This year, the festival of Raksha Bandhan falls on a Friday, August 28, 2026, giving a great opportunity for all Indian travellers to turn this festive occasion into a grand gift and travel internationally with your siblings. With just a three-to-four-hour flight from Delhi or Mumbai to Abu Dhabi, it can be one of the most memorable getaways worth spending money on. Gift your loved ones a vacation worth remembering with each adventure.
Your usual living room rakhi celebrations can be turned into something extraordinary. Why not gift your sibling an experience that you and they both will never forget and cherish the memories via Instagram or Social Media posts, and a phone gallery filled with 1000s of beautiful captures? Grab your passports, book tickets, pack bags, and pick your bestest childhood friend - your siblings- and catch the flight to Abu Dhabi for an experience worth living.
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Abu Dhabi Must-Try Experiences
Find your ultimate guide to a Raksha Bandhan getaway to Abu Dhabi for this long weekend with your loved ones:
Day 1: Nostalgia from Childhood
Nothing speaks more about sibling love than a rollercoaster, just like the bond. Abu Dhabi also shares an experience of an adventure world. Start your weekend at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi's ultimate adventure and entertainment hub, loved by all age groups.
Go Karting at Yas Marina Circuit
Channel your inner Formula 1 driver and race your sibling on the same track that hosts the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Winner gets bragging rights (along with a dining place to choose from).
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Brave the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster, side by side. Accelerating from 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds makes for a unique sibling bonding experience.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Day 2: Insta-Worthy Spots and Cultural Learnings
Each sibling is bound to be your personal photographer, and Abu Dhabi offers endless places where you can not stop clicking just one pic, but need many and aesthetic. Day two is all about breathtaking views, cultural wonders, and upgrading your social media feed.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Start your morning at one of the world's largest mosques, accommodating over 40,000 worshippers. The serene white marble and tranquil pools offer a beautiful backdrop for a quiet, reflective moment with your sibling.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Even if you aren’t art buffs, this universal museum is a must-visit. Marvel at artistic masterpieces, kayak in the waters surrounding the museum for a unique perspective, or grab a coffee in the outdoor pop-up café.
High tea at golden hour
Head to the Observation Deck at 300 in the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Sip tea and enjoy pastries 300 meters above the city, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. It’s the perfect setting to exchange your Rakhi and promises of protection.
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Day 3: Desert, Sea and Soaking
Before you head home, take a day to unwind, relax, and have those deep, late-night conversations that only siblings truly understand.
Desert safari
Head to the desert and experience a thrilling dune bashing session, enjoy a camel ride, and watch the sunset as you and your sibling bond over a new experience together.
Saadiyat Beach Club
Spend the day unwinding by the beach at Saadiyat Beach Club or its restaurants, overlooking one of the UAE's most beautiful stretches of coastline. With pristine white sands and turquoise waters, it’s the perfect spot to toast the holiday.
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Why Abu Dhabi is a perfect Raksha Bandhan getaway
With just a short flight from India, Abu Dhabi can be a great escape for this long weekend. Flights connecting from Mumbai and Delhi can be a great experience in just four days.
Indian passport holders with valid US, UK, or EU visas or residency may be eligible for visa on arrival, making an impromptu escape even easier.
Whether you both are adventure lovers, looking to slow down and enjoy the cultural beauty, travelling for Insta-worthy spots, or looking for an escape to try a variety of food, there's something for everyone to hop on that flight and not miss the opportunity to discover here. Don't just tie Rakhi but gift your siblings a lifelong memory.
(Image credit: Abu Dhabi Tourism)
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