Built on an island, connected to the mainland by three bridges, it may not be as populous as Dubai, but it is in fact the capitol of United Arab Emirates.
Compared to its neighbor Dubai, this Emirati city, once a fishing village, enjoys a slower-paced lifestyle albeit a wealthy one. In the past 40 years it has been transformed into a contemporary and modern city and now you will see traditional heritage culture sitting alongside glitzy shiny new iconic buildings.
Here you can experience museums, markets, skyscrapers, luxury hotels, shopping malls together with the worlds fastest roller coaster & largest hand-loomed carpet. Luxury is on a large scale but the city can be enjoyed by all.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION TO PLAN YOUR TRIP
START EXPLORING ABU DHABI WITH THESE POSTS
SUGGESTED SIGHTS/EXPERIENCES
VISIT A MOSQUE
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is just simply stunning and THE number one attraction not to be missed.
ADMIRE SKYSCRAPERS
Futuristic skyscrapers with shiny surfaces are making Abu Dhabi’s skyline iconic & akin to Dubai.
ADMIRE A FORMULA 1 CIRCUIT
Visit the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island and view the track where the Formula One Grand Prix is staged.
TAKE A CAMEL RIDE
Experience the magnificent Liwi Desert by taking a camel ride to watch the sunrise.
GET YOUR THRILL ON
Celebrate all things Ferrari including the world’s fastest roller coaster, at Ferrari World Amusement Park.
WALK ALONG THE CORNICHE
Walk or rent a bike to explore the 5km waterfront Corniche with its beach, gardens and fabulous views.
ENJOY AFTERNOON TEA
Enjoy afternoon tea at the luxurious & palatial Emirates Palace Hotel with its sand coloured exterior.
EXPERIENCE CULTURE
The Heritage Village with its fort, souk & mosque give an insight of the pre-oil era of UAE.
ABU DHABI FACTS
WEATHER
The UAE enjoys a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures in the winter months and hot temperatures in the summer. Rain fall is heaviest in February. June-September is hot and humid with August being the hottest month.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
During the Summer, November – April when temperatures are tolerable. Spring (March-April) when temperatures are around 30°C is a good time to visit.
LANGUAGE SPOKEN
Although Arabic is the official language of the UAE, English is widely spoken.
TIME ZONE
GMT plus 4 hours
CURRENCY
The official currency of the UAE is the dirham (Dhs or AED), with each dirham divided into 100 fils. Coins come in denominations of Dhs 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.10 and 0.05, the latter two denominations are rarely used. Dirham notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations, For up to date currency exchange rates check here.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT
Electrical supply is 220V / 50 Hz and sockets suitable for three-pin 13 amp plugs of British standard design are the norm. Other visitors may need an adapter and transformer.
BEFORE YOU GO
VISAS
A free 30-day visa is available on arrival for 34 nationalities, including those of the UK, Australia, Canada, most European countries and the USA. Always check the latest requirements from the UAE embassy in your home country.
CUSTOMS
Always check the latest requirements from the UAE embassy in your home country.
HEALTH
There are no health risks for concern. Standards are high and emergency treatment free. No special immunizations are required.
ARRIVING
International flights arrive into Abu Dhabi International Airport.
GETTING AROUND
There is an extensive high quality road network throughout the Emirates and driving is on the right. Buses and taxis are plentiful.
PRACTICAL TIPS
CULTURE
UAE laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. Familiarise yourself with, and respect local laws and customs to ensure that you don not cause offence, especially visiting religious areas and during the holy month of Ramadan.
INTERNET ACCESS
Internet access (usually free) can be found in hotels, restaurants, cafes and shopping malls.
TIPPING
While not expected, it is commonly practiced (about 10%)
DAILY COSTS
Mid-range accommodation, restaurant and transport – Approx. AED1,200
USEFUL NUMBERS
Country Code 971
Area Code 02
Emergency 999
USEFUL WEBSITES
Visit Abu Dhabi – visitor information
GOV.UK – Foreign Travel Advice
LOCAL PHRASES
Hello or Welcome is “Márhaba, ahlan” in Arabic