Abu Dhabi, UAE
Multicultural Abu Dhabi
The sleek and shiny capital of the UAE. And, as you’d expect, it has awe inspiring architecture aplenty and quite a few grand projects of its own. Peel back the surface, however, and you’ll find a more traditional city just a stone’s throw from the glitz, which is laid-back and distinctly Arabian.
|
Destination overview
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Language: | Arabic | |
| Currency: | UAE Dirham | |
| Time zone: | GMT +4 hours | |
| Flight Time: | 7 hours 25 | |
| Holiday type: | Beach | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 33.5°C Rainfall: 89mm a year |
|
Must see:
Take a deep breath and head for the incense shops on the third floor of the Abu Dhabi Mall – we promise a feast for all the senses!
Must eat at:
Check out the Pars Palace on Al-Khalidiya for a slice of culinary life, Middle Eastern style. This authentically Persian spot prides itself on a whole selection of local and regional favourites with all the trimmings.
Must be there for:
As befits its ambition to become a global centre of culture, the city’s Classical Music Festival in mid-to-late April brings the best of the world to the Emirates – and, better still, entry is free!
Well-travelled tips:
If you can’t bear to be away from Blighty, keep an eye open for fixed price ‘British fayre’ lunches at some of the big hotels.
Head to Khalifa Park for a break from the oppressive heat... built at a cost of $50 million, it even has its own train, aquarium and perfectly manicured formal gardens.
With petrol so cheap, Abu Dhabi is built around the car, so the best way to get around, if you’re not hiring one locally, is to grab a cab. The city’s ubiquitous white and gold cabs are everywhere, and it won’t cost you more than a few dirhams to cross town.
Visa:
British citizens travelling to the UAE for business trips or holidays of less than 30 days do not normally need a Visa. As conditions apply, more information
