Abu Dhabi Gay Travel
wolfyy’s Abu Dhabi gay travel guide to hotels, safety, things to do & local gay life.
The Gay Travel Experience: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Gay travelers interested in visiting Abu Dhabi often wonder whether it’s safe, or even a good idea, considering how conservative the culture is. The answers to these questions will vary depending on the person, but experiencing Abu Dhabi’s beauty as an LGBT tourist is certainly within reach.
It’s imperative for gay travelers to take certain precautions to stay safe. Generally speaking, you’ll be perfectly fine as long as you abide by the rules and don’t look for trouble.
I visited Abu Dhabi with my gay college roommate and a few other friends we had no issues. But we did make sure to learn everything necessary ahead of time about the local culture and how to behave. And believe me—the marvelous things you’ll see here are well worth the preparation.
If you’re wondering why any gay traveler would want to visit a place that oppresses LGBTQ people, my answer is that in addition to basic curiosity, I love Arab culture and language, especially in such a glorious city like Abu Dhabi.
And while it’s unfortunate that LGBT people cannot express themselves freely in Abu Dhabi, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any kind or open-minded people here.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about where to stay, staying safe, and local culture along with recommendations for some epic luxury experiences in Abu Dhabi.
Gay Abu Dhabi: Hotels & Where to Stay
Downtown Abu Dhabi hotels and hotels on Saadiyat Island are generally the most popular. However, the exact location of your hotel isn’t super important. Abu Dhabi isn’t that dense, so it’s easy to move around. And as you may have guessed, there’s no gay neighborhood.
Since Abu Dhabi isn’t the most LGBT-friendly place on earth, choosing the right hotel will have a big impact on your sense of comfort and safety. Before I share some specific recommendations, let’s briefly cover some safety-related basics.
Internationally well-known chain hotels are always the safest option. Staff at these properties should have enough cultural training to know how to deal LGBT tourists, or even two gay individuals planning on sleeping in the same bed.
In my opinion, same-sex couples shouldn’t book single-bed hotel rooms. While you might be able to get away with it in some hotels in Dubai, two men booking a room with a single bed in Abu Dhabi isn’t the best idea.
If you’re traveling alone and you’re not so worried about issues related to being identified as LGBT, then I’d say go for it and book a local hotel, or even an apartment rental in Abu Dhabi.
Still always remember to be cautious with your appearance and mannerisms to avoid any issues.
Now, here are some of the best local hotels I recommend for gay travelers.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is an absolutely gorgeous waterfront luxury hotel. It’s owned by Accor Hotels, which has a trustworthy inclusion policy. Rooms have impressive floor-to-ceiling windows with views looking out over the Persian Gulf.
Abu Dhabi’s Sofitel has two beautiful pools, a chic poolside restaurant, a fun pink-themed rooftop bar, a spa, and access to the nearby beach. And with all this, the price is decently affordable!
Al Maryah Island Four Seasons
I highly suggest the Al Maryah Island Four Seasons, which is right next to Abu Dhabi’s downtown area.
This Four Seasons hotel has a clean, elegant, and masculine style that I love. Everything about it is spectacular. Their large rooftop pool also has a marvelous seaside view.
Novotel Al Bustan
Novotel Al Bustan is at the southern end of Downtown Abu Dhabi and is also owned by Accor Hotels, so I would recommend it to gay travelers. It’s more affordable than the above-mentioned Sofitel but still offers an upscale ambiance and amenities.
Novotel is also nearby the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, making a trip there easy and convenient, especially if you want to go multiple times.
St. Regis Saadiyat Island
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island is another must-mention, especially if you’re looking for the ultimate luxury hotel experience. Abu Dhabi’s St. Regis is right on the beach.
The hotel is a massive, private compound containing every amenity you could imagine, a host of beautiful pools, and restaurants with upscale lounge seating.
Just about everywhere you are on this property, you’ll almost always have a wonderful view of the sea.
Is Abu Dhabi Gay Travel Safe?
While not the safest place for gay travelers, Abu Dhabi isn’t the most dangerous destination either. Your safety really depends on how you present yourself and where you go.
Abu Dhabi is notably more conservative than neighboring Dubai. Many common western behaviors that are overlooked in Dubai are not tolerated in Abu Dhabi.
I’ve also heard stories from fellow travelers about uncomfortable and threatening encounters with local hotel guests. But don’t let this scare you—maintaining as low of a profile as you need to while adhering to local customs will keep you safe.
Just remember to avoid any behaviors that may reveal the fact that you’re LGBTQ, as well as any overt touching or displays of affection toward someone of the same sex.
The UAE government actively censors LGBT content, which means anything you post online may also be monitored. Even recently, searching for LGBT Amazon products in the Emirates was banned.
Be extremely cautious with your social media presence. Providing clear indications via Instagram location tags or by using gay hashtags isn’t a good idea. And for everything else online, utilizing a trustworthy VPN application is a must.
Abu Dhabi Gay Travel Experiences
Abu Dhabi has some pretty legendary attractions and I found no shortage of things to do. Here are some of the best attractions I recommend you visit.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque first thing. This pristine place of worship is one of my favorite structures on the planet. You can lose yourself among the plentiful jewels and gold. The massive domes will make you feel like the smallest thing in the universe.
You can book a Private Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour which is best for spending a longer time at the mosque, or visit as part of an Abu Dhabi city tour.
Note the mosque is closed to tourists on Fridays, so you’ll want to avoid planning a day trip around the city on this day of the week.
Ferrari World
Head to Ferrari World on Yas Island and experience the fastest roller coaster in the world. It’s so fast, you have to wear clear goggles to ride! An indoor theme park, Ferrari World is perfect to escape the heat and enjoy some thrills.
If you really like cars, they have a bunch of sweet Ferraris in a small museum. The entire facility is pretty giant and kept impeccably clean. To save time, grab your admission ticket ahead of time.
Tour Masdar City
Masdar City is worth checking out f you have more time to spend in Abu Dhabi, the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency. Masdar is a small planned city being built in phases that relies on renewable energy.
Tours are available at Masdar where you can get in a self-driving magnetic track vehicle to head toward the town’s center.
Abu Dhabi Gay Travel Tips
Following the Local Dress Code
Clothing-wise, men should avoid wearing anything overly revealing while in casual environments. Lightweight chinos will help you blend in most and avoid looking like a tourist. Shorts shouldn’t be too short and tank tops probably aren’t best unless you’re going for a run.
At the beach or pool, only swim shorts are acceptable. That means you’ll sadly need to leave your Speedo briefs and tight trunks at home. Being shirtless is totally fine, but it’s best to cover up when going near any common areas like a beach bar the bathroom.
For women, non-revealing bikinis are okay in the water in some places, but it’s best to check with your hotel’s recommendation.
Female tourists should always wear clothing that completely covers the shoulders and knees. Any display of upper arms, chest, or thighs will attract negative attention. Bringing a lightweight shawl is a great idea if you’re nervous your sleeves aren’t long enough.
Bringing PrEP & Other Medications into Abu Dhabi
All travelers entering Abu Dhabi or anywhere else in the UAE should have a record of any prescription medication they are currently taking.
Traveling to Abu Dhabi with PrEP, PEP, or any other pre or post-exposure prophylaxis medication is not recommended. If you can go without these, it’s best to leave them at home.
While the government does not specifically prohibit travelers from bringing these medications into the country, you may be subject to scrutiny or face other unforeseen consequences if they are questioned.
Prepare for Abu Dhabi's Heat
Summer temperatures are brutally high. During the warmer parts of the year, you will notice locals avoid the outdoors during the middle of the day.
Grab a few sweat-proof t-shirts to wear if you’ll be visiting while it’s hot. Some elastane, polyester, or nylon material will breathe well to keep you dry.
Rent a Car
Renting a car in Abu Dhabi will make getting around much easier. The city is a bit spread out, so if you prefer not to spend money on taxis, it’s helpful to have your own vehicle.
Does Abu Dhabi Have Gay Nightlife?
The United Arab Emirates and specifically Abu Dhabi is a very conservative Muslim state. As you may have guessed, there are officially no gay bars or gay clubs in Abu Dhabi.
Many travelers ask around for underground gay parties while visiting Abu Dhabi. They may exist or they may not, but even if you did find such an event by invitation, it would be quite risky to attend.
Instead of searching for gay events, stay on the safe side and conform to the local customs. Save that for Dubai, if anything!
Using Grindr in Abu Dhabi
If you’re seeking to connect with another LGBT individual via gay apps (like Grindr or Scruff), remember that you’ll need a VPN connection to do so. The UAE government blocks various LGBT web content and applications.
I recommend using NordVPN
for a safe encrypted connection. I use this app myself, which makes it possible to download and use restricted apps and websites. They’re the fastest and most popular VPN provider on the market.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, it is legal to consume alcohol in Abu Dhabi, however, there are a few special rules to follow.
Local Muslims that strictly follow religious teachings do not drink. Instead, you will see locals smoking flavourful Shisha, which is super common in the Middle East.
In the UAE, you won’t find typical bars and pubs. Instead, alcohol is served inside hotel bars or nightclubs that have private entrances.
Appropriate conduct, especially in relation to consuming alcohol is very important. Appearing intoxicated out on the sidewalk or in other public areas is asking for a lot of trouble, so be responsible.
If you plan to drink a decent amount of alcohol, make sure to do so in close proximity to your hotel, if not inside your own hotel bar.
Abu Dhabi Gay Life
In the United Arab Emirates, there are absolutely no gay rights or protections and all relations outside of a heterosexual marriage are technically criminal. Local LGBT people are forced to shield their sexuality in order to conform to societal norms.
Police aren’t patrolling the streets looking for gay men in Abu Dhabi, but it’s worth mentioning that the law remains archaic. I’m sure you can imagine how difficult gay life in Abu Dhabi can be for locals.
While I don’t discourage any gay travelers from visiting Abu Dhabi, those looking for Middle Eastern destinations that are much more LGBT-friendly should think about cities like Tel Aviv instead.
I’d like to remain hopeful that leaders will begin working toward providing basic rights for LGBT communities in Middle Eastern countries.
We can do our part as fellow LGBT citizens of the world to hold these leaders and governments accountable for their actions or lack thereof.
Explore more of the Middle East with wolfyy’s gay guides to Dubai, Kuwait City, and Beirut.
For more inspiration, explore wolfyy’s full collection of gay travel guides.
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