No fuss, ride the bus
Buses are a recent addition to the city and are clean, cheap, wheelchair friendly and even have a women-only seating section at the front. A ride on any of the routes will set you back just AED 1. There are nine bus routes at present, with more to be added in the near future. Information and map routes: www.ojra.ae

Cab age
There are two types of taxi in Abu Dhabi. White and gold coloured taxis are cheaper and have a reputation for being a little cheekier – drivers often “forget” to turn on the meter and prefer to negotiate fares.
Silver taxis are generally cleaner and more trustworthy – although you do pay slightly more for the privilege. Still, neither is expensive, with the average trip across the capital costing around AED 25.
Hailing a cab can be a little tricky during rush hours and giving directions can also prove a little difficult from time to time. Landmarks are the easiest way to navigate, so try and ask for a nearby destination (such as a shopping mall or hotel) when getting around.

Learning the lingo
Arabic is the official language, but don’t be surprised to hear French, Hindi, Urdu and many others. English is widely spoken and language barriers are uncommon. However, a “Shookran” (thank you in Arabic) and “Ahlan wa Sahlan” (hello) is always appreciated.

Don’t get a dress down
While the weather may be a few degrees warmer than many people are used to, remember to dress appropriately and keep bare flesh to a minimum. Bare shoulders may cause a frown, and a modestly covered chest is appropriate for the ladies – as are longer skirt lengths. Men should avoid overly short shorts and definitely refrain from going bare-chested. Cover-ups are also wise for indoor areas as the obligatory air-con can feel a little cool.

Minding your Ps and Qs
Etiquette is important as Abu Dhabi is an Islamic Emirate where Muslim practices are in place. Swearing, drunkenness and inappropriate behaviour such as kissing in public are complete no-no’s. Step out of line and you may find yourself spending some time in jail!

Local cuisine
Food on offer in Abu Dhabi will tickle the taste-buds of even the pickiest of eaters and there are plenty of choices for vegetarians too. Lebanese, Arabic, Indian, Persian, Italian and International cuisine can be found in most of the city’s hotels and independent restaurants.
The local fast food is the shawarma: wrapped in Arabic bread you will find a delicious mix of shaved lamb, chicken, beef, or a halal mix of meats, normally accompanied with potato, yogurt and salad – it can be found everywhere for as little as AED 5.
Also popular with locals are dates and Arabic coffee. Coffee is served in a small cup – and unless you shake it gently from side to side when empty, it’ll keep being topped up!

Weather report
Abu Dhabi is a place of perpetual sunshine, so plenty of sun-block is advisable. The climate is cooler from October to March, though, with temperatures varying from the mid 20s to the mid 30s – about now you can expect low 30s. Don’t be surprised to hear people declaring how cool it is – in the summer, temperatures can reach up to 50°C!

Money, money, money
While credit cards are widely accepted, cash is still the preferred method of payment, so it’s wise to carry around some change. The UAE dirham comes in notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations; the green 10s and red 100s seem most common.
ATM points are common across the capital and will accept most forms of international credit card. Maestro cards are less commonly used and you may find it is not accepted in some shops and banks. Also expect to sign for your card purchase – the chip and pin machine is yet to be introduced. Bureau du change can be found at the airport as well as at major shopping malls, such as Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall.

Hot tip
Tipping is common practice; taxi drivers are always appreciative of a round-up of the fare. Most restaurants and bars will already add a ten percent service charge plus a six percent tourism fee on top of the bill.

A little lost?
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has opened visitor centres across the capital to make finding your way around the city that little bit easier.
An around-the-clock manned centre is available in the Arrivals Hall of Abu Dhabi International Airport, while centres at Yas Marina Circuit, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and Al Wahda Mall will be open until 2nd November.

Duty free
Abu Dhabi International Airport offers visitors a wide range of top-brand perfumes, fashion, souvenirs and more. Visitors arriving in Abu Dhabi are permitted to purchase up to two litres of spirits and two litres of wine (non-Muslim adults only), as well as up to 2,000 cigarettes or 2kg of tobacco. Our advice? Leave present shopping for the journey back home – and don’t forget to buy some dates for family and friends to sample!

Essentials

Abu Dhabi Police 999
Ambulance 998
Fire 997
Coastguard 996
Abu Dhabi Police (office) 02 446 1461

Abu Dhabi Airport 02 575 7500
International phone enquiries 151
International phone assistance 100
Abu Dhabi is GMT +4 hrs
UAE dialling code 00971