Frequently asked questions

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.

Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Quran (Islam's holy book). It’s a time of fasting and Muslims abstain from all food, drink, smoking and unclean thoughts (or activities) between dawn and dusk.

At sunset, the fast is broken with the Iftar feast, the timings of which are published in all daily newspapers.

All over the city, festive Ramadan tents are filled to the brim each evening with people of all nationalities and religions enjoying traditional Arabic mezze and sweets. The dates of Ramadan change each year following the Islamic lunar calendar.

During the holy month of Ramadan, shops often change their hours by closing during the day, re-opening an hour or two after sunset, and staying open later at night. Food outlets and restaurants generally remain closed or offer takeaway services only during the day and then open up for Iftar after sunset.

Non-Muslims are respectfully required to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public places during daylight hours. Failure to do so could upset people or lead to an official complaint. During Ramadan, the sale of alcohol is restricted to after dusk, while shops and parks usually open and close later. In addition, no live music or dancing is allowed (so nightclubs tend to close for the entire month) and cinemas limit daytime screenings.

Ramadan ends with a three-day celebration and holiday called Eid Al Fitr, which is characterised by gifts being given amongst families, friends, neighbours and charities.

Most shops, hotels and restaurants in Abu Dhabi accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is prudent to confirm acceptance of credit card or debit card payments with staff especially if there is no visible signage indicating acceptance of credit card payment at the store premises or the till/counter.

Most ATMs across Abu Dhabi bear the Visa, MasterCard, American Express Cirrus, Maestro or Plus logos, which means credit card owners can withdraw cash against their accounts from them. Hotels also provide foreign exchange services, and there are many foreign exchange bureaus across the city centre.

When offered a price – especially if the price is not listed, make sure you ask (sometimes several times) for the ‘best price’. Visitors can get quoted prices almost halved with some serious negotiation.

The experience should be treated as fun but once a price has been verbally agreed upon, the customer is expected to buy. Bargaining is expected and accepted both in souks and markets as well as in some high-end shops. However, while in a souk-based gold shop you might get a 50 per cent discount, don’t expect to get the same type of deals in the high—end stores. That being said, never be embarrassed to ask for a better price – it’s all part of the game!

If you are looking for gold jewellery and/or exotic Persian carpets and other handicrafts, Abu Dhabi’s souks might offer you the best deal (so long you have good negotiating skills). For shoppers of luxury items, the absence of sales tax or any other type of taxes is an excellent incentive to buy. We also suggest you try the local dates products (fresh, baked or preserved), which are simply irresistible.

Shops have varied return/exchange policies but generally they allow customers to either return or exchange items within a given time frame, and as long as you can produce the receipt.

Average dining in popular hotel restaurants ranges 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. These charges are often included in the menu prices and the menu will denote when they are. You may choose to reward your waiter directly with a tip – the usual 10-15%.

Tipping is not expected, but is commonly practised in the emirate. Gratuities to staff at hotels and restaurants are at your discretion. Many fine dining and high-end restaurants may add a service charge (usually around 10%) and a tourism levy of 6% to your bill. These charges are often included in the menu prices and the menu will denote when they are. That being said, if you are very happy with the service, it is not expected but quite common to leave a tip on top of the already included (16%) fees & service charges. If these charges are not included, then you may like to add a 10-15% tip to the total bill.

Government offices are generally open from 7am to 3pm or from 8am to 4pm Sunday to Thursday. Some might end their working days at 5pm, if the staff take a full one hour lunch break.  Private companies normally operate between 9am and 5pm (6pm), and some of them also work on Saturday. It is recommended to visit government offices in the morning and to make a call to confirm an appointment prior to leaving your hotel or accommodation.

You will find all major car rental companies in Abu Dhabi, plus a few extra, and it's worth remembering that larger, more reputable firms generally have more reliable vehicles and a greater capacity to help in an emergency (an important factor when handling the trying times following an accident).

All rentals are inclusive of registration, maintenance, replacement, 24-hour assistance and insurance (comprehensive insurance with personal accident cover is advisable). For short term rental, many companies offer daily rates - there are booths at the airport and most of the major hotels, and there are numerous shops dotted throughout the city. It's worth ringing around for rates, although usually the most competitive rates can be found online.

To hire any vehicle you will need a passport copy, credit card and a valid driving licence from your home country, or a valid international driving licence.
If you have a UAE residence visa, you will need to have a valid UAE driving licence.

An increasing number of five-star hotels are now integrating fully furnished hotel apartments into their properties. Hotel apartments are ideal for families or for those who plan an extended stay in Abu Dhabi. An average night for a hotel apartment is AED 370 (US$ 100) for a double room.

There aren’t any hostels in Abu Dhabi. However, the budget traveller can check out some of the more affordable hotels in our Where to stay pages.

Abu Dhabi has been named the Middle East’s safest city in the 2011 Mercer Quality of Living Index.

Abu Dhabi's virtually crime free environment and well organised emergency services will bring you peace of mind and a relaxing stay.

Click here for the list of foreign embassies that are located in Abu Dhabi, including their contact information.

The Abu Dhabi Government portal provides an updated list of 24-hours opened pharmacies and medical services, including hospitals, clinics, and medical centres in Abu Dhabi. If you don’t have internet access you can call the toll free number 800 555 (+971 2 666 4442).

UAE nationals usually wear traditional dress in public. For men, this is the kandura - a white full length shirt-like garment, which is worn with a white or red checkered headdress, known as a ghutra. This is secured with a black cord (agal). Sheikhs and important businessmen may also wear a thin, gold-trimmed robe (bisht) over their kandura at important events.

In public, Emirati women wear a long, loose black robe (abaya) that covers their normal clothes - plus a headscarf (sheyla). The abaya is often of very sheer, flowing fabric with intricate embroidery and beadwork along the wrists and hemline.

Sheylas are also becoming more elaborate and a statement of individuality, particularly among the young. Headwear varies with some women wearing a thin black veil covering their face and others, generally older women, wearing a leather veil (burka), which covers the nose, brow, cheekbones and lips.

Although Arabic is the official language in the UAE, English is widely spoken. Most business transactions in Abu Dhabi are conducted in English.

Most cigarette brands are available in Abu Dhabi, while a pack of cigarettes costs anywhere between AED 5 (US$1.36) to AED 10 (US$ 2.7). Certain F&B outlets allow smoking inside, while others are smoke-free. Most business, shopping and leisure establishments have designated areas for smoking. Visitors are asked to refrain from smoking between dawn and dusk during the month of Ramadan.