Gay Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi City Guide

Casey Siemasko

Abu Dhabi is nothing less than exhilarating. This is the pulsating capital city of the United Arab Emirates, after all—a transcendent metropolis where sophisticated travellers hop from lavish hotels to glitzy rooftop bars to mega malls and their ultra-luxe boutiques. While there’s no denying the cosmopolitan allure of Abu Dhabi, this is also a city that weaves together centuries-old traditions with forward-thinking cultural projects. Marvel at magnificently intricate Islamic architecture. Explore world-class museums that showcase Abu Dhabi’s ever-increasing role as a leader for arts in the region. Experience long-standing Beduoin culture amidst the rolling sand dunes of the fiery desert. Abu Dhabi is very much choose-your-own-adventure in a locale where opportunities for adventure abound. All that said, it would be careless not to state that homosexuality is illegal throughout the UAE. You are unlikely to encounter any issues as a gay traveller, provided that you avoid all signs of public affection. And now, your definitive Abu Dhabi travel guide.

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi

Before delving into our carefully curated selection of Abu Dhabi’s most sublime accommodations, a few essential notes for our discerning gay travellers. Given the UAE‘s conservative laws regarding homosexuality, we recommend booking twin beds rather than sharing a king, avoiding dating apps entirely, and selecting internationally renowned five-star properties where discretion and sophistication come standard. Additionally, utilising a VPN service during your stay is prudent for privacy and unrestricted internet access.

Now, onto our handpicked havens of luxury, starting with the breathtaking Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, where Arabian grandeur meets contemporary elegance along pristine shoreline. This all-inclusive masterpiece boasts seven gourmet restaurants, an exquisite Turkish hammam, and opulent suites adorned with intricate mashrabiya patterns and marble bathrooms.

For the epitome of palatial splendour, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental stands as an architectural marvel, its 24-karat gold-leafed domes and one-kilometre private beach setting the stage for unparalleled luxury. Here, personal butlers anticipate your every whim, while the property’s 11 exceptional restaurants, including the magnificent Michelin-starred Talea by Antonio Guida, elevate dining to an art form.

Meanwhile, the sophisticated Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas offers a more understated yet equally magnificent escape on Saadiyat Island. This refined sanctuary seamlessly blends contemporary design with Arabian touches, featuring private plunge pools in select villas, four temperature-controlled swimming pools, and the transcendent Atarmia Spa, where traditional Arabian beauty rituals are reimagined for the modern sophisticate. The hotel’s beachfront location provides front-row seats to spectacular sunsets, while The Park Bar & Terrace serves as the perfect perch for watching the sky transform into a canvas of burnt orange and crimson hues.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

For the epitome of palatial splendour, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental stands as an architectural marvel, its 24-karat gold-leafed domes and one-kilometre private beach setting the stage for unparalleled luxury