Joanna James
Travelling to Abu Dhabi anytime soon? There here are some important things to know and keep in mind, that will allow you to have a safe and hassle-free visit to the UAE.
Even though Abu Dhabi sees plenty of warm sunshine all year round, visiting during the summer months can get unseasonably hot and humid. Consider planning your trip to coincide anywhere from October to May. This also happens to be the tourist season, so do be prepared for the large crowds. However, if you prefer the heat and to avoid the large crowds especially given the pandemic, then the summer months might be ideal for you.
It's also a prudent idea to make sure to check when Ramadan starts and ends, and whether your trip might coincide with this holy month. Typically this time is not exactly a good time for tourists, as eating and drinking in public are prohibited during the daytime out of respect for those who are fasting. Additionally, if you are travelling during business hours, do note that businesses and organisations operate on reduced working hours.
The official currency of the UAE is the Emirati dirham. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted anywhere in Abu Dhabi. However, if you are planning on visiting local souqs and smaller artisan shops and stores, it's best to carry some cash in case the shopkeepers don't have card facilities to offer. There are plenty of licensed exchange offers, banks, hotels, and resorts in Abu Dhabi including the likes of Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara where you can easily exchange your money at. Do however remember to take along your passport when doing so.
Tourists aren't expected to dress in traditional Emirati clothing unless visiting a mosque. It is however recommended for tourists to dress in loose and long clothing made out of natural materials such as cotton, as it's the best way to combat the overwhelming heat of Abu Dhabi, especially while ones are getting acclimatize to the weather and climate. Additionally taking steps to stay well-hydrated is also a good idea. Usually tight, revealing, and form-fitting clothes can be considered offensive. Swimwear is only acceptable at the beach and in resort areas.
In Abu Dhabi, consuming alcohol in public and outside of hotels is strictly prohibited. So do not carry alcoholic beverages such as beer cans with you to the beaches and public parks. Do keep in mind, showing public displays of attention and engaging in wild, loud, and raucous behaviour is offensive. Visiting any of the above rules, can result in hefty fines, or worse, offenders might run the risk of deportation. Another rule to respect is to not take pictures of others without permission, as especially women and families might be sensitive towards the issue and result in fines.
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