Abu Dhabi is the name of both the capital city of the UAE and the largest of the seven emirates that make up the country.
A destination for the discerning traveller, the emirate has something for everyone. There is the excitement of a dynamic 21st-century city, endless unspoiled beaches, and the tranquillity of the desert, rugged mountain scenery and lush green oases.
With an estimated 10% of the world’s known oil reserves, Abu Dhabi ranks as the richest of the emirates.
Visas
All visitors require visas for entering the UAE, except nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia), USA and most European countries.
Kindly contact your nearest UAE Embassy or airlines for visa assistance prior to your visit.
Currency
The monetary unit of the UAE is the Dirham (abbreviated to DHS or AED), which is divided into 100 fils.
Abu Dhabi has a comprehensive network of local and international banks as well as numerous ATMs. All major credit cards are widely accepted.
Licensed money-exchange facilities can be found all over Abu Dhabi, including at international hotels.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
AED 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.28
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.28
|
Canadian Dollar
(CAD)
|
|
0.26
|
Swiss Franc
(CHF)
|
|
0.21
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.18
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
2.11
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
28.00
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
0.11
|
Rial Omani
(OMR)
|
|
0.34
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.27
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
There is a service charge of 10% and tourism tax of 6%.
Tipping
Tipping practices are similar to those in the rest of the world. Taxi drivers do not expect it but do appreciate it when given something extra.
In restaurants, 10% is adequate if service is not included.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
8am - 1pm, Saturday through Thursday
Some banks will remain open until 3pm.
Office Hours
8am - 6pm,Sunday through Thursday
Shop Hours
9am - 11pm, Monday through Sunday
2 / 4pm - 11pm, Friday
During the holy month of Ramadan shops can stay open till 1am.
Public Health
Medical services in the country are of a high standard and visitors can easily find the appropriate treatment and advice.
No health certificates are required to enter the country unless arriving from a cholera or yellow fever infected area visited in the previous 14 days.
Dress
The attitude to dress in Abu Dhabi is relaxed, but all visitors should show respect for local culture and customs in public places by avoiding excessively revealing clothing.
Lightweight summer clothes are suitable year-round, but slightly warmer garments may be needed in the evenings during the winter months.
A sweater or a cardigan may be required in malls, hotels and restaurants as air-conditioning can create low temperatures.
Swimming attire is acceptable at beaches and pools.
Weather
Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, arid climate and sunny blue skies with temperatures ranging from a low of around 10°C (50° F) in winter, to a high of around 48°C (118° F) in the summer.
The most pleasant time to visit is in the cooler winter months when temperatures are around 24°C (75° F) during the day and 13°C (56°F) at night.
Humidity can be somewhat high for prolonged stays outdoors during the hottest months (July and August).
Rainfall is almost nonexistent.
Today
Sunny
Very warm with plenty of sunshine
|
High:
|
43°C /
109°F
|
|
Low:
|
30°C /
86°F
|
Tomorrow
Sunny
Bright sunshine and very warm
|
High:
|
38°C /
100°F
|
|
Low:
|
27°C /
80°F
|
|
Saturday:
|
|
Sunny
|
High:
35°C /
95°F
|
Low:
25°C /
77°F
|
|
Sunday:
|
|
Sunny
|
High:
36°C /
96°F
|
Low:
26°C /
78°F
|
|
Monday:
|
|
Sunny
|
High:
40°C /
104°F
|
Low:
30°C /
86°F
|