Find your perfect hire car at Abu Dhabi Airport
Nestled on the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is the United Arab Emirates’ second largest city after Dubai. Although often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of its neighbour, rapid development over the past 20 years has carved an attractive tourist destination that’s easily explored by car.Collect your Avis rental from Abu Dhabi Airport and start your memorable journey.
Plan your journey from Abu Dhabi Airport
From the airport, Abu Dhabi’s city centre is just a 30-minute drive away. The city was part of a vibrant pearl trade before oil became a commodity in the early 1900s. Today – as the second most populated metropolis in the UAE and its capital – Abu Dhabi is a stylish destination serving up exceptional food, shopping and intriguing cultural attractions.Once a low-lying desert oasis, Abu Dhabi’s soaring skyscrapers continue to pop up across the cityscape. For visitors interested in culture, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (the largest mosque in the UAE) gives a stunning first impression. This huge attraction is largely made of white marble, but a mix of natural materials, including gold, crystal and ceramic have been used to decorate the interior. Its unique design features many domes and minarets, while tours of the mosque run throughout the day.
The new Louvre Abu Dhabi is also a major draw. This Jean Nouvel-designed museum houses art on loan from galleries around the world. It sits in Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District, a centre of art where a number of museums – including the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi – lie.
With sunny and warm weather almost year-round, make the most of the ample outdoor space in the city. Stroll the Corniche, a 6km promenade featuring various activities and sandy beaches, or wander through one of the city’s green parks such as Khalifa Park. You can also take a canoe tour through Mangrove National Park, or partake in camel racing and desert safaris just outside the city.
Dining options in Abu Dhabi include high-end, international cuisine alongside various Middle Eastern specialties. Be sure to visit the Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk to pick up fresh, local produce. Dates are a specialty of the UAE, so remember to buy some for your journey.
With your Avis rental, the city and its islands are yours to discover.
Beyond Abu Dhabi Airport
From Abu Dhabi, the rest of the United Arab Emirates is easily reached in your Avis hire car. Although much of the country is desert, its arid landscape is dotted with huge cities and small oases waiting to be explored.Al Ain
Just under a two-hour drive inland on the E22 is the oasis of Al Ain, brimming with date palms. Inhabited for over 4,000 years, it offers a reprieve from the humidity and bustle of the coastal cities. Visit the restored Al Jahili Fort, the Al Ain Zoo, and the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum. For spectacular sunset views, drive up to the Jebel Hafeet mountaintop.
Dubai
Just 90 minutes up the E11 (one of the region’s busiest roads), Dubai is a breathtaking example of urban planning. Striking it rich with oil, the city has transformed into a globally famous metropolis and the hub of business in the Middle East and southern Asia. Millions of tourists flock to Dubai for shopping, fine dining and a large array of unique experiences – from camel rides to 4WD sand dune tours. Lavish and luxurious, the city features the world’s largest manmade structure – Burj Khalifa – as well as an indoor ski slope, plus the world’s largest flower garden.
With your Avis rental car from Abu Dhabi Airport, the United Arab Emirates awaits. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the drive.