Abu Dhabi to Jeddah Flights

  About Abu Dhabi

While Abu Dhabi is not exactly a tourist destination when compared to Dubai, it is definitely a place where you can go just to relax and feel rejuvenated. Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Even though Dubai is considered as a more happening place, Abu Dhabi also has a certain charm to it. The Ferrari World is one of the major highlights and tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. Not only will you get to see a lot of Ferraris, but you can even drive them to get a glimpse in the life of a race car driver. The city also has waterparks for everyone who is planning a vacation to the capital of the UAE with their family or group of friends. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only beautiful, but it is also a marvellous piece of art architecturally. It is also a safe place for solo female travellers. You will find a lot of malls, too, to satisfy the shopaholic in you.

Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi

November to March is an ideal time to visit Abu Dhabi since it is winter and the weather remains quite pleasant. It is the best time for you to go sightseeing. Since it is also a peak season in Abu Dhabi, you might even get a good deal on flights to Abu Dhabi during this time if you book well in advance. Make sure you also book your hotel in Abu Dhabi in advance since the prices tend to increase in winter. Since this is high season, you will find a lot of tourists in the city. You will also get to go sightseeing without feeling all dehydrated. This is also the best time for you to hit the beach and spend some time there. If you are travelling in March, you can attend the Abu Dhabi Festival or the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

The temperature ranges from 19 to 42 degree Celsius from April to October. While April and May are pleasant because of Spring, the months following May get hot, hotter and hottest. Hotel prices do stop dropping April onwards. For all the book lovers, you can attend the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in April and May. The temperature increases considerably in June till August, but if you just want to be by the pool or indulge in expensive spa treatments and pamper yourself, you can plan a trip during these months. The hotel prices also drop a lot during these months since the city does not have a lot of tourists. It also rains inconsistently during these months, which might put a damper on your sightseeing plans. The temperature starts dropping during September and October since it is the end of summer. This is also one of the best times to head to Abu Dhabi if you want to attend the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Emirates International Date Palm Festival or the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi

Yas Mall at Yas Island and Marina Mall is the most popular malls in Abu Dhabi for tourists. The Ferrari World is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and quite the luxurious ones, too. You also get to drive one of the cars to experience what it is like to be an F1 driver. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the two mosques in UAE that is open to non-Muslims, too. It is also one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the country. Abu Dhabi does not deprive you of the beach fun that you might want. You can head to the Saadiyat Public Beach or the Corniche. You can also visit Al Lulu Island to indulge in beach and water activities. It is another tourist destination in Abu Dhabi that is quite popular. You can attend free concerts at Corniche or just enjoy the sunset by the beach with a cup of ice cream. You can also book a hotel in Abu Dhabi in Corniche and stay here for a couple of days.

While you are in Abu Dhabi, you might also want to stay at the Empire Palace for a night or two. Even if you are not, the resort is open for non-guests to book spa treatments here and indulge in a traditional hammam experience. Not to mention, you might also want to put on your fanciest outfit here. You can also head for a desert safari on a jeep or try any of the other desert tours arranged by tour companies here. It is one of the major highlights of Abu Dhabi. Head over to the Emirates Park Zoo with your family, and you'll get to see over 1700 animals here. The zoo is home to lions, cheetahs, Siberian bears, white tigers and so on. You can also have breakfast with giraffes and parrots here. Another lovely tourist attraction is the Warner Bros World. It is a fun theme park that has rides like The Joker Funhouse, Tom and Jerry: Swiss Cheese Spin, The Scooby-Doo: Museum of Mysteries and so on. You can also visit the Al Jahili Fort and Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi.

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Sightseeing is one of the major tourist activities in the city. You can go to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to know more about the culture and to admire the sheer architecture of the mosque. You can also spend a day shopping at some of the best malls in Abu Dhabi. If you are travelling during the sale, you might even get to buy a lot of high-end fashion products at an affordable price. Visit the Emirates Palace. If you are not staying at the majestic resort, you can still indulge in self-pampering spa treatments and a relaxing hammam (a Turkish bath). You can also indulge in water and beach activities at Corniche. Going on a desert safari is another popular activity that tourists in Abu Dhabi take up. Spend a day at Ferrari World and take lots of pictures, too.

Food and Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Like Dubai, you will find a variety of cuisine in Abu Dhabi, too. Be it Indian cuisine or Mexican, Korean, Chinese, or even Russian food, and you will find whatever you feel like eating here. However, trying out the local food is a must to complete your holiday experience at Abu Dhabi. Some of the important ingredients include the famous Middle Eastern spices like cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and cardamom. Cuisines made of chickpeas are also quite popular in Abu Dhabi. If you want to grab a bite as soon as you land, before you head to your hotel, you can go to Madang Korean Restaurant which is near Terminal 2. Cabana Beach Bar and Grill at Corniche is a popular place to have healthy food or European cuisine. You can also head to The Terrace On The Corniche or Kuzbara for authentic Middle Eastern food. Khayal Restaurant is popular for its variety of cuisines. It offers Japanese, Arabic, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian food in its menu. Treat yourself to delicious burgers and shakes at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes at Yas Mall. Hoi An is an interesting place to head to if you want to try out Vietnamese or other Asian food. The service is great, so is the ambience. Dino's Bistro Italiano and Villa Toscana are known for their expertise in Italian cuisine. In fact, at Villa Tuscana, you can also choose between the Mediterranean, Tuscan and European food. Desert Lotus Thai Bisto & Sushi has the best Thai food in the city, and you will simply love the sushi here. If you want to try authentic Indian food, you can head to Punjab Grill at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal.

How to reach Abu Dhabi (Transportation)

The Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates. The flight connectivity from Abu Dhabi to other cities and countries is excellent. There are a few direct flights to Abu Dhabi from India on a daily basis, and it takes about 3 to 4 hours only to reach. While you might choose Etihad Airways or Emirates to fly to the Middle East, other airlines like GoAir, British Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Srilankan Airlines frequently fly to and from Abu Dhabi. The airport is only 30 km from the main city, and it is quite easy to get a taxi service from the airport to your hotel. Abu Dhabi International Airport is quite a luxe with a lot of facilities. It has airport lounges, premium spa facilities, sleeping pods, children's play area, shopping areas and a lot of international dining options. You will certainly not get bored if at all if you have to wait for a few more hours to board your flight. If you are travelling by Etihad, they also have premium lounges and spa facilities for their passengers at the airport.

  About Jeddah

Jeddah is the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia and is also very close to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Its proximity to these cities is what attracts most tourists and pilgrims to Jeddah. It is also the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia. The country is known for standing by its customs and traditions strongly. You will get to witness the Islamic culture and their lifestyle first hand on your trip to Jeddah. There are, however, quite a few rules that every tourist must follow. But apart from these, Jeddah is also known as one of the hottest shopping destinations after Dubai. Jeddah is right along the Red Sea and also has beaches that tourists can access. You can either head to the beach to watch the sunrise or catch the sunrise by the beach. You can also make the most of all the water-based activities that the city has to offer to tourists. You can sign up for a tour of the city or explore it on your own. Jeddah is also known for its luxurious dining experience. You will find a lot of restaurants with a palatial decor and services that make you feel like royalty.

Best Time to Visit Jeddah

While Jeddah experiences summer and winter, it has very little chance of seeing rains throughout the year. August is the hottest month in the city, and January is the coldest one. It is recommended that you head to the city in the colder months. October to March is the best time to head to Jeddah. The days are warm, but the nights get really chilly. Make sure you pack your warm clothes while heading to Jeddah during winter. You will also have to book your hotel in Jeddah several weeks in advance since availability can be quite the issue at the last minute. You will also have to book your flight tickets to Jeddah well in advance before the prices increase at the last moment. Summer begins from April and lasts till September. While the early spring or summer is not all bad owing to the increase in temperature, if you can't bear the chilly nights, this is the perfect time to plan a trip to Jeddah. If you are travelling during the summer, make sure you carry an extra sunblock with you and stay well-hydrated. With Jeddah being a desert, the weather doesn't get too humid as such in summer. It's scorching hot, and it will only leave you too exhausted to venture out. The city does see a lot of tourists who are visiting Jeddah mainly to head to Mecca and Medina. Since winter is the high tourist season for Jeddah, a lot of restaurants and museums will have long queues. However, if you visit during early spring or late autumn season, you will find interesting offers and discounts here. You can attend the Red Sea International Film Festival in March, Al-Hemma Celebrations, Fireworks Shows and Kingdom of Stars in September. These are a few additional reasons for you to plan your trip to Jeddah in winter instead of summer. The temperature can reach a maximum of 45 degree Celsius during summer.

Places to Visit in Jeddah

Apart from its proximity to the holiest cities, Jeddah has quite a few things in store for tourists. The Al-Rahma Mosque and Bait Al Balad are some of the popular tourist spots in the city. Al-Rahma mosque boasts of Venetian-style architecture and is also called 'The Floating Mosque'. It was built in 1985 and is one of the most important places in the city. Jeddah Corniche is another tourist attraction in the city that you just can't miss. You can enjoy the scenic view of the Red Sea along with the fountains, sculptures and recreational areas that are present in the area. This is the perfect place to end your day at and make sure you catch the sunrise from here. Jeddah also has museums for all the art and history lovers in town. Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum of Jeddah is another tourist spot you won't regret visiting at all. It has a castle, mosque in it along with a museum that showcases the Pre-Islamic and Islamic artefacts. It is located in the centre of the city and reaching the museum will not be troublesome at all. Mecca Gate, which is also known as Quran gate, is located on the Jeddah-Makkah highway and was built back in 1979. The gate resembles the holy Quran to tourists and passengers headed to Mecca for their pilgrimage. It would be best if you also visited the Jeddah Waterfront, an important seaport in Jeddah. It has been serving as one for centuries now. It is also called the 'Bride of the Red Sea'. Don't be disappointed thinking that you won't be able to satisfy the shopaholic in you. Head over to one of the malls, especially the Red Sea Mall, and you can shop till you drop. It would be even better if you visit the malls during the sales season.

Souq-al-alwali is one of the best places in the city to go on a shopping spree. You will find genuine Islamic art, clothes and Arabian jewellery at a reasonable price if you know how to bargain. Naseef House used to be the royal residence of King Abdul Aziz. It is a restored coral house and a very beautiful one at that, too. However, make sure that you call ahead and make an appointment before you leave your hotel.

Things to do in Jeddah

You can either sign up for a sightseeing tour of the city or explore the main tourist spots in Jeddah yourself. Dune Bashing at the desert is a popularly taken up activity in Jeddah, and you will certainly not regret it. You can also opt for camel rides along the desert. A lot of tour companies will also be organising overnight camps at the desert that you can sign up for if you are up for it. Head over to the Red Sea to enjoy the most beautiful sunset. Al-Shallal is a theme park that attracts not only tourists about locals of the city but also the locals. Al-Shallal is a theme park and has quite a few human-made waterfalls and lakes. You can also go o a food tasting tour of the city and try some of the most delicious shawarma at the local food stalls. You can also have lots of beach fun while you are in Jeddah. If you love water and want to explore marine life, you can join the Desert Sea Divers and sign up for guided snorkelling or diving tours to the coral reefs of the Red Sea. You can also participate in other water-based activities like windsurfing, jet skiing, boating and fishing. Jeddah is known for making sure that tourists don't leave the city without falling in love with the traditional middle eastern cuisine. Sign up for a food tour of the city and dine at some of the finest restaurants in Jeddah.

Food and Restaurants in Jeddah

Middle Eastern cuisine is popular all over the world, and there is nothing better than experiencing it in the Middle East itself. Jeddah has an extraordinary culinary scene with kebabs and sushi with a touch of middle eastern spices. Al Khayam is a popular restaurant in Jeddah where you can dine like a king. Red and gold colours dominate the decor of the restaurant. You will find a variety of kebabs and masto-khiar here with a selection of caviars. Piatto prides itself in serving authentic and the most delicious Italian cuisine. For all you vegetarians out there, The Bellevue is a diner that serves not only middle eastern food but also has vegetarian food on its menu. You can head over to Ajji next door to try sushi and other Asian food. Toki is another popular restaurant that serves Chinese, Malaysian and Thai food. You can also head to Ginza I Chome if you are craving for some sushi. You can also try some authentic Turkish cuisine at Khayal. Don't forget to save some room for kunafa dessert if you are visiting this restaurant.

How to reach Jeddah (Transportation)

King Abdulaziz International Airport is the main airport in Saudi Arabia. The flight connectivity to Jeddah from India is excellent. Gulf Air, Oman Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines have frequent flights to Jeddah with layovers in Manama, Muscat and Al Madinah. If you book your flights well in advance, you might come across decent flight deals to Jeddah. In fact, you will get cheap flight tickets to Jeddah quite easily. The airport has a separate Hajj terminal for the pilgrims who are travelling to the city to head to the holy city of Mecca. Jeddah is quite close to Mecca, which is a very important place of worship for Muslims. The Hajj terminal can accommodate up to 80,000 passengers at a time and has facilities for people to perform their rituals for the annual Hajj.

  About Abu Dhabi Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport is the only airport in Emirates of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to cater to international flights and airlines. After Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second largest in UAE, which can accommodate 20 million passengers. The airport has three operational terminals for passengers. It is sprawled across 8,500 acres of land and provides services to over 30 airlines which fly to over 120 destinations. The airport is primarily the hub for Etihad Airways, which is also UAE's second flag carrier airline, after Emirates. The airport sees tremendous air traffic and passenger traffic for being a hub city and the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

About Airport Terminals

The airport has three terminals in total. Terminal 1 is the oldest building at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The terminal features arrivals and departure areas with nine gates and jetbridges. The airport also has check-in and arrivals equipped in a separate location that is connected to the building. Terminal 2 is comparatively new and located on the east side of Terminal 1. There are 19 check-in counters along with two baggage claim conveyor belts. It mainly caters to low-cost carriers only. Terminal 3 is fairly new from the other two terminals and has the capacity to hold bigger flights, including Airbus A380s that are flown by Etihad Airways.

About Airport Authority

Abu Dhabi International Airport is currently operated by Abu Dhabi Airports Company, which came into existence in 2006. ADAC has since offered a plethora of services to the aviation industry and Abu Dhabi airports. Along with Abu Dhabi International Airport, the organization also caters to managing Al Bateen Executive Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Sir Bani Airport and Dalma Airport.

Top airlines flying from Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi sees tremendous passenger traffic from Indian cities and hence, accommodates flights from an Indian airline. Some of the airlines that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport are Air India, Air India Express, GoAir and IndiGo.

In terms of international airlines, the ones that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport include, AnadoluJet, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, SriLankan, Turkish Airlines and Turkmenistan Airlines.

Facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport

WiFi - You can connect to the airport's free wireless network. All you would need to do is to follow some steps to get access to Abu Dhabi International Airport's WiFi connection. Plus, there are internet kiosks available for free. At the departure terminals, you can find about 50 internet kiosks. It is free of cost so you can simply just go over to the kiosk and use the facility. Airport lounges also have wireless connections that you can avail.

ATM and foreign exchange - The airport has many ATMs and foreign-exchange booths available at regular intervals. There are about 16 currency exchange facilities that are present at Abu Dhabi International Airport. There are local banks also present at the airport where you can make transfers and deposits along with cash withdrawals. The prices are also quite reasonable for foreign exchange. A dedicated agency, Travelex, is available at the airport.

Medical services - Abu Dhabi International Airport is also equipped to take care of medical emergencies that take place at the premise. There is a 24-hour clinic to ensure that medical services are available at all times. There is also a paramedic with an ambulance which will take the emergency case to the nearest local hospital. The information desk and 'May I Help You' counters will assist you with this service. Plus, the airport also has pharmacies installed at regular intervals.

Smoking zones - All terminals at Abu Dhabi International Airport are non-smoking buildings. Hence, there are specific smoking zones that have been installed. Smoothing lounges and booths are located in each terminal and are enclosed. The booths also have good air quality that you can enjoy while you smoke a cigarette.

Multi-faith room - Separate prayer rooms have been installed for men and women at Abu Dhabi International Airport. They are present at all terminals of the airport. Intending to value diverse faith, the airport has ensured to have multi-faith rooms at all levels of the terminals. Wheelchairs are also accessible at the prayer rooms.

Airport lounges - Overall, Abu Dhabi International Airport has six airport lounges. In fact, four of the airport lounges are actually owned by Etihad Airways. While terminal 1 has Al Reem Lounge, Al Dhabi Lounge, Etihad Premium Lounge, Terminal 3 houses Etihad First Class Lounge and Spa, Etihad Premium Lounge and Etihad US Premium Lounge. These lounge experiences are one of a kind. Not to mention how the airport also has a dedicated Etihad Arrivals Lounge as well for international travellers. The facilities at the lounge are top-notch with exceptional services and hospitality.

Airport hotels - An in-house hotel is also available at Abu Dhabi International Airport. You can visit Aerotel to benefit from their world-class facilities and to unwind. The hotel is located in Terminal 1 and has been aesthetically designed to please the senses of international travellers. Premier Inn Hotel is also present within the airport premise that you can check out. Premier Inn is also very convenient and recognized for its high standards with respect to providing quality services with modern amenities.

Baggage services - The airport offers a plethora of baggage services ranging from wrapping to storage. In case you need to save your luggage from possibilities of theft and mishandling, you can get them wrapped in plastic. Further, on the same, you can also seal your baggage to prevent them from external damages. You can ship your luggage to a delivery address too instead of going yourself. There are storage facilities also available at the airport where you can keep your luggage, especially if it's a layover or if you need to spend time at the airport before the next flight.

Spa - There are two spas available at the airport's premise. Six Senses Spa is located within the Etihad Diamond First and Pearl Business Class lounges. Meanwhile, TOSA Spa, an award-winning spa chain of the Middle East, Maldives and India, is also available at the airport's Terminal 1. You can avail a string of services from the spas for relaxation. Body massage and other treatments are also there with separate rooms for women and men. Along with this, they also have separate changing rooms for men and women.

Special assistance - The airport caters to special assistance services that travellers require. This includes helping out passengers with reduced mobility and to take care of their trolleys, among a few. You can speak with your airlines in advance to book special assistance. The trained staff will help you through the process and even enable a comfortable experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Nursing stations - For all the parents who are travelling with infants and young babies, there are dedicated nursing stations available at all terminals. There are entertainment decks for kids as well as nursing rooms for new mothers with infants. Plus, the rooms are sanitized and kept in a hygienic condition.

How to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport

Public transport

One of the best things about the airport is its facilities that enable direct connections to the city centre. If you need to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport, you can always take a bus as it is economical and convenient. The air-conditioned buses are available from the bus stop to within the city. You can find the stops outside Terminals 1, 2 and 3. There are blue and white signs that indicate to the bus stops. You can follow them, or you can ask for more details at the airport's information desk. You can reach Abu Dhabi International Airport from any part of the city thanks to their bus services. Depending on where you wish to go, the buses have services to those routes. The ticket cost is also very affordable and menial. It would take close to 45 minutes to reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport from the city, depending on the traffic.

Taxicabs and rentals

There are luxury airport taxis that you can find at the airport. They are available at all the terminals, close to the arrivals. A clear signpost is also present to indicate the taxi services. There are male and female drivers who are well-equipped with the city's geography as well as international languages. You can also reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport by availing tax services. In fact, you can actually book for a ride online or check with your airlines for provisions of the same. Hotels in Abu Dhabi also have facilities for an airport shuttle. You can benefit from the same to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport without any hassle. As long as you make prior bookings, you wouldn't have to worry about anything with respect to reaching the Abu Dhabi International Airport.