With its wealthy cultural heritage, chic landscapes, fascinating museums, up to date structure, vibrant meals scene and kind-hearted individuals, Abu Dhabi is a delight.

Abu Dhabi fosters a way of unhurried residing the place individuals take the time to speak. They’ll even exit of their technique to present you round an artwork gallery or level you in the fitting route ought to you end up in search of a sure bakery in a maze of backstreets.

With a large expat inhabitants in the UAE, Emiratis are not any strangers to Western tradition, however familiarizing your self with Abu Dhabi’s cultural norms and etiquette makes each interplay extra respectful. These sensible suggestions will help you propose your itinerary and know what to anticipate when it comes to climate, normal well being and security.

1. Abu Dhabi is likely one of the most secure cities on this planet 

Abu Dhabi is the sort of metropolis the place you could possibly overlook your pockets or passport in a taxi or mall meals court docket, and also you’re virtually sure to seek out it there or have it returned to you by somebody, money and playing cards intact. Petty crimes equivalent to pickpocketing and theft are unusual. It’s usually secure for everybody to stroll round late at night time.

2. Plan to spend a minimum of 4 days in Abu Dhabi 

Unfold over 67,340 sq km (26,000 sq miles), Abu Dhabi is the biggest emirate within the UAE. Moreover the Rub al Khali (the world’s largest steady sand desert), it’s house to rugged mountains, a 700km-long (435-mile-long) shoreline and almost 200 islands – all providing various experiences which are greatest savored on an itinerary that doesn’t really feel rushed.

When you’ll discover museums, procuring malls, skyscrapers, theme parks and mangroves in Abu Dhabi metropolis, the emirate can be house to Al Ain, the place fortresses, oases, historic tombs and mountains supply an sudden glimpse of the UAE’s historical past. Touring round Abu Dhabi slowly offers you the prospect to enterprise out to the verdant oases of Liwa and admire the big orange-red dunes of Rub Al Khali, a 2½-hour drive from the capital.

3. Pack clothes and footwear for the outside 

To totally respect Abu Dhabi’s wealth of out of doors experiences, it’s price crafting an itinerary that features actions like biking alongside the Corniche, kayaking by way of the tidal lagoons of Jubail Mangrove Park, practising your golf swing amongst saltwater lakes and sand dunes at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and exploring the mighty dunes round Liwa Oasis by fats bike. 

Relying on the season, pack clothes, footwear, a hat and a day pack for outside excursions and actions. In comparison with the delicate climate within the metropolis and coast, temperatures within the inside area (such because the desert and mountains) can attain extremes. So, it’s a good suggestion to convey layers, particularly should you plan on visiting between November and March. In summer time, breathable materials like cotton and linen make it simpler to bear the warmth and humidity.

4. Get round by taxi with the Abu Dhabi Taxi app

Should you plan on getting round Abu Dhabi by taxi, obtain the Abu Dhabi Taxi reserving app (App Store and Google Play) in your smartphone prematurely. You’ll thank your self for doing so as an alternative of making an attempt to hail one on the road in 40°C (104°F) climate. 

The app connects you to the closest out there taxi, which often arrives at your location in beneath 10 minutes. You may also e-book a wheelchair-friendly taxi utilizing the app. You’ll have to specify your pick-up and drop-off location, which signifies that you’re much less prone to get misplaced, even when making an attempt to succeed in a hole-in-the-wall biryani restaurant in Downtown Abu Dhabi. 

Alternatively, to be used within the wider nation, obtain and use the UAE-based Careem smartphone app to e-book rides.

5. Hop on the free shuttle or take the general public bus 

The complimentary Expertise Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus service connects eight routes across the metropolis and points of interest such because the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, Qasr Al Watan and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. These fashionable air-conditioned buses are wheelchair-accessible and are a superb technique to discover Abu Dhabi Island, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island. 

To journey on public buses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, purchase the pay as you go Hafilat Good Card on the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station or any department of the grocery store chain Lulu Hypermarket. Load cash onto it utilizing the recharge machines at bus stations. To pay, scan out and in on the validator within the buses. Bus journeys value Dhs2 plus 5 fils per km.

6. Gown appropriately to mix in with town’s residents 

Select to decorate in line with the setting of your deliberate actions for the day. To be respectful whereas visiting a museum, the markets in Al Mina or cultural sights equivalent to Qasr Al Hosn and Wahat Al Karama, put on opaque clothes that isn’t body-hugging, covers your shoulders and falls nicely under the knee. That is additionally the suitable technique to costume whereas visiting Al Ain or smaller cities within the Liwa Oasis. 

At spiritual websites just like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, each women and men who should not modestly wearing unfastened, opaque clothes that covers their legs and arms are requested to put on a gown over their garments (you should buy one from a close-by store, if there are none to borrow). On the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Abrahamic Family House, girls will want a shawl to cowl their heads.

To dine at a restaurant or go to a mall, costume as you’d in another metropolis, retaining in thoughts that the locals are all the time well-groomed. Be at liberty to point out off your model at nightclubs and bars which are situated inside inns.

For girls, swimsuits and bikinis are acceptable at lodge swimming swimming pools and private and non-private seashores. That being mentioned, you’re extra prone to see girls in one-piece swimsuits and modest swimming apparel on public seashores that aren’t situated in expat-heavy residential areas. Feminine vacationers would possibly discover it helpful to hold a shawl or a shirt to cowl their shoulders and arms if wanted. 

7. Respect privateness when photographing public areas

Whereas photographing sights round Abu Dhabi, take note of the place your lens is pointed. Don’t take photographs of individuals, particularly girls and kids, with out permission.

Within the UAE, it’s unlawful to {photograph} or take movies of individuals with out their consent and share them on social media. Whereas it’s unlikely that you simply’ll be arrested for taking a photograph of an attraction the place different individuals additionally seem, wait till they’ve moved out of the body. By no means try to zoom in and take portrait-style photographs (of recognizable faces) with out express consent.

8. Study the native greeting and phrases

English is broadly spoken however you’re prone to be greeted with the Emirati greeting “as salam alaykum”. Transcending the informal courtesy of an English “Good day”, it interprets to “peace be upon you.” Responding with “walaykum as salam” and utilizing “shukran” (thanks) in Arabic will earn you the appreciation of locals. 

9. Familiarize your self with the principles of social interplay

When assembly an Emirati of the alternative intercourse, don’t attain out for a handshake. Watch for them to supply their hand first; it’s possible that as an alternative you may be greeted with a smile and them inserting their proper hand on their coronary heart as a mark of respect – you must reply the identical manner. 

Bodily contact amongst members of the identical intercourse is widespread, often as handshakes (all the time with the fitting hand) once you’re getting acquainted. Emirati males can also greet one another with a nose-to-nose kiss or cheek-to-cheek kisses, with the latter additionally being widespread amongst Emirati girls.

10. Concentrate on the principles of non-verbal communication 

In Emirati tradition, non-verbal communication is essential, so take heed to your physique language, particularly in formal conditions. Whether or not in a majlis, an Emirati house, or a authorities workplace, don’t sit along with your knees crossed over one another, or with one leg resting on the opposite knee such that your foot is pointing at or your sole is dealing with somebody – as each are insulting.

Pointing at somebody along with your index finger, beckoning with it, or wagging it whereas emphasizing your level is impolite. 

Use your proper hand to simply accept or supply one thing, equivalent to a cup of gahwa (Arabic espresso) or cash, and to eat (the left hand is reserved for the bathroom). 

Impolite gesturing (exhibiting somebody the center finger) and hurling profanities is unlawful and may result in fines, imprisonment and deportation. 

11. Behave appropriately throughout Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is a time of prayer for Muslims who quick from daybreak to sundown. For these not fasting, meals and drinks are available through the day at eating places and cafes in procuring malls, inns and elsewhere. 

The legislation requires that non-Muslim guests solely eat and drink (together with water and chewing gum) at eating places and designated spots (equivalent to mall meals courts) out of consideration for these fasting. Most non-fasting residents keep discretion as a matter of social courtesy. You’ll not be arrested for sipping water exterior on a scorching day, however do your greatest to take action out of sight, and be able to apologize if required.

Don’t blast loud music in public locations – use headphones as an alternative. Modest dressing in garments that cowl the shoulders and legs is appreciated.

12. Know the code of conduct on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an energetic place of worship the place bodily contact between guests, even when posing for {a photograph}, is inappropriate. Don’t contact, maintain arms or have an arm round your companion whereas having photographs taken – safety will strategy you and ask you to delete the picture. You’re not allowed to gesture (so no victory indicators or thumbs up). Don’t try to lie down on the beautiful carpet whereas taking photographs contained in the prayer halls.

13. Public shows of affection are frowned upon

Kissing, hugging and different public shows of affection are frowned upon, and prohibited at spiritual websites such because the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. As of late, holding arms doesn’t increase eyebrows, however use your judgment in line with the setting. It’s in all probability okay to take action in a shopping center or on the seaside, however not on the fish market or the Abrahamic Household Home. Similar-sex relationships are unlawful in Abu Dhabi. 

14. There isn’t any tolerance for drunken conduct 

In Abu Dhabi, alcohol is offered at licensed eating places and bars, and consumption of alcohol in unauthorized areas (equivalent to a public seaside) is unlawful. Whereas it is completely acceptable to have a superb time, there’s zero tolerance for rash, loud and aggressive conduct because of having had one too many. Meaning swearing, impolite gestures, choosing fights or inflicting a public nuisance are all unlawful and punishable by imprisonment and fines.

15. Don’t drink and drive, even over quick distances

Driving inebriated is against the law within the UAE and can lead to imprisonment and fines upwards of Dhs20,000, ought to you end up in an accident. Should you plan on ingesting, depart the rental automotive behind and take a taxi as an alternative. 

16. Make notice of emergency numbers 

In case of emergencies and the necessity for rescue, evacuation or pressing medical help, contact Abu Dhabi Police on 999.