Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AED 100–200 | AED 300–600 |
| Food | AED 50–80 | AED 120–250 |
| Transport | AED 10–30 | AED 40–100 |
| Activities | AED 0–65 | AED 100–300 |
| Drinks | AED 10–25 | AED 50–100 |
| Daily Total | AED 170–400 | AED 610–1,350 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Most nationalities get 30–90 days visa-free on arrival. No advance application needed
- Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) — major hub with global connections. Taxis to city centre: AED 60–80 (30 min)
- Also accessible by intercity bus from Dubai (AED 25, 2 hours) or the Etihad Rail (under expansion)
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe (desalinated) but bottled is preferred. Excellent medical facilities
- Abu Dhabi is extremely safe — one of the safest cities in the world. Virtually zero risk for tourists
- Summer heat (Jun–Sep) is extreme: 40–50°C with high humidity. Limit outdoor activity, hydrate constantly
Getting Around
- Abu Dhabi buses cover the city and suburbs — AED 2 per ride with Hafilat card (AED 10 + top-up). Clean and air-conditioned
- DARB taxi app or regular taxis (flag fall AED 12). Uber/Careem also operate. Most rides within the city: AED 15–40
- Abu Dhabi is spread out — walking between attractions is not practical. Bus or taxi for almost every journey
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM at the airport: du or Etisalat, AED 55–100 for data and calls. Activation is instant with passport
- Free WiFi in malls, most restaurants, hotels, and public areas. Coverage and speed are excellent
- VoIP calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime) are restricted — use the Botim app (AED 50/month) or a VPN for voice calls
Money
- AED is pegged to USD (1 USD = 3.67 AED). Currency exchange at malls offers better rates than airports
- Cards accepted widely. Carry cash for small shops, taxis, and the Al Mina market area
- Tipping not mandatory but 10% at restaurants is appreciated. Round up taxi fares
Packing Tips
- Modest clothing — cover shoulders and knees in public. Swimwear for beaches/pools only. Women: pack a headscarf for mosque visits
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, hat. A light cardigan for over-air-conditioned malls and restaurants
- Smart casual for hotel restaurants and bars. Flip-flops for the beach, comfortable shoes for walking
Cultural tips
Mosque Respect
The Grand Mosque requires covered shoulders, legs, and hair (women). Free garments provided. Remove shoes. Don't walk in front of someone praying. Photography is encouraged in the courtyard but be respectful inside.
Dress Code
Abu Dhabi is more conservative than Dubai. Cover shoulders and knees in malls, restaurants, and public areas. Swimwear at beaches and pools only. Smart casual at hotel venues.
Alcohol
Only served at licensed hotel venues. Being visibly drunk in public is illegal. Legal age is 21 with ID. Abu Dhabi has fewer nightlife options than Dubai but the bar scene at Yas Marina and Saadiyat is growing.
Ramadan
No eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Restaurants close during the day (some hotel restaurants stay open with screens). Iftar meals at sunset are a beautiful cultural experience.
Photography
Never photograph Emirati women without permission. No photos of government or military buildings. The Grand Mosque actively encourages photography in the courtyard — it was designed to be photographed.
Emirati Hospitality
Emiratis are genuinely hospitable. Accept Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates when offered. Shake the cup to signal you've had enough. Use your right hand for greetings and eating. A small bow of the head shows respect.
