449
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
1 $ ≈ 3.67 AED
No
Everywhere including street food stalls and taxis.
A 10–15% tip is standard in restaurants if no service charge is included. For taxis, rounding up by ~$1.35–$2.71 / AED 4.97–AED 9.94 is appreciated.
ATMs are abundant. Use bank-affiliated ATMs (ADCB, FAB) to avoid extra fees. Most international cards work seamlessly.
Expected in the Souk at World Trade Center or the Gold Souk. Start by offering 50% of the price and settle around 70%. Not applicable in malls.
Connectivity
eSIM: $9.42–$41 for 1GB-20GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $14 / AED 50 at airport for 4GB (28 days)
WiFi: Excellent in all malls, parks, and museums.
Use an Airalo eSIM for data and get the free 'Visitor SIM' at airport immigration for 1GB of emergency data.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Abu Dhabi.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
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Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
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Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown