Abu Dhabi for the Elite: The Ultimate Luxury Guide to the UAE Capital

As one of the richest cities globally, it’s no wonder that Abu Dhabi attracts the world’s wealthiest.

Whether you’re eyeing the most exquisite diamonds or purchasing a multi-million dollar villa on a private island, in Abu Dhabi, anything is within reach in a city known for its opulence.

For those with limitless funds, here are the most extravagant ways to indulge in Abu Dhabi’s luxury.

Secure a penthouse in the clouds

There’s nothing quite like arriving in style, and flying into the capital aboard a jet’s lavish three-room suite will definitely leave a lasting impression.

Created to feel like a luxurious home in the sky, Etihad Airways’ exclusive apartment, The Residence, located on the A380, offers a private bedroom with a double bed, an en-suite shower room featuring premium Acqua di Parma products, and a spacious lounge area on the upper deck.

With all the perks of private jet travel, Etihad has taken luxury to new heights, offering complete privacy, designer sleepwear, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the option to unwind with the latest blockbuster films on a stunning 32-inch LCD screen.

From the moment you reserve your suite, Etihad’s VIP Travel Concierge handles every detail, from chauffeur-driven limousines to access to the exclusive Residence lounge and even your choice of pillow.

Once aboard, an in-flight butler and personal chef will ensure an unforgettable journey with exquisite dining and endless pours of Bollinger Grande Annee 2005 (or your preferred beverage).

etihad.com

Hire a personal shopper for the ultimate luxury experience

Sara Khan, the founder of By Appointment, is the woman everyone in Abu Dhabi—VIPs, royals, and high-net-worth individuals alike—keeps on speed dial.

Together with her husband, Eddie Perez, the power couple runs a high-end personal shopping and events agency, catering to a discerning clientele in search of exclusive products and experiences. However, gaining access to their elite circle is by invitation or referral only.

Some of their most extravagant requests include flying a US rapper to the UAE to cook Christmas dinner for a client, sending 10 falcons on a private jet, and even arranging for a live giraffe to surprise guests at a child’s birthday party. Khan sums it up: “Nothing is impossible, as long as it’s legal!”

byappointmentme.com

Purchase a villa on a luxury private island

Competing with the iconic mansions of the Hollywood Hills and the luxurious over-water villas in the Maldives, these exclusive estates feature six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, private beaches, infinity pools, lavish entertainment areas, home cinemas, gyms with adjoining saunas and steam rooms.

Just a 10-minute speedboat ride from Abu Dhabi’s mainland, this eco-friendly real estate treasure combines waterfront luxury with absolute privacy.

The island features a floating marina with an arrivals lounge, a private helipad, boutique hotel, fine dining restaurants, a world-class spa, and a cutting-edge fitness center.

zayanuraiisland.com/buyout

Savor a rare vintage

For Abu Dhabi’s most refined wine lovers, La Cava at the Rosewood Hotel offers the finest vintages in town.

Accessed through a spiral staircase lit by candles, the UAE’s exclusive wine cellar boasts over 1,000 premium labels and features a cozy cigar bar, housing an exceptional collection of cognacs, whiskies, and authentic Cuban cigars.

rosewoodhotels.com/en/abu-dhabi/dining/La-Cava

Pamper yourself with a luxurious 24-carat gold facial

The renowned Emirates Palace Spa is truly deserving of its accolades. With its lavish Moroccan-inspired design and tranquil atmosphere, it’s a top choice for celebrities, royals, and residents alike – and it’s easy to understand why.

Dream of being painted in gold and massaged with diamond-infused oils? Book the spa’s extravagant A Day of Gold treatment, which includes a 90-minute Signature Palace massage, an indulgent hammam, a 24-carat Gold Radiance Facial, a Bastien pedicure, plus lunch and a thoughtful gift to take home.

kempinski.com/en/abudhabi/emirates-palace/luxury-spa

Take a Ferrari for a thrilling ride through the desert

With the Middle East’s passion for supercars, Abu Dhabi offers the ideal landscape for enthusiasts to hit the open road on the ultimate sports car tour.

Select a high-performance model from Edel & Stark’s luxury car rental fleet, like a Porsche 718 Boxster S, Lamborghini Huracán, or Bugatti Veyron, for an unforgettable driving adventure.

edelstark.com

Indulge in a lavish dinner experience

With top-tier restaurants competing for attention throughout the city, only the most extraordinary venues can serve one of the capital’s most indulgent meals – including the city’s priciest dish.

The renowned Beijing duck dish is a favorite among the city’s elite foodies, who watch in awe as it’s wheeled through the luxurious restaurant, designed with the chain’s signature opulent interiors featuring wooden screens and intricate latticing.

Boasting an Instagram-worthy outdoor terrace with custom cocktails and stunning skyline views, the Abu Dhabi branch – located in the iconic Emirates Palace – truly lives up to its reputation.

hakkasan.com/abu-dhabi

Make a diamond your closest companion

In a land where exclusivity reigns, diamonds remain timeless. Global icons Mouawad offer an exclusive appointment service for Abu Dhabi’s elite, allowing them to acquire their extraordinary masterpieces.

Run by the fourth-generation Mouawad brothers – Fred, Alain, and Pascal – this Lebanese family is among the wealthiest diamond owners in the world, thanks to their savvy acquisitions over the years, including the famous 68-carat Taylor-Burton diamond.

With the world-record-breaking Mouawad Dragon Diamond in their vault, those in Abu Dhabi seeking the ultimate luxury can indulge in the 54.21-carat brilliant-cut stone. For those with a taste for rare jewels, one of the world’s most prized yellow diamonds is now available for purchase – price upon request.

mouawad.com