Travel tips · Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Wadiia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Abu Dhabi is conservative but welcoming, and most residents are expatriates, so English is the working language in hotels, shops and taxis. Emirati traditions — Arabic coffee, falconry, camel racing and Bedouin hospitality — are kept alive through festivals and heritage sites. Friday is the main prayer day, and Ramadan changes the city's daily rhythm, with quiet days and lively evenings.
Key facts
- Language
- Arabic and English
- Currency
- AED
- Plugs
- Type G sockets (British three-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is desalinated and treated, but most residents and visitors drink…
- Emergency
- 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 fire
Things to know
- Dress modestly in malls, souqs and public buildings: cover shoulders and knees, and keep swimwear for beaches and pools.
- Ask before photographing people, especially women, and do not photograph government buildings or military sites.
- Public displays of affection beyond holding hands are frowned upon.
- Use your right hand to eat, pass items and shake hands; wait for a woman to offer her hand first.
- Avoid swearing or rude gestures in public, including in traffic; they can lead to legal trouble.
- At the Grand Mosque and other mosques, follow the dress code, remove shoes where asked and keep voices low.
- Book Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ahead: Entry is free, but visitors are asked to register online for a visit slot in advance; check the dress code (long sleeves and trousers or skirts, headscarves for women) before you go.
- Book Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital ahead: Visits are by guided tour only; book ahead through the hospital.
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche promenade and the Heritage Village are all free.
Tipping
Many bills include a service charge. Where it isn't, about 10% for good restaurant service is appreciated, and rounding up taxi fares or giving a few dirhams to hotel porters is common.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Marhaba | Hello |
| As-salamu alaykum | Peace be upon you (greeting) |
| Shukran | Thank you |
| Min fadlak | Please (to a man) |
| Yalla | Let's go / come on |
| Inshallah | God willing |
| Ma'a salama | Goodbye |
What to wear
Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees works everywhere. Carry a light layer: malls, taxis and museums are strongly air-conditioned. Women need a headscarf for mosque visits.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type G sockets (British three-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is desalinated and treated, but most residents and visitors drink bottled or filtered water.
- Emergency number
- 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 fire
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is common in malls, hotels and many public places, and tourist SIMs and eSIMs are easy to buy at the airport. Some internet calling apps are restricted.
- Time zone
- Asia/Dubai
Street crime is low, and the main risks are heat, sun and road traffic. Drink plenty of water, avoid long outdoor walks at midday from April to October, and take care crossing wide roads. Local laws on public behaviour, drugs and alcohol are strict, so respect them.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check United Arab Emirates's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Abu Dhabi?
Many bills include a service charge. Where it isn't, about 10% for good restaurant service is appreciated, and rounding up taxi fares or giving a few dirhams to hotel porters is common.
+Can you drink the tap water in Abu Dhabi?
Tap water is desalinated and treated, but most residents and visitors drink bottled or filtered water.
+What plugs are used in Abu Dhabi?
Type G sockets (British three-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Abu Dhabi?
Arabic and English.