Abu Dhabi from Australia: what a trip really costs
What a day costs in Abu Dhabi, when to go, the visa for Australians and the sights not to miss. Every figure comes from Trip720's checked data, with its source. Updated 26 Oct 2026.
Plan my Abu Dhabi tripDay to day in Abu Dhabi, per person
| Style | Food | With transport |
|---|---|---|
| Street food and markets | A$46 | A$50 |
| A balanced mix | A$76 | A$80 |
| Mostly restaurants | A$97 | A$101 |
- Local transport: about A$4 a day. Taxi: A$2 to start, then A$0.71 a km.
- Cooking for yourself: about A$17 a day for food.
- Tipping: about 10% where service is good.
Your stay, flights and activities come on top: the planner prices them for your dates. Sources: numbeo.com, budgetyourtrip.com, admobility.gov.ae; in AUD at today's rate.
When to go
22°F
23°M
26°A
30°M
35°J
36°J
38°A
39°S
37°O
34°N
29°D
25°
The most pleasant months are November to March. July is the driest month (1 mm of rain) and March the wettest (13 mm).
Bars: rain each month; green: the most pleasant months. Numbers: average daytime high. Source: NASA POWER climatology.
Best time to visit United Arab Emirates, place by placeVisa for Australians
Tourist visa on arrival
Official source: smartraveller.gov.au, checked 2026-10-26. Rules change: your plan checks your own passport when you build it.
Not to miss in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosquemosque · a couple of hoursFree entry, modest dress (abayas lent); closed to visitors Friday mornings. Sunset and evening lighting are the best times
The Corniche and Corniche Beachbeach · half a day8 km waterfront with a cycle path and lifeguarded Blue Flag beach; hire a bike, go late afternoon
Ferrari World and Yas Island theme parkstheme park · a full dayFormula Rossa coaster, plus Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld and Yas Waterworld next door; multi-park passes save money
Qasr Al Watan presidential palacepalace · a couple of hoursVast white-marble palace open to visitors; stay for the evening light-and-sound show on the facade
Abrahamic Family Houselandmark · a couple of hoursMosque, church and synagogue in one Adjaye-designed complex a short walk from the Louvre; closed Mondays
Louvre Abu Dhabimuseum · half a dayJean Nouvel's rain-of-light dome on Saadiyat Island; closed Mondays, kayak tours under the dome can be booked
Emirates Palacelandmark · a couple of hoursBook ahead. Walk the gold-and-marble lobby and order the gold-flake Palace Cappuccino; smart dress expected
- Qasr Al Hosn forthistoric site · a couple of hours
The city's oldest building, with the House of Artisans and a traditional coffee ceremony on the same ticket
- Desert safari with dune bashing and camp dinnerexperience · half a day
Hotel pick-up mid-afternoon, 4x4 dunes, camel ride, sunset and a Bedouin-style camp dinner; back around 9-10pm
- Kayaking in the Eastern Mangrovesexperience · a couple of hours
Guided paddles through the mangrove channels minutes from downtown; herons, flamingos in winter, calm water
From our research of travel guides; ticket prices from Tiqets when we found them. Photos: Wikimedia Commons, free licences.
Questions travellers ask
How much does a day in Abu Dhabi cost?
Food and getting around come to about A$50 a person a day eating street food, A$80 with a balanced mix and A$101 eating mostly in restaurants, before your stay and activities.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
The most pleasant months are November to March. July is the driest month (1 mm of rain) and March the wettest (13 mm); daytime highs run from 22 to 39 °C over the year.
Do Australians need a visa for United Arab Emirates?
Tourist visa on arrival. Checked on smartraveller.gov.au on 2026-10-26; rules change, so check again before you book.
What should I not miss in Abu Dhabi?
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, The Corniche and Corniche Beach, Ferrari World and Yas Island theme parks, Qasr Al Watan presidential palace, Abrahamic Family House.
Your whole Abu Dhabi trip, priced from your door
Trip720 adds the flights from Australia, the stays, transfers, food, activities and the visa for your dates and budget, home to home.
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