The waterfront Corniche area and downtown Abu Dhabi with hotels, shopping malls, and the Heritage Village.

About Abu Dhabi City Center (Corniche)

Abu Dhabi\'s Corniche is a stunning 8-km waterfront promenade that defines the city\'s public face — a curving boulevard of skyscrapers, manicured parks, and turquoise Arabian Gulf waters. The Corniche Beach, a well-maintained stretch of white sand, and the adjacent Heritage Village (a reconstructed traditional oasis village) offer a blend of relaxation and culture.

The city center around the Corniche is where Abu Dhabi\'s wealth is most visibly expressed. The Emirates Palace (now a Mandarin Oriental) is a USD 3 billion hotel complex that embodies Gulf extravagance, while the nearby Etihad Towers and the ADNOC headquarters provide a dramatic skyline. The World Trade Center Souk offers an air-conditioned shopping experience with traditional Arabian design elements.

Beyond the Corniche, Abu Dhabi\'s crown jewels include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — one of the world\'s largest and most beautiful mosques, with 82 domes and capacity for 40,000 worshippers — and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, a Jean Nouvel-designed museum with a mesmerizing 'rain of light' dome. The capital offers a more refined, less frenetic alternative to neighboring Dubai, with genuine cultural ambitions reflected in its museum district and performing arts investments.

Nearby Landmarks

Corniche Beach Emirates Palace Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Louvre Abu Dhabi

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost AED 75-100 ($20-27)
Time 20-30 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost AED 60-80 ($16-22)
Time 20-30 minutes

Arrivals level, taxi rank and ride-share area

Step-by-Step Directions

A1 bus runs from the airport to Abu Dhabi central bus station. Taxis are metered and affordable. Uber and Careem are widely available.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi AED 75-100 ($20-27) 20-30 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare AED 60-80 ($16-22) 20-30 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis are available 24/7 at Abu Dhabi Airport (metered, approximately AED 75-100 to Corniche). Uber and Careem operate around the clock. The A1 airport express bus does not run after midnight. Abu Dhabi is exceptionally safe at night. Many five-star hotels offer complimentary airport transfers for guests.

Luggage Tips

Abu Dhabi taxis and rideshares are typically spacious sedans (Toyota Camry or similar). Luggage is not an issue for standard travelers. If arriving with golf clubs or oversized equipment (common for Abu Dhabi resort guests), request a larger vehicle through Uber or pre-book a transfer.

Accessibility

Abu Dhabi's new Midfield Terminal is state-of-the-art and fully accessible. Taxis include wheelchair-accessible vehicles on request. The Corniche promenade is flat, wide, and fully accessible with ramps to the beach. The Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are fully wheelchair accessible with dedicated facilities. Abu Dhabi is one of the most accessible cities in the Middle East.