Getting to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi International Airport is the main gateway to the Emirate and is approximately seven hours flying time from the UK and six hours from continental Europe. It is currently undergoing a significant US$ 6.8 billion redevelopment and expansion project to serve the fast-growing tourism industry. The airport offers a full range of facilities and services including Abu Dhabi Duty Free, VIP meet-and-assist service, car-hire desks and efficient city transfers by taxi, shuttle bus or hotel limousine.

The national carrier, Etihad Airways, has a rapidly expanding network and will soon reach more than 50 destinations around the world. Visit www.etihadairways.com for the latest flight schedules and routing updates.

Al Ain, the emirate’s second city, also has its own modern international airport, which mainly serves regional destinations.

Visas
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter the UAE as a tourist and can enter free of charge. Tourist visas are granted upon arrival to the holders of the following passports:

United Kingdom, United States, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports.

Citizens of other countries require a visa and a sponsor for their visit. Valid sponsors may include hotels and tourism companies who can apply, on your behalf, for a Tourist Visa which is valid for 30 days.

Please check with your local UAE Embassy before purchasing flights.

Currency
The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the dirham (abbreviated to Dhs or AED), with each dirham divided into 100 fils. Dirham notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations, while coins come in Dhs 1, 0.5, 0.25.

Banks and money exchange bureaus can be found throughout Abu Dhabi, the latter located in most shopping malls and key locations. All major hotels will also readily exchange currency for guests.

Behaviour (and rules on alcohol and drugs)
Abu Dhabi and the UAE are moderate and progressive Muslim states and many non-Muslim beliefs and ways of life are tolerated and accepted. However, there are some strict rules of which every visitor should be aware.

All public shows of affection between adults are outlawed; this applies to visitors as well as locals. Hand-holding and kissing are not permitted and can cause offence to locals. If a complaint is made against you, the outcome can be serious with fines and a potential prison sentence.

All restaurants located within hotels have a license to serve alcohol but all others are forbidden from doing so and ‘bring-your-own’ policies popular in some western countries are not possible here.

Drunkenness is an extremely serious offence in the UAE and Abu Dhabi and there is a zero tolerance policy for drink-driving. Drug possession and trafficking are treated similarly with culprits receiving harsh penalties for small amounts. There is no such thing as personal use. Drugs are not tolerated.

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, visitors are expected to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the daylight hours. However, hotels cater to their non-Muslim guests by opening restaurants that are not exposed to public view.

Business hours
Shops are generally open daily but hours are restricted on Friday, the holy day. Most shopping malls are open 10.00am to 10.00pm from Saturday to Wednesday, 10.00am to 11.00pm on Thursday, and usually from 2.00pm to 10.00 or 11:00pm on Friday. Food outlets usually stay open until 1.00am.

Shops outside the malls usually close for lunch between 2.00pm and 4.00pm and stay open late in the evening until 9.00 or 10.00pm. Shopping rush hour can often be at midnight, especially in the heat of summer.

Emergency numbers
Abu Dhabi is blessed with a very low crime rate and almost zero violent crime. Abu Dhabi Police has highly efficient law enforcement and emergency procedures in place and officers are courteous and helpful.

For emergencies, call the following toll-free numbers:
998 Ambulance services
999 Police (also +971 2 4461461)
997 Fire
999 Helicopter Service

Getting around: taxis
The most common form of hailing a taxi is to stand on the street or walk to the closest hotel. From the street, you’ll be able to catch one of the fleet of new air-conditioned silver taxis which will gradually replace the old white and gold ones. All silver taxis have working meters and a cross-city trip in the afternoon should cost between 15 and 25Dhs. Tips are not expected but are appreciated. White and gold taxis have meters too but sometimes drivers like to fix a price. A calm but stern request for the meter to be turned on usually does the trick.

If you catch a taxi from the hotel you might find that it is a private taxi and a more up-market car such as a Mercedes, for which you will pay a little more.

To book a taxi, call Al Ghazal: +971 2 444 7787. These bookings need to be made in advance of your journey.

Getting around: bus
In 2008, Abu Dhabi city introduced a fleet of new air-conditioned buses running from Marina Mall through the centre of the city to the eastern end of town (Tourist Club area and Abu Dhabi Mall) and out towards the airport. The buses are free until the end of 2008 with a small fee expected to be introduced in 2009.

Getting around: car hire
Visitors can rent and drive cars in Abu Dhabi but only with a valid credit card and international driving license (your national driving license is not enough). Check before making payment that the company’s insurance policy covers you as a non-UAE resident.

All major car rental companies are represented as well as a number of local firms. Rates vary considerably so it is worth making a few phone calls to compare prices.

Budget Rent A Car Tel: +971 2 633 4200	Diamond Lease Tel: +971 2 622 1441
Europcar Tel: +971 2 626 1441 (Abu Dhabi) Tel: +971 3 721 0180 (Al Ain)	Hertz Rent A Car Tel: +971 2 672 0060
Thrifty Tel: +971 2 575 7400 (Abu Dhabi) Tel: +971 3 754 5711 (Al Ain)

Duty Free
Abu Dhabi Duty Free is among the region’s best duty free facilities, with top brand names in fashion, cosmetics, fragrances, confectionaries, beverages, tobacco, electronic equipment, gold, toys, gifts and souvenirs.

The UAE allows non-Muslim travellers arriving in Abu Dhabi to buy up to two litres of spirits and two litres of wine per person. You can also buy perfume in reasonable quantities and up to 2,000 cigarettes, 400 cigars or two kilos of tobacco.

Driving
Abu Dhabi has been described as the ‘United Nations of Driving’ due to the large number of nationalities living here - all of which have their own style and rules. Use your mirrors, signal early and pay attention to the speed limit and to those around you.

Despite Abu Dhabi’s historical association with Great Britain, driving is on the right hand side of the road. The speed limit is usually 60kph in the city and towns, 80kph on the outskirts and either 100kph or 120kph on the highway. Speed and red-light cameras are prevalent and fines can be hefty. If you are involved in an accident – no matter how small – stop and either call the police or wait for them to arrive; they will help with the necessary paperwork.

Always give your car a full check-up before heading into the desert or off-road – and remember to take a list of emergency numbers, plenty of water, some dry food provisions and a basic medical kit.

Embassies
Embassies and consulates are generally open from 8.45 a.m.–1.30 p.m. They are closed on Fridays; many also close on Saturdays.

For more information visit: www.uaeinteract.com/travel/embassies.asp

Media
There are four daily English language newspapers: The National, Gulf News, The Khaleej Times and Gulf Today. Many international newspapers and magazines are available in hotel bookshops and supermarkets and cost between 12 – 30 Dhs.

Most major hotels offer a range of satellite TV channels. Local channels also have English-language broadcasts.

Language
The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic. English is widely spoken and understood and a wide range of European languages are spoken within the hospitality industry.

Arabic Language Courses
If you want to learn a little Arabic during your stay, there are several courses you can take in Abu Dhabi which teach modern standard Arabic (MSA).

Gulf Arabic Programme (Al Ain) Al Ain International Border, near Al-Buraimi Tel: +971 3 7551858 Fax: +971 3 7551878 www.gapschool.net	American Language Centre Hamdan Street Tel: +971 2 627 2779 Fax: +971 2 627 3858 www.alcemirates.com
Berlitz Zayed the 1st Street Bin Haiyai Bldg Tel: +971 2 667 2287 www.berlitz.ae	Mother Tongue Arabic Language Centre Zayed 1st, Bin Fardan Building Khalidiya Tel: +971 2 6393838 www.mothertongue.ae

Telecommunications
Abu Dhabi is a modern city so telephone and internet services are of a high standard.

The main government service provider is Etisalat - www.etisalat.ae, whose offices are in the city centre (look for the large golf balls on its building’s roof). Visitors can get connected with a temporary SIM card on a pay-as-you-go basis. Calls and text messages are cheaper than in many western countries, even for overseas calls.

Off-peak hours for mobile phone services (both voice calls and SMS) are between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm and between 12.00 midnight and 7.00 am local time. Reception is good, even in the depths of the Al Gharbia desert region.

Internet cafes are not as common as in some big cities but many shopping malls offer wireless connection and even some Starbucks cafes have facilities.

Shopping
Abu Dhabi offers great shopping options – choose from the comfort of air-conditioned malls or soak up the atmosphere at a traditional souk. Souks are a definite must-see for visitors – as much for the atmosphere as for the fun of bargaining for that special gift. In Abu Dhabi city, the Iranian and carpet souks (the central souk is being redeveloped) and Madinat Zayed gold market are well worth visiting. Al Ain also has its own souk.

There are a number of major malls throughout the city, the largest being the Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall.

Post Offices
Emirates Post is the sole provider of postal services in the UAE and has 22 offices spread out across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi providing domestic and international post and courier services. The main office in Abu Dhabi city centre is near the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre.

Water and electricity
The electricity supply in Abu Dhabi is 220/240 volts at 50 Hz. British-style square, three-pin sockets are standard. Most hotels can supply adapters but visitors should bring one just in case.

Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Abu Dhabi, but if you prefer the taste of bottled water, locally bottled mineral water is readily available in supermarkets and grocery stores everywhere.

Time Difference
GMT + 4 hours

Tipping
Hotel restaurants add a 16 per cent service charge to the menu tariff which is incorporated into the customer’s bill. An additional 10 per cent tip will be greatly appreciated by the very hospitable staff but this is optional.

Some non-hotel restaurants may include service in the price and this information will be indicated on the menu. If not, 10 per cent is adequate.

Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but will be grateful for any change.

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Located on the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi occupies the western half of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is situated on the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere’s ‘desert belt’.

At around 75,000km², Abu Dhabi is the largest of the UAE’s seven emirates and accounts for approximately 86 per cent of the total land area of the country.

Abu Dhabi borders the Emirate of Dubai to the north-east, the Sultanate of Oman to the south-east and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the south and west. To the north lies the Arabian Gulf.

The south-western region of the emirate, at the edge of the Rub Al Khali Desert, has the most challenging and dramatic terrain. More commonly known as the Empty Quarter because it is so sparsely populated, the area is now accessible to the rest of the world but its inhabitants’ beliefs, customs and traditions have changed little for hundreds of years.

Throughout Abu Dhabi’s interior are oases, marked by clusters of date palms, watering holes and lush green fields of crops. The biggest is Liwa, a super-oasis near the Oman border where miles of green, fertile land are in vivid contrast to the white-hot desert sands. Liwa is home to some of the largest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world.

East of Abu Dhabi city, near the Oman border, is Al Ain, home to a series of oases and the highest peak in the emirate: Jebel Hafeet, a rocky outcrop which rises up 1,240 metres from the desert. The Hajar Mountains form the backbone that runs down this eastern side of the country.

Deep beneath much of Abu Dhabi is the source of its wealth: crude oil. This carbon deposit is evidence that this part of the Arabian Peninsula once had a much milder and wetter climate. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of lakes, rivers, wildlife and vegetation. Over the millennia, this ancient vegetation compacted to form Abu Dhabi’s oil reserves.

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Religion
The UAE is an Islamic country and Islam is a major influence on the law, the calendar, personal and business relations, behaviour and codes of conduct, marriage, family, art, literature - even architecture and garden design.

Prayers take place five times per day - at dawn, around midday, in mid-afternoon, at sunset and about two hours after sunset. The exact timing of these varies each day according to the sun's position.

Visitors can expect to hear the call to prayer of the ‘muezzin’, broadcast by loudspeaker from the minarets of the mosques – one of the most evocative sounds of Abu Dhabi life. Throughout the emirate are a large number of architecturally impressive mosques - none more so than the Sheik Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Grand Mosque.

Other religions are respected and Abu Dhabi’s cosmopolitan population supports many places of worship from Hindu temples to Protestant and Catholic churches.

Ramadan and Islamic festivals
The most important religious festival of the year is Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The precise dates are determined by the lunar calendar and by religious experts who view the moon several nights in advance to confirm the official start date.

Muslims commemorate the revelation of the first verses of the Holy Quran, abstain from food, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset, and then break their fast with family, with a traditional feast called iftar. Throughout Ramadan, hotels across Abu Dhabi host nightly iftar delicious banquets for guests and non-guests. Shops close from 1.00pm until after iftar and then stay open until the early hours.

During Ramadan, visitors to Abu Dhabi are expected to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the daylight hours.

Eid Al Fitr is a holiday celebrated when the new moon is sighted after Ramadan. An occasion marked by feasting, exchanges of greeting and gift giving, this celebration continues for three days, although shops and private businesses may open after one or two.

Eid Al Adha is celebrated 39 or 40 days after the first day of Eid Al Fitr. It represents the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage and lasts for approximately three days. The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca. It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world. It is the fifth pillar of Islam, an obligation that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so.

Other important festivals and holidays during the course of the year include the Islamic New Year, the Prophet Mohammed's birthday, the commemoration of the first divine revelation to the Prophet and the Prophet's ascension to heaven.

The timing of Islamic festivals and holidays depends on the lunar calendar. Since a lunar month is shorter than a solar month, the calendar moves back by approximately eleven (or between ten and twelve) days per year.

Mosques
The ultimate physical symbol of Islam is the mosque and Abu Dhabi has many fine examples.
There are roughly 150 mosques in the city and more than 2,500 in the emirate as a whole.

Because all mosques look to Mecca and Abu Dhabi city is built on a strict grid pattern, the mosques are at a slight angle to the modern buildings.

Non-Muslims are always welcome to admire the architecture from the outside but are not allowed to enter. Now, however, there is an exception – the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Grand Mosque (see Things to See) is the first in Abu Dhabi to welcome non-Muslim visitors.

Three other particularly attractive mosques can be found in the city centre: one is on the edge of the car park between Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre and Sheikh Zayed 1st Street; the second across Khalid Bin Waleed St from the British Embassy; and the third on the corner of Al Nasr St and King Khalid Bin Abdel Aziz Saeed St near the Corniche.

Poetry and literature
Poets are revered in the UAE, so much so that two million people recently tuned in to watch a show called Prince of Poets, where would-be bards from across the Arab world went head-to-head to win the coveted prize.

The style and form of ancient poetry in the UAE was strongly influenced by eighth-century Gulf Arab scholar Al Khalil Bin Ahmad Al Farahidi, a philiologist who wrote verse in sixteen metres and devised a new writing system known as Tashkil to differentiate the vowels in Arabic script. His reform is an essential element of the identity of the Arabic language today. The earliest-known poet in the UAE is Ibn Majid, the author of 40 works of poetry and prose and also a well-known navigator who was born between 1432 and 1437 in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

For more information on poetry events in Abu Dhabi, contact the Cultural Foundation:
Tel: + 971 2 621 5300
Fax: + 971 2 633 6059
info@cultural.org.ae
www.cultural.org.ae

Falconry
The falcon is held in the highest regard among Emiratis – it is the emblem of the UAE and can even be found on banknotes. The sport of falconry is known as the sport of sheikhs – but also of all Emirati desert lovers.

Falconry has been practiced in the Arabian Gulf region for several thousand years; the Holy Quran includes a verse about falconry that permits using the birds for hunting. Emirs and sheikhs were known to revere the birds above all others and to give or receive a falcon as a gift was considered the height of respect. Rulers took much time to pass the skills down to the next generation and learning the art of falconry is still a rite of passage for the male children of any high-ranking Gulf Arab family.

Camel and horse racing
Camel and horse racing are also embedded within Emirati culture - you only have to look at the owners of some of the world’s greatest racehorses to see the esteem in which horse racing is held in the Emirates. Horse racing is popular in Abu Dhabi and races are held from November to April at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Sunday night is race night, with free entry and prizes to be won.

Camel races are held between October and March at tracks in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and there is also a big race on National Day (December 2). The closest track to Abu Dhabi city is the Al Maqam Camel Racing track on the road to Al Ain. You can also watch camel racing at the Al Wathba Race Track on Thursdays and Fridays during the winter months.

Henna
There is a tradition of elaborately painting ladies’ hands and feet with henna, a dark brown natural dye. Its origins are disputed but it has certainly been used for centuries as a beauty practice. Many beauty salons and culture centres in Abu Dhabi offer henna painting for visitors; designs vary from a quick and easy pattern for a few dirhams to more complex works of art. The dye lasts a few weeks before fading.

Art and handicrafts
With Bedouin tradition so strong in Abu Dhabi, there is a wide array of traditional arts and crafts. Women, in particular, specialise in handicrafts including embroidery and making shawls, rugs, pottery and baskets. Despite Abu Dhabi’s wealth, the handicraft tradition remains strong and several local art and culture clubs thrive today. An excellent example is the Women’s Handicraft Centre in Abu Dhabi city. The centre features several huts where local artists perform silver threadwork and weaving; there’s also a collection of Arabic oils, incense and local clothes and crafts. Female visitors can try hand-painting with henna.

Al-Karamah St, Al Mushrif
Tel: +971 2 447 6645
Open Sunday -Thursday 8:00am to 2.00pm
It is appreciated if you remove shoes on entry. Photography is not permitted.


Traditional Dance
Men have two main traditional dances. One is the Ayallah, a popular battle scene dance for special occasions. The men dance in rows, wielding sticks to represent swords and moving forward and backward to symbolise victory and defeat. The other is the Harbiyah, which depicts victory and celebrates pride in power and courage.

Architectural Heritage
Abu Dhabi’s rich historical past is evidenced by scores of restored mud fortresses across the emirate. Forts dot the landscape, easily recognisable from their characteristic ochre walls and turreted towers. Although originally built to protect water sources, their elaborate architectural features also exude a sense of desert romance.

It’s worth visiting the 200-year-old Al Maqtaa Fort (visible on the right as you drive over the Maqtaa Bridge towards Abu Dhabi city), Qasr Al Hosn Palace in Abu Dhabi city and Sultan Fort in Al Ain.

There is also a visitor information centre housed in Al Maqtaa Fort.

Emirati Cuisine
Some dishes originate from what is now Abu Dhabi but date back to Bedouin times and can still be found on many dinner tables in family homes. Others have been ‘adopted’ from other parts of Arabia and given a distinct Emirati twist.

Here are a few dishes you may see on menus:

Al Harees:  popular during special occasions such as Ramadan, Eid and weddings. Made by cooking ground wheat in a pot with a pinch of salt, adding meat and leaving to cook very slowly.

Al Majboos:  is the Emirati hotpot, consisting of meat, rice, spices, dried lime, onion, potatoes, tomatoes and green peppers. Cooked rice with saffron is added to the mixture in layers.

Al Madrooba:  is a delicious salt-cured fish dish. Fish is cooked in a pot with spices and topped with ghee before serving.

Raqaq (flat) bread:  made from soft unleavened dough flattened and baked on a hot iron plate. Toppings including ghee, butter and sugar, cheese or meat gravy (thareed) are spread onto it.

Yeast bread:  made by mixing flour, warm water, yeast and date paste, then frying and topping with honey and butter or cheese. Traditionally baked as a special treat during Ramadan.

Al Khabeesah:  is a tempting dessert made from flour heated and blended with rose water, sugar, ghee and cardamom.

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