Abu Dhabi Information

The Corniche, Abu Dhabi City

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven United Arab Emirates (UAE), occupying more than 80% of the country’s total land mass and featuring a coastline that stretches over 700 kilometres. UAE lies on the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and west and the Sultanate of Oman to the southeast, while Qatar lies to the northwest. The city of Abu Dhabi,which is located on a low-lying island, features a Manhattan like skyline with tree-lined roads and landscaped parks and gardens. Sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf, which surround the city, complete the scenic vista.

Time Zone – Abu Dhabi is GMT +4

Climate - This is a destination with almost year-round sunshine, little rainfall and near perfect winter temperatures. Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is sporadic, falling mainly in winter (November to March) and averaging 12cms per year in most of the emirate. The weather in Abu Dhabi is mildest in the months of December (average 20.3° C) through March (average 22° C). January is the coolest month of the year, with an average temperature of 18.4° C. July to September are the warmest months, when temperatures are around 24°C (75°F) during the day and 13°C (56°F) at night.

Population and Religion - The emirate’s population, now over 1.6 million, is expected to reach 3 million by 2030. Across the UAE, Emirati citizens make up nearly 20% of the total population; the other 80% are expatriates from Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America. Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and is widely practised. Abu Dhabi is tolerant of other religions with people being free to practice their religious beliefs, so long as they do not interfere with Islam. Non-Muslims can get an insight into Islam through complimentary guided tours of the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the world’s largest.

Seikh Zayed Mosque

Languages - The official language is Arabic although English is widely spoken.

Currency - The local currency is dirham (AED or Dhs) which is divided into 100 fils.

Credit Cards - Most retail shops, hotels as well as casual dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is prudent to confirm acceptance of credit card or debit card payments with staff especially if there is no visible signage indicating acceptance of credit card payment at the store premises or at the till/counter.

Banking Hours - Most banks operate five days a week, Sunday to Thursday, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm while a few others are also open on Saturdays from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. Branches located in prominent city centres and malls open at 9:00 am and remain open until early evening. Most ATMs across Abu Dhabi bear the Cirrus, Maestro or Plus logos, which means credit card owners can withdraw cash against their accounts using these ATMs. Hotels also provide foreign exchange services, and foreign exchange bureaus are aplenty across the city centre.

Abu Dhabi City

Passport and Entry Requirements – Current passport required. Australians and New Zealanders are issued with a free-of-charge Visit Visa.

Australian Embassy
8th Floor,
Al Muhairy Centre
Sheikh Zayed the First Street,
Abu Dhabi
Tel: +971 2 401 7500
Fax: +971 2 401 7501
E-mail: abudhabi.embassy@dfat.gov.au

New Zealand Embassy
ADIB Building, Side Entrance, First Floor, Regus Reception
Bainuna Street (aka Street # 34)
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 2406 9891 (after hours consular emergency: +971 50 475 7916)
Facsimile: +971 2406 9888
Email: nzembassy.abu.dhabi@mfat.govt.nz

Health – No vaccinations required unless arriving from infected areas.

Duty Free - Allowance is: 4 litres of any kind of alcohol and 400 cigarettes or cigars or 2kg of tobacco.

Voltage and Plugs - The electricity supply in Abu Dhabi is 220/240 volts at 50 Hz. Square three-pin sockets are standard. It is advisable to bring a plug adapter with you, but most hotels can supply you with adapters for other kinds of plug or you can purchase adapters locally.

Phone & Internet - There are a growing number of establishments such as coffee shops and restaurants across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain that offer wireless Internet access. Our hotels directory also provides information on which hotels offer Internet access. Otherwise, visitors can drop by at any Internet café to check their e-mails or perform other online tasks. Hourly rates at Internet cafes range from Dhs 5 to Dhs 10.

Alternatively, visitors to Abu Dhabi may opt for the Dial ‘n’ Surf package offered by Etisalat. This service allows easy access by eliminating the need for any service subscription or documentation. A per-minute charge of 12 fils applies and is directly charged to the telephone you are using to connect to the Internet. (Dial 500-5555 to get connected online)

Safety and Dress – Abu Dhabi is a safe country. It is recommended for visitors to avoid photographing women, particularly UAE nationals, and Muslim women in general. It’s important that you respect the local Islamic traditions. The dress code in Abu Dhabi is generally relaxed although it is recommended for visitors to avoid wearing very revealing clothes (e.g sleeveless tops or very short skirts or shorts) whenever they are in public places, out of respect to local culture and traditions. Local men and women in Abu Dhabi are easily distinguishable from expats because of their traditional dress: men wear Dishdasha, an ankle-length, collarless gown that is usually white, matched with headdresses (guthra), while women wear black Abayas over their clothing. Elderly married women sometimes wear the burkha, or a special facial covering, whenever they go to public places. Modesty as well as adaptability to the weather are key elements that have defined these traditional costumes.

Tipping – Tipping is not expected, but is commonly practised in the emirate. Gratuities to staff at hotels are at your discretion. Most restaurants add service charges to the bill (16 %). If this charge is not included, add 10% to the total of the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. Supermarket baggers, bag carriers and windscreen washers at petrol stations are generally given Dhs 2.

Medical Services – You will find most medicines readily available at pharmacies in the emirate. You may need to have your doctor state both the trade and generic names for your medications on your prescription, in case the specific brand isn’t available. Pharmacies in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are abundant. Whilst most are generally open from 8:30 to 22:30, some are open 24 hours a day.

Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system consists of an extensive network of hospitals, clinics and medical facilities throughout the emirate. Visitors who become ill during their stay in Abu Dhabi can be assured of receiving the highest quality healthcare at any of the emirate’s private and public hospitals and clinics.

Water - The tap water is safe to drink.

Alcohol - There are designated clubs and restaurants in hotels that are allowed to serve alcohol to non-Muslims, outside of which public consumption of alcohol is prohibited. There are also designated areas for smoking in nearly all business and leisure establishments. Serving alcoholic beverages in some establishments, however, is limited or suspended during Ramadan.

Food & Drink- There are endless choices for dining in Abu Dhabi, ranging from fast-food to casual dining restaurants. A Big Mac meal costs about Dhs 15, while an English afternoon tea in a five-star hotel would cost approximately Dhs 50. Dining in popular Indian, Asian or Arabic restaurants could cost anywhere between Dhs 40 and Dhs 80 per person, whilst a full- course meal in a high-end restaurant would cost no less than Dhs 150 per person, excluding beverages and service charges.

Entertainment - Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world with broad boulevards, highrises, apartment buildings and busy shops. This wealthy city has a fascinating culture and boasts several ancient archaeological sites, some dating back thousands of years and which give deep insights into the country and its culture. Additionally, the emirate’s museums chart Abu Dhabi’s history for visitors. Abu Dhabi is emerging as an entertainment hub with a wide variety of entertainment options, for individuals and families alike and for all ages. Yas Island, which will be home to the world’s largest indoor theme park – Ferrari World – is the destination’s entertainment centre.

Ferrari World

Shopping – Most retail establishments in Abu Dhabi are open between 10am and 10pm from Saturday to Wednesday, and stay open longer, sometimes until midnight on Thursday, Friday and public holidays. Some shops remain closed from 1pm to 5pm, and most shops open only after 2pm on Friday, which is the Muslim holiday. It is also customary for many retail establishments to remain closed from 1pm to 6pm during the holy month of Ramadan. Most food establishments that are located in public areas generally start serving food only after iftaar, or when the fast is broken, during Ramadan.

If you are looking for gold jewellery and/or exotic Persian carpets and other handicrafts, Abu Dhabi’s souks might offer you the best deal (so long you have good negotiating skills). For shoppers of luxury items, the absence of sales tax or any other type of taxes is an excellent incentive to buy. Try the local dates products (fresh, baked or preserved), which are simply irresistible.

Bargaining is a time-honoured tradition throughout the souks (markets) of the Arab world and particularly Abu Dhabi. Visitors can get quoted prices almost halved with some serious negotiation. The experience should be treated as fun but once a price has been verbally agreed upon, the customer is expected to buy. However, while bargaining is expected in traditional markets, it is not the custom in shopping malls and centres. Nonetheless, it may still be worth it to ask for a discount, as some shops have some leeway when it comes to prices.

Public Holidays, Celebrations & Festivals:

• New Year’s Day (1 January)
• Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
• Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
• Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet)
• Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
• National Day (2 December)