Emirates Palace 

As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming one of the most visited cities in the Middle East, a favourite for affluent spenders and honeymoon stop overs. It offers a laid back and relaxed pace then its sister city Dubai and is far less westernized. Its beaches are just as beautiful as Dubai and perhaps a little less busy.

There are a large number of restaurants, which offer cuisines of various nationalities; Hojreh Jazz Bar and Dining, Trattoria/Pizzeria Del Centro, Hojreh, Petrov, Chez Jacques, Western Steak House, Le Rabelais French Gastronomique Restaurant, Nicoles Grill, Al Sayyad, and Tallahassee twin peaks are some of the most famous international restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

There are numerous restaurants across the city, from high end international eateries to regional specialties cafes and fast food restaurants. Food is a hobby in Abu Dhabi and all tastes and pockets are catered for. In general prices are relatively cheap compared to the UK.

Seafood dishes form an important part of any menu in this region and the Corniche has some good places to sample some of the local seafood. Breakwater Opposite Abu Dhabi Corniche is the best place in Abu Dhabi to watch the skyline and experience some local food on floating restaurants and pubs.

Alcohol is available in all bars, clubs and restaurants that are located in hotels. Restaurants outside a hotel are not allowed to sell or serve alcohol.

In the hotels, the range of bars is almost as varied as the restaurant scene. From sophisticated cocktail lounges with soft music to traditional British pubs, they cater to every taste.
 

Our Top Places to visit:

The Corniche

A park-lined coastal boulevard that skirts the city, with a backdrop of modern buildings facing the sea, it is one of the most picturesque sites in Abu Dhabi.

Breakwater Opposite Abu Dhabi Corniche, this is the best place in Abu Dhabi to watch the skyline and experience some local food. Be sure to visit the floating restaurants and pubs.

Abu Dhabi City

Just 40 years ago, Abu Dhabi, now the island capital of the United Arab Emirates, was a small fishing village. Today, mainly as a result of revenue from oil, it is one of the world's richest cities, with wide tree-lined boulevards, lush green parks, gushing fountains and magnificent skyscrapers. Abu Dhabi is a combination of ultra-modern sophistication and Arabian mystique.

Al-Hosn Palace

Al-Hosn Palace, commonly known as the Old Fort or the White Fort, was built in the late 19th century, making it the oldest building in town. In fact it's one of the few buildings in Abu Dhabi that's more than 30 years old. The interior has been completely modernised and is now used by the Cultural Foundation as a documents and research centre. The courtyard and the tile work over the main (northern) gate are particularly noteworthy

Heritage Village

The village is situated in the middle of Abu Dhabi and is a living exhibition of the lifestyle and traditions of Bedouin life and other culture's. Set in lush gardens with stunning fountains, it's a great place to spend a morning, before it gets too warm.

Cultural Federation

This large, faceless building on Zayed the First St is more interesting inside than its outward appearance would indicate. It houses the National Archives, the National Library and the Institutions of Culture and Art. There are often interesting exhibits on local history and Islamic art, as well as modern art exhibits and musical concerts.

Abu Dhabi Parks and Gardens

Abu Dhabi has over twenty public parks , together with hundreds of miles of well laid roads . Not only are the parks and gardens pleasant places in which to escape from the rush of the city or the barren isolation of the desert , but they are also havens for wildlife.

Al Ain Museum - Al Jahili Fort

Finds from archaeological excavations on Jebel Hafit, including copper implements, are displayed at the Museum. Evidence of more than five thousand years of man's presence in the region is on show at the museum which is located within the walls of Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain. This tastefully renovated 18th century fort also houses a section of Al Ain's Tourism Department.

For the Adventurer:

Liwa Oasis

One of the largest Oasis's in Arabia and gateway to the Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter. Here one can see both the old town of Liwa and the new town of Medinat Zayed.

Jebel Hafit - Al Ain

A craggy mountain rising steeply from the surrounding desert within sight of the city of Al Ain. Famous as a traditional hunting region and one of the last known habitats of the Arabian tahr, the mountain has an excellent road that goes right to the summit, from where you can have wonderful views of the surrounding region. Nestling among rocky-clefts on the way up are desert flowers, lizards and other wildlife. Birdlife, archaeological sites and numerous caves are also a feature of the Jebel a beautiful and unusual place.

Quattarah Oasis

This is a beautiful small wooded oasis on the edge of Al Ain, which has a long history of human habitation with some nearby archaeological sites. Abundant date palms and fruit gardens provide a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. Some of the ancient relics found here are particularly beautiful and include fine gold jewellery, which can be seen displayed at the Al Ain Museum.

Ain Al Fayda

One of the country's top health resorts, the rest house at the foot of Jebel Hafit is located over a natural hot spring whose mineral rich waters have healing properties.

For shoppers:

Abu Dhabi presents a variety of shopping plazas in and around the city that display some of the most modern and exclusive goods in the world. People from all over the world flock to Abu Dhabi to lighten their pockets of some valuable 'moolas' during the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival held every year in the month of March. During other times, one can visit the famous Old Souk, an ideal place when it comes to buying precious metals such as gold, electronics goods, clothes, cars and virtually everything. Al Nasr Street is another important market place, has a number of antique shops and jewellery stores.
The Women's Craft Centre

Located on Al Maktoum Street, his is a government sponsored centre where traditional crafts such as high quality weavings, hand made souvenirs and local artefacts are made, displayed and sold at a fixed price. Ask before photographing the veiled women in the workshops.

Old Souq

If you're looking for a break from the world of banks and boutiques that is modern Abu Dhabi, take a walk through what remains of the old souq, in the small area east of Al-Ittihad Square and north of Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed St.

The Corniche

A park-lined coastal boulevard that skirts the city, with a backdrop of modern buildings facing the sea, it is one of the most picturesque sites in Abu Dhabi.

Breakwater Opposite Abu Dhabi Corniche, this is the best place in Abu Dhabi to watch the skyline and experience some local food. Be sure to visit the floating restaurants and pubs.

Dhow Wharf and Fish Market

At the eastern end of the Corniche, near the port, lies Abu Dhabi's fish market and small dhow (boat) wharf. It's not as exciting as Dubai's waterfront, but it does offer good local colour and an excellent view back towards the city.

Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium

Al Ain Zoo houses the Middle East's largest and most varied wildlife collection. In addition to the exotica from other countries, the zoo has a well presented series of displays on Arabia's indigenous wildlife. It also keeps a good range of different species of gazelles, including the world's largest herd of Arabian gazelles. Oryx and other rare Arabian mammals can also be seen.
 
For sports lovers:

Watersports

A variety of watersports are available at the different beach hotels, including jet ski, waterskiing, banana boat rides and much more. Speedboat excursions for site seeing or fishing can be arranged or take a trip on a traditional Arabic wooden dhow.

Golf

Abu Dhabi has 3 golf clubs all within easy acces of any of our hotels

Mountaineering

The Hajar Mountains run along the border between UAE and Oman and easily reached from Abu Dhabi's second city Al Ain. Opportunities for climbing are plentiful and experienced guides are avilable locally.

Ice Rink and Ten Pin Bowling

Unbelievable though it may seem in the middle of the desert, Abu Dhabi has an ice rink. The rink is open from 10 am to 10 pm in sessions of two hours, with a half an hour break in between. Next to the ice rink is the Sheikh Zayed Sports City which has a ten pin bowling alley open from 12 noon to midnight daily.

Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club

Located in the Mushrif area, this is the finest equestrian facility in the emirate, with air condioned stables for 350 horses and both indoor and outdoor jumping arenas. The clubhouse is luxurious and fully liscensed and over looks the scenic nine hole grass course which is set inside the racetrack and boasts the worlds longest par 5.
 

Many hotels also have nightclubs, each with their own character, serving different age groups and musical preferences. These include western-style clubs playing up-to-the-minute music, or for a more traditional experience there are also Arabic venues featuring Middle Eastern bands and the ever-popular belly dancers.

It is also worth looking out for concerts taking place during your visit Abu Dhabi becoming an increasingly popular venue for top name international entertainers on tour, including singers, dance groups, opera companies and stage troupes.
 

All citizens of the UK require a visa for Abu Dhabi, but 30 day visas can be obtained on arrival. All current regulations should be checked before travelling, as they are subject to change.  A return airline ticket is needed, as well as a full passport valid for at least six months after the return date to the UK.

If you require more assistance please visit www.visaservice.co.uk or www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo  
 

Electricity in Abu Dhabi is 220 Volts. They use the 3 pin sockets that are the same as the UK, therefore if you plan to bring any electrical devices to Dubai, you won't need an adaptor

Summer (May to September) is quite hot with high humidity levels reaching 90 percent and temperatures averaging 39C.

AVERAGE CLIMATE IN ABU DHABI

The above table is a guideline and W&O Travel cannot assume responsibility for the statistical information.

The following immunisations are recommended before travelling to Abu Dhabi but it is best to consult with your GP for up to date information or phone NHS Direct:

• Typhoid
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Hepatitis A

Light weight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but temperatures can drop during winter, so a light weight jumper is a good idea. Dress sensibly without revealing too much, especially in the city, remember this is a Muslim state and you could offend their religion. It is advisable to wear long trousers if visiting souks or shopping malls.

Several airlines offer flights to Abu Dhabi with the journey taking about 7 hours from London. Etihad is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, with its hub in Abu Dhabi, and there are also direct flights from the UK operated by British Airways.  Oman Air flies via Muscat to Abu Dhabi and Qatar Airways via Doha. Business Class Upgrades are available on all airlines.

Abu Dhabi is 1 hr by easy motorway road transfer to Dubai and so can be just as convenient for the beach resorts and a good alternative airport to Dubai.
 

The national language is Arabic but English is widely spoken. English is widely spoken and used as a second language in commerce.

We suggest that all our customers review foreign office advice for Abu Dhabi before commencing travel. Please use the following link: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo 

UAE Dirham (AED, also written as Dhs) = 100 fils. Notes are in denominations of AED1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of AED1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils (10 and 5 fils coins are rarely used).

ATMs accept foreign debit and credit cards including Switch, Maestro and Cirrus, and can be in shopping malls, hotels and petrol stations.

Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, though not often used. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Abu Dhabi operates on Atlantic standard time which is 4 hours in front of GMT.

Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula travel guide from Lonely Plant will give you detailed advice and easy to use maps.

Local people, especially women, are highly offended if being photographed without their prior permission. You should not take photos of airports, government buildings or military subjects. Islam is the official religion of the UAE and mosques run throughout the city. A Non-Muslim to not permitted to visit a Mosque.

Kissing in public and public displays of affection are frowned upon. Indecent gestures could land you in jail. Bikinis, swimsuits, shorts and revealing tops should be confined to beach resorts. Women are usually advised not to wear short skirts and to keep their shoulders covered. In Sharjah women are not allowed to wear swimsuits on public beaches. In Abu Dhabi, visitors are advised not to wear excessively revealing clothing in public places, as a sign of respect for local culture and customs. This also applies to public beaches. Most nightclubs require guests not to wear shorts, caps or sports shoes.
 

We can arrange transfers or tours all around Abu Dhabi, as well as between airports and hotels.

Most businesses close on Friday as this is Abu Dhabi's holy day.  During the holy month of Ramadan 1 Aug - 30 Aug 2011, shops are usually closed by day and open at night. It is considered disrespectful to eat, smoke or drink in public places during daylight hours in Ramadan. Hotels in Abu Dhabi will not serve alcohol in public places until after sunset (around 7pm). You can drink in your room from the mini bar. We suggest you buy duty free.

Al Ghazal taxis are the best means of transportation on the roads, though they must be pre-booked or hired from the hotels. Cheaper taxi services are also available though they may not be as comfortable. City buses in Abu Dhabi are mostly very crowded and not recommended. A car can be hired from most hotels. You need to provide your original passport, 2 photographs, and a valid international driving license or national license. The most efficient way to see Abu Dhabi is to go on an organised tour.