Cheap Flights from Paris to Abu Dhabi from $79

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a modern city on the Persian Gulf Coast. Over the past few decades, Abu Dhabi has undergone extensive development. Like Dubai, this Middle Eastern city is famous for its supertall skyscrapers, including the Burj Mohammed bin Rashid, which is more than 90 floors tall.

Abu Dhabi is not only the political capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is also the Middle Eastern capital of the global art world. Western museums continue to open branches in this modernizing city. In 2017, the Louvre opened a branch in Abu Dhabi, and the spectacular Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is set to open soon.

In Abu Dhabi, you will enjoy the chance to explore a thriving, Middle Eastern metropolis. Flight-times from Paris are as little as 7 hours.

To Abu Dhabi: Before You Travel

Due to COVID-19, all travellers must take additional safety precautions when visiting Abu Dhabi.

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers are currently able to travel to Abu Dhabi. However, many public and private places in the city still require proof of vaccination. If you are unvaccinated, you will also be subject to increased testing during your time in the city.

France is included on the United Arab Emirates’ list of "Green Countries." This means that you do not need to quarantine upon arrival.

All travellers will need to take a COVID RT-PCR test at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Vaccinated travellers need to take a second test on day 6 of your trip. Unvaccinated travellers need to take a second test on day 4 and day 8 of your trip.

As a French traveller, you do not need to apply for a visa prior to visiting Abu Dhabi. Instead, you can receive a visa directly at the airport after arrival. Simply walk over to immigration.

To Abu Dhabi: Tickets and Air Travel

Several flights travel from Paris to Abu Dhabi every day. Generally, flights from Paris depart as early as 6:20 in the morning until well after midnight (00:25).

Ticket prices vary depending on what airline you choose and what time of day you fly at.
Several connecting flights are available every day. These flights typically last between 10 to 12 hours, and ticket prices range from $300 to $500.

Etihad Airways runs one non-stop flight from Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris to Abu Dhabi International Airport every day. These flights typically take about 7 hours and depart between 13:00 and 14:00. Tickets prices are generally just over $500.

In Abu Dhabi: From Abu Dhabi International Airport to Downtown Abu Dhabi

You will have plenty of transit options when you arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Multiple public bus lines stop at all terminals of Abu Dhabi’s airport. Bus stops are clearly indicated with blue and white signs. If you want to go downtown, ride the A1 or A2 line, which run all the way from the inland airport to Abu Dhabi’s seaside neighbourhoods. The ride will take just over an hour. One way fare on the bus costs 4 AED, or approximately 1 Euro.

If you are looking for more private transit, you can grab a taxi. Taxi lanes will be located near bus stops outside all terminals. The taxi-ride from the Abu Dhabi airport to downtown also typically lasts just over 1 hour, and it costs between 50 and 65 euros.

To Abu Dhabi: When to Travel

When you choose to travel to Abu Dhabi will depend on two factors: weather and crowds.

Wintertime is the most popular time to visit Abu Dhabi. Naturally, at this time of year the weather is quite mild. Temperatures typically range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Mild weather also means that Abu Dhabi is quite crowded. Between December and March, tourists cover Abu Dhabi’s beaches and business travellers often hog the city’s cabs.

The best time to travel to Abu Dhabi is either early spring (April to May) or early autumn (September to October). At this time, you will find more reasonable hotel rates and the city will also be significantly less crowded. Without Abu Dhabi’s summer heat, the weather will still be mild, too.

In Abu Dhabi: Local Customs

As every traveller knows, it's important to learn a foreign city’s local customs before your trip. This way you can be prepared and avoid awkward encounters when you arrive in a new place.

Standards around alcohol consumption are very different in the United Arab Emirates compared to much of Europe. While in Abu Dhabi, you should certainly enjoy a drink at a local bar, but moderation is advised. Never drink in public.

Tipping is not expected, but it is common in the United Arab Emirates, especially in big cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. 10 percent of the final bill will be considered a good tip in Abu Dhabi.

Islam is a central part of public life in the United Arab Emirates. Familiarize yourself with Holy Days and prayers times before you arrive. Periodically, you will find that certain institutions close for religious reasons. Certain parts of the city will also be especially crowded during religious ceremonies and holidays.

In Abu Dhabi: Attractions

In Abu Dhabi, you will find a brilliant blend of traditional and modern life. Sites and attractions vary from centuries-old architecture to brand-new museums.

For travellers who want to learn more about Islamic culture, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center is a must-see. Built between 1996 and 2007, this is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. It regularly receives tens of thousands of worshippers on Muslim holidays.

The architect of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque based his modern design on traditional, Middle Eastern architecture. If you want to learn more about local history, you can also visit Qasr AlHosn. This 18th century watchtower was Abu Dhabi’s first permanent structure. Looking over coastal trade routes, Qasr AlHosn protected a growing city.

In Abu Dhabi, you can explore beyond architecture and venture into fine art. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a major new attraction in this Middle Eastern city. This museum opened in 2017, and it has been praised around the world for bringing together the best of Eastern and Western art.

After a day of high-minded visits, you may also enjoy relaxing at night with some good, old-fashioned fun. Abu Dhabi hosts multiple amusement parks. Pop-culture fans will enjoy a trip to Warner Bros World. Thrill-seekers should also check out Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, home to the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world.