Capital city, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi for solo travelers
Is Abu Dhabi good for solo travel?
The calmer capital: Grand Mosque, Louvre, Yas Island and Saadiyat beaches, with cleaner, quieter streets than Dubai. Strong for culture and safety; car dependence, summer heat and limited nightlife.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Generally safe for solo women at any hour. Dress modestly in public; taxis and apps are reliable. |
How to meet people in Abu Dhabi
Run clubs and Meetup groups, Yas and Saadiyat events, expat Facebook and WhatsApp groups, and guided tours of the Grand Mosque.
Good things to do alone
- Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset
- Explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Walk or cycle the Corniche
- Mangrove kayaking at Jubail
- Stay a night in a Liwa desert camp
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Corniche and Al Markaziyah | Central, walkable seafront, hotels and restaurants |
| Al Reem Island | Modern flats, expats, a short ride to Saadiyat |
| Saadiyat Island | Beaches, museums and upscale stays |
| Yas Island | Theme parks, events and resorts |
Solo travel across United Arab Emirates
Quick answers
Is Abu Dhabi good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). The calmer capital: Grand Mosque, Louvre, Yas Island and Saadiyat beaches, with cleaner, quieter streets than Dubai.
How do you meet people in Abu Dhabi?
Run clubs and Meetup groups, Yas and Saadiyat events, expat Facebook and WhatsApp groups, and guided tours of the Grand Mosque. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Abu Dhabi?
Spoken almost everywhere.
Is Abu Dhabi safe for solo female travelers?
Generally safe for solo women at any hour. Dress modestly in public; taxis and apps are reliable.
More about Abu Dhabi
Going to Abu Dhabi solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Abu Dhabi meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.