Abu Dhabi is Etihad's home, so stopping here on the way to the Maldives fits naturally into the journey. Stay on Yas Island, close to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World, and take an afternoon to see the white marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. It is calmer than Dubai, with plenty to fill three days.
From Abu Dhabi it is about four hours to Malé, and your Maldives resort is only a short speedboat ride from the airport, so there is no wait for a seaplane. Seven nights with meals and drinks included leave you free to swim, snorkel and do as little as you like.
2 stops · 10 nights · flying Etihad Airways
Grand Mosque, Louvre, Yas Island
All-inclusive island near Malé
Priced with these hotels or similar. Want a different hotel? Your Travel Designer will re-price it for you.
Abu Dhabi is the UAE's capital, spread across islands on the Gulf. Yas Island has the theme parks and the Formula 1 circuit, while Saadiyat Island has the Louvre and a fine public beach.
Your resort is in North Malé Atoll, a quick speedboat ride from the airport, so you can be on the beach soon after landing. Beach and overwater villas look out over a turquoise lagoon.
Guide prices per person, two sharing, with flights from London.
Prices checked October 2026. Prices change daily; your Travel Designer confirms today's live price before you book. Business class and regional airports on request.
Best time to go: November to April is ideal: Abu Dhabi is warm and dry, and the Maldives is in its dry season. May to October is usually cheaper, but Abu Dhabi is very hot and the Maldives sees more showers.
A suggested plan. Change anything.
Fly from London to Abu Dhabi, about seven hours, and transfer to Yas Island.
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, then spend a day at Ferrari World or Yas Waterworld. Evenings at Yas Bay waterfront are relaxed.
Fly about four hours to Malé, then a short speedboat ride to your island.
Six full days with meals and drinks included. Snorkel, kayak, try a sunset cruise or book a spa treatment.
Speedboat back to Malé for your flight home via Abu Dhabi.
Live prices for a week with flights, updated daily. Pick one and we'll add the other stops.
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Fifteen minutes by boat from the airport, with overwater cottages and a kids' club.
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Big, busy island with a golf course, dive school and a long house reef. Good value for families.
The sister resort of the revered Bandos Island Resort & Spa, Malahini Kuda Bandos bathes in the aquamarine lagoon of North Male Atoll and offers guests Indian Ocean rejuvenation via…
Nestled in the North Male Atoll, just a short 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, lies Summer Island Maldives.
Waterpark, lagoon slides and themed restaurants. Built for children.
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Surf break on the doorstep, water bungalows and a relaxed, well-priced feel.
No hotels match. Airport, month and budget only apply to hotels with a price today, so try clearing those.
It is quieter and more spread out, with a stronger focus on culture, from the Grand Mosque to the Louvre. Dubai is about 90 minutes away by road if you want a day trip.
Etihad also flies to Abu Dhabi from Manchester and Edinburgh. Ask us for prices from your nearest airport.
Speedboat transfers run day and night, so you are not waiting for a daylight seaplane slot. That matters if your flight lands late.
Arms and legs must be covered, and women need a headscarf. Loose, long clothing works well.
Change the hotels, the nights or the order, or add a third stop. A Travel Designer replies within a few hours.
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