With its wealthy cultural heritage, elegant landscapes, fascinating museums, up to date structure, vibrant meals scene, and kind-hearted individuals, Abu Dhabi is a delight.
Abu Dhabi fosters a way of unhurried dwelling the place individuals take the time to speak. They’ll even exit of their method to present you round an artwork gallery or level you in the precise course ought to you end up in search of a sure bakery in a maze of backstreets.
With a large expat inhabitants in the UAE, Emiratis are not any strangers to Western tradition, however familiarizing your self with Abu Dhabi’s cultural norms and etiquette makes each interplay extra respectful. These sensible suggestions might help you intend your itinerary and know what to anticipate concerning climate, common well being and security.
1. Abu Dhabi is without doubt one of the most secure cities on the earth
Abu Dhabi is the type of metropolis the place you may overlook your pockets or passport in a taxi or mall meals court docket, and also you’re virtually sure to search out it there or have it returned to you by somebody, money and playing cards intact. Petty crimes reminiscent of pickpocketing and theft are unusual. It’s usually protected for everybody to stroll round late at night time.
2. Plan to spend no less than 4 days in Abu Dhabi
Unfold over 67,340 sq km (26,000 sq miles), Abu Dhabi is the biggest emirate within the UAE. Apart from the Rub al Khali (the world’s largest steady sand desert), it’s dwelling to rugged mountains, a 700km-long (435-mile-long) shoreline and almost 200 islands – all providing various experiences which can be finest savored on an itinerary that doesn’t really feel rushed.
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When you’ll discover museums, buying malls, skyscrapers, theme parks and mangroves in Abu Dhabi metropolis, the emirate can be dwelling to Al Ain, the place fortresses, oases, historic tombs and mountains supply an sudden glimpse of the UAE’s historical past. Touring round Abu Dhabi slowly provides you the prospect to enterprise out to the verdant oases of Liwa and admire the big orange-red dunes of Rub Al Khali, a 2½-hour drive from the capital.
3. Pack clothes and footwear for the outside
To totally recognize Abu Dhabi’s wealth of outside experiences, it’s price crafting an itinerary that features actions like biking alongside the Corniche, kayaking by means of the tidal lagoons of Jubail Mangrove Park, working towards your golf swing amongst saltwater lakes and sand dunes at Saadiyat Seaside Golf Membership and exploring the mighty dunes round Liwa Oasis by fats bike.
Relying on the season, pack clothes, footwear, a hat and a day pack for out of doors excursions and actions. In comparison with the delicate climate within the metropolis and coast, temperatures within the inside area (such because the desert and mountains) can attain extremes. So, it’s a good suggestion to convey layers, particularly should you plan on visiting between November and March. In summer season, breathable materials like cotton and linen make it simpler to bear the warmth and humidity.
4. Get round by taxi with the Abu Dhabi Taxi app
For those who plan on getting round Abu Dhabi by taxi, obtain the Abu Dhabi Taxi reserving app (App Retailer and Google Play) in your smartphone upfront. You’ll thank your self for doing so as an alternative of making an attempt to hail one on the road in 40°C (104°F) climate.
The app connects you to the closest out there taxi, which normally arrives at your location in beneath 10 minutes. You can too ebook a wheelchair-friendly taxi utilizing the app. You’ll have to specify your pick-up and drop-off location, which implies that you’re much less more likely to get misplaced, even when making an attempt to achieve a hole-in-the-wall biryani restaurant in Downtown Abu Dhabi.
Alternatively, to be used within the wider nation, obtain and use the UAE-based Careem smartphone app to ebook rides.
5. Hop on the free shuttle or take the general public bus
The complimentary Expertise Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus service connects eight routes across the metropolis and sights such because the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, Qasr Al Watan and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. These fashionable air-conditioned buses are wheelchair-accessible and are a superb method to discover Abu Dhabi Island, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.
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To journey on public buses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, purchase the pay as you go Hafilat Good Card on the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station or any department of the grocery store chain Lulu Hypermarket. Load cash onto it utilizing the recharge machines at bus stations. To pay, scan out and in on the validator within the buses. Bus journeys value Dhs2 plus 5 fils per km.
6. Gown appropriately to mix in with the town’s residents
Select to decorate in line with the setting of your deliberate actions for the day. To be respectful whereas visiting a museum, the markets in Al Mina or cultural sights reminiscent of Qasr Al Hosn and Wahat Al Karama, put on opaque clothes that’s not body-hugging, covers your shoulders and falls effectively under the knee. That is additionally the suitable method to costume whereas visiting Al Ain or smaller cities within the Liwa Oasis.
At non secular websites just like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, each women and men who are usually not modestly wearing unfastened, opaque clothes that covers their legs and arms are requested to put on a gown over their garments (you should buy one from a close-by store, if there are none to borrow). On the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Abrahamic Household Home, ladies will want a shawl to cowl their heads.
To dine at a restaurant or go to a mall, costume as you’ll in some other metropolis, holding in thoughts that the locals are at all times well-groomed. Be at liberty to point out off your type at nightclubs and bars which can be situated inside accommodations.
For girls, swimsuits and bikinis are acceptable at resort swimming swimming pools and private and non-private seashores. That being stated, you’re extra more likely to see ladies in one-piece swimsuits and modest swimming apparel on public seashores that aren’t situated in expat-heavy residential areas. Feminine vacationers may discover it helpful to hold a shawl or a shirt to cowl their shoulders and arms if wanted.
7. Respect privateness when photographing public areas
Whereas photographing sights round Abu Dhabi, take note of the place your lens is pointed. Don’t take images of individuals, particularly ladies and youngsters, with out permission.
Within the UAE, it’s unlawful to {photograph} or take movies of individuals with out their consent and share them on social media. Whereas it’s unlikely that you just’ll be arrested for taking a photograph of an attraction the place different individuals additionally seem, wait till they’ve moved out of the body. By no means try and zoom in and take portrait-style images (of recognizable faces) with out express consent.
8. Be taught the native greeting and phrases
English is extensively spoken however you’re more likely to be greeted with the Emirati greeting “as salam alaykum”. Transcending the informal courtesy of an English “Hiya”, it interprets to “peace be upon you.” Responding with “walaykum as salam” and utilizing “shukran” (thanks) in Arabic will earn you the appreciation of locals.
9. Familiarize your self with the foundations of social interplay
When assembly an Emirati of the alternative intercourse, don’t attain out for a handshake. Look forward to them to supply their hand first; it’s possible that as an alternative you may be greeted with a smile and them inserting their proper hand on their coronary heart as a mark of respect – you need to reply the identical means.
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Bodily contact amongst members of the identical intercourse is frequent, normally as handshakes (at all times with the precise hand) whenever you’re getting acquainted. Emirati males might also greet one another with a nose-to-nose kiss or cheek-to-cheek kisses, with the latter additionally being frequent amongst Emirati ladies.
10. Pay attention to the foundations of non-verbal communication
In Emirati tradition, non-verbal communication is vital, so take heed to your physique language, particularly in formal conditions. Whether or not in a majlis, an Emirati dwelling, or a authorities workplace, don’t sit along with your knees crossed over one another, or with one leg resting on the opposite knee such that your foot is pointing at or your sole is dealing with somebody – as each are insulting.
Pointing at somebody along with your index finger, beckoning with it, or wagging it whereas emphasizing your level is impolite.
Use your proper hand to simply accept or supply one thing, reminiscent of a cup of gahwa (Arabic espresso) or cash, and to eat (the left hand is reserved for the bathroom).
Impolite gesturing (exhibiting somebody the center finger) and hurling profanities is unlawful and might result in fines, imprisonment and deportation.
11. Behave appropriately throughout Ramadan
The month of Ramadan is a time of prayer for Muslims who quick from daybreak to sundown. For these not fasting, meals and drinks are available throughout the day at eating places and cafes in buying malls, accommodations and elsewhere.
The legislation requires that non-Muslim guests solely eat and drink (together with water and chewing gum) at eating places and designated spots (reminiscent of mall meals courts) out of consideration for these fasting. Most non-fasting residents preserve discretion as a matter of social courtesy. You’ll not be arrested for sipping water exterior on a sizzling day, however do your finest to take action out of sight, and be able to apologize if required.
Don’t blast loud music in public locations – use headphones as an alternative. Modest dressing in garments that cowl the shoulders and legs is appreciated.
12. Know the code of conduct on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an energetic place of worship the place bodily contact between guests, even when posing for {a photograph}, is inappropriate. Don’t contact, maintain palms or have an arm round your companion whereas having images taken – safety will method you and ask you to delete the photograph. You’re not allowed to gesture (so no victory indicators or thumbs up). Don’t try and lie down on the beautiful carpet whereas taking images contained in the prayer halls.
13. Public shows of affection are frowned upon
Kissing, hugging and different public shows of affection are frowned upon, and prohibited at non secular websites such because the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. As of late, holding palms doesn’t elevate eyebrows, however use your judgment in line with the setting. It’s most likely okay to take action in a shopping center or on the seashore, however not on the fish market or the Abrahamic Household Home. Similar-sex relationships are unlawful in Abu Dhabi.
14. There isn’t a tolerance for drunken habits
In Abu Dhabi, alcohol is out there at licensed eating places and bars, and consumption of alcohol in unauthorized areas (reminiscent of a public seashore) is unlawful. Whereas it is completely acceptable to have a very good time, there may be zero tolerance for rash, loud and aggressive habits because of having had one too many. Which means swearing, impolite gestures, selecting fights or inflicting a public nuisance are all unlawful and punishable by imprisonment and fines.
15. Don’t drink and drive, even over quick distances
Driving inebriated is a criminal offense within the UAE and may end up in imprisonment and fines upwards of Dhs20,000, ought to you end up in an accident. For those who plan on consuming, go away the rental automotive behind and take a taxi as an alternative.
16. Make word of emergency numbers
In case of emergencies and the necessity for rescue, evacuation or pressing medical help, contact Abu Dhabi Police on 999.
