Abu Dhabi Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards

Etisalat and Du are the main providers. Tourist SIMS are sold at AUH airport and city stores. Passport enrollment is necessary. ESIM options are also available.

SIM Card Options

Tourist SIM cards at AUH upon arrival.
eSIM options compatible with modern devices. Explore Airalo.
Passport required for registration.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Wi-fi is common and often free in hotels, malls, restaurants, and public areas.

Connectivity Details

Free Wi-Fi at hotels, malls, cafes.
Reliable 4G/5G coverage all over the city.
Portable Wi-Fi electronics for consistent connection. Visit Solis Wi-Fi.

Postal Services

Emirates Post is the national postal service. Offices are city-wide, offering local and mail to other countries, express courier, and PO boxes.

Services Available

Local and foreign post.
Express courier services.
PO box facilities.

Language Barrier & Resources

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken within tourism and urban areas. Signs and information can be found in the two languages.

Translation Support

Google Translate and similar apps are useful.
Learning basic Arabic phrases is polite.
Language learning platforms can assist. Rosetta Stone.

Important Phrases

Common Greetings & Thanks

Hello (Marhaba)
Thank you (Shukran)
Please (male: Min fadlak, female: Min fadlik)
Yes (Na'am)

Useful Everyday Phrases

No (La')
Pardon me (Afwan)
How much? (Kam hatha?)
Hello (Sabah al-khair)

Business Hours & Schedules

Business hours vary across different sectors in Abu Dhabi, with adjustments for weekends and holidays.

Government Offices

Typically Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM.

Private Businesses

Generally Sunday to Thursday, usually 9:FROM 12 am TO 6:00 PM, with some variation.

Shopping Malls

Typically 10:BETWEEN MIDNIGHT and 10 am:00 PM or 12:00 AM daily. Extended hours often apply on weekends (Friday/Saturday).

Banking Hours & ATMs

Banks are generally open Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Some branches in malls may have later opening times or be open on Saturdays.

Access & Services

ATMs are city-wide, accepting cards from other countries.
Some bank branches operate on Saturdays.
Currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange houses.

Public Holidays & Ramadan

The official weekend is Saturday and Sunday. Islamic holidays vary annually. Ramadan typically has reduced business hours.

Seasonal Adjustments

Ramadan involves reduced business hours; public eating/drinking during fasting hours is disrespectful.
Check a local schedule for specific public holiday dates.
Some businesses may close or have altered hours during major Islamic festivals.

Seasonal & Travel Considerations

Peak Travel Periods

No significant seasonal closures occur for tourism.
Summer months might lead to shorter operating hours for some outdoor venues.
Airport services are generally consistent year-round.

Airport Lounge Access

Access to the airport lounges for comfortable layovers. Explore Priority Pass.
Be aware of flight delays; compensation services exist. Visit Compensair.
Check specific lounge access policies and conditions.

Traveler Note

Always confirm opening hours for specific attractions and establishments, especially during holidays or Ramadan.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engaging respectfully with local culture enriches your travel experience and demonstrates appreciation for Abu Dhabi's heritage.

Greetings & Attire

Handshakes are common between same-gender individuals. A polite 'Marhaba' is appreciated.

Dress Code

Men should not initiate handshakes with Emirati women first.
Modest dress is advisable in public (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Religious sites require full coverage for women (headscarf) and modest attire for men.

Dining & Photography

Use your right hand when eating from communal dishes. Avoid displaying the soles of your feet.

Visual Etiquette

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, specifically women and children.
Avoid photographing government buildings or the military installations.
Tipping guidelines are detailed in the travel guide's dedicated section.

Sensitive Topics

Public displays of affection are culturally inappropriate and should be avoided.

Behavioral Reminders

Spirits are confined to licensed venues; public intoxication is illegal.
Do not criticize the government, religion, or ruling family.
Do not point the soles of your feet towards people or religious objects.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Respect local customs regarding gender interactions. Public segregation may occur in some settings.

Considerations

Public displays of affection between same-sex partners are not tolerated.
Homosexuality is illegal and subject to severe penalties in the UAE.
LGBTQ+ tourists are advised to exercise extreme discretion.

Important Cultural Notes

Social Conduct

Avoid public displays of affection.
Alcohol only in licensed places; no public intoxication.
No criticism of government or religion.

Personal Respect

Ask permission for photos of people, particularly women and kids.
Do not point feet at others or religious objects.
LGBTQ+ laws are strict; exercise discretion.

Cultural Awareness

Adhering to local customs significantly enhances your trip and demonstrates respect for the destination.

Accessibility Information

Abu Dhabi seeks to be an approachable destination, with modern infrastructure supporting travelers with diverse needs.

Mobility Infrastructure

Modern infrastructure includes ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible toilets in many public buildings.

Features

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) special assistance services.
Newer public buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Many plazas and major attractions are designed for accessibility.

Accessible Attractions

Several sites are designed with accessibility in mind, offering easy finding your way for every visitor.

Accessible Venues

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: ramps, loaner wheelchairs.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, Qasr Al Hosn: all accessible.
Taxis accommodate folding wheelchairs; wheelchair-friendly cabs are available from TransAD.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Some major attractions may offer audio guides or tactile exhibits to enhance the visitor experience.

Support Details

Audio guides may be available at museums.
Tactile exhibits at select cultural sites.
English is widely spoken, aiding communication for many visitors.

Resources & Information

Direct contact with attractions or hotels is a good idea for specific accessibility details.

Further Assistance

Contact specific sights for their accessibility provisions.
Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism may have information.
Hotels can provide details on their accessible rooms and services.

Accessibility Services

Airport assistanceObtainable on request
Public bus accessWheelchair friendly
Mosque accessibilityRamps and wheelchairs
Museum accessLouvre, Qasr Al Watan

Taxi availabilityFolding wheelchairs
Audio guidesAt some attractions
Tactile exhibitsSelect cultural sites
Information sourceDirect venue contact

Planning Ahead

Always confirm specific accessibility requirements with venues and transport providers prior to your visit.

Abu Dhabi Travel Tips