Abu Dhabi is home to many tourist destinations – from natural vistas and human-made hotspots to luxury hotels and unique theme parks. This makes the UAE capital’s whopping 11.35 million visitors from all over the world (as of 2019 records) unsurprising.
But if you’re planning to head here yourself, you need to do more than book a plane ticket and a luxury room at Hilton Abu Dhabi. Before anything else, you must first know what you can and cannot do in this UAE city.
To make sure you don’t make any mistakes and enjoy your trip to the fullest, below is a list of 12 dos and don’ts you need to know when traveling to Abu Dhabi:
Do:
- Pack modest outfits
Wearing the appropriate ensemble is important for UAE travelers not only for fashion and style purposes but also as a form of respect for the country’s culture and religious beliefs.
As an emirate in a predominantly Muslim country, Abu Dhabi culture dictates that women don modest outfits. So while you don’t necessarily need to wear clothes that are too conservative, be sure to avoid those that are revealing and figure-hugging when touring the emirate.
- Keep yourself cool
The beautiful deserts of the UAE always come with scorching hot weather, so be sure to keep yourself cool when visiting the country. This becomes more crucial if you head to Abu Dhabi anytime around May to August.
Choose loose clothing made from light fabrics and don’t forget to wear hats and sunglasses. Apply sun protection creams and lotions, and always stay hydrated, especially when going to the beach.
- Try travelling solo
While it’s fun to bring other people along, there is a certain marvel to traveling solo to Abu Dhabi. This will leave you free to make travel decisions and go wherever you want
And don’t worry about going around on your own as the UAE is considered one of the safest countries in the world.
- Time your trip wisely
In Abu Dhabi, you don’t have to worry too much about monsoons and snowstorms. The climate here is much like summertime all year round.
However, you still need to plan about the timing of your trip thoroughly as the weather here could get uncomfortably humid and hot.
If you want to visit the UAE when the weather is most comfortable, set your trip anytime between October and April. Just remember that this period is also the peak of tourist season, so if you want to avoid big crowds and don’t mind heat and humidity so much, you can plan your trip around the hot months of May through August.
Don’t forget to take into account the start and end dates of Ramadan. The Muslim holy month isn’t the best time for foreign tourists to visit as the country tends to be stricter about drinking and eating in public. Businesses also shorten their operating hours in respect of religious events.
- Greet everyone you meet
Emiratis have a long-standing tradition of engaging in extensive and colorful greetings, so make sure you say ‘hi’ to Abu Dhabi residents during your visit.
If you’re feeling confident, you can even greet them with ‘Salaam Alaikum,’ which is the Arabic equivalent of saying hello. If you receive this greeting first, you can respond with ‘Wa-Alaikum-Salaam.’
- Get a taste of the local cuisine
Abu Dhabi restaurants offer plenty of international flavors you can choose from, but make sure you taste the local cuisine, too. You don’t even have to visit a luxurious restaurant for this, as there are plenty of street foods around the city, including hot fried doughnuts, savory crepes, and shawarma wraps.
- Consider booking complete travel packages
If you’re visiting for leisure, you can make your trip more cost-effective by seeking out packages that already cover your accommodation and various local attractions.
8. Visit a luxury spa
When traveling, it’s essential to take a moment to relax and recharge. In Abu Dhabi, one can experience the rich spa culture that the city offers. The emirate is renowned for its luxury spas, which provide a wide range of treatments reflecting both traditional and modern techniques. Places like Young Spa showcase the commitment to wellness and self-care deeply ingrained in the city’s lifestyle. While touring Abu Dhabi, take some time to understand this facet of the local culture; it’s more than just a spa visit; it’s a glimpse into the emirate’s way of life.
Yas Island hotels with theme park tickets can help you rest well in a world-class hotel and prepare for an action-packed experience for one full day or more.
Don’t:
- Wear anything offensive to the locals
Steer clear of clothes containing prints or messages that could be offensive to Emiratis, the government, and the ruling family.
And while you can wear swimsuits in pools and beaches, skinny dipping isn’t allowed.
Cross-dressing is also frowned upon in the country, so it’s best not to experiment on this while in Abu Dhabi if you don’t want to get into trouble with local authorities.
- Violate traffic laws either as a pedestrian or a driver
Avoid driving in Abu Dhabi if you don’t carry a valid international driving license. Even if you do, make sure that you follow the traffic rules religiously both as a driver and a pedestrian.
And, like anywhere else in the world, never drink and drive in the UAE. Even having alcohol inside your vehicle could get you in serious trouble.
- Get inebriated in public
Some places are licensed to sell drinks to tourists, but make sure you don’t consume alcohol in a public place. Take it indoors, be discreet, and avoid getting drunk as much as possible.
And remember that you can’t drink alcohol even in licensed establishments if you’re not above 21 years of age yet.
- Engage in public displays of affection
Public displays of affection or PDA is frowned upon in Abu Dhabi and other places in the UAE even if it’s between spouses. If you want to make the most out of your trip, respect the local culture and don’t be too showy about your feelings outside of your hotel room.
- Forget to bring cash in the local currency
In the UAE, money comes in the form of Emirati or UAE dirham. While you can buy a plane ticket, book a hotel room, or shop at the mall using your international credit or debit card, these won’t do you any good in many smaller stores and local markets.
If you plan to buy souvenirs from such shops, it would be best to have your cash exchanged into the right currency. Just remember to stick to licensed exchange offices, hotels, and banks. Be prepared to present your passport as identification.
Know Your Destination
To enjoy a holiday in other countries like the UAE, you need to make sure that you learn all there is to know about their local culture first, especially their customs and traditions.
This way, you can behave in socially acceptable ways, have fun and make the most out of your trip.
