ABOUT ABU DHABI

Capital City

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the country's largest city with over 1.7 million residents. With an ultra modern infrastructure which befits its status as the economic and political hub of the UAE, Abu Dhabi perfectly combines its role as a business and tourist destination. From shopping in luxury malls to bartering in traditional souqs; from enjoying the miles of golden beaches, to relaxing in one the city's many public parks; from the fine dining of the city's 5-star restaurants to the unique pleasure of the desert safari - the options really are endless.

Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport welcomes large numbers of visitors everyday into the city.
For flight information please call +971 2 575 7500.

Transfers

Taxis are plentiful and cheap in Abu Dhabi. Individually registered taxis can be flagged down at the roadside. Most hotels operate courtesy coaches or limousines for guests with confirmed reservations.

Customs Regulations

Visitors may import 2,000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2 Kgs of tobacco and 150g of perfume.
Only Non-Muslims can import 4 litres of spirits or 4 bottles of wine.

Currency

The UAE Dirham (AED) is divided into 100fils. Notes are issued of denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 dirhams, coins in 5, 10, 25, 50fils and 1Dirham.
Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be converted at all banks and hotels.
International Credit Cards are accepted just about everywhere except at a few shops in the Souks.
There are no currency import or export restrictions.

Climate

Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical climate and sunny blue skies with temperatures that vary but never disappoint. Average temperatures range from around 24°C in the Winter to around 37°C in the Summer. The city's facilities are completely air conditioned so even on the very hottest Arabian Summer's day - inhabitants of the city are comfortable.

Visas

Up-to-date information on visa requirements can be found at www.abudhabi.ae/Sites/Portal/Citizen/EN/departments,did=11308.html , the official site of the Abu Dhabi Naturalisation & Residency Administration.
Getting Around
Taxis - Three companies operate metered taxis which are easy to find on the street - Dubai Transport Corporation recognizable by their cream cars, National Taxis with silver cars and Cars Taxi with white and blue/red stripe on their cars.
Car-hire - Self-drive cars are available from car rental companies for visitors who have an international license. Renters must produce their passport along with a valid license.
Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side.
Abu Dhabi Municipality operates a comprehensive and cheap network of bus routes. The Dhs.3 fare is paid when boarding, and route maps can be picked up at malls, airport and hotels.

Working Hours

Business - Although an increasing number of organizations now work Sunday to Thursday, the working week is still mainly Saturday through to Wednesday.
Banks - 0800-1300 Saturday to Wednesday. Some banks re-open in the afternoon.
Government - 0800-1400, Saturday to Wednesday.

Tipping

Restaurants, bars and hotels ask a service charge.
Additional gratuities are entirely discretionary and not necessary.
Porters and bellboys expect modest tips.
Taxi driver do not expect a gratuity.

International Direct Dialing Code

+971 2

Links

For more information on Dubai, please visit www.exploreabudhabi.ae and http://www.abudhabi.ae/Sites/Portal/Citizen/EN/root.html?

Hotels / Restaurants & Attractions

Visitors can expect not only a warm welcome in Abu Dhabi but also some of the finest facilities and highest standards of service to be found in the world. Many of the hotels are either new or recently refurbished and provide spacious, well-equipped luxury rooms and public areas. The choice of food and beverage outlets is outstanding, with most hotels offering at least three or four (and often more) restaurants, bars and nightclubs, each with their own cuisine, theme and, in many cases, live entertainment.