Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is a modern metropolis bursting with culture, luxury, and adventure. Much like the nearby city of Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a city where tradition meets innovation and where the vast Arabian desert meets grandiose man-made structures.
Visitors to Abu Dhabi can explore its stunning skylines, wander through bustling souks, and indulge in world-class shopping and dining experiences. From iconic landmarks such as the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or the Presidential Palace of Qasr al Watan, to exhilarating theme parks such as Ferrari World at Yas Island, or ultra-luxurious hotels like the Emirates Palace, there is something for everyone in this cosmopolitan city.
Bucket List
What to expect
UAE Info & Stats
- Language: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and is the lingua franca of the country due to its many expats.
- Population: 9.8 million (est. 2020)
- Timezone: UTC +4
- Political System: Constitutional monarchy
- Ethnic Groups: 85% expats from various countries, such as India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. 15% Emirati
- Religions: The UAE is primarily Muslim, with Islam being the state religion. The high number of expats, though, means that Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism are also present.
- Credit Cards: Credit Cards are widely accepted in cities and ATMs are evenly distributed
- Electricity: Europlug, British and related types, BS 1363, 220 volt / 50 hertz
- Tipping Customs: 10-15% in restaurants and taxis
- Haggling Culture: Common in markets and souks
Weather
The best time to visit is during the winter months when the temperatures are milder and more bearable.
Abu Dhabi experiences long, hot summers and mild winters. The weather is largely influenced by its location in the Arabian Peninsula, which is characterized by high temperatures, low humidity, and little precipitation. However, because of its location near the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi also experiences high levels of humidity, with an average of 55-60% throughout the year. The city also experiences strong winds, especially during the summer months.
As with the rest of the climate of the UAE, it experiences mostly two seasons, namely summer and winter, with transitional seasons in between. In winter (December to March) the average temperatures are between 16.4°C to 24°C. During the transitional season towards Summer, temperatures range from 26°C to 33.5 °C. In summer temperatures can easily exceed 50 °C, but the average temperatures range between 32°C to 37.2°C.
Money
The currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).
The exchange rate from US Dollars is: 4
Credit Cards are widely accepted. ATMs are commonly distributed around the city.
Prices: The UAE is one of the most expensive countries in the Middle East and Abu Dhabi is one of the wealthiest cities in the world. As in many large cities, there is always a possibility to find cheaper alternatives but generally speaking, the tourist attractions are all very expensive.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but as always it is very appreciated if you do. Commonly a tip between 10-15% is given (for restaurants and taxis).
Getting around
As in other major cities, the most efficient transport is the Metro. Abu Dhabi is slightly more pedestrian-friendly than neighbouring Dubai so walking as well as cycling is also a good way to experience the city.
Most tourists though move around the city with tour buses, and water taxi or water buses or by taxi which is plentiful, therefore with competitive prices and easy to find and book. Car-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft are present but on average are more expensive than taxis.
Safety
Safety: Abu Dhabi is extremely safe for visitors. There is virtually no risk of mugging, kidnapping, or scams. At most pickpocketing can be a concern as in many large cities.
Natural risks: There are no major risks in the region except those brought by the high temperatures and desert, so sandstorms (locally known as shamal winds).
Emergencies number: 112, 997 (fire department), 998 (emergency medical services), 999 (police)
Tips & Impressions
- Despite being a modern cosmopolitan city, the capital of the UAE is deeply rooted in traditions, and it is important to respect both the Arabian and Muslim aspects of this world which are closely followed by the people. The UAE is also a constitutional monarchy with the Sheikh as the supreme leader. Because the country is also quite young, there have been few Sheikhs who have succeeded Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who founded the country and all the previous Sheikhs are still very much present in the iconography and memory of people. As a visitor you must not disrespect any members of the royal family and criticism or talking about them in terms which are not flattering is not tolerated.
- Similarly to the above, the aspects related to the religion of Islam, which is the overwhelmingly prevalent religion, must also be taken into consideration. The white mosque is one of the most visited landmarks of the city but as with other mosques, it is a very sacred worshipping place so dressing appropriately and being respectful is of utmost importance.
For a more in-depth overview of how to visit and interact with Islamic places as a tourist, check out this article.
Deals for Abu Dhabi
Where to stay
(Much like Dubai, the city does not provide a lot of budget-friendly accommodations, opting instead for extreme luxury. Below are some of the best hotels in decreasing price order)
Travelogue
- Day 1
- City walk
- Emirates Palace
- Qasr Al Watan
- Qasr Al Hosn
- Day 2
- Day 3
I visited Abu Dhabi twice, one time staying at the Emirates Palace ($$$$$).
There’s not much to be said here. The hotel is spectacular and can be considered a sightseeing location in itself. The level of service, luxury, beauty, and grandeur is simply stellar
