Getting from the airport to town and exploring the city
The airport is 35 kilometres (22 miles) east of central Abu Dhabi and about 35 minutes drive. If travelling by taxi, confirm the fare with the driver before the journey. All major, as well as local self-drive hire companies, have offices at the airport and some also provide a chauffeur service.


Tipping advice
Any service charge on a restaurant bill usually goes to the restaurant rather then the waiter, therefore, even if tips aren't expected, they are very much appreciated.

Abu Dhabi dress code
Clothing should be conservative and smart. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially in rural areas, and go for loose clothing such as loose-cut trousers and long dresses.

Local Customs
The United Arab Emirates is the most liberal part of the Persian Gulf, however still very conservative by Western standards. This means that great offence would be shown by wearing revealing clothing or in any way showing disrespect in Mosques or other public places.

Airport
Abu Dhabi (AUH) is 32km (20 miles) east of the city (travel time - 40 minutes). Bus and taxis are available at the airport. Airport facilities include duty-free shop, 24-hour bank, bar, snack bar, bureau de change, post office and car hire.

Dubai (DXB) is 5km (3 miles) southeast of the city (travel time - 10 minutes). Taxis are available at the airport. Airport facilities include duty-free shop, bank, post office, shops, car hire, restaurant, snack bar and bar. The airport consists of two terminals and a new concourse.

Sharjah (SHJ) is 10km (6 miles) from the city. Taxis are available at the airport. Airport facilities include duty-free shop, car hire, bar, restaurant, snack bar and bank (only open restricted hours). Ras al-Khaimah (RKT) is 15km (9 miles) from the city. Taxis are available at the airport. Airport facilities include a duty-free shop and restaurant/snack bar.

There is also an airport at Fujairah with duty-free facilities, and one is being constructed at Al Ain.

The national airlines are Emirates (EK) and Gulf Air (GF). Emirates operates international flights to and from Dubai; Gulf Air serves all UAE airports. Emirates is expanding services to the Far East.

Approximate flight times: From London to Abu Dhabi is 6 hours 35 minutes and to Dubai is 7 hours; from Frankfurt/M to Dubai is 6 hours; from Hong Kong to Dubai is 8 hours and from Nairobi to Dubai is 4 hours.

The Government of the UAE refuses entry and transit to nationals of Israel.

Map of Abu Dhabi

Tipping
Most hotels, restaurants and clubs add fairly high service charges to the bill, therefore tipping is not necessary. Taxi drivers are not tipped.

Electricity
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are widespread.

Health Risks
Malaria is not considered to be a risk in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi nor in the cities of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman or Umm al Qaiwain. There is, however, a risk of contracting the disease (predominantly the benign vivax form) in the valleys and on the lower slopes of mountainous areas of the Northern States. In these areas chloroquine or proguanil are recommended, plus protection against mosquito bites.

Tap water in major cities is safe to drink, but in small villages it should be filtered, or bottled water should be used. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Visceral leishmaniasis and tick-borne typhus may occur; avoid mosquito, sandfly and tick bites. Wear shoes to avoid soil-borne parasites. Take precautions against heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Immunisation against hepatitis A is recommended. Hepatitis B is endemic. Rabies is present close to the border with Oman. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Greeting someone in Abu Dhabi
Greetings can be protracted affairs as an Arab may enquire after you and your family's health. The polite reply is that all is well, thanks be to God. It is usual to use 'Sayed' (Mr) or 'Sayeda' (Mrs) followed by the first name. The name should always be prefixed with the honorific title when conducting business. The Bedouin custom of offering food and shelter to strangers in the deserts is preserved today by the coffee ceremony. Business often starts with a tiny cup of cardamon-flavoured coffee poured from the traditional metal pot or dallah. To indicate that you have had enough, guests must wiggle the cup from side to side.

Time Zone
GMT + 4.

Business Hours
Sat-Wed 0800-1300 and 15/1600-18/1900 and Thurs 0800-1200.

Climate
The best time to visit is between October and May. The hottest time is from June to September with little rainfall.

Clothing
Lightweights, with mediumweights from November to March; warmer clothes for evening.