Three days is enough to cover Abu Dhabi's headline sights without rushing, if you group them sensibly by location.
Start early at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, before the heat and the coach tours build up. From there, head to Qasr Al Watan to see the presidential palace's public areas, then finish the afternoon at the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island — the three sit within a reasonable driving loop. In the evening, walk the Corniche or take a dhow dinner cruise.
Dedicate the full day to Yas Island. Pick one headline park to do properly rather than rushing between several — Ferrari World for thrill rides, Warner Bros. World for an indoor family day, Yas Waterworld for water rides, or SeaWorld Abu Dhabi for marine life. Multi-park tickets exist if you want to combine two in one visit; check current options when booking. Finish with dinner at Yas Bay Waterfront.
If you want the desert, book a half-day or overnight safari — dune bashing, camel rides and a Bedouin-style camp dinner. If you'd rather stay closer to the city, spend the morning at Qasr Al Hosn and the Cultural Foundation, then relax on Saadiyat Beach or explore Al Maryah Island's Galleria for shopping and dining.
For the headline sights, yes. If you want to add Al Ain, Liwa Desert or a second Yas Island park, five days gives you more breathing room.
