Travel tips for Abu Dhabi
Everything you need to know before visiting Abu Dhabi — visas, currency (AED), dress code, transport, safety, eSIMs and the best time of year to go.
Planning essentials
Visas, budgets, packing for the desert climate, eSIMs and the mosque etiquette worth knowing before you land.
Getting around
Abu Dhabi International Airport, car rental, the Hafilat bus network and the practicalities of getting around the emirate.
Abu Dhabi is straightforward to visit for most Western and Asian travellers, but a few practical points prevent unnecessary friction. Getting these right before departure means more time on the ground doing actual things rather than solving problems at the airport or front desk.
Visas are the first question. Citizens of the US, UK, EU member states, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most other developed nations receive a visa on arrival or via eVisa — 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days. The eVisa (ICA portal, AED 250-300) can be obtained in advance and is often faster at the airport than waiting for on-arrival processing. GCC nationals enter freely without visa. Nationals of some countries, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East, require advance visas arranged through a UAE sponsor or licensed agent — check the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) site for your specific nationality.
Dress code is context-dependent. At Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, full modest dress is mandatory and enforced — abayas are provided for women, but wearing your own is smoother. At malls and tourist areas, regular casual clothing is fine; very short clothing (micro-shorts, crop tops) is technically permitted but draws unwanted attention outside resort areas. On Yas Island, Saadiyat beaches, and hotel pools, standard Western swimwear is completely normal. The rule is: cover up at religious sites and traditional markets; relax at hotels and tourist infrastructure.
Currency: AED, pegged to USD at 3.67. Cards are accepted nearly everywhere. Contactless is standard. ATMs are everywhere in malls and hotels. Don’t exchange currency at the airport — rates are worse than city exchange offices.
Transport: taxis are cheap, metered, and reliable. Careem and Uber operate across the emirate. Public buses exist but are not designed for tourist use. Rent a car if visiting Al Ain, Liwa, or Sir Bani Yas — road quality is excellent, driving is straightforward (left-hand traffic, right-hand drive, same as continental Europe), and police radar enforcement means speeding fines are common if you ignore posted limits.
Health: no vaccinations are specifically required for entry. The UAE’s healthcare system is excellent if you need it. Tap water is technically potable but most people drink bottled water. Sun protection in any outdoor setting is critical, even in winter — UV levels at Gulf latitudes remain high even when temperatures are pleasant.
Communication: the UAE blocks many VoIP services including WhatsApp calls and FaceTime calls (though text messaging works). This affects dual-SIM routing for international users. A UAE SIM (Etisalat or du, available at the airport for AED 50-100 with a data package) solves most problems. 5G coverage is excellent across Abu Dhabi city and major attractions.
Abu Dhabi Travel FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Abu Dhabi?
Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and most other Western and Asian countries receive a visa on arrival (30 days) or can apply for an eVisa in advance through the UAE ICA portal. Nationals of some African and South Asian countries need to arrange a visa before travel. Check your specific nationality on the UAE government’s official ICP site — rules change and individual circumstances vary.
Is Abu Dhabi safe for solo female travellers?
Abu Dhabi is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world for solo women travellers. Street harassment is rare and public transport and taxis are secure. The main practical consideration is dress code awareness — modest clothing in non-tourist areas reduces unwanted attention. Female solo travellers report Abu Dhabi as notably more comfortable than many European capitals in terms of street safety.
Can I use my credit card everywhere?
Yes. Card payments are accepted in hotels, restaurants, malls, and most tourist sites. Even small taxis now usually accept cards via in-cab terminals or Careem/Uber apps. The main exceptions are very small traditional market stalls and street food vendors. Keep some AED cash (AED 200-300) for small purchases, tips, and mosques' voluntary donation boxes.
Is Abu Dhabi LGBTQ+ friendly?
Same-sex relationships are not legally recognised in the UAE, and public displays of affection between same-sex couples can attract legal attention. In practice, Abu Dhabi’s hotels and tourist infrastructure are professional and non-discriminatory in service. LGBTQ+ travellers visit regularly; the advice is to be discreet in public settings, particularly outside tourist enclaves. This is a legal and social reality that travellers should be aware of before visiting.
What should I know about Ramadan if my visit overlaps?
Ramadan dates shift approximately 11 days earlier each year. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset is prohibited — this applies to all visitors, not just Muslims. Most restaurants close during the day or serve in screened areas. Hotels serve discreetly. The period has real advantages: hotel prices drop, some sites are less crowded, and Iftar (the sunset meal) in a hotel restaurant or traditional space is an excellent cultural experience.
How do I get from Abu Dhabi Airport to the city?
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is approximately 25-35 minutes from the city centre. Taxis from the metered ranks outside arrivals cost approximately AED 60-90. Careem and Uber also operate from the airport. The Abu Dhabi bus network connects the airport to the city at a fraction of the cost but takes longer and requires luggage management. Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall if picking up a vehicle.