United Arab Emirates: Basic Travel Guide

United Arab Emirates

📍 Destination The United Arab Emirates is a modern, safe federation where traditional Arab heritage meets luxury and innovation. From grand mosques and cutting-edge museums to cinematic desert landscapes, Abu Dhabi - the elegant capital, shines as a cultural hub. A warm, welcoming destination perfect for sun-seekers, culture lovers, and unique experiences.

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ℹ️ General Information

• Official Name: Emirate of Abu Dhabi

• Capital: Abu Dhabi

• Official Language: Arabic

• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)

• Currency Exchange: Airports, banks, malls and hotels

• Main Religion: Islam

• Time Difference:

  • US Eastern Time (ET): Abu Dhabi is +9 hours (winter) / +8 hours (summer)

  • UK Winter (GMT): Abu Dhabi is +4 hours / Summer (BST): Abu Dhabi is +3 hours

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📄 Entry Requirements

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from travel date.

• Visa: U.S. and UK citizens receive a free visa on arrival (valid up to 30 days, extendable)

• Travel Insurance: Recommended, not mandatory

📲 Useful Apps: ICA Smart, Al Hosn (for arrivals registration and health monitoring).

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📅 Best Time to Visit

• Climate: Arid desert — hot, humid summers (May–Sept), mild dry winters (Nov–Mar)

• Rainfall: Rare and brief (Dec–Mar)

• Recommended travel period: October to April.

  
  

🎯 Tip November and March offer the best balance of weather and cost —

🕐 Business Hours

• Government Offices: Monday to Thursday, 8 AM – 4 PM

• Banks: Monday to Thursday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

• Shops & Malls: Open daily, 10 AM – midnight

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✈️ Getting There

• Flights: Direct flights are available from major airports such as:

  • JFK: John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York, USA)

  • EWR: Newark Liberty International Airport (New Jersey, USA)

  • BOS: Boston Logan International Airport (Massachusetts, USA)

  • LAX: Los Angeles International Airport (California, USA)

  • IAD: Washington Dulles International Airport (Virginia, USA)

  • LHR: London Heathrow Airport (United Kingdom)

• Airport to city: Abu Dhabi Int’l Airport is 35 km from downtown.

  • Taxi: 90 - 110 AED ($25–30 USD, £20–24 GBP), ~30 min

  • Ride‑share: Uber, Careem, or private transfer options available

🎯 Note: Flights to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with Etihad Airways and partner airlines take approximately 12–14 hours from the U.S. and about 7 hours from the U.K.

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💊 Health & Medication

• No mandatory vaccines or medication

• For prescription or controlled medicines, Abu Dhabi’s MOHAP allows pre-approval via electronic permit.

👉 Apply here: https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/issue-of-permit-to-import-medicines-for-personal-use

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💰 Currency & Costs

• Cards Accepted: Widely (Visa, Mastercard)

• Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 3.65 AED / 1 GBP ≈ 4.65 AED

• Tipping: Not required, but appreciated (5–10%)

• Tourism Tax: Around AED 15 per night/room in hotels

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🧳 What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable, modest clothing (especially for religious sites)

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Comfortable footwear

• Swimwear (beach, hotel)

• Light jacket (indoor AC is cold!)

• Adapter: Type G plug (UK standard)

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🏨 Accommodation

• Ultra-luxury: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental (U.S./U.K. booking sites available)

• Upscale & convenient: Rosewood Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis

• Family-friendly: Radisson Blu Yas Island

• Budget-value: Al Raha Beach Hotel, Premier Inn

🎯 Tip: Stay on Yas Island for theme parks, or downtown Abu Dhabi for cultural sights.

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🚕 Transport & Getting Around

• Taxis: Plentiful and affordable

• Apps: Uber and Careem work well

• Car Rental: Great for desert trips or exploring beyond Abu Dhabi

• Public Buses: Cheap, modern—but not ideal for tourists

📍 For longer trips (e.g., Abu Dhabi → Dubai): private transfers and shuttle buses available (60–90 min)

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⚡ Electricity

• Voltage: 220 V, 50 Hz

• Plug type: Type G (same as U.K.) - bring an adapter if coming from the US

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📞 Communication

• Country Code: +971

• English: Widely spoken

• Free Wi‑Fi is free in most hotels, cafés, shopping malls, and attractions.

• SIM Card: Available at airport & malls (Etisalat, DU)

• Internet Domain: .ae

🎯 Tip: Avoid hassle on arrival, get your eSIM before you travel (click this link)

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🏖️ Main Holidays

• Jan 1: New Year’s Day

• Feb 26: Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday)

• May 1: Labour Day

• Jul 9: Isra and Mi'raj

• Dec 2: UAE National Day

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🍽️Local Cuisine

• Mandi: Spiced rice with lamb or chicken

• Shawarma

• Machboos: Emirati-style rice dish

• Falafel, Hummus, Dates

• Arabic Coffee with cardamom

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🕌 Religious Customs

• Friday is the holy day - many places open later

• During Ramadan:

  • Restaurants operate discreetly

  • Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight

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🕵️‍♂️ Safety & Respect

• One of the safest destinations in the world

• Strict laws — respect is key

  • Avoid public displays of affection

  • Do not make offensive remarks about religion, politics, or the royal family

— 🚑 Emergency Service

• Police: 999

• Medical Emergency: 998

• Fire Service: 997

• U.S. Embassy (Abu Dhabi): +971 2 419 2200

• U.K. Embassy (Abu Dhabi):  +971 2 610 1100

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🔗 Useful Links

• Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority: Visit Abu Dhabi – https://visitabudhabi.ae/en

• U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/

• U.K. Foreign Travel Advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates