Abu Dhabi UAE Travel Guide
Abu Dhabi has clear entry guidelines. These vary based on your nationality. Many countries qualify for a free visa-on-arrival, while others need a pre-arranged visa.
Always verify the latest visa policies with official sources or reputable services like IVisa or VisaHQ before your trip.
Your passport's validity must be for at at least six months after your planned entry date. Have proof that you are leaving and accommodation bookings readily available. Pre-arranged visa applications often require a recent passport-style photograph.
Upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), visitors head to immigration counters. The process is usually efficient. Be prepared for biometric scans, which may include an iris scan and fingerprints. Follow immigration officer instructions carefully.
Pre-arranged visas have varied fees.
Generally complimentary for eligible nationalities.
Fees depend on visa type and duration.
Rarely needed for tourists.
No specific licenses for typical tourist activities.
Some government or private areas may need prior approval.
Few mandatory health rules.
No specific vaccinations for most countries.
Yellow Fever or Polio certificates may be required.
The official currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), pegged to the US Dollar at approximately 1 USD = 3.6725 AED. Exchange at banks, exchange houses, or ATMs. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but carry some local cash for small purchases.
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. Many restaurants include a 10% service charge. If not, a 10-15% a hint is welcome. For taxis, adding a small amount or a small amount (AED 5-10) for good service is common. Hotel staff appreciate AED 5-10.
170-450 (USD 46-123) for collective dormitories, local food, public transport.
450-1450 (USD 123-395) for 3-4 star hotels, casual dining, taxis.
1450+ (USD 395+) for 5-star hotels, fine dining, private transfers.
15-30 AED.
2-5 AED per trip.
Strategies to help manage costs during your visit.
Utilize Abu Dhabi's affordable the mass transit system.
Discover budget-friendly dining and free attractions.
An overview of typical costs for various aspects of your trip.
Essential information for a secure and connected journey in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi consistently ranks amidst the safest cities globally, with a very low crime rate. Violent crime is extremely rare. Petty crime is uncommon, but normal precautions in crowded areas are advisable.
No distinct districts are significantly unsafe for tourists. The city maintains a secure environment. The risk of natural disasters is extremely low; the region is not prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, or hurricanes.
Highly recommended for all visitors. It protects against medical crises, trip cancellations, and misplaced baggage.
Consider policies from World Nomads for adventure coverage.
Verify specific coverage for planned activities.
Most modern smartphones work with UAE networks. Local SIM cards are available at the airport or various stores.
Buy an ESIM from Airalo for instant data access.
A passport is required for SIM card registration.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers a secure and private internet connection while traveling.
Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for personal space and security.
Some VoIP services could be restricted without a VPN.
| Category | Price Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meals (Budget) | 20-50 for every meal | Local eateries, food plazas |
| Meals (Mid-range) | 50-150 per serving | Informal eateries |
| Meals (Fine Dining) | 200-500+ per meal | Gourmet experiences |
Protect your well-being and investment with proper health considerations plus travel protection.
Consult a healthcare professional for routine, Hepatitis A & B, and Typhoid vaccinations.
Frequent handwashing or utilizing Hand sanitizer prevents stomach upsets. Eat from reputable places.
Modern hospitals and clinics offer high-quality services. Private hospitals cater to overseas visitors.
Prevention of Heat-Related Illnesses
Stay hydrated with plenty of water. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Seek shade. Avoid strenuous outdoor things to do during midday heat.
For sunburn prevention, use High SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen, Wide-brimmed hats, and Sunglasses.
UV index is often high. Reapply sunscreen frequently. Consider After-sun lotion.
Your policy should cover unexpected medical treatments, hospitalization, and emergency evacuations.
Protection against unforeseen events leading to trip changes or cancellations.
Compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage and personal items.
While Abu Dhabi is very safe, awareness of potential seasonal hazards is important.
Ensure your travel insurance policy covers any planned adventure activities like desert safaris or water sports. Review policy details carefully to understand what is included.
Look for policies that specifically include coverage for adventurous pursuits. World Nomads focuses on this.
If you are a remote worker, SafetyWing offers tailored insurance plans.
Carefully go over the terms and conditions to avoid surprises during your trip.
