Fast Facts Abu Dhabi
Language: Arabic and English is widely understood and spoken. Both languages are commonly used in business and commerce
Population: 1.6 million
Head of State: H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Money: The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dh) which is divided into 100 fils. The Dirham is linked to the Special Drawing Right of the International Monetary Fund. It has been held constant against the US Dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$1 = Dh 3.67.
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard etc are generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer better bargains for cash.
Tipping: Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Some restaurants include service; otherwise 10 per cent is adequate.
Time Zone: GMT +4 hours
Electricity: The electricity supply is 220/240 volts & 50 cycles. The socket is British 3 point system.
Mobile Phones: The UAE's mobile-phone network uses the GSM 900 MHz and 1880 MHz standard,the same as Europe, Asia and Australia. Global roaming is available please contact your mobile service provider.
Water: Tap water is quite safe to drink but visitors usually prefer locally bottled mineral water and this is generally served in hotels and restaurants.
Health & Visa Regulations: Australian and New Zealand passports will be stamped with a visit visa permit at Immigration on arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Visas are valid for 60 days from the date of entering and are free of charge.
No health certificates are required for entry to Abu Dhabi, but it is always wise to check before departure, as health restrictions may vary, depending upon the situation at the time.
Medical Care: Abu Dhabi has many well-equipped hospitals and a high standard of health care.
Taxes: UAE is a tax free destination but there are a few exceptions service charge: 10% & tourism fees: 6%.
Business Hours: Many offices are open from 8am to 6pm, Sunday to Thursday (weekends being Friday and Saturday).
Shop Hours: Shops are usually open 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 11am. Malls are generally open from 9am to 11pm every day except Fridays when they open either 2pm or 4 pm to 11pm.
Weather: Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, arid climate and sunny blue skies with temperatures ranging from a low of around 10°C in winter (October - April), to a high of around 48°C in the summer (May - September).
Dress: The attitude to dress in Abu Dhabi is relaxed, but all visitors should respect 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 need in the evenings during the winter months (October - April). Swimming attire is acceptable at beaches and pools.
Culture And Lifestyle: Abu Dhabi's culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues, and the visitor is sure to be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people. Foreigners are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and, provided reasonable discretion is shown, the dress code is liberal. Women face no discrimination and may drive and walk around unescorted.
Local citizens dress in traditional robes and headress. Arab culture and folklore find expression in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art. Weddings and other celebrations are colourful occasions of feasting and music. Traditional sports such as falconry, camel racing and dhow racing at sea continue to thrive.
Religion: Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected and Dubai has two Christian churches, St Mary's (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity (inter-denominational)
Ramadan: Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Koran. The timing of Ramadan is not fixed in terms of the western calendar, but occurs a few days earlier each year. It is a month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food, drinks and cigarettes during from dawn to dusk. Visitors are also required to refrain from consuming these items in public places during this time as a sign of respect.
Alcohol: Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. Permanent residents who are non-Muslims can obtain liquor supplies without difficulty under a permit system.
Bargaining: Bargaining is expected. Vendors will usually drop the price - and often quite substantially - particularly for a cash sale. In the case of certain electronics' products, the margins are very low and therefore bartering is minimal.
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Population: 1.6 million
Head of State: H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Money: The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dh) which is divided into 100 fils. The Dirham is linked to the Special Drawing Right of the International Monetary Fund. It has been held constant against the US Dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$1 = Dh 3.67.
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard etc are generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer better bargains for cash.
Tipping: Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Some restaurants include service; otherwise 10 per cent is adequate.
Time Zone: GMT +4 hours
Electricity: The electricity supply is 220/240 volts & 50 cycles. The socket is British 3 point system.
Mobile Phones: The UAE's mobile-phone network uses the GSM 900 MHz and 1880 MHz standard,the same as Europe, Asia and Australia. Global roaming is available please contact your mobile service provider.
Water: Tap water is quite safe to drink but visitors usually prefer locally bottled mineral water and this is generally served in hotels and restaurants.
Health & Visa Regulations: Australian and New Zealand passports will be stamped with a visit visa permit at Immigration on arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Visas are valid for 60 days from the date of entering and are free of charge.
No health certificates are required for entry to Abu Dhabi, but it is always wise to check before departure, as health restrictions may vary, depending upon the situation at the time.
Medical Care: Abu Dhabi has many well-equipped hospitals and a high standard of health care.
Taxes: UAE is a tax free destination but there are a few exceptions service charge: 10% & tourism fees: 6%.
Business Hours: Many offices are open from 8am to 6pm, Sunday to Thursday (weekends being Friday and Saturday).
Shop Hours: Shops are usually open 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 11am. Malls are generally open from 9am to 11pm every day except Fridays when they open either 2pm or 4 pm to 11pm.
Weather: Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, arid climate and sunny blue skies with temperatures ranging from a low of around 10°C in winter (October - April), to a high of around 48°C in the summer (May - September).
Dress: The attitude to dress in Abu Dhabi is relaxed, but all visitors should respect 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 need in the evenings during the winter months (October - April). Swimming attire is acceptable at beaches and pools.
Culture And Lifestyle: Abu Dhabi's culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues, and the visitor is sure to be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people. Foreigners are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and, provided reasonable discretion is shown, the dress code is liberal. Women face no discrimination and may drive and walk around unescorted.
Local citizens dress in traditional robes and headress. Arab culture and folklore find expression in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art. Weddings and other celebrations are colourful occasions of feasting and music. Traditional sports such as falconry, camel racing and dhow racing at sea continue to thrive.
Religion: Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected and Dubai has two Christian churches, St Mary's (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity (inter-denominational)
Ramadan: Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Koran. The timing of Ramadan is not fixed in terms of the western calendar, but occurs a few days earlier each year. It is a month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food, drinks and cigarettes during from dawn to dusk. Visitors are also required to refrain from consuming these items in public places during this time as a sign of respect.
Alcohol: Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. Permanent residents who are non-Muslims can obtain liquor supplies without difficulty under a permit system.
Bargaining: Bargaining is expected. Vendors will usually drop the price - and often quite substantially - particularly for a cash sale. In the case of certain electronics' products, the margins are very low and therefore bartering is minimal.