Abu Dhabi to Manama 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 Bahrain

The jewel of the Persian Gulf, the Kingdom of Bahrain is an island nation and an archipelago. With 33 small natural islands in addition to the 51 artificial islands, the country is a haven for tourists who lust the sea. Bahrain is recognised not just for its beautiful beaches and relics of the Dilmun civilisation but also for being a wealthy nation. The World Bank has also acknowledged the same as it has called Bahrain a high-income economy.

Booking flights to Bahrain is quite cheap and convenient from India. The country witnesses a tremendous number of tourists and individuals from India settled in Bahrain.

Best time to visit in Bahrain

The fall season in Bahrain is favoured as the best time for travellers to take a trip to the small archipelago. The temperatures during the fall season are quite pleasant despite the humidity. Basically, you wouldn't have to worry about the fact that the precipitation in the air would make it a hot weather. Thanks to the cold breeze during the fall month, followed by the winter season, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the vibe is favourable. June to August is definitely the worst month to visit. Due to the extreme climates of Bahrain, the summers are quite hot. This might even make stepping out of the hotel room a tab bot difficult. Hence, it should be avoided at all cost. October is the perfect month to visit Bahrain as it has a melange of climates. The residual autumn leaving the city while the cold winter breeze arrives to set camp is quite the time to be in the city. Besides, in October, the flight ticket prices to Bahrain are also quite cheap and affordable. The mediocre range of flight tickets to Bahrain gives tourists the push they need to book tickets to the city.

For those who love the winter breeze and want more of the cold weather action, you should opt for the winters between December to February for travelling. Tourist places will be open although they will be frigid because the temperature gets quite cold. Meanwhile, the accommodation prices also see a drop as many people do not wish to see Bahrain during winters due to its extreme reduction in temperature level. This means the tourist crowd is automatically reduced, giving you ample cheap flight deals and hotel booking options in Bahrain. As the prices drop, budget travellers can take this opportunity to visit the city.

Places to visit in Bahrain

The island nation of Bahrain is famously known for its flourishing history and Arabic lifestyle. As a small archipelago made up of 33 islands, Bahrain doesn't just have exquisite azure blue waters to attract tourists but also a rich culture and historical significance. The city streets look pristine with intriguing architecture, not to mention some archaeological treasures too, that is worth exploring. Visit the Bahrain National Museum and get a glimpse of some of the national history and more insights on the Dilmun civilisation. It easily becomes one of the most prominent and famous places to visit in Bahrain, owing to the preserved past of the island nation. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qal'at al-Bahrain, a preserved relic of the Dilmun heritage. The mosques in Bahrain are just as stunning as the waters that touch the island. You should visit the Al Fateh Mosque and relish the exquisite marble work on the walls of the structure.

Bahrain's fame also comes from the motorsport culture and terrains that favour the same. When in Bahrain, do catch a race at the Bahrain International Circuit. You will be surprised to see the karting circuit and races that take place in this space. In fact, Grand Prix is also often hosted in Bahrain. However, if these aren't too touristy for you, then you should visit Manama's Financial Harbour Towers and World Trade Centre. The tall stunning skyscrapers would certainly marvel you. Take a day out to visit the Riff, one of the historical pearls of Bahrain, which boasts Bahraini-styled architecture and lifestyle.

Things to do in Bahrain

Bahrain's azure blue waters beckon you so do not hold up. Book yourself a swanky hotel room in Bahrain and head straight to the waters. The islands in Bahrain are worth exploring and something you should indulge in as soon as you reach the country. From Manama's fancy lifestyle to Muharraq's modern beaches, there are too many beaches in Bahrain that should be visited. You can also take up go-karting at the Bahrain International Circuit. You don't need to be a seasoned driver for the same. Amid the beautiful islands is the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park. It is engaging and certainly ideal for a family rendezvous. Of course, when in the city, you simply cannot miss the shopping culture of Bahrain. The city's oldest traditional marketplace, Suq Al-Qaisariya, is literally century-old. There are malls as well with City Centre Bahrain takin the cake.

Food and Restaurants in Bahrain

Bahrain, much like all the Middle-Eastern countries, favours Arabic cuisine, which is quite evident in some of the traditional restaurants with a quaint vibe. Before you venture into their cuisine, it is important for you to know what is what. Bahraini cuisine has some standoffish dishes such as balaleet which is basically a breakfast item made from vermicelli and egg omelette. Then you've got the famous shakshooka, a melange of flavours in a pan of tomatoes, spices, peppers and scrambled eggs. You should also try out some of their other famous dishes such as mahiawa, madrooba, ouzi and tikka items. While a majority of their meals have eggs as the primary ingredient, it is the fact the flexibility of these dishes and the flavours it brings forth, that make them delicious. You should also check out lamb chops in Bahrain as they do know how to skewer their meat and present the best on a platter. Eggs and tomato are like staple dishes that are present in almost every traditional Bahraini dishes.

Some of the restaurants in Bahrain have a quaint environment with traditional Arabic vibe in terms of the architectural setting. They are culturally rich and flavourful too. Some of the restaurants that give the best culinary experience in Bahrain include Saffron by Jena Bakery, Leyan Cafe and restaurant, Haji Gahwa, Emma-Wash, Basta 23, to name a few. Bahrain also entertains varied global cuisines such as Mediterranean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Indonesian and more. You can find these cuisines at Maki Bahrain, Mirai, Jim's Restaurant, Curry Country, Bushido Restaurant, Masso, Zoe Cafe and Restaurant, Veranda restaurant and cafe, to name a few. Overall, you will be happy and satiated with their dishes and the melange of spices they bring forth.

How to reach Bahrain (Transportation)

By Air

The demand for Middle Eastern countries is always high in the country, paving the way to airlines and airports accommodating as many flights to Middle Eastern countries as possible. Flight connectivity to Bahrain from India is also quite excellent. Airlines such as Air India, Air India Express are the only ones who have direct dedicated flights to Bahrain. Cities such as Kochi, Delhi, Kozhikode, Kannur and Mangalore service these flights to Bahrain from their respective airports. Gulf Air, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and many such flights that have connectivity to Bahrain also halt in Indian cities. In fact, due to the excess demand for Bahrain, there are many flights scheduled for the same day to and from India. Bahrain International Airport is one of the oldest airports in the globe. The airport came into existence back in 1927 and had its first commercial flight land the same year. It was a London flight reaching Delhi. The flight tickets to Bahrain from India are quite cheap.

Since a tremendous number of travellers going from India, Bahrain sees great international route connectivity. This very reason has enabled the ticket prices to Bahrain to drop to an affordable rate. The distance from India to Bahrain is not too much, which further adds to the reduction in the ticket prices to Bahrain. You can book flight tickets to Bahrain irrespective of the peak season or off-season, and you will be able to get some cheap and affordable tickets. In fact, during peak season, the ticket prices to Bahrain only increase marginally and not exorbitantly. The accommodations are something you will have to look into before reaching the city. Bahrain enjoys luxury living as well as modest hotels as well. Before heading to the city, make sure you peruse through the internet and book a decent hotel room in Bahrain.

By Water

Interestingly, there are cruise facilities that connect India with Bahrain. Although the cruise passes through Mumbai port, Kochi port and even the Bay of Bengal, it is perhaps a trip you can take if you have the big bucks and the time to invest. The cruise starts Dubai and passes through Bahrain's Al Manamah before heading towards Mumbai port. If leisure is the kind of trip, you're looking at, then you would certainly have a good time on this cruise. In terms of connectivity, the trip would be super time consuming and not ideal for people who don't have enough time to spend.

  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.