Experience the magic

Introduction

Abu Dhabi has always been a special place. But, until recently, the emirate remained an undiscovered jewel on the international travel map. Today, more and more overseas visitors are experiencing the magic of this unique and different destination.

Abu Dhabi offers all the attractions of a top class international resort … plus a taste of something extra. It combines year-round sunshine and superb leisure and recreation facilities with the spice and mystique of an Arabian adventure.

The emirate is steeped in the ancient culture and heritage of Arabia, and the strong tradition of desert hospitality lives on in the genuine warmth and friendliness that welcomes the visitor.

Abu Dhabi brings together old world charm and cosmopolitan sophistication … and in a clean and safe environment. It offers a distinctive blend of east and west that appeals to all types of holidaymakers – whether seeking the adventure of a new cultural experience, an action-packed holiday or simply a relaxing escape.

A destination for the discerning traveller, the emirate has something for everyone – from the bustle and excitement of a dynamic 21st century city to endless unspoiled beaches, the tranquillity of the desert, rugged mountain scenery and lush green oases.

The contrasts are remarkable. Much of the Abu Dhabi emirate and is made up of the Rub Al Khali (or Empty Quarter), a vast arid desert famous for its spectacular sand dunes. This is a different world from the Manhattan-like skyline of Abu Dhabi city. Then there is Al Ain, the garden city on the emirate’s border with Oman, the Liwa oasis set amidst towering red dunes, and much more for the visitor to explore and discover.

Essential knowledge

Time difference

+ 4 hours GMT

Flying time from the UK

7 hours

Location

In the heart of the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates is located just 7 hours’ flying time from London. It is bordered in the north by the Arabian Gulf (on the opposite side of the Gulf lies Iran). To the south is Oman, and to the west Saudi Arabia. UAE is on a peninsula that separates the Persian Gulf from the Indian Ocean (and Pakistan and India – indeed, Mumbai is only 3 hours away by air). Geographically, it is located just south of the Tropic of Cancer.

The UAE lies on the southernmost, eastern shore of the Arabian Gulf, and stretches almost as far as the Straits of Hormuz in the north. It is made up of seven different emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, all of which were formerly independent sheikhdoms.

Much of Abu Dhabi is made up of the Rub Al Khali (‘Empty Quarter’) desert – which is known for its spectacular sand dunes broken by the occasional lush oases. Most of Abu Dhabi is a desert, and the other emirates are all a mixture of semi-desert and scrubland, with the exception of some mountainous terrain in the east of the country towards the Oman border.

Size

The UAE covers about 83,600 square kilometres (about the size of Austria). Abu Dhabi is by far the largest of the seven emirates, occupying around 87% of the total land area.

Capital

Abu Dhabi is the name of both the capital city of the UAE and the largest of the seven individual emirates that make up the country.

Population

1,600,000

Language

The official language is Arabic, although English, Urdu and Hindi are also spoken. Most hotel staff speak a wide range of major European languages.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and there are a large number of mosques throughout the country. Other religions are respected and Abu Dhabi’s cosmopolitan population supports many places of worship from Hindu temples to Protestant and Catholic churches.

Passport information

Upon arrival visitors to Abu Dhabi must present a passport valid for at least six months.

Visas

Citizens from the UK will be granted a free visa on arrival. Although the visa is stamped for 30 days, you can stay for 60 days and renew once for an additional period of 30 days for Dhs. 500 (approx £77).

Currency

Abu Dhabi uses the United Arab Emirates dirham. £1 is approximately 6.6 dirhams.

Climate

Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical climate. The weather is at its best between October and April, when temperatures on the coast hover around 24°C. Inland it is even warmer. Nights are cool but rain is so infrequent that it poses no threat to outdoor activities. From May until October temperatures are hotter, with highs reaching up to 40°C in July and August. Summers in the Gulf are still enjoyable, however, thanks to air conditioning, swimming pools, and the successful ‘greening’ of the cities.

During winter occasional sandstorms occur when the wind (shamal) blows sand off the desert.

Driving

Traffic drives on the right. For car hire, a temporary local driving licence will be required. This can be quickly arranged on presentation of a UK passport, two photographs and an international or national licence.

Banks

Banks are open 08:00 to 14:00 Saturday to Wednesday, and 08:00 to 12:00 on Thursdays.

Shop hours

Shops are generally open from 09.30 – 13.00 and from 16.30 – 21.30 from Saturday to Thursday, although many shops in the malls are open throughout the day. On Friday, the Islamic holiday, the malls do not open until 14:00 or later.

Electricity

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. The socket type is the square three-pin system (as used in the UK) and most hotels will have adapters for different plugs.

Public holidays

The Islamic calendar starts from the year 622AD, the year of Prophet Mohammed’s migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Madinah. The Islamic year is therefore referred to as the Hijri year and dates are followed by AH (after Hijra).

Some holidays are based on sightings of the moon so are not celebrated on fixed dates. They are often confirmed less than 24 hours in advance.

There are some fixed non-Muslim holidays like New Year on 1 January, the holiday to mark the Accession of HH Sheikh Zayed on 6 August, and National Day 2-3 December. Christmas is sometimes observed by Western companies, and some embassies may observe Easter.

Drinking

Alcoholic drinks are only served in hotel food and beverage outlets (and also in a few clubs and associations). They are not available in public restaurants. Public drunkenness and driving under the influence of alcohol are serious breaches of the law, as is serving, selling, or giving liquor to Muslims.

Health and safety

No health certificate or special immunizations are required when travelling to Abu Dhabi unless you have been to a cholera or yellow fever affected area 14 days prior to visiting.

N.B. As with all holidays, travellers are advised to consult their GP or specialist vaccination centre at least six weeks before departure.

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