Welcome to MENAWCA Biennial Conference 2025 hosted by NYUAD! Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning to our vibrant community, we’ve gathered key travel resources to help you plan your visit to Abu Dhabi.
Where to Stay
Preferred hotels are in bold based on price, distance, or experience. Booking directly may be cheaper. Overall, we recommend booking well in advance for best rates as another large international conference falls on the same dates as our conference.
5 minutes away – all on Saadiyat Island where NYUAD is located; all are resorts
Rixos Premium Saadiyat $$$$$
St. Regis Saadiyat $$$$
Saadiyat Rotana $$$$
Jumeirah Saadiyat $$$$
Park Hyatt $$$$
10 minutes away – mostly located in Al Zahiyah/Tourist Club Area of Abu Dhabi
Beach Rotana $$$
Sofitel Corniche $$$
Sheraton Abu Dhabi $$$
Hala Arjaan $$
Ramada by Wyndham Corniche $$
Le Meridien $$
Trianon Royal Hotel $$
Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi $$
Southern Sun $$
Al Manzel Hotel Apartments $$
Tryp by Wyndham $$
Howard Johnson by Wyndham $
Al Diar Dana Hotel $
15 minutes away – approximately in the middle of the city
Le Royal Meridien $$$
Royal Rose Hotel $$$
Courtyard Abu Dhabi World Trade Center $$
Al Maha Arjaan $$
Crowne Plaza Corniche $$
20 minutes away – most are either close to Emirates Palace or on Yas Island
St. Regis Corniche $$$$
Radisson Blu $$$
Dusit Thani $$$
Grand Hyatt $$$
Bab al Qasr $$$
Grand Millennium al Wahda $$$
Radisson Blu Yas Island $$$
Park Inn Yas Island $$$
Crowne Plaza Yas Island $$$
Centro Al Manhal $$
Centro Yas Island $$
Preferred hotels
St. Regis Saadiyat $$$$
Beach Rotana $$$
Le Royal Meridien $$$
Bab al Qasr $$$
Grand Hyatt $$$
Hala Arjaan $$
Al Maha Arjaan $$
Courtyard Abu Dhabi World Trade Center $$
Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi $$
Al Manzel Hotel Apartments $$
Tryp by Wyndham $$
Centro Al Manhal $$
Centro Yas Island $$
Abu Dhabi Attractions
Abu Dhabi offers a vibrant mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring world-class museums, lounging by the beach, or looking for family-friendly attractions, there’s something for everyone — all within a short distance from NYUAD. We’ve grouped our recommendations by location to help you plan your downtime during the conference.
Saadiyat Island (5–10 min from NYUAD)
Louvre Abu Dhabi – Features borrowed works as well as archaeological finds from the Gulf region. You can also kayak around the Louvre at night!
Manarat Al Saadiyat – A haven for inspiration, artistic expressions and culture in Abu Dhabi; free to enter.
TeamLab Phenomena
Abrahamic Family House – The world’s only complex that houses an Islamic mosque, Christian church, and Jewish synagogue, all connected.
Mamsha al Saadiyat – A relatively new neighborhood that features restaurants with cuisines ranging from home-grown burger joints to Jamaican jerk chicken; the beach views are absolutely a plus!
Mamsha Beach – Situated along a stretch of restaurants, this is the beach that people imagine when they think of Abu Dhabi and lounging around the Arabian Gulf.
Kai Beach – White sands and peaceful surroundings abound here.
Saadiyat Beach Club – An all-inclusive experience, this location houses a pool, beach access, spa, gym, and every other amenity you may wish for.
Saadiyat Golf Club – More than just a golf club, driving up to the club house and Hawksbill Restaurant you’re likely to spot free-roaming, miniature dhabis (gazelles), from which Abu Dhabi gets its name.
St. Regis Saadiyat – Features a multitude of restaurants (including authentic Sicilian cuisine at Taverna del Moro, among others) and unbeatable views of the Arabian Gulf from Manhattan Lounge; also notable is Sontaya, a pan-Asian restaurant that appears to be floating on water.
The Beach House – Along the beach of the Park Hyatt hotel, this chilled out restaurant and rooftop lounge provides a perfect sundowner experience with beats, vibes, drinks, and views.
Yas Island (~20 min)
Seaworld – The World’s Largest Indoor Marine Life Theme Park
Yas Bay – Lively spot at night, varied restaurants and entertainment spots; Central has a bowling alley and arcade games for those looking for some retro fun!
Yas Marina – A handful of restaurants and bars overlooking the marina and the W Abu Dhabi Hotel, the only hotel in the world that sits overtop of an F1 track.
Abu Dhabi City
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (30min) – Free to visit, pre-booking required.
Emirates Heritage Village (30min) – Take a peek into yesteryear at this particular Abu Dhabi attraction where you can watch local artisans weave, fashion blades, blow glass, and more; a small museum is housed here as well as traditional desert dwellings with explanations on their construction and history. Great place for souvenir shopping as well!
Presidential Palace (Qasr al Watan)
Qasr al Hosn
Abu Dhabi Corniche – Long walk across the entirety of Abu Dhabi island, it features the Gulf and multiple beaches on the one side and parks on the other.
Elsewhere Nearby
Jubail Mangrove Park (10min) – Jubail Mangrove Park is the first self-contained educational, nature and leisure destination of its kind in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Here, you can visit and explore a haven for avian and marine species native to Abu Dhabi. But foremost, this is a mangrove sanctuary.
Hudayriyat Island (30min) – Sports, leisure, and dining destination with free and paid beaches.
MiZa//Warehouse 421
Middle East North Africa Writing Center Alliance 