For Irish travellers, February is such a clever time to go. The temperatures sit comfortably in the early to mid-twenties, making it ideal for pool days, beach walks and sightseeing without the intense summer heat. Stepping off the plane into warm sunshine after weeks of rain at home instantly sets the tone for a relaxing escape.
The Journey – Flying from Dublin to Abu Dhabi
For this trip, I flew direct from Dublin with
Etihad Airways
The flight time is approximately seven and a half hours, which makes Abu Dhabi holidays surprisingly accessible for a long weekend or short break.
Booking Tip
If you are flying economy, I strongly recommend booking the extra legroom seats. At approximately €60 each way, they make a noticeable difference in comfort and are well worth the investment.
Onboard Experience
The inflight entertainment selection was excellent, with plenty of films and boxsets to pass the time. We were provided with comfortable pillows and blankets, and the food and drinks service was very good throughout the flight. What stood out most for me was the warmth of the crew — they were genuinely friendly and welcoming, which always enhances the overall experience.
Flight Timing
We took the 8am departure from Dublin, arriving at around 7pm local time. Abu Dhabi is currently four hours ahead of Ireland, and this schedule works very well for adjusting to the time difference. You arrive in the evening, check in, enjoy dinner and settle into bed at a reasonable hour.
Even better news for anyone planning Abu Dhabi holidays — from April 2026, Etihad will operate twice daily flights from Dublin, giving even more flexibility for short stays and extended breaks.
Where I Stayed – Beachfront Luxury on Saadiyat Island
After spending three nights staying with friends, I checked in for my final evening at the beautiful
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
This resort truly captures the understated elegance that defines many Abu Dhabi holidays.
It sits directly on the beach, with soft white sand and clear blue water stretching out in front of you. Every room enjoys a sea view and features either a private balcony or garden area if you’re on the ground floor. There’s something very calming about waking up to the sound of the sea.
The pool areas are thoughtfully designed, offering both lively spaces and quieter corners. The atmosphere feels refined yet relaxed — ideal for both couples and groups of friends.
Breakfast in White Restaurant deserves a special mention. I can honestly say it was one of the most impressive breakfast spreads I’ve seen. It felt more like an international brunch experience, with an incredible selection catering to every taste. My advice is to take your time and savour it — it’s part of the holiday experience.
As a hotel guest, I also had access to SAL, the resort’s private beach club. There is a charge of approximately 200 AED, but this amount is fully redeemable against food and drinks, which makes it excellent value. The infinity pool overlooking the ocean is simply divine, and the private beach service is seamless. The attention to detail and standard of cuisine throughout the hotel were exceptional — something I always pay close attention to when evaluating destinations for our clients.
Beach Clubs & Social Abu Dhabi
Another highlight of my Abu Dhabi holidays experience was spending a Friday at
Saadiyat Beach Club
Abu Dhabi is well known for its beach club and brunch culture, and this was a fantastic way to enjoy it. The setting is stylish yet relaxed, with beautifully maintained pools and direct access to a private beach. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an entire day moving between sun lounger, sea and lunch table without ever feeling rushed.
This is something I often recommend when planning girls’ trips to Abu Dhabi — it adds a social and celebratory element to the holiday while still feeling luxurious and comfortable.
Dining Experiences – Elevated Evenings
One of the most memorable evenings of the trip was dining at
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi
located within
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
The setting alone is spectacular, with views across the palace grounds that create a real sense of occasion. The atmosphere is elegant without being overly formal, and the cuisine was exceptional. For clients looking for a special dining experience during their Abu Dhabi holidays, this is always high on my list of recommendations.
Cultural Highlights – Beyond the Beach
While the beaches and resorts are beautiful, Abu Dhabi holidays also offer real cultural depth.
We visited
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The architecture is mesmerising, with light filtering through the intricate dome structure in the most beautiful way. During our visit, there was a special Picasso exhibition on display, which made the experience even more memorable.
We also enjoyed a VIP guided tour of
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This is an unforgettable experience. The scale, detail and serenity of the mosque are breathtaking. The guided tour allowed us to learn more about its history, the vision behind its construction and the traditions of the Muslim faith. For ladies visiting, modest dress is required, including wearing an abaya and headscarf, which adds to the respectful atmosphere of the visit.
Why Abu Dhabi Holidays Work So Well
For me, this trip reinforced why Abu Dhabi holidays are such a strong option for Irish travellers. The direct flight makes it easily accessible. The climate in winter is ideal. The hotels deliver consistent five-star service. The dining scene is sophisticated and varied. And there is genuine cultural substance beyond the beach.
It works equally well as a girls’ getaway, a family holiday or a luxurious stopover en route to destinations such as Mauritius, the Maldives or Australia.
A Little About Me
I’m Lorraine Quinn, part of The Travel Suite team, and I’m passionate about experiencing the destinations we recommend. Travelling regularly allows me to offer genuine, first-hand advice — from which flight times work best, to which hotel rooms have the best outlook, to where you should book for a special dinner.
When I recommend Abu Dhabi holidays, it’s because I’ve experienced them myself and understand exactly what makes them special.
If you’re considering Abu Dhabi holidays for 2026 or beyond, I would be delighted to help you plan a trip that is tailored perfectly to you.
