For those desperate to chase the sunshine and escape the chilly temperatures, there's one destination on everyone's lips: Abu Dhabi. According to a poll by TravelGuard, the Middle East hotspot has seen a whopping 421% rise in searches year-on-year, and it's clear to see why - you've got sun, sea, sand and five star luxury.
I was lucky enough to visit Abu Dhabi for the first time back in December and this trip brought a few firsts for me, including my first time visiting the Middle East and my first time flying alone!
With my jam-packed itinerary, I was super excited to discover Abu Dhabi for the very first time. From behind-the-scenes access at Yas Marina Circuit, a gorgeous boat trip and a glimpse into local history and culture, here's how this trip-of-a-lifetime really went…
First stop: My hotel
The flight time from London to Abu Dhabi is about seven hours on average, so it's safe to say I was looking forward to checking into my hotel after a long day of travelling.
The Rixos Marina is an architecturally stunning hotel about a 40-minute drive from Zayed International Airport. Guests are offered fantastic views either over the city or the gorgeous blue sea. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and equipped with everything you could need.
© Rixos Marina Abu DhabiFood lovers rejoice - the hotel had a range of eight restaurants and nine bars and snack stands, including The Bakery Club, which serves delicious coffee and freshly made treats day or night. If it's not too warm, be sure to enjoy your breakfast outside and enjoy the gorgeous view.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy your stay at the Rixos Marina. If you want to get moving, the hotel has its own high-tech gym, beachside wellness area, and outdoor tennis courts to keep you busy. If chilling out is more on your wavelength, you can hang out by the pool, or take full advantage of the hotel's private beach access.
© Rixos Marina Abu DhabiAs stunning as the hotel was, I was excited to see more of Abu Dhabi though so I headed off for some sightseeing.
Exploring Abu Dhabi's history and culture
For the culture vultures among us, Abu Dhabi has so much to offer. The emirate boasts a wealth of galleries and museums, including the recently-opened Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
My trip took me to a royal-approved spot: the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This breathtaking site was visited by the then-Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, back in 2016 as part of their tour around the United Arab Emirates. After wandering the mosque's museum, I was privileged to get a private tour of the main prayer hall, where I walked on the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. The level of detail and intricacy in every inch of the hall was amazing, including the seven large chandeliers to the columns inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The mosque's exterior was equally beautiful, featuring pristine white marble columns, inlaid with semi-precious stones, and a whopping 82 domes!
© Isabel Drugan/GettyIf you're planning on visiting the Grand Mosque, be sure to dress appropriately; you should avoid sheer clothing and anything short or tight. If you're struggling to find the right clothing, don't worry - the mosque comes with its own pretty extensive shopping area attached, where there are multiple shops for visitors to purchase a cover-up. It's also important to leave yourself plenty of time to explore. The museum goes into lots of fantastic detail, and then the mosque itself requires time just to take it all in.
If you're new to the area or the climate, don't worry - packing was pretty easy. Opt for clothing that will keep you cool but covered - think linen trousers, long skirts, maxi dresses. While dress codes are fairly relaxed for visitors, with some people wearing shorts and t-shirts, some places will want you to dress more modestly. If you're visiting any sites of religious or cultural importance, check the dress code before you go and pack a range of items.
Time for some fun
There's something for everyone in Abu Dhabi. Of course, there's opportunities for history and culture fans, as I found out. If adventure and adrenaline are more your thing, you're well-covered: Yas Theme Parks - Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Sea World and Yas Waterworld - offer a range of rides and experiences for a fun-filled day.
Anyone who knows me will know about my love of Formula 1. My friends, family and colleagues have all been subjected to hearing my obsession over the years, so, when the opportunity to watch the final race of the 2025 season - and a championship decider, no less - came up, I absolutely had to go. And, what's more, I got some incredible behind-the-scenes access at Yas Marina Circuit.
I've possibly never been less cool than when I set foot in the Formula 1 paddock at Yas Marina Circuit. I could barely contain my excitement at being so close to the heart of the action, right next to the luxury villas that the teams were using as their headquarters for the weekend.
The fun didn't stop there, as we were then allowed to walk the pitlane, seeing some of the cars getting ready for the first practice session, and watching teams practice their pitstops. Hearing the wheel guns in person was something I'll never get over.
This truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. The glamour of the paddock, excitement of the race and sheer speed of the cars can only make for a weekend well-spent.
Off to the Abu Dhabi desert
© Ogilvy PRHeading out to the desert is an absolute essential if you're visiting the area for the first time. I was able to get my own taste of speed and adventure with a short trip on a quad bike (even if I was humiliatingly bad at driving it!) and a dune-bashing session up and down the dunes in a 4x4.
There are plenty of desert safari packages to choose from. Whether you're after a sunrise trip, an evening desert trip or an overnight stay. Yes, really. Whichever one you go for, you can't go wrong.
© Ogilvy PRSun, sea and safari: making the most of Abu Dhabi’s outdoors
A boat trip is a popular choice for tourists in Abu Dhabi, so I grabbed my swimsuit and cover-up and boarded the Sea Safari Cruise. Keep an eye out for dolphins at Dolphin Island, take a dip in the sea and enjoy a barbecue on the shore of Bahraini Island.
My verdict as a first-timer in Abu Dhabi
If my weekend away taught me anything, it's that there's something for everyone in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re drawn by culture, adventure, relaxation or world-class sporting moments, it’s a destination that surprises and delights at every turn — no wonder it's top of so many bucket lists right now. So take the leap, try somewhere new… you never know what you might find.
Rooms start at £318 per night. For more details, to book visit British Airways, Booking.com, or Tui.
