Abu Dhabi

About
Climate
Getting there
Getting around
Accomodation
Things to do
Food
National Holidays

Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates consists of seven states, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjar and Umm al- Quwain. Dubai is the Emirate’s most popular city known for its innovation and surrounded by exotic and mysterious mountains, deserts and seas. Enjoy the delights of first-class shopping at great prices, have fun bargaining in the Arabic Souks, admire the pioneering feats by the Emirati. Take a desert safari or be amazed at the country where the traditional Bedouin culture meets Western consumerism and big ideas. Travel to a country with the only 7-star hotel in the world; the Burj Al Arab, the World’s tallest building and amazing man-made islands like Palm and the World.

language

Language

Arabic

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Current Time

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Current Weather

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Currency

Dirham

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Electricity Plugs

TBA

Visa

A visa is not required for Australian passport holders for stays of up to 30 days.

Tipping

Tipping are appreciated in the UAE. Generally, a 10% service fee is included in bills. Tipping drivers and guides is also encouraged.

Climate

The climate during the summer months of May to September is generally hot with temperatures ranging from 38 - 48 degrees Celsius. In addition. humidity levels vary from 30 - 100 percent. The winter months are much cooler with minimum temperatures averaging 25 degrees Celsius. And the best time to travel is generally considered to be from November to April.

Getting there

By Air: Although Abu Dhabi is the capital of the Emirates; Dubai is a larger and more popular gateway for travellers. Emirates Airlines have daily flights from Australia to Dubai and Etihad has daily direct flights from Australia to Abu Dhabi with coach service to Dubai. Most airlines have flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

By Sea: There is a main port at Abu Dhabi and a cruise terminal at Dubai. Several cruise companies incorporate Dubai in the itineraries either as a stopover point or as a starting/ finishing point.

Getting around

There are no internal flights in UAE except between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, there is a regular bus service between every city. Car rental is available but not recommended, while the roads and highways are all in excellent shape, the traffic can be heavy in the main cities, especially Dubai. Be sure to hold an international driver’s license. Dubai taxis are a popular method of transport as it is measured on a kilometre basis. The Dubai Metro is a driverless, fully automated metro rail network.

Accomodation

Any type of accommodation can be found in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Generally, the hotels and apartments are well priced, but the rates vary greatly between the seasons. Dubai prided itself of offering one of the World’s most luxurious hotels and resorts particularly the famous The Burj Al Arab.

Things to do

Dubai: Dubai is now known for its architectural marvels and famous for the luxury hotels lining the coast, including the Burj Al Arab. Ensure you set your sights on a visit to the Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest building in the world. Visit one of the many Souks or perhaps experience the desert from the air in a balloon ride or take a four-wheel drive in the Dunes followed by dinner in Bedouin Camp. Go deep-sea fishing or try your hand at the Emirates Golf Club. For those interested in history or culture a visit to the Grand Mosque and White Fort, as well as the Al-Fahidi Fort (which is also the Dubai Museum) is a must. Seaplane trips over the city offer the best possible views.

Abu Dhabi: As Abu Dhabi establishes itself as a cultural centre, highlights include the Heritage Village, the Corniche, and the Qasr al-Hosn or White Fort are a must. Visit the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Mosque towering over the city, where no expense was spared. Admire the interior designed with different coloured marble, Swarovski crystal chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet.

Food

Most restaurants in UAE are located within the hotels, however there are some street-side cafes, coffee lounges and other restaurants featuring authentic Arabic, international and fine dining cuisines. Most hotels feature both Arab, Asian and European food. National specialties and popular dishes include Hummus, Tabbouleh, Ghuzi (roast lamb with rice and nuts), Warak Enab (stuffed vine leaves) and Koussa Mashi (stuffed zucchinis).

National Holidays

1 Jan – New Years’ Day

21 Mar – Leilat al-Miraj (Ascension of the Prophet)

24 May – Start of Ramadan

24 Jun – End of Ramadan

30 Jul – Arafat (Haj) Day

31 Jul-2 Aug – Eid AL Adha

20 Aug – Al Hijira (Islamic New Year)

29 Oct – The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

30 Nov – Martyrs’ Day

2 Dec – UAE National Day

Weekends: UAE Weekends are Friday-Saturday Ramadan. During the month of Ramadan Muslim abstain from eating and drinking during daytime. Tourists travelling during this time are generally not affected.

Featured Tours

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