Emily & Jimmy

Visas are available on arrival at Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports for travelers from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and members of the European Union. For specific information on whether the country from which you are traveling is eligible for a visa on arrival or whether you need to apply for a visa, please visit the Etihad Airways information page, below.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is around a 33 minute drive from Emirates Palace and is easily accessible from most parts of Abu Dhabi city. Taxis are the main form of transfer from the airport; you can also pre-order an Uber from the airport ahead of your arrival there.

Most major airlines fly to Abu Dhabi; the local carrier is Etihad Airways, which flies to and from New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

Dubai International Airport is about 1-1.5 hours from Abu Dhabi by car. Airport taxis and Ubers are both available to make the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi (around 300-400 AED).

Most major airlines fly to Dubai; the local carrier is Emirates Airlines, which flies to and from New York, Newark, Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Miami, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.

It is important to be considerate of local laws and customs. Marriott Bonvoy Traveler offers some helpful context for first-time visitors to the UAE.

Abu Dhabi is situated within easy flying distance of many fantastic destinations if you would like to travel onward after the wedding or plan a trip for before!

Firstly, for those wishing to extend their trip within the UAE, we can recommend a day trip to Al Ain to visit the historic forts and the oasis, as well as a visit to other emirates, including Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Elsewhere in the Middle East, the following locations are well worth a visit:

Oman (1 hour flight): Nizwa, Muscat, Jebel Akhdar

Jordan (4 hour flight): Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum

Egypt (4 hour flight): Cairo, Luxor, Sharm el-Sheikh

Other places we love that are easily accessible from Abu Dhabi and Dubai include:

India (4+ hour flight): Delhi, Jaipur, Goa 

Kenya (5 hour flight): Nairobi, Lamu, Maasai Mara