Abu Dhabi Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the most modern cities in the world and the center of government and business life in the UAE.
Contents |
Understand
- Population
- 928,360
- Ruler
- H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Abu Dhabi is headquarters to a number of oil operating companies and embassies are based here. The architecture of its modern buildings and sky scrapers is the finest in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi's oil wealth has been wisely utilized to encourage a healthy trade and commerce atmosphere apart from oil industries too. The promotion of tourism and various tourism related projects may soon elevate Abu Dhabi to a Singaporean status in the region. Large gardens and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, state-of-the-art communication services and transport, the presence of all the international luxury hotel chains, rich shopping malls, cultural centers and events provide tourists a one-of-a-kind experience all the year round.
Abu Dhabi Emirate
Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates and the Federal capital of the UAE. It occupies an area of 26,000 square miles. Its long coastline - the shallow waters of the Southern Gulf, extending from the base of the Qatar Peninsula in the west to the border of the emirate of Dubai on the north east, was once the world's best waters for pearling. When the pearling industry declined, oil discovery in the offshore oilfields of the Southern Gulf revived the economy of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi was also the first emirate to export oil from the Umm Shaif offshore field in 1962. On the land, it stretches south to the oases of Liwa where some of the world’s largest sand dunes can be found , and east to the ancient oasis of Al Ain. This makes Abu Dhabi the largest as well as the most populated of all the emirates.
Today over 120 million trees have been planted in the emirate of Abu Dhabi alone.
Get in
- The Abu Dhabi International Airport ranks among the best airports in the world. Despite its slightly dingy appearance, the airport is quite well-maintained.
Arriving visitors will likely have little trouble making it through Customs. Most officers will ask for a passport, any appropriate travel documents, and the nature of your trip. Be careful not to have passport stamps from Isreal in your passport or you will not be allowed in. Picking up luggage is also quite easy, although be forewarned that airport personnel may remove a flight's bags from the carousel and stack them in a pile next to it, as the airport has few baggage carousels.
Get around
The best way to get around if you haven't rented a car is by getting a taxi. If you're staying at a hotel, there are normally some which wait outside in the parking lot. You are not expected to tip cab drivers, but gratuity will be VERY appreciated.
Many taxi drivers are displaced persons, far from their home countries and families, so don't be surprised if they take out pictures of family members for you to comment on.
Foreign visitors should be warned ahead of time that some taxi drivers in Abu Dhabi are former members of the Taliban. Those who are will display a swatch of black cloth on their vehicle somewhere.
Abu Dhabi does not currently have a usable system of public transportation, but it is almost unnecessary, as taxis are very cheap- about $1.50 US will get you from one end of the city to another- and rental cars are very reasonable. However, unless they are a very aggressive driver or accustomed to recklass road behaviour, most visitors find the Emirati style of driving far too dangerous to be willing to get behind the wheel themselves. Those who do should be aware that any traffic accidents between a tourist/visitor in a rented car and a driver who is a resident of Abu Dhabi, will be considered the fault of the visitor without question, regardless of whose fault it really is. Tests for alcohol can also be administered, and even the blood-alcohol level rise of a glass of wine will be ground for one month's incarceration.
See
Abu Dhabi has several large green spaces, many of which include play areas and equipment for children. The city is studded with lovely fountains, swathes of neon light, and the occasional sculpture.
Abu Dhabi sits on the Persian Gulf, and on most days it is possible to observe boats of all sorts going about their business. This part of the Gulf is also home to a set of man-made islands called the Lulu Islands, part of a tourism venture that is currently still in development.
Do
Abu Dhabi offers little in the way of historical or cultural sights, but there are several unique stops that no visitor should miss.
- Cultural Events The Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre has become a landmark in the Emirates and holds cultural events and workshops throughout the year. It has a well-stocked library, children's programs, art exhibitions, benefit fundraisers, and other culture-related activities that are the hallmark of any city. It's well worth a look.
- High Tea The Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel on the water. Not as contemporary as other Emirates hotels such as the Burj in Dubai, the Emirates Palace is an elegant and intricate building. Tea here is a nice treat in the afternoon.
- Swimming Nearly all hotels and private clubs in Abu Dhabi offer swimming facilities, usually in the form of private beaches. You can pay for a day's use, or for a year's. Another option is the British Club, an organization geared towards expatriates that's notably cheaper.
- Lessons Some hotels also offer dance lessons, aerobics classes, and other physical entertainment.
- The official sport of the Emirates is shopping, and Abu Dhabi offers millions of opportunities in this area (see below).
Buy
Abu Dhabi is a compulsive shopper's dream. There are several malls, most of which have the same stores as other malls. Besides establishments aimed at locals, malls also include popular English, American, and Canadian chain stores, as well as designer places. Many visitors will be surprised at the female fashion dichotomy- while local custom calls for women to be covered in public, most stores sell short skirts and halter tops alongside the more sedate floor-length skirts and high-necked shirts.
- Abu Dhabi Mall is a three story shopping mall located in Tourist Club Area, adjacent to the Beach Rotana Hotel.
- Marina Mall boasts a musical fountain. It is located in the Water Breaker area near the magnificent Emirates Palace.
There are also millions of small, independent stores around the city. On the bottom floor of one building, a person can purchase fancy chocolates, computer parts, antiques, and clothing. It is better to purchase things like carpets, art, native jewelry, and antiques at the independent or souk-like places than at the malls, as the price will be lower and the shopkeepers more willing to haggle.
Bargaining is a big part of shopping in the Emirates, but be prudent. Don't bargain at Marks and Spencer or Hang Ten. Save your dicounting skills for independent shops dealing in antiques and the like.
Shopping in most places can be frustrating, as the clerks will follow you around the store. This is partly due to their concept of what constitutes good service, and partly because there is a shoplifting problem. Most will not be intrusive, but some employees can be very pushy and overly obsequious. Smile and thank them often, and you're more likely to be left alone after a bit.
In carpet stores- or anywhere that sells tapestries, Indian antiques, and the like- don't feel too pressured to buy, and don't be shocked if they start unrolling beautiful rug after beautiful rug at your feet. You are under no obligation to buy, no matter how much time they spend with you. However, the pressure will be very steady, and shyer shoppers may want to travel in packs for comfort's sake.
Grocery stores such as Spinney's, Carrefours, and the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society are inexpensive and usually stocked with Western goods. Be careful to examine all produce before purchasing. Visitors wishing to purchase pork products will likely have to enter a separate room to do so, as no nationals are permitted in these sections of the grocery stores.
Prices in Abu Dhabi tend to be very competitive, and there is no tax.
Eat
Abu Dhabi is host to a wide range of palates and ethnicities when it comes to cuisine. Lebanese/Arabic food is usually cheapest; hotel restaurants usually the most expensive. The city is home to all manner of fast food like McDonald's and Hardees, but there is little call for most people to eat at those places. Some of the best and cheapest food in the city can be found at its many Indian restaurants. Portions are almost always generous, prices low, and quality excellent. Some foreign residents complain of a lack of good Chinese food, but others find Abu Dhabi's selection to be more than adequate.
The fun thing about Abu Dhabi is that everywhere, literally from tiny falafel shacks to the cushy hotel restaurants to Burger King- delivers to anywhere in the city. Delivery is quick and reliable, and usually doesn't cost extra.
Vegetarians will find the city's selection of meals very satisfying. Vegetable and bean-heavy native dishes, the array of splendid pure vegetarian Indian cuisine, and the ready availability of fresh salads make eating in Abu Dhabi a stress-free experience. Strict vegans may have a little difficulty communicating their precise demands, but most places offer vegan dishes and are always willing to accommodate a paying customer.
Budget
Mid-range
- Zahrat Lebnan. An institution in Abu Dhabi, they have 3 locations and are well known. The name in itself means Lebanese Flower Restaurant. Excellent Shawarmas (Grilled Chicken or Lamb wraps), Koftas (Beefburger meat), Felafel (Lentils), and Farouj (Broiled chicken).
Splurge
Drink
Only restaurants located in hotels are allowed to serve alcohol. Therefore, all nightlife is associated with hotels. The drinking age is either 19 or 21, depending on who you ask, but most places do not card customers. Unlike many other Middle Eastern nations, the bars in ABu Dhabi will be able to accommodate most drink orders.
Drinking in hotels is one thing. Buying alcohol to take home is another. You must purchase a permit to buy alcohol for private storage, and penalties for violating this rule are severe. Visitors will most likely not be able to do so.
- Hemmingway's (Located at the Hilton Hotel at the west end of the Corniche Road) There are three different places inside. The main restaurant has a good tex-mex menu, a wide selection of beer on tap and features live music in the evening. Jazz Bar, the second venue, has great food and a good jazz band. The band normally changes every 6 months or so, but the quality is consistent and they take requests. The bartenders normally put on a show by tossing bottles around while mixing a mean cocktail. The third place is Tequiliana's, a nightclub that normally gets going after midnight. The venue also features 2 private karaoke rooms located in the back. The music depends on the DJ, and ranges from great to not so good.
- The Captain's Arms (Located at Le Meridien Hotel at the Eastern part of Abu Dhabi) Traditional British pub located in the hotel courtyard. The pub features traditional food and a great selection of beer on tap. The large terrace is great during the cooler months of the year. A typical hang-out for the expat crowd.
- Wakatua (Located at Le Meridien Hotel at the Eastern part of Abu Dhabi) A Polynesian-themed cocktail bar located at the far end of the courtyard, right on the water. The cocktails are amazing; the Navy Grog is highly reccommended.
Sleep
- Hiltons
- InterContinental
- Le Meridien
- Rotana Group
- Sheraton
- Emirates Palace. None are particularly cheap, but all are well-tended and usually host to a nice restaurant, pool, and other high-end hotel facilities.
Get out
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