Remi André Lurud — Travel & Food

Abu Dhabi approaches hospitality differently from Dubai. Where Dubai often aims to dazzle and overwhelm, Abu Dhabi tends to offer space, tranquility, and a certain understated grandeur. The result is a hotel scene that rewards those who appreciate refinement over spectacle — though there is no shortage of spectacle either. Palace Hotels Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental — The defining Abu Dhabi hotel experience. Spread across 1.3 kilometers of private beach, with 394 rooms and suites, two pools, a marina, and some of the most opulent public spaces you will ever see. The gold-dusted cappuccino at Le Cafe is iconic. From around $450 per night. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara — Deep in the Liwa Desert, surrounded by towering sand dunes. This is one of the most dramatic hotel locations in the world. The architecture draws from traditional Arabian fortresses. Perfect for a two-night escape from the city. Beach Resorts The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort — Direc...

Abu Dhabi's dining scene has matured into something remarkable. What was once overshadowed by Dubai's flashier restaurant openings has become a culinary destination in its own right — with Michelin-starred kitchens, world-class hotel restaurants, and waterfront dining that takes full advantage of the Gulf coastline. Here are the restaurants worth your time. Fine Dining Hakkasan — Inside Emirates Palace, Hakkasan delivers exceptional modern Chinese cuisine. The Peking duck is carved tableside with precision, and the dim sum selection is among the best in the Gulf. Michelin-starred and deservedly so. Zuma — Japanese izakaya-style dining on Al Maryah Island. The robata-grilled dishes, fresh sushi, and their signature miso-marinated black cod have made this a regional favorite since opening. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between lively and refined. Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard — At the Shangri-La, this intimate French restaurant focuses on seasonal, tech...

Abu Dhabi often lives in the shadow of its flashier neighbor Dubai, and that is exactly what makes it special. While Dubai dazzles with spectacle, Abu Dhabi seduces with substance. This is a city where a world-class art museum sits alongside a grand mosque, where desert dunes meet turquoise waters, and where the pace of life allows you to actually breathe. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of Abu Dhabi. When to Visit Like Dubai, the best months are November through March, with comfortable temperatures around 24–30°C. The F1 Grand Prix weekend in late November brings a particular energy to the city. Summer months are brutally hot and best avoided for outdoor activities. What to See and Do Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — This is not just the most impressive building in Abu Dhabi — it is one of the most beautiful places of worship in the world. The white marble exterior, 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet create ...

Choosing a hotel in Dubai is not like choosing a hotel anywhere else. Here, hotels are destinations in themselves — architectural statements, culinary hubs, and entertainment complexes rolled into one. The competition is fierce, and the result is a standard of hospitality that few cities can match. After multiple visits, here is my honest guide to where to stay. For Iconic Luxury Burj Al Arab Jumeirah — Twenty-five years after opening, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab remains the defining symbol of Dubai's ambition. Every room is a duplex suite. Personal butlers attend to every request. Even entry-level rooms start around $1,500 per night, but this is about an experience that exists nowhere else. Atlantis The Royal — Opened in 2023, this has rapidly become Dubai's most talked-about property. The stacked-block architecture looks like it defies gravity, and the rooftop infinity pools have become iconic. With 17 restaurants, the dining alone could fill a weekend. Named...

Dubai has quietly become one of the world's great food cities. What was once a dining scene dominated by hotel restaurants has transformed into a genuinely diverse culinary landscape, with everything from Michelin-starred tasting menus to legendary street food stalls. Having eaten my way through this city more than once, here are the restaurants I keep coming back to — and the ones you should not miss. Fine Dining Tresind Studio — With only 20 seats, this intimate modern Indian restaurant is one of Dubai's most extraordinary dining experiences. Chef Himanshu Saini creates a 16-course tasting menu that reinvents Indian cuisine with breathtaking precision. It holds two Michelin stars, and getting a reservation can be a challenge — book well ahead. FZN by Björn Frantzén — The sibling of Stockholm's legendary Frantzén, FZN delivers a 12-course tasting menu that blends Nordic and Japanese influences. Named Time Out Dubai's Restaurant of the Year. The wine pairi...

Dubai is a city that defies expectations. Rising from the desert in barely half a century, it has become one of the most visited destinations in the world — a place where ambition, luxury, and cultural diversity collide in spectacular fashion. Whether you are drawn by the architecture, the food, the beaches, or the shopping, Dubai delivers at a scale that few cities can match. Here is everything you need to know before you go. When to Visit The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March, when temperatures hover around a pleasant 24–30°C. The city comes alive during this period with outdoor events, festivals, and the Dubai Shopping Festival in January. Avoid the summer months (June to September) unless you are comfortable with 45°C+ heat and plan to spend most of your time indoors. Where to Stay Burj Al Arab Jumeirah — The iconic sail-shaped hotel needs no introduction. Every room is a duplex suite, and the level of service is extraordinary. Starting from ...