Description

Abu Dhabi is located in the United Arab Emirates and is one of the largest producers of oil. The city was once a small fishing village that was transformed to a lively city, with innovative skyscrapers, its wonderful duty-free shopping zone, beaches and its luxury hotels, not to mention the top class transport and communication infrastructure that attract tourists because of the large amount of revenues earned from oil. The city claiming to have reclaimed land from the sea is almost an island jutting into the Persian Gulf. Early in March shopping fever is at its peak. Abu Dhabi is also known as ‘son of the gazelle'. It is where the government for the Emirates sits and is the headquarters for the president of the state. Abu Dhabi has an international airport and a deep water seaport. Abu Dhabi is the wealthiest in UAE in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair draws authors and book enthusiasts from all over the world. Abu Dhabi is a place for all shopaholics; you can find everything including electronics and big branded retail outlets here.

Shopping

Abu Dhabi is a shopper’s paradise; the city is filled with a variety of plazas that have the most exclusive goods. The shopping festival starts in the month of March and attracts people from all over the world. To buy virtually everything like electronic items, clothes, cars, gold you should go to Old Souk. To buy antiques and jewellery try the Al Nasr Street, while here make it a point to visit the duty free shops. Shopping in Abu Dhabi can be fun lowest prices in the world, great choices, various bargain offers and air-conditioned shopping malls.

Restaurants

Marine food is the most important part in any menu. Corniche has good places try the local cuisine. Some of the famous eating hang outs are Hojreh Jazz Bar and Dining, Trattoria/Pizzeria Del Centro, Hojreh, Petrov, Chez Jacques, Western Steak House, Le Rabelais French Gastronomique Restaurant, Grill Room, Al Sayyad, and Chez Jacques.

Night Life

Nightlife in Abu Dhabi is concentrated on the hotels, as the hotels are the ones who serve the most alcohol. The only downside to this is that hotel charge a lot of money for their drinks. Hotels catering to Abu Dhabi’s nightlife offer live performances. There are quite a few nightclubs and bars in the city. There is normally a dress code. Shorts, sandal or jeans are not allowed. Some clubs require collared shirts. The bars and clubs are open until 1 am, but some stay open until around 3 a.m. The busiest nights are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Activities

The Abu Dhabi Latino Fiesta and Abu Dhabi International Jazz Festival are two successful festivals where Latin dancers dazzle the night filled with music. There is an ice rink which is open to ladies on Mondays and Wednesdays, the rest of the week is for the public. The Abn katkoota is the biggest mall and apart from affordable purses, bags and clothes visitors can ski. You can also do horse riding, play golf or go roller skating and even scuba diving.

Communications

The International code for the United Arab Emirates is +971. The outgoing international code is 00. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Abu Dhabi and (0)4 for Dubai. Calls made within each state are free of charge. The Etisalat mobile phone network provides wide GSM900 coverage throughout the country and Internet cafes are widely available.

Contacts

United Arab Emirates Tourist Office: +971 4 224 5252 (Dubai) or www.emirates.org
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 243 2400.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7581 1281.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 565 7272.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6286 8802.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 7736.
United States Embassy, Dubai: +971 (0)4 311 6000.
British Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 309 4444.
Canadian Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 314 5555.
Australian Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 5087 100.
South African Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 397 5222.
Irish Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for UAE): +966 (0)1 488 2300
New Zealand Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for the United Arab Emirates): +966 1 488 7988.
Emergencies: 998/999

Currency

AED

Attractions

One of the places to visit is the Al Hosn Palace also known as the white fort which has interesting exhibits of traditional artefacts and photographs. A living example of lifestyle and traditions of Bedouin and other cultures can be witnessed at the Heritage village situated in the middle of Abu Dhabi. To see one of the biggest oasis in Arabia and a doorway to Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter, visitors have to take a 5 hour drive from the city of Abu Dhabi to reach Liwa oasis. This place is surrounded by fresh water and date plantations and is also home to the Bedu people known for their hospitality.

Language

Arabic

Language Description

Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is commonly spoken.

Tipping

Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. 10% is adequate if a service charge is not included in hotels and restaurants but first check the bill.