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ABU DHABI (UAE)TRAVEL TIPS (Traveling to Abu Dhabi UAE essentials)

Embassies

Most diplomatic missions to the UAE are located in the capital, Abu Dhabi. In addition to 17 Arab embassies, some 37 foreign countries are represented through embassies or consulates.
Health Requirements
No health certificates are required currently for entry to Abu Dhabi except for visitors who have been in a cholera or yellow fever-infected area during the 14 days prior to arrival. Health requirements can change suddenly so it is always wise to check the situation with your travel agent prior to departure.

Photography

Abu Dhabi is rich in subject matter; only a few are taboo, including Muslim women and military and other government installations. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing any nationals. Take particular care to protect your photographic equipment from sand and heat.

Electricity

The electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC at 50 cycles. The socket type is identical to the three-point British system.

Newspapers

The English-language newspaper Emirate News, is published daily, as are three Arabic newspapers. Foreign newspapers (a day or two late) and magazines, especially British, are also available in bookshops and supermarkets along with many specialist Arabic magazines.

Medical Care

Medical attention is available around the clock. There are many well-equipped modern hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain including several private hospitals. Most hotels have their own doctor on 24-hour call, and pharmacies carry common medicines and health products. Health care is free to all nationals and residents with a health card. Others may choose between inexpensive care in government health facilities or higher priced private treatment.

Language

The official language is Arabic, but English is widely understood in the hotels and shops, and used as a second language in commerce.

Airport

The expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport has enhanced the fast growing tourism industry. The new terminal and satellite emphasise continuity with the architecture of the existing airport, at the same time incorporating the latest technology to achieve a high level of service to passengers, flexibility and efficiency in operation. State-of-the-art facilities, international boutiques and the unique 18 hole sand golf course constructed on the airport grounds is available for use by transit passengers and local golf enthusiasts.

Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks are served in the major hotels and licensed restaurants. Non-Muslim residents can buy supplies of liquor for home consumption by obtaining a permit. Public drunkenness or driving under the influence of alcohol are serious breaches of the law, as is serving, selling, or giving liquor to Muslims.

Bargaining

Bargaining is part of the fun of shopping in Abu Dhabi, although it is more a matter of negotiation than haggling. Persistent bargaining will usually reduce the list price substantially, especially for cash sales. In the souks, the rule of thumb is to offer half the listed or quoted price and work upwards from there.

Business Hours

The Islamic weekend generally starts from noon on Thursday; Friday is the holy day when businesses, other than shops, close down completely. During the working week, Saturday to Wednesday, banks and government offices are usually open between 8am and 1pm and shops trade until 2pm. They break for lunch and re-open from 4.30pm until 8.30pm.

Car Hire

There are nearly 100 car rental offices in Abu Dhabi with all sizes and makes of car available for hire, with or without a driver. Rates are around Dh120 a day ($US33.50) for small cars to Dh1000 ($US272) for limousines. Roads are excellent. Traffic jams are virtually non-existent. This is a wonderful way to explore Abu Dhabi.

Climate

The climate is at its best between October and April when, even in ‘mid winter’, temperatures on the coast hover around 24°C maximum, and inland it is even warmer. Nights are cool, sometimes even chilly, but rain is so infrequent it poses no threat to outdoor activities. From May until October, it is extremely hot and humid on the coast and although humidity drops significantly inland, temperatures soar over 40°C during the day and only drop about 10°C at night. Even those cooling Gulf breezes which spring up during the summer are sometimes laden with dust and sand. However, summers in the Gulf are no longer unbearable, thanks to air conditioning, swimming pools, and the successful greening of the cities.

Clothing

Lightweight summer clothing is suitable all year round, with the addition of a warmer jacket for cool winter nights, and for air-conditioned hotels and restaurants which can be quite cold. During the summer months it is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothes in fabrics suitable for hot conditions. Except on beaches and around swimming pools where modern swimwear can be worn without contravening local dress codes, visitors are expected to dress conservatively in public. It is advisable to cover up under the strong Middle Eastern sun with sleeved clothing, hats and sunglasses. Hotel restaurants do not insist that male guests wear ties, but most men, if not wearing a lightweight suit and tie, will at least be in smart casual attire.

Credit Cards

Most credit cards such as Diners, American Express, Access/Mastercard and Visa, are accepted at the major hotels and some of the larger shops, however better bargains can usually be obtained with cash.

Currency

Dirhams and fils are the units of currency with 100 fils to the Dirham (Dh). The Dirham is tied to the US Dollar at a steady exchange rate of $US1 = Dh3.65. Banks usually give the best rates on foreign currency exchange but hotels and airports are often quicker and are open outside banking hours. Money changers tend to have a wider range of currencies but their rates may be higher. Exchange rates are published daily, in newspapers.

Driving Licences

A temporary local driving licence is issued when you hire a self-drive vehicle, if you can produce a valid passport, two photographs, and an international driving licence. A national licence from any of the following countries is acceptable in place of an international licence: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, West Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and USA.

Duty Free Allowance

2 litres of spirits and 2 litres of wine (for non-Muslim adults only), 2000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2 kg of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume. There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you may bring to Abu Dhabi, and no customs duty on personal effects accompanied or unaccompanied.

There is a Duty Free store at the airport that stocks an extensive range of merchandise.

Public Holidays

As the dates of Islamic holidays are not fixed, it is best to ask a local or consult the daily newspapers for information. As holidays are frequently confirmed less than twenty-four hours in advance. There are some fixed non-Muslim holidays like New Year on January 1, the holiday to mark the Accession of HH Sheikh Zayed on August 6, and National Day 2-3 December. Christmas is sometimes observed by Western companies, and some embassies may observe Easter.

Shopping Hours

From 9am till 1pm and from 4pm until 9pm, or later. Most supermarkets stay open all day. Everything closes for prayers on Friday between 11.30am and 1.30pm.

Ramadan

This is a month of fasting in which no food or water may be consumed, nor cigarettes smoked in public during daylight hours. Non-Muslims must also observe these religious customs. Licensed premises are closed during Ramadan and working hours reduced. Business is sometimes conducted after dark. The end of Ramadan is marked by joyous feasting and dancing over the three-day Eid Al-Fitr holiday.

Public Transport

A modern bus system operates almost 24 hours a day. The major coach station is on the Hazza Bin Zayed road where buses arrive and depart for destinations throughout Abu Dhabi and beyond. Some are air conditioned, some not. Fares are inexpensive.

Radio

Both Arabic and English commercial radio stations broadcast in Abu Dhabi. Capital Radio broadcasts in English from 7am until midnight on 93.5 mHz FM. Abu Dhabi Radio broadcasts in Arabic on three medium wave and alternating short wave frequencies from 6.15 am until 2 am.

Religion

Islam is the official religion but other creeds are respected. There are three Christian churches: St Joseph Roman Catholic Church, St George Orthodox Church and St Andrews Protestant Church. Every Muslim has a duty to pray five times a day; the precise times are published daily.

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful, comparatively cheap, with fixed metre fares around the city from about Dh5 to Dh20. However if you travel outside the city by taxi it is wise to establish the price before setting out. Sharing is common practice for longer journeys.

Telephone

Telecommunications throughout Abu Dhabi are modern and efficient. International Direct Dialling is available to most countries. Local telephone calls (in and around the central city area) are free. Local and international dialling codes may be obtained by dialling the operator on 181. If you have difficulty with dialling ring 151 for assistance. Pay phones, located in the cities and at points along the highways, can be operated by coins (Dh1 or 50 fils) or phone cards which may be purchased from post offices and licensed agents throughout the city. Reduced charges apply between 9 pm and 7 am plus all day Fridays, public or national holidays. Major hotels have all the latest telecommunications facilities.

Television

There are about thirteen channels broadcasting in Arabic and English in Abu Dhabi, and it is also possible to pick up signals from Dubai, Sharjah and countries outside the UAE. The Abu Dhabi city English TV station transmits on Channel 48. Abu Dhabi also receives satellite television from around the world, transmitting CNN, BBC and STAR TV amongst others.

Time

UAE time is four hours ahead of GMT.

Tipping

Tipping is a practice that varies from country to country, depending on tradition. In Abu Dhabi the practice is to tip according to service. Even where a service charge is applied, staff expect a little extra. 10% is acceptable in hotel restaurants; for luggage porters at airports a tip of Dh5 or Dh10 is customary, depending on the amount of luggage.

Visas

Most visitors to the UAE need an entry visa; only British citizens with the right of abode in the U.K. may obtain a visa on arrival. Transit visas for 14 days, or visit visas for 30 days, (the latter renewable for a maximum of 100 days), are easy enough to obtain in advance through either the hotel at which you are staying or a business contact in Abu Dhabi. Those travelling on Israeli passports, or with Israeli visas, will not be allowed entry. Visitors leaving Abu Dhabi whose visas have expired face a fine of Dh100 per day.

Water

Tap water comes from desalination plants and is safe to drink, however many people prefer bottled water which is served in most hotels and restaurants and may be purchased at shops throughout Abu Dhabi.