Abu Dhabi

50 years ago, Abu Dhabi was a modest village in a desert housing stone huts and hundreds of palm trees. The new shining city of Abu Dhabi started evolving just about 30 years ago, resulting in an assortment of shiny skyscrapers, pristine beaches along the Arabian Gulf, and many well preserved historic buildings. However, with all these advancements and modernity, the emirate has been able to retain its culture and heritage. The major development began with the discovery of oil during the 1950s, which happened to be the 10 per cent of the world's oil reserve.

Arabic is the official language whereas English is also widely spoken. One will find road signs, menus and shop signs both in Arabic and English, however, as you move out of town Arabic becomes more commonly used both in written and speaking form. Commonly used phrases, which can be useful while travelling in the UAE, are:

• Hi: Salam
• Good Morning: Sabah el kheer
• Welcome: Marhaba
• Thank you: shukran
• Good night: Tosbeho ala khair
• Goodbye: Ma salama
  

Shopping in Abu Dhabi is a luxurious experience with its many premium malls and ancient souks. You can purchase authentic Arabic like carpets, perfumes, spices, handicrafts etc. There are a myriad of luxury malls here such as The Galleria on Al Marayah Island and Avenue at Etihad Towers offering 130 of the most exclusive brand outlets in the world along with VIP treatment. On the plus side, all the malls in Abu Dhabi are air-conditioned, making it the perfect place for locals to beat the Arabian heat.

During the many festivals in Abu Dhabi, these malls also act as a venue for various festivities and cultural programmes like dances and various musical events. Marina Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, World Trade Centre Souk and Mall, Dalma Mall and Liwa Centre are just a few to be named. Abu Dhabi is a place that caters to the tastes of all. It offers small local souqs such as the Fish Souq, Carpet Souk, Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk etc., being some of the traditional small markets in the emirate. One can spend thousands of dollars while shopping in Abu Dhabi or can buy so much in just a hundred dollars. If your bargaining skills are perfect, one can break a good deal for textile, carpets and gold. Most shops in the city are open from 10:00 to 22:00.

The nightlife of Abu Dhabi is equally active and jazzy as it is during the daytime with its many fantastic options for bars and clubs. One can enjoy live music, themed bars and some very luxurious clubs in Abu Dhabi. Although there are strict rules to follow while purchasing alcohol, serving alcohol is not an issue at these various bars and clubs. However, those on a visitor's visa are hardly asked for the license even when purchasing alcohol.

For men, there is a strict dress code in bars. They cannot enter if they're wearing sandals, flip-flops or shorts. Alcohol served may be a bit costly with the standards of western countries. There are special Ladies' nights at various bars and clubs where free drinks are served to women.

Abu Dhabi is dotted with offices and banks where currency can be exchanged. Other than banks, one can also find licensed 'Bureau de Change' offices at almost all major malls and shopping districts. The rate offered by these exchange offices is at times better than banks. Saturday to Thursday is the usual working days, from 8:00 - 13:00 and 16:30 to 20:30 and on Fridays. Traveller's cheques and money can also be exchanged at many hotels at standard (non-competitive) rates. One can easily locate ATMs in all shopping complexes, most of the petrol pumps, major supermarkets and the airport.

Islam

Arabs are very particular about their dress code, which is followed almost similarly throughout the United Arab Emirates. Men usually wear dishdasha or Kandura, a white full-length shirtdress, which is worn with a white or red checked headdress, known as a ghutrah. An agal, a black cord is used to secure ghutrah. For women, there is black abaya, a loose long robe to cover their usual clothes along with a headscarf known as Sheyla. Some women also cover their faces with a thin black veil.

As a tourist, one is expected to respect the general culture and etiquettes. Foreigners are free to practice their religion and dress in a liberal manner as long as it is modest and does not reveal too much skin. Public display of affection is not accepted anywhere in U.A.E, although the presence of people from various ethnic groups has to lead the acceptation of other social customs such as a man and a woman holding hands. However, it is advised to avoid any such practices just to be cautious. Photography of tourist places are allowed but be polite to ask permission to photograph local people. Tipping is also widely practised in Abu Dhabi but it is not obligatory in any form.

Abu Dhabi being a cosmopolitan city offers food and cuisines of various ethnicities. Delicious food served at fine-dine restaurants and hotel restaurants displays an impressive fusion of international flavours and great culinary skills, but prices are a bit high. There are several small eateries and street-side cafes all across Abu Dhabi that serves mouth-watering food. Al Harees (a dish of slow-cooked meat and wheat in a clay pot or oven served with ghee), Al Majboos (a dish made by boiling meat in water with addition of distinct fusion of spices and dried lime), and Al Madrooba ( a salted fish dish mixed with spices and thick sauce served with saffron rice) are the major local delicacies in Abu Dhabi. End the delicious meal with a round of renowned Arabic dessert, Baklava and delicious Arabic coffee.
View Top Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Day 1: Arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport and drive to one of the city's glamorous hotels. Visit the Etihad Tower's and Get a magnificent birds-eye view of Abu Dhabi at the Tower's Observation Deck. Then head to Marina Mall or the WTC Souk for an evening of Shopping. End the day by taking a Dhow cruise and experience Arab culture at its best. 

Day 2: Take a city tour where you will see some of Abu Dhabi's most iconic cultural sites like The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Galleria and Rosewood, Louvre Museum, the Corniche, Heritage Village and more. 

Day 3: Spend the day at the Yas Islands, which comprises of the Yas Waterworld Theme Park, the famous Ferrari World theme park and the Emirates Palace hotel.

A glamorous destination for family travellers. The vast untouched deserts and historical monuments make it ideal for history buffs and adventure seekers.