Abu Dhabi Three Nights

We are looking at booking a hotel back from a cruise via Abu Dhabi and want to do a three night stop off there. What area is the best to stay in that is not too far from the airport, but convenient for any sites and/or good transport systems?

We will want to see things, but not hare round to see everything as may well do another stop off sometime. Looking for a hotel that is not too pricy, but knowing which area to stay in is more important than an actual hotel recommendation, so we know where to start.