All you need to know about Abu Dhabi – History, culture, modernism, all in one package

Abu Dhabi plays a vital role with regards to the governance of the UAE. The largest of all, the city houses the Emiri Family of which the president of the UAE is a member. There is a vast number of bureaucratic establishments in the city – Abu Dhabi holds a prominent place among other cities as the seat of the government. Its rapid development in terms of industrialisation has turned the city into a commercial hub.

UAE is an Islamic country, though the state bears a strong positive attitude towards modernism, it is every bit as religious and conservative as any other Islamic country. Being the capital city, Abu Dhabi thrives to make sure that these Islamic customs are respected and followed by everyone. This is mostly reflected in clothes. While it's not expressly forbidden to wear western style clothes – to avoid any trouble that may come along the way, be sure that you are dressed modestly. This rule is a bit relaxed at public beaches as you can wear your swimming suit while there. But if you are at any other public place except beaches, make sure you are dressed in a way that is not contradictory to their mores.

Arabic is the official language, but it is not necessary that you speak it. English is considered to be the business language – while you are at Abu Dhabi beach resorts, you don't have to worry about miscommunicating your order – almost everybody speaks English. Also, due to the fact, the vast majority of the population is constituted by other nationals, languages like Hindi and Urdu are largely spoken.

There are certain rules and regulations when it comes to consuming alcohol. It is not forbidden, but you can't do it as freely as you would like. If you are at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, you can treat yourself to a glass of something, because most of the hotels and resorts are licenced to serve liquor. But drinking in public is a big emphatic no. If you are drunk by any chance – hire a cab and go straight to your hotel room.

Emirati people are very conventional. As much as you are allowed to have fun, there are restrictions on certain scenarios. Like in the case of alcohol, public display of affection is frowned upon. It's not as though they keep an eye out for such incidents, but, at any rate, it's better to avoid it altogether.

Abu Dhabi has a desert climate. It can get unbearably hot during summer. Although almost every place is air-conditioned including the shopping malls and even the bus stops, it's best to avoid visiting between June and September. The humidity can drive anyone crazy especially if you are from the west. The best time to visit is between October and May when the climate is at its mildest.

During the month of Ramadan, Abu Dhabi is a slow-moving city. The business hours are shorter, and the city can be a bit silent as they fast from morning to evening – they avoid any sort of energy draining activities – most of the expats are on their annual leave during this period. Also, it's prohibited consuming food in public as a way of showing respect to the custom. It's better not to visit during this period – the chances of having a holiday resonated with fun are pretty low.

The main highlights include Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, the Corniche, Al Ain National Museum, Abu Dhabi Mall and the Grand Mosque. When visiting these places though, make sure you wear enough sunscreen and don't forget your sunglasses. The sun in this desert climate can be pretty nasty.