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Unless you live in neighboring Dubai, it’s likely that you’ve never considered Abu Dhabi as a suitable candidate for your next weekend away. I certainly never had. But when an unexpected offer arose to visit the fabled city on the Persian Gulf, I had to say yes — when you have a chance to jet halfway around the world, you accept.

The only catch? I’d only be there for three short days.

I quickly learned that 72 hours in Abu Dhabi isn’t as crazy as it sounds. In fact, the trip (jet-lag and all) was a piece of cake.

Hear me out: Not only does Abu Dhabi boast a burgeoning art scene, buoyed by the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in fall 2017, it’s also easier than ever to make the journey.

Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

JOIN THE JET-SET

Traveling to the UAE from the United States takes time, but the transit logistics are remarkably painless, as long as you know what you’re doing.

Book The Right Ticket

The United Arab Emirates have two national airlines, Emirates and Etihad. Emirates operates out of Dubai, and most flights to the UAE via Emirates require a transfer through Dubai. To fly direct to Abu Dhabi, Etihad is your best bet. Even better news? Etihad offers nonstop flights from many major U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, and Dallas.

Both airlines offer a range of different seating. If you can swing it, it’s worth shelling out for business class, where the seats recline into beds and the walls pull out into tiny cubicles. Take it from me, a long flight zooms by by when you spend it sipping champagne (gratis) in your cozy bunk in the sky. For the serious high rollers, Etihad also offers whole cabins and suites.

Smart Scheduling

A flight from New York to Abu Dhabi is 13 hours, and the time difference is about 9 hours. This might not sound like promising fodder for a weekend trip, but consider this: If you fly out on a Friday afternoon, block out the world, and go to sleep, you’ll wake up Saturday morning, ready to shower, have some breakfast, and hit the city. For the return trip, book a flight in the wee hours and go to sleep — technically you’ll fly “backward” in time, and arrive, refreshed and rested, back on your home soil the same morning.

No Visa Required

If you’re flying from the US, you don’t need a visa or any other special documentation to visit Abu Dhabi. You also don’t require medical clearance or vaccines. Just make sure you have an up-to-date passport that won’t expire within the next six months.

Breeze Through Customs

When you arrive in Abu Dhabi, you’ll go through Emirati customs before officially entering the country. This was quick and painless for me, and I was out the door and into the bright Abu Dhabi sunshine in no time.

For the trip back, I have even better news. You go through American customs in the Abu Dhabi airport. That means:

• When you touch down in the US, you get to avoid the soul-crushing crowds at customs and go straight on to baggage claim or your waiting taxi.
• You should build in some extra time. US customs in Abu Dhabi moves at a steady clip, but you’re still going to want to get to the airport at least two hours before take-off, and don’t linger in the lounge or at the duty-free.

Pack Like A World Traveler

When you arrive in Abu Dhabi, you’ll go through Emirati customs before officially entering the country. This was quick and painless for me, and I was out the door and into the bright Abu Dhabi sunshine in no time.

For the trip back, I have even better news. You go through American customs in the Abu Dhabi airport. That means:

• When you touch down in the US, you get to avoid the soul-crushing crowds at customs and go straight on to baggage claim or your waiting taxi.
• You should build in some extra time. US customs in Abu Dhabi moves at a steady clip, but you’re still going to want to get to the airport at least two hours before take-off, and don’t linger in the lounge or at the duty-free.

Pack Like A World Traveler

I booked in at the Four Seasons at Al Maryah Island, which was light and airy, redolent with the scent of oud wood, and primed to give every guest exceptional service.

My first day, I took a late lunch on the spectacular terrace, marveling at the incredible quality of the Abu Dhabi light. The desert climate means that the light is hazy, even on a cloudless day, and the sunsets are otherworldly. I experienced my first that evening, looking out across the water — one of the many inlets of the Persian Gulf that twine through the city.

Emirates Palace Hotel

This quintessentially Emirati hotel, pictured above, might look just like an old-fashioned palace, but it was built in 2005. If you’re in Abu Dhabi to experience total opulence, this is the hotel for you, lavishly decorated in marble, with design inspired by traditional Islamic art.

If you visit: Be sure to take advantage of the two swimming pools, kids’ center, private bay into the Gulf, and the private butler service that comes with each room.