Before you land

The practical stuff, all in one place

What we would tell a friend visiting for the first time. Check official sources for visas and regulations.

Getting in

From the airport: Zayed International (AUH) is about 30 minutes from the Corniche and 10 from Yas Island. Official taxis queue outside arrivals and run on the meter; Uber and Careem pick up from the marked zone. Bus A1 runs to the city centre around the clock.
Visas: Many nationalities get a free visa on arrival or can enter visa-free. Rules change, so check the official UAE government portal (u.ae) for your passport before you book.
From Dubai: About 90 minutes by road. Intercity buses leave from Al Ghubaiba and Ibn Battuta; a taxi or chauffeur is simpler with luggage.

Currency: The UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at about 3.67. Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere; keep a little cash for the souqs, dhow rides and older cafeterias.
Prices: Menus show prices excluding or including 5% VAT and service; the bill will tell you which. Hotel bills add a tourism fee per night.
Tipping: Service is often included. If not, around 10% in restaurants is generous. Round up for taxi drivers and valets.

Taxis: Silver official taxis are metered and reliable. Uber and Careem work across the city. Taxis are the default way to get between islands.
Buses: City buses are cheap and air-conditioned; pay with a Hafilat card bought at kiosks and machines. Useful for the Corniche and downtown, slow for the islands.
Walking and cycling: The Corniche, Saadiyat beach and Yas Bay are lovely on foot, but from May to September walk only in the early morning or after sunset. Bike-share stations line the Corniche.

SIM cards: Tourist SIMs and eSIMs from e& (Etisalat) and du are sold in the airport arrivals hall. Bring your passport.
Calls: Some internet calling apps are restricted. WhatsApp messages work; check which voice apps are allowed before you rely on them.
Plugs: Type G (the British three-pin), 230V. Most hotels have adapters at reception.

Weekend: The working week runs Monday to Friday, with Friday afternoon quiet. Saturday and Sunday are the weekend.
Dress code: Beachwear is fine at beaches and pools; cover shoulders and knees in malls and souqs. At the Grand Mosque women need a headscarf and long loose clothing, and men long trousers.
Ramadan: Dates move each year. Restaurants stay open, but eat and drink discreetly in public during daylight. Evenings come alive with iftar and late suhoor.
Alcohol: Served in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants. Never drink in public, and never drive after drinking: the limit is zero.
Heat: Summer days pass 45°C. Drink water constantly, wear a hat and plan outdoor visits before 10:00 or after 17:00.
Emergency: Police 999, ambulance 998, fire 997. Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world.

Missing something? Ask a local