Looking for information about Abu Dhabi? You’ve come to the right place. Abu Dhabi is the largest of seven emirates and the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Made up of 200 islands, the emirate has a diversity of landscapes ranging from coastal islands filled with world-famous attractions and beaches to an uninterrupted desert scenery.
Home to a large concentration of attractions and cultural sites, Abu Dhabi is popular amongst tourists worldwide. Whether you’re here for a stopover or a longer break away, there is so much to see and do. Highlights include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island, the oasis city of Al Ain and so much more.
For more information about travelling to Abu Dhabi, exploring the emirate and more about the culture of the UAE, Check out our handy guide below.
The majority of international air traffic flies into Abu Dhabi International Airport at Terminal 3, the home of Etihad Airways. You can also fly with Wizz Air, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and more than 50 other airlines to the emirate from more than 100 destinations worldwide.
Abu Dhabi visas are available for free on arrival for many nationalities. Citizens of other countries can apply for a visa prior to their trip. For more information abudhabiairport.ae.
You can explore the city and the wider emirate of Abu Dhabi via multiple transport options. Taxis are reasonably priced and the most popular way to get around the city but you can also get around by buses, ferries or take exploration into your own hands and rent a car.
The Visit Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus is also a handy option to get around the city. It’s free and available for local and international tourists who book a hotel or purchase attraction tickets in Abu Dhabi.
Learning about local culture and traditions can help all travellers understand and make the most of their time in Abu Dhabi. There is a deep history and rich culture to uncover at famous landmarks and on fascinating tours.
Islam is the official religion of the UAE. All over Abu Dhabi you’ll see beautiful mosques where worshippers flock and the peaceful call to prayer bellows from the tall minarets. Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims fast during daylight hours. To be respectful, there are certain public rules of etiquette to follow during this time.
What is Abu Dhabi’s time zone?
The UAE +4 hours in front of UTC (Coordinated Universal Time - formerly known as GMT).
12pm in Abu Dhabi is:
3:00 AM in New York
8:00 AM in London
10:00 AM in Johannesburg
1:30 PM in New Delhi
6:00 PM in Sydney
When is sunrise and sunset in Abu Dhabi?
In the winter the sun rises between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM and sets between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The sun can rise as early as 5:30 AM in the summer and sets around 7:00 PM. Abu Dhabi has on average 10 to 12 hours of sunlight each day.
What is the weather like in Abu Dhabi?
Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected most of the year. There isn’t much rainfall in the emirate either. Temperatures range from a low of around 13C (50F) on a winter's night, to a high of around 42C (118F) on a summer's day. The most pleasant time to visit is between November and April, when temperatures are around 24C (75F) during the day and 13C (56F) at night.
What is the official religion in Abu Dhabi?
Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and is widely practised. Abu Dhabi is tolerant of other religions with people being free to practice their religious beliefs, so long as they do not interfere with Islam.
What should I wear in Abu Dhabi?
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but something slightly warmer may be needed in winter months. Take a jacket or sweater when visiting hotels or the cinema, as the air conditioning can be fierce. Although the attitude towards dress is fairly liberal throughout the Emirates, a healthy amount of respect for local customs doesn't go amiss, especially when shopping or sightseeing. Short or tight clothing may be worn, but it will attract attention - most of it unwelcome. Malls, health clubs and resort facilities are generally more accepting of what's fashionable, but when visiting government offices it is best to cover your shoulders and legs. It is especially recommended that you dress more conservatively during Ramadan. In the evenings, restaurants and clubs usually have a mixt of western, Arabic and Asian styles. Again, ladies are advised to take a pashmina or jacket because of cold air conditioning.
What is the local currency in Abu Dhabi?
The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED or Dhs).
Can I get cash out in Abu Dhabi?
Visa, MasterCard, American Express Cirrus, Maestro or Plus are accepted at most ATMs.Hotels also provide foreign exchange services, and there are many foreign exchange bureaus across the city centre.
Can I use my debit or credit card in Abu Dhabi?
Most shops, hotels and restaurants in Abu Dhabi accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is wise to check before you order or purchase anything if there is no visible sign of card acceptance.
What can I eat in Abu Dhabi?
There are endless choices of dining options in Abu Dhabi, and visitors are always bewildered by the sheer volume and diversity of F&B outlets across the emirate. Cuisines from around the world mingle in Abu Dhabi with restaurants offering a vibrant and varied mix of international flavours and impressive culinary standards. Hotel outlets serve alcohol and these are complemented by many superb unlicensed outlets across the emirate. Non-Muslims can consume pork in certain restaurants – any dishes using pork ingredients will be prepared separately from non-pork dishes and are clearly marked on the menu.
Do you have to tip in Abu Dhabi?
Tipping is not expected, but is commonly practised in the emirate. You may notice that in many fine dining establishments service charges (usually around 10%) and tourism levies of 6% are added to your bill. If these charges are not included, then 10-15% is an appreciated additional amount on top of a bill.
How much do meals cost in Abu Dhabi?
Meals can range on average between AED100 / US $27 to AED200 / US $55 per person, excluding beverages. Many fine dining and high-end restaurants may add a service charge (usually around 10%) and a tourism levy of 6% to your bill.
When is the weekend in Abu Dhabi?
The weekend in Abu Dhabi is on Saturday and Sunday. The working week for the majority of companies is Monday to Friday.
When are working hours in Abu Dhabi?
Government offices are generally open from 7am to 3pm or from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Private companies normally operate between 9am and 5pm. Some companies end their working days earlier on Fridays (around 12pm) as those who practise Islam attend the mosque for Friday prayers.
What can Ask Abu Dhabi do?
Ask Abu Dhabi helps with planning and discovery. You can ask it about things to do, upcoming events, trip itineraries, family activities, where to stay, cultural guidance, seasonal advice, local tips and more.
It cannot make bookings, process payments, access your personal account or answer questions unrelated to Abu Dhabi tourism.
Do I need an account to access Ask Abu Dhabi?
No account or login needed. Anyone can access Ask Abu Dhabi directly on the website. Logging in is optional, not mandatory.
How accurate are responses from Ask Abu Dhabi?
Responses are generated by AI and may not reflect real-time information. Experience Abu Dhabi endeavours to keep content up to date, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of every response. Always check directly with venues for current prices, opening hours and operational details before your visit.
What languages does Ask Abu Dhabi support?
Ask Abu Dhabi currently supports English, with more languages on the way.
Is alcohol allowed in Abu Dhabi?
Alcohol is available to purchase in licensed areas which are mainly within hotel bars and restaurants. You must be over 21 to purchase or consume alcohol, and you can only purchase alcohol for personal use.
Do people speak English in Abu Dhabi?
Although Arabic is the official language in the UAE, English is widely spoken. Most business transactions in Abu Dhabi are conducted in English.
