Anybody Been to Abu Dhabi?

[marothisu]

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]

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]

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

 

[DistrictCyclone]

This guy:

 

[WhatchaGonnaDo]

They have a a nice strip club and there

 

[Daserop]

They have a a nice strip club and there

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

 

[marothisu]

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]

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

 

[Arkansas Cyclone]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[TXCyclones]

The cheapest shopping for a number of things there in the airport! I bought an unlocked iPhone 3 when they first came out there for $89.

 

[marothisu]

The cheapest shopping for a number of things there in the airport! I bought an unlocked iPhone 3 when they first came out there for $89.

Nice. Does that extend to other stuff like certain watches?

 

[ISUFan22]

This guy:

Actually, it was Odie. Garfield was the shipper.

 

[SeattleClone]

Actually, it was Nermal.

 

[IowaClone]

Just as a heads up, the Middle East is Mall culture because its so freaking hot and the malls are all air conditioned when people go to the mall they spend the whole day there, these malls are the size of Mall of America if not bigger.

 

[marothisu]

Just as a heads up, the Middle East is Mall culture because its so freaking hot and the malls are all air conditioned when people go to the mall they spend the whole day there, these malls are the size of Mall of America if not bigger.

That's what I hear too. Not a fan of malls, so that's not a big attraction of mine no matter how big it is. Give me a good, ancient Bazaar though in the middle east and I'm fine...unless the Bazaar is ultra touristy and the venders are annoying.