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Abu Dhabi

4.3 / 5 43 votes

Uae

Country rank: 1 out of 7 Places To Visit In Uae

Sub-Region: North U.A.E

₹ 27,293 onwards (View Packages)

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Weather:

Ideal duration: 3 days

Best time: Late October - April (Read More)

Nearest Airport: Abu Dhabi (Check Flights)

"Abu Dhabi : A recreation of adventure"

Abu Dhabi Tourism

Abu Dhabi is a luxurious metropolis with flair of traditional values combined with the modernism of 21st century. It is the largest of the seven Emirates and referred to as a shopperês paradise. The city is dotted with some of the worldês best modern and historic architecture making it a must visit destination.¾

One of the richest cities of the world, Abu Dhabi is a perfect example of modern Gulf oil-city evolved from being a fishing village in about half a century. With its rich past tracing back to 3000 B.C., Abu Dhabi, unlike Dubai has preserved its distinct Arabian culture amid all glitz and shimmer. Nestled on a T-shaped island, the place is a federal capital city of U.A.E with all kinds of modern amenities and architecture. The desert city is also home to some of the most beautiful mosques and rustic old towns sprinkled with dust displaying its desert-trader past. A stroll in the city centre and along the picturesque corniche with its friendly beaches and lavish promenade are worth a visit. From well-preserved historic sites and religious centres to modern office buildings and high-end shopping mall, opulent restaurants and insanely priced hotels, Abu Dhabi caters to all kind of tourists._

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Places to Visit In Abu Dhabi

Yas Island

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Public Beach

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Mushrif Central Park

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

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Abu Dhabi Packages

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Incredible Abu Dhabi | 4 Days 3 Nights

₹ 27,293 onwards

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Gems of Abu Dhabi & Dubai | 5 Days 4 Nights

₹ 55,993 onwards

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Splendors of Dubai & Abu Dhabi | 5 Days 4 Nights

₹ 44,093 onwards

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Language of Abu Dhabi

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 UAE, are: Hi: Salam Good Morning: Sabah el kheer Welcome: Marhaba Thank you: shukran Good night: Tosbeho ala khair Goodbye: MaÃªa salama

History of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi was a modest village housing huts flanked by hundreds of palm about 50 years ago. The new shining city of Abu Dhabi started evolving about 30 years before, resulting in an assortment of glittering skyscrapers, pristine sandy beaches along the Arabian Gulf, and well preserved historic buildings. However, with all these changes and modernity, the emirate has been able to retain its culture and heritage. The major development began with the discovery of oil during 1950s, being the 10 per cent of the worldÃªs known oil reserve.Â¾

Nightlife in Abu Dhabi

The nightlife of Abu Dhabi is equally active and jazzy as its day life with numerous options of bar, clubs and Discs. Alcohol in the emirate is legally available, although there are strict rules to follow while purchasing alcohol. However, those on visitorÃªs visa are hardly asked for the license. There are dress codes for men in bars, whereas jeans are acceptable while wearing sandals, flip-flops and shorts are not accepted. One can enjoy live music, themed bars and some very luxury places in Abu Dhabi. Alcohol served may be a bit costly with the standards of western countries. There are special LadiesÃª nights at various bars and clubs where free drinks are served to women to attract customers.Â¾

Shopping in Abu Dhabi

Shopping in Abu Dhabi is like a luxury experience with so much to shop and so many places to shop at. Abu Dhabi houses very premium shopping malls to small traditional souq selling authentic Arabic products such as carpets, perfumes, spices, handicrafts etc. There are a myriad of luxury stores at extremely luxury destinations such as The Galleria on Al Marayah Island and Avenue at Etihad Towers offering 130 of the most exclusive brand outlets along with a VIP treatment. There are numerous air-conditioned shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, a perfect way for locals to beat the summer heat. During a festival such as Eid, these malls are also the venue for various cultural performances like dance. Marina Mall, Khalidiyah Mal, 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 taste of all people. It offers small local souqs such as 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 hundred dollars. If your bargaining skills are perfect, one can break a good deal for textile, carpets and gold. Most shops in the city open from 10:00 to 22:00.Â¾

Currency in Abu Dhabi

Various types of credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in Abu Dhabi including Visa Card, MasterCard, Global Access, Cirrus and Plus System. The exchange rate for the international cards is generally competitive. One can get foreign currency and traveller's cheque exchanged at authorized exchange offices, banks and hotels by showing oneÃªs passport. Personal cheques although accepted generally, can create a little trouble as many places do not accept them. If you are planning to shop in the souks or markets, cash is the perfect option.Â¾

Exchanging Money in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is dotted with offices and banks where currency can be exchanged. Other than banks, one can also find licensed â€¢Bureau de ChangeÃª offices at almost all major malls and famous shopping districts. The rate offered by these exchange offices is often better than banks. Saturday to Thursday is the usual working days, from 8:00 - 13:00 and 16:30 to 20:30 and on Friday evenings. TravellerÃªs cheques and money can also be exchanged at many hotels at standard (non-competitive) rates. One can easily locate ATMs at all shopping complexes, most of the petrol pumps, major supermarkets and the airport.Â¾

Religion of Abu Dhabi

Islam

Abu Dhabi Customs

Arabs are very particular about their dress code, which is followed almost similarly throughout 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 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 liberal manner. Public display of affection is not accepted anywhere in U.A.E, although the presence of people from various ethnic groups has lead to the acceptation of other social customs such as a man and a woman holding hands. However, it is advised to avoid any such practices. Photography of tourist places are allowed but be polite to ask permission to photograph local people. Tipping is also widely practiced in Abu Dhabi but it is not obligatory in any form.

Restaurants and Local Food in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi being a cosmopolitan city offers food and palates of various ethnicities. However, what it lacks is variety of cuisines. Delicious food served at fine-dine restaurants and hotel restaurants displays impressive fusion of international flavours and great culinary skills, but prices are a bit high. There are several small eating outlets 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 dishes of Abu Dhabi. End the delicious meal with a round of renowned Arabic sweet dessert Baklava and special Arabic coffee.¾