Things to Know Before You Go to Abu Dhabi, UAE

Want to make the most out of your vacation? Get the answers you need about when to go, what to pack, and what you need to know before you travel to Abu Dhabi. There are lots of things you should know and plans you should make before you leave for UAE. Here is a list of essential information and things to know before you go to Abu Dhabi.

CLIMATE

Abu Dhabi has got a sub-tropical, arid climate and enjoys sunny clear days year round. The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is during the winter months from November to April, when the temperature averages 24°C (75°F). Summer, from May to October, is very hot, often reaching 49°C (120°F) in July and August with night-time average of 28°C (82°F).

LOCAL TIME AND CODE

UAE Time Zone: GMT + 04.00

International country code: + 971 (United Arab Emirates)

Area code (Abu Dhabi): 2, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

LANGUAGE

Though Arabic is the official language in the UAE, English is widely spoken by the residents of Abu Dhabi. Most airlines, hotels, malls and restaurants employ multilingual staff. Taxi drivers are conversant in English, Arabic, Urdu or Hindi.

RELIGION

Though Islam is the official religion, Abu Dhabi, like any other emirate of the UAE, is tolerant of other religions. Other religions are respected.

CURRENCY

UAE currency is Dirhams (Dhs), also referred to as AED (Arab Emirate Dirham) which is divided into 100 fils. Money exchanges (bureau de changes) are available all over Abu Dhabi in all major malls and popular shopping centers and offer rates that are often better than the banks. Money Exchange centers are usually open Saturday to Thursday, from 8am to 1pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm and on Friday evenings.

CREDIT CARDS

Nearly all major retail establishments, hotels and car rental companies accept credit card payment in Abu Dhabi; however it is advisable to carry some loose local currency, in dirham, to use at smaller local stores. International Credit cards like American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely used in Abu Dhabi.

HOURS OF BUSINESS

Normal Office Time: Sunday/Thursday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. and 2:00 pm. to 5:30 pm.

Friday and Saturday normally closed.

Banks: Saturday/Thursday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

DRINKING WATER

Tap water is safe to drink, but it is advisable to drink bottled water which is served in hotels and restaurants.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Medical treatment is also available at private and government hospitals and most hotels have in-house nurses or doctors on call.

ELECTRICITY

The electricity supply in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 Hz. Most sockets are three pin, although adapters for two pin plugs are available at most hotels. Adaptors can be purchased in local supermarkets.

TRANSPORTATION

Taxi is the most common and preferred method of getting around the emirate. There are around 7,000 taxis doing their service in Abu Dhabi. Women's Taxis were introduced recently in the city. Abu Dhabi Department of Public Transport has launched bus services all over the emirate, as well as in the city. The buses in Abu Dhabi are operated around the clock and fares are very cheap, costing as little as Dhs.1 for travel within the city.

SHOPPING

The city is home to some of the most modern shopping malls where you can enjoy shopping, dining and watch entertainments. In souks prices can drop dramatically on bargaining. The major outlets in shopping malls quote fixed prices and bargaining is no longer possible. Visit the Madinat Zayed Gold Souk to purchase reasonably priced pieces of jewelries before you drive back to the airport.

RAMADAN

It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public view during Ramadan fasting hours. The law also applies to everyone and it is not allowed to eat or drink while travelling in a car or bus. For travelers, it is an interesting time to be in Abu Dhabi as hotel prices usually fall and it can be worth visiting the city during Ramadan. Star hotels usually have some restaurant facilities for non-fasting guests hidden from public view.