Abu Dhabi Travel Guide
Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world. With broad boulevards, sleek skyscrapers, massive shopping malls, enormous parks and gardens and a highly efficient transport system, the capital of the United Arab Emirates is the ultimate destination for city lovers.
This rich city is situated on an island located less than a quarter-kilometer from the mainland, and is joined to the mainland by the Maqta and Musaffah bridges. Visit Abu Dhabi in March for excellent bargains and sales during the shopping festival. To experience local culture head down to the Dhow Wharf and Fish Market, visit the Al-Hosn Palace, one of the few buildings in the city that’s older than 30 years, or enjoy a thrilling camel ride in the desert.
Full Name
Abu Dhabi
Capital City
Abu Dhabi
Government Type
federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved
Area Size
Situated on the north east of the Arabian Peninsula, the emirate of Abu Dhabi has an area of some 67,000 square kilometres, or 87% of the country's total.
Time Zone
GMT + 4 hours
Climate
Sunny/blue skies can be expected throughout the year. The months June through September are generally hot and humid with temperatures averaging above 40ºC (110ºF). During this time, sandstorms also occur intermittently, in some cases reducing visibility down to a few meters. The weather is usually pleasant from October to May. January to February is cooler and may require the use of a light jacket. This period also sees dense fog on some days.
Geography
"The emirate of Abu Dhabi is located in the oil-rich and strategic United Arab Emirates and is an active member of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). It borders with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (south) and the Sultanate of Oman (east). The emirate borders the emirate of Dubai to its northeast. In the north is the Persian Gulf. Abu Dhabi city is on an island located less than a quarter-kilometer from the mainland and is joined to the mainland by the Maqta and Musaffah Bridges."
Languages
Arabic (official), other languages like English and Urdu are widely spoken.
Travel Information
Abu Dhabi International Airport- (AUH) serves this city.
Accommodation
Visitors can expect not only a warm welcome in Abu Dhabi but also some of the finest facilities and highest standards of service to be found in the world. Most of the emirate's major hotels are self-contained resorts in their own right, offering guests a comprehensive range of on-the-spot facilities and services. Many of the hotels are either new or recently refurbished. The choice of food and beverage outlets is outstanding, with most hotels offering at least three or four (and often more) restaurants, bars and nightclubs, each with theirown cuisine, theme and, in many cases, live entertainment. The top hotels typically have swimming pools and superb sporting and recreational facilities, including tennis, squash and state-of-the-art health clubs. Amenities for business travellers are equally impressive, with in-room internet connections, efficient business centres and meeting and conference facilities. Abu Dhabi is a family-friendly destination. Children's pools, well-equipped safe play areas, babysitting, children's menus and other such facilities and services are widely available, though it is always best to check with the individual hotel when booking. Most of the hotels in Abu Dhabi city are located around the northern end of the island near the Corniche and the journey from the airport takes roughly 40 minutes. Al Ain has four main hotels, all of which offer deluxe standards in a distinctive and serene setting.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of the following countries will be issued with a free-of-charge VISIT VISA on entry to the UAE: UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Citizens of other countries should apply to their nearest UAE embassy.
Getting Around
Private vehicles and taxis are the primary means of transportation in the city,although public buses, run by the Abu Dhabi Municipality, are available, but mostly used by the lower-income population. The taxis in Abu Dhabi are very cheap. The fare starts at 2.00 AED and it is rare for the fare to go above 6.00 AED during intracity travel. There are bus routes to nearby towns such as Baniyas, Habashan and the garden city of UAE Al Ain, among others. There is a newer service started in 2005 between Abu Dhabi and the commercial city of Dubai (about 160 km away).
Health & Safety
Compared with other major cities Abu Dhabi benefits from one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Normal precautions should be exercised. Remarkably, the UAE was one of only two countries with no reported cases of holiday illnesses recorded in a survey by the leading British consumer magazine, Holiday Which? This is a tribute to the success of government immunization programmes, the provision of adequate clean water and high standards of cleanliness in hotels and restaurants. No special immunizations are required, however it would be wise to check beforehand if you are travelling from a health-risk area. The sun can be fierce throughout the year so heatstroke and heat exhaustion are always a risk. Adequate sunglasses, hats and high factor sun creams are essential, especially for children. Hospitals in the UAE provide a high standard of care. It would be wise to take out medical insurance to cover all eventualities, especially if you need to attend a private hospital or clinic where treatment can be quite expensive. In all instances, medical procedures, including the use of sterilized needles and the provision of blood transfusions are very reliable. If you need a doctor, ask at your hotel, or ring your embassy for recommendations. If you need emergency treatment and are unable to contact a doctor, try one of the major hospitals. The UAE is one of the safest places in the world to visit. In fact, it has been designated the world’s safest holiday destination by the international travel industry on two occasions. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to take out travel insurance and to take the normal precaution to safeguard yourself and your valuables.
National Holidays
Fixed dates: 1 Jan (New Year's Day) 1 Jan (Eid al Adha/Feast of Sacrifice) 2 Jan (Eid al Adah Holiday) 20 Jan ( Islamic New Year) 31 Mar (The Prophet's Birthday) 6 Aug (Sheikh Zayed's Accession, Regional) 10 Aug (The Prophet's Ascension) 13 Oct (Eid al Fitr/End of Ramadan) 15 Oct (Eid al Fitr Holiday) 2 Dec (National Day) 19 Dec (Eid al Adha/Feast of Sacrifice) 22 Dec (Eid al Adha Holiday)
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
Electricity
220/240V
Working Hours
There are no set business hours in the United Arab Emirates. Companies will either work "straight" which is between 08hrs and 17hrs, or "shift" which is anytime between 08hrs and 13hrs, and then again between 16h00 and 21hrs or even 22hrs. Government departments are open from 07hrs until 14hrs, Saturdays to Wednesdays. Banks are open from 09hrs to 13hrs Sundays to Wednesdays and from 09hrs to 12hrs on Thursdays. Shops Normal shopping hours are from 9.00 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4.00– 9.00 p.m. however many shops, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi stay open all day. Most shopping centres open from 10 a.m to 10 p.m – frequently later. Some supermarkets are open for 24 hours. Shopping centres and most shops are open on Friday, the Islamic day of rest, but they all close for Juma (Friday) prayers from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
Emergency Numbers
ambulance/fire/police 998/999
