The same journey, the same season and yet two very different kinds of Gulf holiday
Choose Dubai if you are looking for architecture, shopping, restaurants and lively city life with a beach. Choose Abu Dhabi if culture, wide natural beaches and a calmer atmosphere matter more to you.
Both are part of the United Arab Emirates, share the same currency, time zone and season, and are equally quick to reach from Zurich. The difference lies in the rhythm. Dubai is geared towards experiences and pace, while Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, focuses on museums, mosques and spacious islands. As the drive between the two cities takes around 90 minutes by private transfer, most of our guests combine them in one trip. You will find details on our pages on luxury holidays in Dubai and luxury holidays in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai offers very different worlds within a short distance. Around the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall you experience the modern city, while on the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah and at Jumeirah Beach you stay right by the sea. Along Dubai Creek, the older side of the city appears: you cross to Deira in an abra, a traditional wooden boat, and stroll through the spice and gold souks.
Add to this restaurants serving every cuisine, beach clubs and trips into the desert, for example with an overnight stay at Al Maha Desert Resort. Dubai suits guests who want to see and do a great deal in a short time, and families who enjoy water parks and theme parks. You will find peace in the large beach resorts, but the city's overall tone remains lively.
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, and the emirate of the same name covers more than 80 per cent of the country's land area. Its landmark is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with its white domes. On Saadiyat Island you will find the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the Cultural District and a natural beach of around nine kilometres where hawksbill turtles nest.
Yas Island brings together theme parks such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld, as well as the Formula 1 circuit. For a desert experience, we recommend a night at Qasr Al Sarab in the Liwa Oasis, around 2.5 hours from Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi suits couples, culture lovers and families who want to combine beach and excursions, and anyone who prefers a quieter Gulf holiday.
The two emirates hardly differ in their key facts, but clearly differ in character:
In short: Dubai shows you a great deal in a few days, Abu Dhabi gives you more time.
Because the journey is identical and the drive between the two cities takes around 90 minutes, a combination is often worthwhile. A proven formula is to start in Dubai with city and desert, followed by relaxing beach days on Saadiyat Island. We organise the private transfer between the hotels for you.
If you have to choose, this rule of thumb helps: for a short stay with many impressions, Dubai is the right fit. For a week of beach, museums and less bustle, Abu Dhabi is the right fit. If you are travelling with children, both emirates offer theme parks, and in Abu Dhabi they are close together on Yas Island. We are also happy to combine the emirates with an extension to the Maldives, for which Dubai makes an ideal stopover of three to four nights.
Plan your stay with the calendar in mind. In late November or early December, Abu Dhabi hosts the Formula 1 race weekend, which brings a special atmosphere. If you would like to experience it, book early; if you are looking for peace, choose other dates. December to February is particularly well suited to outdoor excursions. We schedule the desert safari for the late afternoon so that you can watch the sun set over the dunes.
Are you ready for paradise? As your specialist for tailor-made luxury holidays in Switzerland, we support you in planning your dream journey.
