Anybody Been to Abu Dhabi?

**marothisu** · 01-19-2013, 10:36 PM

I have a layover in Abu Dhabi in a few months for just under 7 hours. We arrive at night, and was wondering if anybody on here has been there. I'm basically wondering if it's worth it. I can think of a few places I want to go there (i.e. Ferrari Theme Park, world's largest mosque), but am betting they close "early" but unsure if the place is worth it for what will probably be 4 hours at night.

Thanks for the help.

**Cycsk** · 01-19-2013, 10:46 PM

I never try to make tourist trips during international layovers. Too many variables with local transportation and getting back to the correct gate. Unless you can lose a day, I wouldn't take the risk of leaving the airport, but just enjoy the international travel lounge!

**00clone** · 01-19-2013, 11:02 PM

I ended up there by accident once. I knew I should have taken that left turn in Albuquerque.

**DistrictCyclone** · 01-19-2013, 11:02 PM

This guy:

**WhatchaGonnaDo** · 01-19-2013, 11:46 PM

They have a a nice strip club and there

**Daserop** · 01-20-2013, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by WhatchaGonnaDo

They have a a nice strip club and there

they have a strip club IN the airport!!!!! Jealous!

**marothisu** · 01-20-2013, 04:03 AM

Originally Posted by Cycsk

I never try to make tourist trips during international layovers. Too many variables with local transportation and getting back to the correct gate. Unless you can lose a day, I wouldn't take the risk of leaving the airport, but just enjoy the international travel lounge!

That's kind of what I thought. I have done international layovers before, but made sure it was going to be fine. Flight lands at 8pm, and then next one takes off at like 2:30am. My friend who lives in Dubai said the malls don't close until 2am there, but I don't want to go out for just that. I think the airport lounge will be fine. We're flying Etihad and just missed the free hotel on a layover deal :( Can't believe they give you a free hotel...

**Angie** · 01-20-2013, 06:58 AM

I would find a way to get solid sleep, personally.

**Arkansas** · 01-20-2013, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by Cycsk

I never try to make tourist trips during international layovers. Too many variables with local transportation and getting back to the correct gate. Unless you can lose a day, I wouldn't take the risk of leaving the airport, but just enjoy the international travel lounge!

I agree with this too. I've had layovers in Beijing (twice) and Tokyo and just getting to your next gate can be a challenge sometimes (especially Beijing) even if it's a long layover. Unless you're spending the night there I'd probably suggest staying at the airport.

**LostinIowaCity** · 01-20-2013, 08:27 AM

I just got back from Dubai and I would recommend what others have said. It took a solid two hours to get through the three layers of security at Dubai International. Abu Dhabi is likely less busy, but I would still expect it to be a pain to go through security.

I got to go to the mosque (not the world's largest, but top 10), and it was an experience, but it will likely be closed at night. I think I would just pack it in.

**ISUStrEngr** · 01-20-2013, 08:41 AM

I've been there a couple times. I would agree with the others who say to stay at the airport. Most of the attractions there are best seen during the day, and it can take a while to get around

They are building a new terminal, but I don't think it is open. You should be able to find a place to lay down

**marothisu** · 01-20-2013, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by Angie

I would find a way to get solid sleep, personally.

Yeah, maybe a little. The next flight is at 2:30am, but it's also an almost 8 hour flight, so I have to plan this out. I'm going to be in the middle east/europe in another country for about a week before doing the layover in Abu Dhabi, then go to SE Asia for 1.5 weeks, which is 6 hours ahead of the other and get there at 2pm. I'm going to have to get some sleep, but not a ton so I can fall asleep easily in the new time zone.