Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a glittering and glamorous metropolis, situated slap bang in the middle of the desert. Many people choose to visit Dubai when vacationing in the United Arab Emirates, partly due to its slightly less conservative attitudes, but also because Dubai is more geared towards western attitudes. If you want a real taste of the region, Abu Dhabi is the place to be. Like with any culture that differs from your own, there’s just a few things to be aware of before you arrive.
What to wear
For women visiting Abu Dhabi, there a few standards of clothing that must be adhered to. For example, when out in public it’s important that cleavage, shoulders, and legs above the knee should be covered. Swimwear is perfectly acceptable at the beach, and more revealing clothing is fine in restaurants and bars, but it’s important to stay covered while traveling to and from these places.
Getting around
Catching taxis in Abu Dhabi is straightforward. While there are cars available to wave down from the street, it’s usually preferred to contact a company for private hire. By taxi Abu Dhabi is easy to get around, and it’s straightforward to book one by phone, especially for your airport transfer, or have your hotel organize one for you.
You don’t need to speak the language
Other than the basic “hello” and “goodbye”, you don’t need to be able to speak Arabic when traveling to Abu Dhabi. Most hotel, shop, and restaurant workers will speak English, and people are happy to translate for those who don’t. It’s always handy to take a phrasebook, just in case, but don’t let your lack of prowess in Arabic put you off booking.
The tipping culture
Tipping 10% for restaurant servers, valets, and taxi drivers is usual in the United Arab Emirates. Just like anywhere else, though, be sure to check the receipt for any gratuity added before you add your own tip.
When to travel
Before you book your travel to any Muslim country, it’s crucial that you check the dates of Ramadan. Businesses tend to open for shorter hours, and it’s frowned upon to eat or drink in public, even if you’re not observing the fast. As for the weather, it’s always sunny in Abu Dhabi, it’s in the middle of the desert after all. However, in the summer the heat can be really oppressive, so it’s usually best to avoid at this time. October to May is generally seen as the best time to visit. It’s coolest in January and February, and there can even be rain in this time.
Behavior in public can be heavily scrutinized by locals, so it’s really important to act your best. Publicly drinking alcohol can result in a fine, as can public displays of affection, even between a married couple, so it’s best to keep that in mind. Otherwise, Abu Dhabi is an incredible place to explore, with exceptionally friendly people – an absolute must visit.
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