Getting there and getting around

Getting there

Entering Abu Dhabi

All visitors except nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia, require a visa to enter the UAE. However, for the nationalities listed below this is a simple case of obtaining a visit visa on arrival at the airport. Citizens of countries not listed may obtain a tourist visa, but this should be arranged in advance through a UAE-based sponsor such as a hotel or tour operator.

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican

Please note that entry requirements and international rules on passports can change without warning, and all visitors are recommended to check that these requirements haven’t changed well in advance of travel.

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

Abu Dhabi International Airport is one of the fastest growing in the Middle East. The airport terminal has a central satellite design with aircraft reached by telescopic walkways, so passengers do not have to walk far to immigration or baggage reclaim. Shoppers are well catered for with a large selection of outlets offering jewellery, perfume, liquor and tobacco, electronics, and designer fashion brands – all at duty free prices.

Whilst not on the same scale as its Abu Dhabi neighbour, Al Ain also has its own modern International Airport on the outskirts of the city, offering the same levels of comfort and service.

Business Class visitors who are looking for a higher standard of relaxation and service pre-departure can relax in the excellent business class lounges that Abu Dhabi airport provides.

It is approximately a 40 minute transfer from the airport to the city.

Meet & Assist

In keeping with the Arabian tradition of hospitality, a meet and assist service is available at Abu Dhabi International Airport by Golden Class Service (+971-25757466). Guests are guided through immigration and check-in and can make use of the VIP lounge, which includes access to a health club and business centre. Both arriving and departing passengers can take advantage of the service.

Customs

The duty free allowance for each visitor entering the country is 2,000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2kg of tobacco, a ‘reasonable amount’ of perfume, and, for non-Muslim adults, two litres of spirits and two litres of wine. Visitors are not charged customs duty on personal effects they bring into Abu Dhabi.

Health & Medical Matters

No health certificates are required, except for visitors who have been in cholera or yellow fever infected areas in the previous 14 days.

The quality of healthcare in Abu Dhabi is generally very high and visitors should have no problem obtaining appropriate treatment and advice either in a private clinic, or, in case of an emergency, in a government run hospital. Most medicines are readily available at pharmacies, and many without prescription – even antibiotics.

As with any destination anywhere in the world, visitors are advised to arrange travel and medical insurance before travelling, and to check with their GP and/or specialist vaccination centre at least six weeks prior to travel.

Women Visitors

Female visitors, whether travelling alone or with their families, experience no special restrictions of dress or behaviour in day-to-day life in Abu Dhabi. Women play a full and active part in the life of the country (up to and including Government Minister level) and foreign women visitors can be assured they will be readily accepted and welcomed. 

Special Needs

Visitors with disabilities will find that Abu Dhabi International Airport is well equipped to cater to their needs, as are most of the big hotels – many have specially adapted rooms for such guests.

Airlines

There are a number of airlines that operate an excellent service to Abu Dhabi from London. Etihad Airways (the national carrier) operates a daily service from London Gatwick, and ten flights a week from London Heathrow. British Airways operates a daily service from London Heathrow (departing London in the morning, and landing back into London in the early morning on the return flight), and Gulf Air operates a daily service from London, in addition to a number of flights via Bahrain or Muscat.

Please check with the airlines directly for full details of the flight schedules.

UK Operators

The following tour operators currently feature Abu Dhabi as a destination:

Air World Tours – Abercrombie and Kent – Argo Holidays – Beachcomber Tours – best @ travel – Bon Voyage & Tours Ltd – British Airways Holidays – City Vacations – Cruxton Travel – Destination Dubai Destinology – Diplomatic Travel Ltd – ebookers.com – Elite Vacations – Emirates Tours – Expedia – First Choice (Sovereign/H & J) – Gold Medal Travel – Gulf Connections – Hotel Connect.co.uk – Key 2 holidays – Kuoni Travel Limited – Lastminute.com – Online Travel Company – Premier Holidays Limited – Quest Travel – Seasons in Style – Silversea Cruises – Europe, Africa, Middle East – Solo’s Holidays Limited – Somak Holidays – South Quay Travel & Leisure – Sunset Faraway – The Holiday Place – The Lotus Group – Trailfinders – Travel 2 – Travel Bag – Travel Mood – Travelox – Tropical Locations – Tropical Sky – Voyana

Most operators feature Abu Dhabi as a year round destination, taking advantage of the year round sunshine.

Price conscious travellers can generally find lower prices from the end of April to October – recognition of the fact the summers can get very warm in Abu Dhabi during that period. However, as most places are well air conditioned this should not be a major deterrent to those in search of the magic of Abu Dhabi.

Getting around

Given the relatively small amount of area that Abu Dhabi consists of, and thanks to the excellent transport infrastructure, exploring Abu Dhabi couldn’t be easier.

This means that visitors can relax by the pool in the morning, visit the Iranian souk in the afternoon, and be enjoying the spectacular oasis scenery of Al Ain by the evening.

With so many opportunities to explore, great culture, history, beaches and hotels, year round sunshine and so much to see and do, holidaymakers really are able to do as much or as little as they please.

Excursions

Most operators and/or hotels will also offer a range of excursions and visits, and represent a good value way to explore this fascinating destination.

Organised tours are the ideal way to see the attractions of Abu Dhabi and surrounding areas. These can be half day, full day or even overnight, camping in the desert in tents.

City tours offer guided sightseeing around the capital, visiting the Women’s Handicraft Centre, the Heritage Village, the Petroleum Exhibition and the famous Corniche.

The most popular excursion is to the desert areas, to enjoy the stunning desert scenery, and often include ‘dune blasting’ by 4×4, and an evening under the stars enjoying Arabic cuisine in a Bedouin camp.

Desert safaris are a true gem, a must do activity for any visitor. The experience provides a great talking point throughout the holiday – and offers some spectacular photograph opportunities.

Driving

The car is the most popular way of getting around (either private vehicle or taxi). Car hire is a great way to see Abu Dhabi, visitors from certain countries can do so if they hold an International driving license, while others may have to apply for a temporary UAE license.

Taxis

Taxis are reasonably priced and plentiful. Individually registered taxis can be flagged down at the roadside. Up-market cars and limos can be booked in advance.

Buses

Abu Dhabi has a comprehensive and cheap network of bus routes. The major coach station is on the Hazza Bin Zayed road where buses arrive and depart for destinations throughout Abu Dhabi and beyond. Some are air conditioned, some not. Fares are inexpensive. There is a regular 24 hour bus service linking Abu Dhabi International Airport and the city centre.

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