Abu Dhabi



Abu Dhabi (Arabic: أَبُو ظَبِي) is the federal capital and the seat of the three branches of government of the United Arab Emirates. It is the largest city and capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The city is a collection of islands connected together and features colossal monuments, elegant museums, green boulevards, high-rise buildings, international luxury hotel chains and opulent shopping malls.

History
Abu Dhabi is the capital and seat of the government of the United Arab Emirates, hence it is the go-to destination for any major political event or ministerial headquarters. It is not, however, the commercial or tourism capital of the country &mdash; that would be Dubai &mdash; but massive investment in aviation and tourism since the 2000s has definitely added a lot things to do in city.

The city was not intended to be the capital of the UAE. The capital of the UAE was supposed to be a planned city between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and was to be called 'Al Karama' (which means dignity in Arabic) as stated in the first version of the constitution. However, considering the earlier stage of the union was a volatile time, with multiple issues and various ordeals occurring, Abu Dhabi was made the temporary capital as it was the home of the UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed. Later, Abu Dhabi was declared to be the permanent capital of the UAE by the agreement of the rest of the seven UAE founding fathers. The capital and the seat of the three branches of the government were to be in the Abu Dhabi Capital District, while the rest of the city would continue to be a city catered to the native population and residents. Abu Dhabi is also the headquarters of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, with an enormous walled city outside of Abu Dhabi called Sheikh Zayed Military City hosting the defensive headquarters of the military. As a result, it is a common sight to see Emiratis in military fatigue around the city.

People
Many international companies, diplomatic outposts, and embassies are based in Abu Dhabi. The city has a population of approximately 1.87 million residents (2016), of which 294,000 are UAE nationals accounting for 15.7% of the city's population. In a bid to attract foreign investors and urban planners, the city followed in Dubai's footsteps by forming economic free zones, loosened Islamic laws, and increased real estate sales to foreigners. As the diplomatic center of the federal government, the city hosts various monuments and museums. The most recognizable icon is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which is a common visiting site for tourists and diplomats. The mosque allows non-Muslims to enter and explore the Islamic architecture of the mosque. Various monuments honoring Emirati achievements also exist, including the Oasis of Dignity (called Wahat Al Karama locally). The large monument faces the mosque and has the names of fallen Emirati soldiers inscribed in the memorial.

Diplomacy
In order to build the international status of the city as a diplomacy center, the UAE government formed very close relationship with other governments; most recognizably France and the United States. As a result, a lot of American-based companies and personnel are based in the city. The American embassy is the largest embassy in Abu Dhabi and almost recognizable as a landmark with its triangular design, as well as Abu Dhabi airport is one of the few airports hosting a US pre-clearance facility; the facility allows travelers to the US to clear immigration and customs at the airport, and arrive to the US as domestic travelers.

The official language of Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE is Arabic, but English is the de facto lingua franca, and almost everyone speaks it. Emiratis are a minority in Abu Dhabi, and most of the population is comprised of foreigners; most retail workers and service staff are from India or the Philippines and do not speak Arabic. All signs are bilingual in Arabic and English and the city's atmosphere is very friendly to visitors. Occasionally, foreign head of states visit Abu Dhabi, so seeing roads lined with flags of various countries is a common sight. Seeing F-16 fighter jets flying over the skies of Abu Dhabi is also a common sight, as a major UAE-US airbase (Al Dhafrah airbase) is near the city and sometimes jets escort foreign dignitaries traveling to the UAE. The city's vibe changes depending on which foreign head of state visits it. The city was decorated with Chinese flags and the red color when the Chinese president visited, while the city was garnished with yellow and white when Pope Francis visited. The UAE flag is almost always everywhere, decorated with the red-white-black-green colors decorating the streets, buildings, tunnels, and skyscrapers.



Entertainment
The city has also been expanding its entertainment industry vastly, creating massive projects such as Formula 1 track, the Ferrari World theme park, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. There are several museums, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim museum (under construction), and the UAE's national museum - Zayed Museum (under construction).

The city is also a frequent host of Judo competitions by the International Judo Federation, Formula One races, and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) championships. The city also hosts the finals of the UAE football Pro-League as well as Asian Federation Cup games in Sheikh Zayed Sports Stadium.

Climate
The city has an arid climate, with very hot temperatures in the summer; this time of year is usually spent indoors with air conditioning, especially between the morning and late afternoon. The weather is pleasant between mid-fall and early spring, which is a great time for outdoor dining and activities. Annual precipitation totals.

Orientation

 * Visit Abu Dhabi tourist information.

Most of Abu Dhabi is on a wedged-shaped island that lies from northwest to southeast, connected by three bridges to the mainland, and other bridges to other islands, most of which also eventually connect to the mainland. The main island features many 'superblocks' with wide, multi-lane roads dividing them and buses running routes along them. The other islands include:


 * Mariyah, which is home to the Abu Dhabi Global Market and Galleria Mall, as well as the Rosewood Hotel and Four Seasons Hotel.
 * Reem, which is largely residential but features two malls - Reem Mall and Shams Boutik.
 * Hudayriyat, which features pristine beaches and nature reserves.
 * Saadiyat, which is home to cultural and educational institutions as well as some beach clubs
 * Yas, which features the theme parks and many hospitality venues.

Street addresses in Abu Dhabi are simultaneously very logical and hopelessly confusing. Many major roads have traditional names which don't often correspond to the official names (e.g. Airport Rd and Rashid bin Saeed St). The city is divided into districts like Al Khalidiyya, and has recently named all main and side streets with numbered addresses (e.g. 107 Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri St for Galleria Mall). The system of main streets is straight forward after getting used to, but side street names are not often used day-to-day. The system, when used, is convenient since you can enter the address and navigate using Google Maps, this is especially useful for residential addresses, which unlike most businesses and hotels, are not listed as on Google Maps. As the system is new, adoption is still in progress, and you might get requests from delivery drivers asking for your location on WhatsApp to reach you. Most locals and long-time residents opt to ignore the system entirely and navigate using landmarks; if taking a taxi, odds are you will get to "behind the Hilton Baynunah" much faster than "Fifth Street, Sector 2". In any case, Google Maps is very widely used and you can reach almost any destination using it. Using ride-share apps (e.g. Careem) or even telling the name where you want to go to a taxi driver will let them immediately know where exactly you want to be dropped.

By plane


A viable alternative is to fly to Dubai International Airport in the neighbouring emirate of Dubai and continue onward to Abu Dhabi by bus or by taxi.

In combination with Sharjah International Airport just northwest of Dubai, all three airports in combination of two might allow for a cheap connection from Europe to Asia when self-organising transfer between the different airports.

See the specific airports for details on how to connect between them.

By road


The five-laned E11 highway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is the country's heaviest-traveled route, and the 130-km journey can be covered in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. There is a national speed limit of 120 km/h. This speed is wildly exceeded by some drivers. Stay out of the leftmost lane and drive carefully, especially at night. E11 is the longest highway in the Emirates.

If you rent a Limousine in Abu Dhabi, chances are that the car will warn you if go above 120 km/h. Depending on the vehicle, it might just be a flashing light or an accompanying, continuous, shrill beep. If you get annoyed by this, you might not want to exceed 120 km/h.

To travel directly into Abu Dhabi from Dubai on E11, keep to your left at Al Shahama and follow the E10 highway, which passes Yas Island (exit at the E12 highway) and Al Raha Beach on the way to the Sheikh Zayed Bridge into Abu Dhabi. This bridge connects directly to Salam Street (8th Street), a wide megahighway along the northern shore of Abu Dhabi Island. As an alternative to the Zayed Bridge, there are ramps off E10 that connect to the Maqta Bridge, which leads to 2nd Street (Airport Road) and to 4th Street (East Road or Muroor Road). During off-peak periods, these routes run fairly quickly into the city.

Parking
Parking within the city is monitored by Mawaqif, which also supply the parking meters. Parking meters have displays in English and Arabic. Darb is an app used for parking and tolls and is available on Android and iOS.

Finding a parking in main island of Abu Dhabi is a disaster. Parking spaces are extremely limited and most are parking designated for specific institutions. You are more likely to save time if you Uber or take a taxi to your destination instead of driving as finding a parking can take you hours. If you end up finding a parking, you'll have to walk a long way to reach your destination. Most people who own cars but live in mainland Abu Dhabi deliberately use taxis to get around due to the parking shortage. On the brighter side, shopping malls usually have free of charge underground parking with lots of parking spaces. Some close to door parking spaces are designated for electric or hybrid cars only as an incentive to drive electric cars.

Parking areas in Abu Dhabi are clearly marked; yellow and grey for no parking, blue and black for standard fare, and blue and white for premium fare.

By bus
You can get into Abu Dhabi from the other Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, etc., by bus. The Emirates Express between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is operated jointly by the Abu Dhabi and Dubai municipalities. The 130-km route takes around two hours. The buses operated by Dubai's RTA are luxury buses. There are also the Abu Dhabi transport buses. The first bus departs from the on the corner of Hazza bin Zayed the First (11th) St and East (4th) Rd at 5:30AM and the last leaves at 11:30PM; they leave at 30-minute intervals, or if the bus gets full sooner. From Dubai, the buses leave from 5:30AM, and run until 11:30PM, from the Al Ghubaiba station in Bur Dubai (opposite Carrefour Shopping). For bus times, see the timetable published on the Government of Dubai's website.

If you hold an Emirates flight ticket and arrive to or depart from Dubai airport, the airline offers a complimentary extension of your trip to/from Abu Dhabi. Buses depart from Dubai airport Terminal 3 and arrive to Emirates Abu Dhabi office located in Al Sawari Tower. Contact Emirates customer service for booking.

By taxi
Taxis are widely available everywhere. You can flag down any metered taxi on the street in Dubai or any other place in the UAE and ask to go to Abu Dhabi. Ride-share applications such as Uber and Careem are also available. An official taxi can be booked through the Abu Dhabi Taxi app.

Get around
Abu Dhabi offers buses and plenty of taxis to get around. Since the most of the city is located in Abu Dhabi island, traffic is a common occurrence.

By taxi
Taxis are a good way to get around if you don't have a car. Abu Dhabi's taxis are relatively cheap. The main taxis are silver with yellow signs on the top. Flag fall costs 5 dirham, 5.50 dirham at night (10PM to 6AM) (2017) and the minimum fare is 12 dirham. You can flag one down from anywhere in Abu Dhabi. Alternatively, you can book a taxi in Abu Dhabi by calling 600535353 or by using the Abu Dhabi Taxi app, for a 4-dirham booking fee. Taxis will charge you 1.82 dirham per kilometer (2.93 dirham per mile), and 50 fils for every minute of waiting.

Taxis are monitored using GPS and are not allowed to give above certain speeds. These change depending on where the taxi is.

Newer-looking black cabs also go around town sometimes. These are airport taxis, which you can get on at Abu Dhabi airport and get off anywhere in the city for 60-100 dirham. You can recognise them with their coloured signs on the top, displaying text in English and Arabic.

You are not expected to tip taxi drivers, but gratuity will be extremely appreciated.

By bus
The main bus station in Abu Dhabi is near Hazaa Bin Zayed Road, adjacent to Al Wahdah Mall and Al Nahyan Stadium. You can get buses here going to the different points within the city as well as inter-city buses. The bus stand also serves as a taxi stand, for inter-emirate taxis. The inter-city buses and airport buses are easy to locate at the bus terminal, and well signposted. The route services depart from various stops in the vicinity, and not all enter the bus terminal proper. There is no directional signage or and no maps.

Hafilat card. Tickets can only be loaded on disposable or reusable smart cards. No cash is accepted by the drivers. The dark bluish green buses are air-conditioned but not wheelchair accessible. Passengers can board and alight at the designated stops along the route. These locations can be identified by the temporary Department of Transport bus stop poles or using the Darbi app. Bus stops that do not have the DoT bus stop sign may not be served as not all bus stops along the route are used.

Hafilat smart cards can be purchased from ticket machines which can be found at the main bus station, outside the Abu Dhabi Mall area and the airport. Machines are unremarkable and hard to spot, thus ask locals. Alternatively, cards can be purchased from some supermarkets including Lulu, Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and SPAR. The smallest amount you can put on the card is dirham. Each bus ride costs 2 dirham plus 0.05 (regular bus) or 0.10 dirham (express bus) per kilometer, so in practice, you need to have at least 2 dirham on the card when you get on the bus. The maximum fare for a single rider on a single trip is now 5 dirham as of December 2023. You have to punch in and punch out of each bus ride, so that the correct distance will be charged.


 * Route 5: Al Meena to Marina Mall via Abu Dhabi Mall and Hamden Street. Every 10 min, 06:30–23:30.
 * Route 7: Abu Dhabi Mall to Marina Mall via Zayed the 1st Street (also known as Electra). Every 10 min, 6:30AM–11:30PM.
 * Route 8: Tourist club to Break Water via Hamdan Street, Zayed the 2nd (via 4th) Street, Airport Road, Al Manhal Street. Every 20 min, 7:15AM–11:30PM.
 * Route 32: Sports City Carrefour to Marina Mall via Airport Road, Bus Station, and Zayed the 1st Street. Every 10 min, 6AM-10:40PM.
 * Route 54: Sports City Carrefour to Abu Dhabi Mall via East Read, Bus Station, and Hamden Street. Every 10 min, 6AM-11PM.

The older bus service, operated by the Abu Dhabi Municipality, operates bus routes within city and to the other emirates. The routes within the city are very few. The buses are modern and air-conditioned. The services are as punctual as possible and operate more or less around the clock. The front few seats are reserved for women, men and families should move towards the back of the bus.

By car
If you do decide to take the plunge and rent a car, beware that the street numbering system is unusual, and it can take weeks to get used to it. U-turns are allowed at almost every intersection from the left-most lane. When the left lane signal turns green, you simply have to swing a U-turn and come back. Whatever other flaws drivers here may have, they do not run red lights. There are cameras at many intersections, fines are high, and residents who are not citizens can be deported for reckless driving or running too many red lights. When the light starts flashing, that taxi in front of you will jam on the brakes, and you should, too. When the light turns green, however, expect someone behind you to honk at you immediately to get you moving. Almost all roads are monitored by remote radars, and you will get a hefty fine by mail for violating the speed limit without anyone stopping you or telling you you've been driving fast. The speed limit on speed signs is exactly the limit on which the radar will catch you. (There is no margin If you exceed the limit as in Dubai and other emirates, you will be fined if you exceed the written sign limit.)

Outside Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi license plates have a reputation for reckless drivers due to the large sized traffic lanes in Abu Dhabi, causing Abu Dhabi drivers to drive poorly when they move to smaller lanes in other emirates. Tempered drivers are common. They can pull out in front of you, change lanes at random, and text while driving. On the other hand, the ban on drunk driving is very strictly enforced.

The E11 Abu Dhabi to Dubai road is considered the most dangerous road in the UAE. Large number of people travel back and forth between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and a large number of them don't always pay attention on the road. The road broke the record for the largest traffic accident in UAE history. Its not uncommon to see drivers reading newspapers, or watching a movie across this segment of highway. Despite excellent roads, and a traffic signal system, vehicle accidents remain the largest cause of deaths in the UAE.

On foot
While walking in Abu Dhabi is not a problem for locals, tourists from colder climates will suffer from the heat and sun. The temperatures can exceed 45°C in the summer.

While staying inside or using a vehicle is a good idea, if you have to walk, try to do it night, when it is cooler. Plus, you won't get sunburnt. If you have to go during the day, wear plenty of SPF 50 sunblock, wear a hat and light clothing and try to keep in the shade as much as possible.

By bicycle
There is a separated cycleway that runs almost the entire length of the Corniche, as well as around Yas Island, and other parts of Abu Dhabi.

Careem Bike operates an electrically assisted shared bike system. The stations are mostly located near the waterfront.

See
Abu Dhabi offers a lot of historical and cultural sights but it certainly isn't lacking in modern attractions.


 * Religious buildings are in abundance in Abu Dhabi. There are mosques made out of a variety of materials and in several styles, such as the sandstone Ali Bin Ghanim Bin Hamouda near the Gold Souk, or futuristic Al Aziz Mosque on Reem Island. There is also a cluster of churches and mosques for different denominations adjacent to Umm Al Emarat Park. The Swaminarayan temple of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha is a large and impressive Hindu Mandir between Abu Dhabi and Dubai opening on 14 February 2024.
 * Abu Dhabi History Museum and Aquarium (Khalifa Park) 3PM-11PM. Not to be confused with the Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum or The National Aquarium, this child-friendly museum features a 'dark ride' featuring animatronic Emiratis explaining the history and formation of the UAE from the nomadic era to the modern day. After the cart deposits you at the end of the ride, there is a small aquarium to see. Khalifa Park also features a train, horses and a mock heritage village. 7 dirham.
 * Port Mina Zayed. The 'Port Mina' district features excellent spots to view adjacent islands as well as passing cruise and container ships but is also a paradise for shoppers. Several blocks are dedicated to air conditioned outdoor 'souks'. These are the Fruit and Vegetables, Dates, Iranian, Flower, Rug, Pet and Fish Markets. There are several large gift shops in the vicinity of these markets. The Souq Al Mina is a modern complex near one of the ports and its restaurants feature excellent kombucha, pizza or a Balkan grill. The 421 Arts Campus is a warehouse repurposed as an arts space and it is also located in the Port area. Occasional exhibitions.
 * Religious buildings are in abundance in Abu Dhabi. There are mosques made out of a variety of materials and in several styles, such as the sandstone Ali Bin Ghanim Bin Hamouda near the Gold Souk, or futuristic Al Aziz Mosque on Reem Island. There is also a cluster of churches and mosques for different denominations adjacent to Umm Al Emarat Park. The Swaminarayan temple of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha is a large and impressive Hindu Mandir between Abu Dhabi and Dubai opening on 14 February 2024.
 * Abu Dhabi History Museum and Aquarium (Khalifa Park) 3PM-11PM. Not to be confused with the Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum or The National Aquarium, this child-friendly museum features a 'dark ride' featuring animatronic Emiratis explaining the history and formation of the UAE from the nomadic era to the modern day. After the cart deposits you at the end of the ride, there is a small aquarium to see. Khalifa Park also features a train, horses and a mock heritage village. 7 dirham.
 * Port Mina Zayed. The 'Port Mina' district features excellent spots to view adjacent islands as well as passing cruise and container ships but is also a paradise for shoppers. Several blocks are dedicated to air conditioned outdoor 'souks'. These are the Fruit and Vegetables, Dates, Iranian, Flower, Rug, Pet and Fish Markets. There are several large gift shops in the vicinity of these markets. The Souq Al Mina is a modern complex near one of the ports and its restaurants feature excellent kombucha, pizza or a Balkan grill. The 421 Arts Campus is a warehouse repurposed as an arts space and it is also located in the Port area. Occasional exhibitions.
 * Port Mina Zayed. The 'Port Mina' district features excellent spots to view adjacent islands as well as passing cruise and container ships but is also a paradise for shoppers. Several blocks are dedicated to air conditioned outdoor 'souks'. These are the Fruit and Vegetables, Dates, Iranian, Flower, Rug, Pet and Fish Markets. There are several large gift shops in the vicinity of these markets. The Souq Al Mina is a modern complex near one of the ports and its restaurants feature excellent kombucha, pizza or a Balkan grill. The 421 Arts Campus is a warehouse repurposed as an arts space and it is also located in the Port area. Occasional exhibitions.

Parks
Abu Dhabi has several large green spaces, many of which include play areas and equipment for children, and the city is studded with lovely fountains, swathes of neon light, and the occasional sculpture.

Upcoming projects
There are a vast number of projects coming up in Abu Dhabi.

Do

 * Swimming at the public beaches of and.
 * Private beaches: Nearly all hotels and private clubs in Abu Dhabi offer swimming facilities, usually in the form of private beaches. You can pay for a day's use, or for a year's. Another, notably cheaper, option is The club, an organization geared towards expatriates.
 * Cricket: Zayed Cricket Stadium, capacity 20,000, is in Khalifa City east of the centre.
 * Cricket: Zayed Cricket Stadium, capacity 20,000, is in Khalifa City east of the centre.
 * Yas Island hosts attractions such as the F1 racing circuit and four theme parks: Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld and Waterworld. When there are no events, the F1 circuit is used for cycling and exercise and bikes can be hired onsite.
 * Kayaking or eco boating are possible through the Eastern Mangroves or Jubail Mangrove Park. There are several rental companies available in the vicinity of each. To find the kayak hire companies, head to Anantara Eastern Mangroves, walk past the hotel and down the promenade.
 * Exercise in the desert at the city's many running or cycle tracks such as at Al Wathba.
 * Yas Island hosts attractions such as the F1 racing circuit and four theme parks: Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld and Waterworld. When there are no events, the F1 circuit is used for cycling and exercise and bikes can be hired onsite.
 * Kayaking or eco boating are possible through the Eastern Mangroves or Jubail Mangrove Park. There are several rental companies available in the vicinity of each. To find the kayak hire companies, head to Anantara Eastern Mangroves, walk past the hotel and down the promenade.
 * Exercise in the desert at the city's many running or cycle tracks such as at Al Wathba.

Buy
Abu Dhabi is a compulsive shopper's dream. There are several malls, most of which have the same stores as other malls. Besides establishments aimed at locals, malls also include popular foreign chain stores, as well as designer places. Many visitors will be surprised at the female fashion dichotomy - while local custom calls for women to be covered in public, most stores sell short skirts and halter tops alongside the more sedate floor-length skirts and high-necked shirts.


 * Hamdan Centre (in the city centre on Hamdan Bin Mohammed St - Al Danah) M-Su 8AM-11PM. The oldest mall in Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Centre is a little dated but quite charming and an excellent spot for bargaining, gift shops, shoes and leather goods.
 * Gold Souk (Madinat Zayed Mall). Su-Th 9AM-10PM, Fr 4PM-10PM. A great place to get gold, jewelry, perfume and gifts. The adjacent mall is well known for its textiles.
 * Hamdan Centre (in the city centre on Hamdan Bin Mohammed St - Al Danah) M-Su 8AM-11PM. The oldest mall in Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Centre is a little dated but quite charming and an excellent spot for bargaining, gift shops, shoes and leather goods.
 * Gold Souk (Madinat Zayed Mall). Su-Th 9AM-10PM, Fr 4PM-10PM. A great place to get gold, jewelry, perfume and gifts. The adjacent mall is well known for its textiles.
 * Hamdan Centre (in the city centre on Hamdan Bin Mohammed St - Al Danah) M-Su 8AM-11PM. The oldest mall in Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Centre is a little dated but quite charming and an excellent spot for bargaining, gift shops, shoes and leather goods.
 * Gold Souk (Madinat Zayed Mall). Su-Th 9AM-10PM, Fr 4PM-10PM. A great place to get gold, jewelry, perfume and gifts. The adjacent mall is well known for its textiles.
 * Hamdan Centre (in the city centre on Hamdan Bin Mohammed St - Al Danah) M-Su 8AM-11PM. The oldest mall in Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Centre is a little dated but quite charming and an excellent spot for bargaining, gift shops, shoes and leather goods.
 * Gold Souk (Madinat Zayed Mall). Su-Th 9AM-10PM, Fr 4PM-10PM. A great place to get gold, jewelry, perfume and gifts. The adjacent mall is well known for its textiles.



There are also many small, independent stores around the city. On the bottom floor of one building, a person can purchase fancy chocolates, computer parts, antiques and clothing. It is better to purchase things such as carpets, art, native jewellery and antiques at the independent or souk-like places than at the malls, as the price will be lower and the shopkeepers more willing to haggle.

Bargaining is a big part of shopping in the Emirates, but be prudent. If prices are not marked, or a shopkeeper does not tell you the price is fixed, it will typically be up for negotiation. Don't bargain at Marks and Spencer or Hang Ten. Save your discounting skills for independent shops dealing in antiques and the like.

Shopping in most places can be frustrating, as the assistants will follow you around the store. This is partly due to their concept of what constitutes good service, and partly because there is a shoplifting problem. Most will not be intrusive, but some employees can be very pushy and overly obsequious. Smile and thank them often, and you're more likely to be left alone after a bit.

In carpet stores - or anywhere that sells tapestries, Indian antiques, and the like don't feel too pressured to buy, and don't be shocked if they start unrolling beautiful rug after beautiful rug at your feet. You are under no obligation to buy, no matter how much time they spend with you. However, the pressure will be very steady, and shyer shoppers may want to travel in packs for comfort's sake.

Grocery stores such as Spinney's, Carrefour and the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society are inexpensive and usually stocked with Western goods. Examine all products before purchasing. Visitors wishing to purchase pork products will likely have to enter a separate room to do so, typically labelled 'Non Muslim', as nationals are not permitted in these sections of the grocery stores.

Prices in Abu Dhabi tend to be very competitive. The UAE has a Value Added Tax of 5% on most products aside from basic food items. Prices displayed must be the price at the till - be wary if a shopkeeper claims an item is a given price, then adjusts the price to 'include' VAT.

General discount seasons are midyear and at the end of the year. There will typically be sales around public holidays and Summer. These are the time where you can get some branded items with a very low price, maybe last season's stock.

Eat


Most food is certified halal but some hotels are allowed to serve pork dishes.

Indian food is relatively cheap, Levantine food is widely available and there are a few Chinese restaurants with reasonable prices. Hotel restaurants are typically the most expensive. The city is home to all manner of fast food franchises like McDonald's and Hardees, usually located at malls.

The fun thing about Abu Dhabi is that most kitchens, from tiny falafel kiosks to grand hotel restaurants to Burger King, deliver anywhere in the city. Delivery is quick, reliable, and free at some restaurants. Delivery can be arranged via Whatsapp or apps like Talabat or Deliveroo.

Vegetarians will find the city's selection of meals very satisfying. Vegetable and bean-heavy native dishes, the array of splendid pure vegetarian Indian cuisine, and the ready availability of fresh salads make eating in Abu Dhabi a stress-free experience. Strict vegans may have a little difficulty communicating their precise demands, but most places offer vegan dishes and are always willing to accommodate a paying customer. The best choice for pure vegans is one of many Indian vegetarian restaurants like Evergreen, Sangeetha in the Tourist Club area.

Check the Islamic calendar to determine whether you will be visiting during the month of Ramadan. Since Muslims fast during daylight hours, some restaurants may be closed during the day. Customers are allowed to eat and drink in restaurants, cafes and food courts during fasting hours, but it is otherwise offensive to locals and officially against the law to eat, drink (including water), or smoke in public during fasting hours; this law was rarely enforced, and there are no recent reports of enforcement. Large hotels generally have one restaurant open during the day to serve meals to non-Muslims. During the evening, however, it's quite a different story, as the festive atmosphere of iftar (breaking the fast) begins and residents gather for lavish, Thanksgiving-like meals; most hotels and some restaurants offer iftar buffets, which are often busy and need to be booked in advance. As long as you don't mind tiding yourself over in private, the evening meals are magnificent.



Budget
Some of the cheapest food in the city can be found in many Indian restaurants. Portions are almost always generous, prices low, and quality excellent. Set meals of rice, fish curry, lentil curry (dhal), peppery soup (rasam), a vegetable side dish and perhaps a small fried fish, served on a large steel tray (thali) with little steel bowls for the accompaniments. The Keralite version of a thali is called a sadya and is usually served on weekends.

Cafeterias are ubiquitous. They will typically serve chai of some sort, instant coffee, juices and food like club sandwiches or 'Zinker' burgers. What they lack in atmosphere and decor they will make up with their deep fryers and affordability. Shawarmas and other wraps are also common across the city, and affordable. Abu Dhabi also has several Afghan bakeries that use gas-fired ovens and tandoors to produce flatbreads and wraps.

Around the Abu Dhabi Mall

 * Abil Fida (Near the Strand Hotel). Hearty and affordable Lebanese grill restaurant.
 * Abil Fida (Near the Strand Hotel). Hearty and affordable Lebanese grill restaurant.
 * Abil Fida (Near the Strand Hotel). Hearty and affordable Lebanese grill restaurant.

In the E10 district
There are several budget-friendly restaurants in this area.

Mid-range

 * Saudi Kitchen, Opposite Mushrif Mall. Traditional Gulf food, served in a traditional Gulf style - with each group seated on the floor and sharing their dishes.

Splurge
Abu Dhabi's pricier restaurants tend to be located in the higher-end hotels like the Rosewood on Al Maryah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves, or Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island.

Drink


Only restaurants in hotels were allowed to serve alcohol. Therefore, nightlife is typically associated with hotels. The legal minimum drinking age is 21 and bringing your own alcohol is not allowed in restaurants. Unlike some other Middle Eastern nations, the bars in Abu Dhabi will be able to accommodate most drink orders. Many licensed premises feature Brunch, which does not refer to a meal between breakfast and lunch but an all inclusive package, typically consisting of a few hours of food (sometimes a buffet), drinks and potentially entertainment.

There are many bottle shops around the city. A liquor license used to be required for residents to purchase alcohol to take off-premises, but this is no longer the case. Drinking in public outside of licensed premises remains illegal.


 * Heroes Never Die. This pub is at the basement of the Millennium Downtown. Run by the same company as Stars n Bars, this is a fun sports bar which often features a live band or DJ, as well as pool tables. Named after the eponymous and since-closed Heroes which was at the basement of the Crowne Hotel.
 * Craft by Side Hustle (in Galleria Mall) is the first gastropub/brewery in the Gulf.
 * Easy Tiger (in Al Ain Palace Hotel) is a divey bar with different attractions available each night such as a pub quiz ran by two Irish former teachers on Friday nights.
 * Nalukettu Restaurant (in Al Ain Palace Hotel) is a restaurant/bar selling good Keralan food with a reasonable drinks menu.
 * Heroes Never Die. This pub is at the basement of the Millennium Downtown. Run by the same company as Stars n Bars, this is a fun sports bar which often features a live band or DJ, as well as pool tables. Named after the eponymous and since-closed Heroes which was at the basement of the Crowne Hotel.
 * Craft by Side Hustle (in Galleria Mall) is the first gastropub/brewery in the Gulf.
 * Easy Tiger (in Al Ain Palace Hotel) is a divey bar with different attractions available each night such as a pub quiz ran by two Irish former teachers on Friday nights.
 * Nalukettu Restaurant (in Al Ain Palace Hotel) is a restaurant/bar selling good Keralan food with a reasonable drinks menu.
 * Heroes Never Die. This pub is at the basement of the Millennium Downtown. Run by the same company as Stars n Bars, this is a fun sports bar which often features a live band or DJ, as well as pool tables. Named after the eponymous and since-closed Heroes which was at the basement of the Crowne Hotel.
 * Craft by Side Hustle (in Galleria Mall) is the first gastropub/brewery in the Gulf.
 * Easy Tiger (in Al Ain Palace Hotel) is a divey bar with different attractions available each night such as a pub quiz ran by two Irish former teachers on Friday nights.
 * Nalukettu Restaurant (in Al Ain Palace Hotel) is a restaurant/bar selling good Keralan food with a reasonable drinks menu.
 * Nalukettu Restaurant (in Al Ain Palace Hotel) is a restaurant/bar selling good Keralan food with a reasonable drinks menu.

Sleep


Hotels are well-tended and host first class restaurants, pools and other high-end facilities.

Splurge




Stay safe
Abu Dhabi was ranked as the safest city in the world 3 years in a row by 2019 by the largest crowd-sourced global database Numbeo. The city is extremely safe, however it never hurts to practice common sense. Some people may try to scam you through telephone messages or automated voice calls telling you that you won the lottery, that you're in a legal trouble for violating a law, or that a Sheikh has decided to give you free money, or something of that sort.

Taxi drivers are monitored and they're very safe. Rarely, crime does occur but is quickly dealt with by the federal police as the city is the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior. Law enforcement officers, police patrols, and police horse units are a common sight in the city.

Alcohol can only be consumed privately or in licensed public places. Drunk driving is a serious offence and getting caught may result in deportation.

Embassies
Being the national capital, Abu Dhabi hosts a large number of embassies. A majority of them are clustered in the Embassies District (Al Safarat) south of the Al Bateen Executive Airport and in the adjacent Al Ma'ared Area, west of Rabdan St and south of Shk Rashid bin Saeed Rd (Road #18); and the adjacent Capital Centre south of Al Karamah St surrounding the Exhibition Centre. There are others further northwest in Al Danah, Al Markaziyah and in other parts of the city as well. If corresponding by mail/post use their PO box address as mail is only delivered to a PO box with no post codes. If delivering to a street address with DHL, FedEx, UPS or another private courier be sure to include recipient's phone number so that the delivery driver can call for directions or clarification on the address. Some or most countries maintain an additional consulate in Dubai and only offer consular services from their Dubai consulate or from both locations. Check website links or call before going or sending any correspondences:


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