Abu Dhabi is hot most of the year-round, but in October, the burning heat starts to come down as UAE starts to head towards winter months making Abu Dhabi in October one of the best times to see this amazing capital city. Abu Dhabi is a modern man-made wonder that has become an icon for tourism thanks to the city evolving from a desert village to one of the greatest cities of our time. Therefore, if you are also planning a vacation in Abu Dhabi in October, the following blog will guide you on everything important you need to know.
Is October a good time to visit Abu Dhabi?
Yes, October is one of the best months to visit Abu Dhabi because this is the month when the temperatures start to go down and there aren’t too many people here. Though November and December are winter months and peak tourist seasons, Abu Dhabi can get too crowded and prices can go north, but in October, the crowds are less, the prices are affordable, and the weather is great for Abu Dhabi’s many outdoor attractions and activities. So, yes, this is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi.
Weather in Abu Dhabi in October
Abu Dhabi’s weather in October is slightly on the warmer side but not very hot and is pleasant enough for more outdoor activities. No rain is expected this month but the heat starts to come down as the month progresses. Evening temperatures in this desert city are always cool. Here’s a more detailed look at Abu Dhabi weather in October:
- Temperature: Low – 25°C, High – 35°C
- Humidity: Around 50%
- Chance of Rain: 40% chance
- Daylight: 11 to 11.5 hours
- Sunrise: Around 06:21 AM
- Sunset: Around 05:45 PM
Things to do in Abu Dhabi in October
There are many things to do in Abu Dhabi in October that are the right combination of indoor and outdoor activities. You are guaranteed to have a great time with the following activities:
Adventures in the Desert
Abu Dhabi is famous for its desert safari. If you are a morning person, book the morning safari and witness the sun rise and illuminate the golden dunes. Most safaris also include dune bashing in which your driver drives (more like flies) you over huge dunes. You can also add activities like quad biking, dune buggy rides, and sandboarding. In the evening safari, you also get to enjoy henna painting, shisha smoking, traditional dress photography, belly & fire dance, and a BBQ dinner. This is the most popular one but many also choose overnight safari and spend the night in the desert. Choose the desert safari in Abu Dhabi that appeals to you the most.
Soak in the Art, Culture & History
One of the best and most important things to do in Abu Dhabi is soak in the city’s art, culture, and history. For art and history, head to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and check out the artwork of some of the most famous artists. Other must-see museums and galleries here are the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum, and Delma Museum. Culture and history lovers should check out Qasr Al Hosn Fort and Heritage Village, and learn about the history and the way of life of the original residents, the Emiratis. Each place will leave you more knowledgeable about this great city.
Scream in Excitement at the Best Theme Parks
Abu Dhabi is the unofficial theme park capital of the Middle East. There are many amazing theme parks here with world-class rides and experiences. Your Abu Dhabi trip must include one or more of these parks. Start with buying Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi tickets and reliving your childhood as the park has themes of all the famous Warner Bros cartoons and TV shows. There are many world-class rides here. Another amazing must-see theme park in Abu Dhabi is the Ferrari World. This Ferrari themed amusement park has many race-themed rides, including the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa. Other great theme parks here are Bounce Abu Dhabi, I Battle, and Yas Karting. The best part of all the parks is that adults and kids both will have an equally good time.
Revel in the Snow
Snow in Abu Dhabi? Yes! The city has done the unthinkable and has created two indoor theme parks based on ice and snow. Snow Abu Dhabi is a winter-themed amusement park full of rides like bumper tubes, roll gliders, tube sleds, and many other fun things. This is quite a unique amusement park. The other place is the Abu Dhabi Ice Rink. This Olympic-sized ice rink is built inside Zayed Sports City and regularly hosts many skating sports and ice hockey events. When not hosting, kids and adults can buy tickets to enjoy the ice rink and skate to their hearts’ content. Booth places have gained iconic statuses and are regulars for locals and tourists.
Shop Until You Drop
Come to Abu Dhabi with minimal luggage and leave with bags full of the most amazing clothes, accessories, electronics, perfumes, spices, and more. This great city is home to some of the most amazing malls in the country. The Marina Mall, in the neighborhood of the Emirates Palace, is one of the most popular malls thanks to the amazing views and presence of the best brands in the world. Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Mall is another fabulous mall with more than 200 stores of the best brands. There’s also an amazing food court hosting the best restaurants and cafes. But the most must-see has to be the Yas Mall. Located on Yas Islands, this mall is famous for its many amazing entertainment avenues that will keep you happy. Abu Dhabi truly is a shopper’s paradise.
Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi in October
There are so many best places to visit in Abu Dhabi in October that you will feel like you are spoiled for choice. But there are a few places that you have to visit. Here are those places:
Yas Island
This is the place where it all happens! Yas Island is a man-made island home to the best attractions of Abu Dhabi. It is so popular that people vacationing in Dubai also make a pit stop here to enjoy its offerings. The Ferrari World is the only Ferrari-themed amusement park in the world. Each ride here is faster than the next. This is a place for race junkies. Yas Island also has Yas Marina F1 track where you can enjoy races and even get actual rides in race cars and go-karts. But if racing is not your thing, get Yas Waterworld tickets and enjoy the island’s own water park, or check out SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a marine conservation park on Yas Island. And of course, you cannot miss Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, which is arguably the best theme park in the Middle East. Yas Island is a mini-vacation in itself.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Built in the memory of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who wanted to unite the Islamic world with peace and brotherhood, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the most beautiful mosque in the world. Barring Friday and other religious days, the mosque is open to the general public, and you must use this chance to admire the beauty and architecture of the mosque. The mosque has 1000 columns, 10 reflective pools, 82 domes, and 24 gold-plated chandeliers. The main hall also has the world’s largest hand-woven carpet. At night, the mosque is lit in soft blue light that makes it look like a beacon of peace and tranquility. There are many libraries on the premises and an Islamic center where you can learn more about Islam. This is a magnificent place worth your time.
The Emirates Palace
Ever dreamed of living in a palace? Now you can book a room in the massive Emirates Palace. This amazing 5-star hotel has rooms that are furnished with gold and marble. The design and architecture of the structure make it look like a luxurious palace. There are Islamic influences in the design as well that make the palace quintessentially Emirati. If you don’t want to stay here, but just want to see and experience the place, you can take part in the afternoon tea event at the Emirates Palace. In this ticketed event, you are served Arabic teas, coffees, and other infusions along with a wide variety of yummy finger sandwiches. This completely feels like a high society event and gives you a chance to see the Emirates Palace.
The Corniche
The beautiful water promenade is the place where you can come to and relax after an eventful day of sightseeing. The Corniche has something for everyone in the family. There are cafes and food joints for people who are hungry. For the fitness seekers, there are jogging, walking, and cycling tracks. For families, there are multiple children’s play areas and lush gardens. And finally, there’s the beautiful beach with blue waters, white sands, and a picturesque waterfront. So, at sundown or sunset, head to this place and enjoy some peace and calm in the bustling city of Abu Dhabi.
Yas Marina Circuit
Home track for the Abu Dhabi GP, the Yas Marina Circuit also has many other activities and features that tourists can explore. There are tours of the track and other facilities of the circuit. When there is no race, tourists can also hire a bicycle and explore the track. But the best feature has to be the supercar ride. You can hire an actual supercar and drive on the track after some training. And if this is too much for you, get in the passenger seat and have a real driver drive you around at maximum speeds. Experience G-force like no other. The Yas Marina Circuit is one of the best places for karting in Abu Dhabi as it has an exclusive karting zone where you can zip around in a kart. This is a unique place that lets fans get up close to a real F1 experience
Events & Festivals in October in Abu Dhabi
The events & festivals in October in Abu Dhabi are also a great way to see Abu Dhabi and experience a unique perspective. Check out the following events and festivals that you can enjoy in Abu Dhabi.
Festivals in Abu Dhabi in October
The following festivals in Abu Dhabi in October are celebrations of art and culture.
Disney on Ice
Watch all your favorite Disney characters like Elsa, Anna, and Moana perform live on the ice as they belt out your favorite songs. Also, catch your most beloved toys from Toy Story come to life and entertain you with their fun and lively performances only at ‘Let’s Celebrate’ in Abu Dhabi. Grab tickets today!
When: 15th to 19th October
Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle
Experience humor, satire, and entertainment in the form of an Emirati Play, ‘Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle’. The play brings out the humor and absurdity in bureaucratic life. This play is highly rated and a great way to experience Emirati culture and stories.
When: 18th to 19th October, 2024
Location: The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi
Events in Abu Dhabi in October
Owing to Abu Dhabi’s status as a rich modern city, there are many events from international sports to music and culture. Here are some amazing events in Abu Dhabi in October that you can be a part of:
NBA Match
Basketball is huge in Abu Dhabi, so the NBA returns to Abu Dhabi this year. The Denver Nuggets will be facing the Boston Celtics with all the major stars of the team participating. So, if you love basketball, this is your chance to witness all the excitement and fanfare of a professional basketball event.
When: 4th October
Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat & Etihad Arena
Renaissance Ballet
Experience one of the world’s most elegant and classic art forms – ballet. The Renaissance Ballet comes to Abu Dhabi to enthrall viewers with amazing dance, music, and Renaissance art. The show has been modernized to include many other amazing features. So, come and experience art and culture in dance form.
When: 17th October
Location: Emirates Palace Auditorium
Travel Tips for Visiting Italy in October
Since October is an off-season month, here are some tips that will ensure you can plan better and have a great time in Abu Dhabi:
- Though not mentioned above, if you have time, do the Dhow Cruise Abu Dhabi cruise tour as it is a great experience that’s quite affordable.
- Abu Dhabi, being a tourist destination, has some top-notch deals and offers to attract tourists in the off-season. So, grab them to save money.
- Abu Dhabi has some amazing foods. From street shops to high-end restaurants, you can taste many different cuisines from around the world.
- Apart from the mega malls and superstores, try to shop at the local souks (markets) as you can find authentic goods at the most affordable prices.
- There are also many free attractions in Abu Dhabi, so research and make a list of these and add them to your itinerary.
Things to know before visiting Abu Dhabi in October
What to pack for Abu Dhabi in October
Pack all the usual things one would carry for an international trip like prescriptions and medicines, universal smartphone and laptop chargers, a money belt, and a carry-on bag for carrying important documents. Carry hats, sunglasses, anti-tan lotions and creams, and refillable water bottles as October is a warm month and you will feel some heat when you are outdoors.
What to wear in Abu Dhabi in October?
Loose-fitting cotton clothes are a must during the day. These clothes need to be soft and breathable. Also, learn about dress codes for different places as Abu Dhabi requires modest clothing in religious and public places for both men and women. You can wear open-toed footwear to combat the heat. The evenings and nights are cold so wear warm clothing then.
Getting Around in Abu Dhabi in October
Getting around is quite easy as there are many public and private transport options. Some tours come with transport options, so you can choose that. The public transport here runs 24 hours, so you can easily get around in air-conditioned buses. There are ferries and taxis as well.
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi in October?
Since this is a low tourism month, you can easily find rooms in 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels. There are other staying options as well like Airbnb homes and service apartments. Look for offers as well as this is the last month for affordable stays.
What to eat in Abu Dhabi in October?
Though you will have many international options, it is better to try local Emirati dishes that are quite flavourful. Try dishes like shawarma, Al Machboos, Thereed, Khuzi, Balaleet, Al Harees, Luqaimat, Tabbouleh, Fattoush, Khameer, and Mahalabia. Many of them are traditional and make use of classic spices and cooking techniques that enhance the flavors.
FAQs about Abu Dhabi in October
Here is a lineup of FAQs about Abu Dhabi in October that people have about visiting during this particular month. These common queries will also be helpful to you:
1. Is the weather bearable in Abu Dhabi in October?
Yes, the weather is quite bearable in October and you can even indulge in outdoor activities without worrying about the heat. Just wear the right clothes and regularly hydrate yourself and you will be fine.
2. Why is October a better month to visit than November?
Though there are some reasons to visit Abu Dhabi in November like the cool weather, there are many reasons to choose October and the best reasons are the lack of crowds, opportunities to save money, decent weather, and the executing events and festivals scheduled for October. So, choose this month over November.
3. Is Abu Dhabi expensive in October?
Yes and no. How much you spend in Abu Dhabi is completely dependent on the things you choose to do and the places you choose to visit. Luxury experiences will cost more, but October is usually cheap if you avail good offers.
4. Does it rain in October?
No, it doesn’t rain in October in Abu Dhabi. October is one of the driest months in Abu Dhabi. So, the only reason to carry an umbrella during this month is protection from the sun, not rain.
Apart from the ones stated above, there are many upcoming attractions in Abu Dhabi as well that you can check out. Abu Dhabi is a growing city that never ceases to surprise one. So, if you are sure about going here in October, you are going to have a great time thanks to the weather and the lack of crowds. You can have a wonderful leisurely time that will make you want to come back to Abu Dhabi every year.
