DOHA- Qatar Airways (QR) continues to rebuild its Middle East network with the return of double-daily passenger flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH), the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The resumption raises the carrier’s UAE presence to three destinations, joining Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah (SHJ), and supports the wider phased recovery of services from its Doha hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Qatar Airways Restarts Abu Dhabi Flights
Qatar Airways has reactivated its twice-daily passenger schedule between Doha and Abu Dhabi, restoring a key short-haul corridor within the Gulf region.
The Abu Dhabi service complements the airline’s existing flights to Dubai and Sharjah, giving travellers across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) three direct entry points into the Qatar Airways global network.
The expanded UAE schedule offers passengers improved options for business travel, tourism, and onward connections through Doha.
Travellers heading to long-haul markets in Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas can now access the Doha hub from the UAE capital with greater frequency.
Recent Regional Network Additions
The Abu Dhabi reactivation follows a series of regional announcements by the carrier. Qatar Airways recently confirmed services to Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), and Erbil (EBL) in Iraq, reopening important routes across the country.
In parallel, the airline has resumed daily flights to Bahrain (BAH), Damascus (DAM) in Syria, and Kozhikode (CCJ) in India.
These additions widen passenger choice across the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, while reinforcing connectivity into Qatar Airways’ onward network through Doha.
Qatar Airways is progressing with the staged restoration of its worldwide operations across six continents. The carrier currently flies to more than 160 destinations through its Doha base.
The airline has asked passengers to check its official website and mobile app for the latest schedule information and to keep contact details current. Qatar Airways notes that flight schedules remain subject to change or cancellation due to operational, regulatory, safety, or other factors outside its control.
Abu Dhabi Travel Guide
The capital of the United Arab Emirates stands as one of the wealthiest and most visually striking cities in the Gulf region. Travellers reach the city through Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), located around 32 kilometres from the city centre, with IndiGo (6E) operating direct flights from Kochi (COK) and Kozhikode (CCJ).
Visitors who prefer alternate routing can fly into Dubai International Airport (DXB) and complete the 90-minute road journey by bus, taxi, or rental car. IndiGo (6E) operates 14 daily flights to Dubai (DXB) from Bengaluru (BLR), Delhi (DEL), Hyderabad (HYD), Mumbai (BOM), Mangalore (IXE), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), Chennai (MAA), Chandigarh (IXC), Kochi (COK), Kozhikode (CCJ), and Amritsar (ATQ).
Exploring Abu Dhabi: A Capital of Culture and Modern Wonders
Abu Dhabi blends traditional Arabian heritage with rapid urban development. The city houses one of the world’s largest hand-loomed carpets, a series of man-made islands, and a dedicated falcon hospital. Despite its skyscrapers, luxury malls, and large hotel chains, the city retains its authentic Emirati identity.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque remains the most recognised landmark, known for its majestic domes, intricate carvings, and reflective pools. Visitors typically spend one to two hours exploring the complex. Emirates Palace, Ferrari World, The Corniche, and Louvre Abu Dhabi each require two to four hours and cover architectural, recreational, and cultural interests in equal measure.
Local Transport Within the City
Travellers move around Abu Dhabi using taxis, buses, and rental cars. The taxi network includes silver taxis run by standard operators and pink taxis driven by women, reserved for female passengers and boys under the age of 10. Buses cover the city and its surrounding suburbs at affordable rates.
Dining Highlights
Abu Dhabi offers a wide culinary spread, ranging from upscale international restaurants to traditional Emirati eateries.
Bait El Khetyar serves popular shawarmas, kebabs, and pita bread, along with hummus and labneh. Li Beirut, one of the top Lebanese restaurants in the UAE, offers kibbeh, Arabic mixed grill, and cheese kunafa with optional seaview terrace seating. Finz, located beside Al Reem Island, focuses on seafood prepared through tandoori, wok, and traditional methods. 18 Degrees, situated on the 18th floor of Hyatt Capital Gate, features three interactive show kitchens preparing Mediterranean dishes such as falafel, shawarma, and tomato cucumber salad.
Shopping Destinations
Travellers find a strong mix of traditional and modern retail across the city.
Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk offers fresh produce, herbs, and spices in a vibrant central setting. Souk Qaryat Al Beri sits along the waterfront and provides views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque alongside shops and cafes. Gold Souk Abu Dhabi features Emirati jewellery designs and gemstones. AlSouq carries a broad range of products covering handicrafts, spices, fashion, and electronics.
Festivals and Cultural Events
Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha mark the most significant religious celebrations and bring large public gatherings, prayers, and feasts. The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival showcases Emirati traditional crafts, folk performances, and cultural displays. The Abu Dhabi Food Festival highlights local and international cuisine through food trucks, workshops, and chef appearances.
Key Attractions Beyond the Mosque
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi houses more than 20 rides, including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, alongside classic Ferrari vehicles.
Yas Waterworld, the first park of its kind in the UAE, features 43 slides, the longest tornado water slide, and the world’s first water-laser rollercoaster.
Desert safaris remain a signature experience, with dune bashing, camel rides, sunset views, and overnight stays available across the outskirts.
Best Time to Visit
The period between November and March offers the most pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities, desert excursions, and city walks.
Languages Spoken
Arabic serves as the official language of Abu Dhabi. English is widely used across tourist locations, hotels, and transport services, making communication straightforward for international visitors.
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ title for the ninth time at the 2025 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating body Skytrax. The carrier had previously claimed the same title in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024.
The airline also received the ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’ awards in 2025, and was named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ for the 13th time. Cirium, a leading aviation analytics organisation, granted Qatar Airways its Platinum performance recognition for reliability and operational performance.
Hamad International Airport, the airline’s Doha hub, has been recognised as the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for 11 consecutive years and ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the third year in a row by Skytrax. The airport was also named the ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Qatar Airways became the first Middle East carrier to achieve the highest level of certification under IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, which is based on recognised environmental management system principles such as ISO 14001.
As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways was the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.
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