As the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a dream destination that's on everyone's bucket list. Revered for its recreational and retail highlights, Abu Dhabi is also a cultural epicentre that's home to some of the Middle East's finest museums and art galleries. Whether you are heading to Abu Dhabi for a weekend getaway or planning to spend a few weeks in the city, here are some tips to help you organise your holiday in the desert capital.

Image via Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

1. Timing is Everything

While most holiday destinations are conducive to holidaymakers even during the low season, it is simply not the case when it comes to cities in the Middle East such as Abu Dhabi. With summer temperatures and humidity reaching unbearable levels, the only time tourists can visit Abu Dhabi is during the winter months. This is when temperatures are low enough for spending time outdoors and when even the locals step out in great numbers to experience life outside of their air-conditioned abodes. That's why your trip to Abu Dhabi must take place between December and March. Although the peak tourist season, which coincides with the winter months, does mean costs will be high, it is a non-negotiable aspect of holidaying in Abu Dhabi due to the weather patterns.

2. Find a Strategic Base

Although Abu Dhabi is well-connected in terms of public transport networks, those who are vacationing in the city would benefit from a convenient base. Whether you choose to stay at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara or any city hotel that doubles as popular wedding venues in Abu Dhabi, it is crucial to consider the location of the property. Make sure the hotel you select is within close range of the attractions and activities you hope to enjoy during the stay, as a culture buff should ideally stay close to the Louvre Abu Dhabi while someone enticed by desert safaris should find a glamping site on the outskirts of the city.

3. Create a Sightseeing Plan

Depending on how much time you have at your disposal, it is crucial to create a daily sightseeing plan for each day of your stay. Highlights that every visitor should explore during a trip to Abu Dhabi include Qasr Al Hosn, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, which is the only instalment of the Paris Louvre Museum outside of Europe. Qasr Al Watan, the Al Ain Palace Museum, Wahat AlKarama and the Al Ain Oasis are also worth including in your travel itinerary as there's more to Abu Dhabi than skyscrapers and massive malls.

4. Sign up for Activities

When it comes to some of the most rewarding things to do in Abu Dhabi, kayaking and windsurfing on Saadiyat Island should be a top priority. Dune bashing and desert tours are also available through local resorts and private tour operators while spending a day or two on Yas Island with its impressive theme parks and splash centres are also musts. Ferrari World offers motorsports fans an array of adrenaline-pumping experiences while kayaking around the Eastern Mangroves can be a magical excursion for nature lovers.

5. Enjoy a Shopping Spree

Counted among the region's top retail hotspots, a shopping spree is a veritable rite of passage for first-time visitors vacationing in Abu Dhabi. While it may be impossible to hit all the major department stores and shopping complexes in the city, tourists should aim to visit at least the big 5 including the Marina Mall, Al Wahda Mall and the Abu Dhabi Mall. The souqs in Abu Dhabi such as Souq Al Zafarana and the Al Mina Souq are alternative retail landscapes where tourists can lose themselves in a traditional Arabian bazaar where stalls selling everything from frankincense and perfumes to Persian rugs and gold jewellery can be found.