Before you come to Abu Dhabi

Each country have its own traditions, customs, living style and a kind of people. Abu Dhabi the capital of UAE is a beautiful place to visit and to live in, but you need to know a few things before you come that will help you while being here.

Abu Dhabi History

Though the United Arab Emirates did not gain full autonomy until 1971, their history has been traced back as far as 3000 B.C. It is known that there were mostly nomads living in the area at the time, herding and fishing for sustenance. Nothing really changed in the area for centuries, with the exception of the introduction of Islam, which at times either united or tore apart the region. By the mid-1900's, the main source of income in the area was from camel herding and the production of vegetables. Fishing and pearl diving also were important for the economy, but in a lesser role. Great Britain had been in control of the area for a long time, and after World War I the tide had started to turn and steps were being taken to hand over power. Oil was first drilled in UAE in 1958, but because of the ruler, Sheikh Shakbut, the importance of oil was not exploited. It was not until the family agreed that the brother, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, should take over as ruler in 1966, that the oil industry truly grew. With the support of Britain, the oil industry flourished in UAE. Finally, in 1971 Britain had handed over complete control to Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, and today UAE has been able to flourish and become extremely well, especially for a country of it's size. In Abu Dhabi's last census, there were about 1 million citizens in the city. It is now the largest of the seven emirates that make up the nation.

Abu Dhabi Culture:

Abu Dhabi has a culture that has deep roots with Islam and a nomadic lifestyle, yet the United Arab Emirates is a progressive country that has accepted western ideals. There is rich and proud history in the region, and as far back as historians can tell, the land was first settled around 3000 B.C. The first inhabitants were nomadic and either herded or fished to sustain a living. 
Still, you can find traces of the old ways all throughout the city. Also, even though the United Arab Emirates is a progressive nation, Islam is extremely important. Prayer is a big part of the culture, and everyone respects the laws of the land. Because of this, you will find that Abu Dhabi is a mixing ground for old traditions and new theories and styles. Together, this creates an
enriching culture.

Abu Dhabi Architecture

Abu Dhabi actually boasts some incredible architecture. Where in Dubai everything is scattered around, Abu Dhabi is like a Middle Eastern Manhattan with wonderful buildings. There is an actual skyline when you're on a boat just off the coast (or from the breakwater, where the picture below was taken).

Abu Dhabi Health & Safety

A big concern that many people have today when it comes to traveling, especially to the Middle East is the safety. If you are from the United States, you may feel that you are more likely to be a target of terrorism or violence. However, it is important to note that the United Arab Emirates is a very safe country. This isn't to say, of course, that there is no violence or anti-American sentiment. Those types of things can never be guaranteed. However, for other nations in the area, UAE is a haven of western support, and many tourists from the West visit quite often. Naturally, you should never let your guard down when you travel anywhere, specially in the Middle East. Always have your passport on you and know emergency numbers in the event that something happens. The number for the police headquarters of Abu Dhabi is 02 44611461. To call an ambulence dial 998 or 999. For the fire department call 997. The generic police number is 999, like the U.S.'s 911. However, if you are in a jam in Abu Dhabi it is better to call their direct line, as they can get to you faster. Another thing to remember is to not drink the tap water in Abu Dhabi. Even if the water looks clean, there are differences in their water which allows the locals to drink and not get sick, but visitors not used to it will get very sick. Stick to bottled water. If any problem should arise, do not hesitate to get in touch with the Embassy.

Ramadan in Abu Dhabi

• Introduction 

Ramadan can be a challenge for visitors, but it is also an interesting time to be in Abu Dhabi and depending on what you like doing it can be worth visiting the city during Ramadan.

Ramadan is the name of the month of fasting in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. The exact timing is determined by the sighting of the moon and varies with the lunar calendar, so starts earlier each year. Ramadan will be 1st to 30th September in 2008. Marking the end of Ramadan is a public holiday for Eid Al Fitr (expected to be 1st and 2nd October in 2008).

Ramadan is a time of prayer and Muslims spend more time praying than at other times. Muslims will usually get up and eat Suhoor before the day-break prayer. Everyone is expected to dress conservatively, with women expected to keep
make-up to a minimum.

In Abu Dhabi working hours are reduced for Muslims and non-Muslims in most work-places. The city tends to be very quiet during the day and comes alive at night. Many buildings are decorated with bright coloured lights each evening.

• Food and Drink

It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during Ramadan. The law also applies to anyone traveling car or bus. Cafes and restaurants are closed during the day. Even at hotel pools and beaches the no eating/smoking/drinking rule applies.  Larger hotels usually have some restaurant facilities for non-fasting guests hidden from public view. It is possible to get meals delivered by room service, of course. Supermarkets are still open and takeaways still deliver; but as it is hot, if you are out it is necessary to find somewhere to drink water discreetly.

Iftar (the meal where the fast is broken) is a huge daily celebration. Diners sit at the table waiting for the call for prayer to announce that fasting is over. Typically someone who is fasting will sip water or juice and eat a couple of dates, then perform a short prayer before starting a big Iftar meal. Restaurants all over the city offer good value fixed-price Iftar buffets.  Alcohol is not available  with Iftar buffets.

There is no music or dancing allowed during Ramadan, so nightclubs are closed. Pubs and bars usually open around 7:00 pm, but there is no live music.

For those residents with a liquor license, the shops selling alcohol do not
close during Ramadan, but are closed during Eid Al Fitr.

• Shopping

Most shops are shut in the afternoon and re-open after sunset, closing at around midnight. There are often price reductions during Ramadan.

Abu Dhabi Weather & When to Go

The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is from Nov to Feb when it is cool to cold & one can really make the best of the outdoors & leisurely strolls within & around the island. The temperature during this period usually ranges 9 to 25 degree centigrade. Warm clothes are required moreso as it is quite breezy. Over-coats, semi-formal jackets, boots & pullovers are common sights during this period & the malls are full of autumn-winter collection. Sales start around 26th of Dec & stretches for 2 weeks thereafter so this is a good time to visit. The Dubai-Shopping Festival begins Jan end for 30 days & likewise Abu Dhabi too starts with Discount offers during the same period. The trick is to visit the stores in the first week of SALE so as to get the bargain on the best stuff & to get the right sizes. Towards the end of the Sale , the good stuff is always gone.

Oct, March & April are transition months which is best for beaches when it is not too hot & sunny to head out & not to cold to be shivering. These months from Nov-April also sees Abu Dhabi in its best form, every road, park & boulevard is laden with colorful flowers & it is a beautiful sight…considering that it is after all a city in the Desert!!

Peak summer starts from late  May  & July-Aug are the worst months with temperatures in the range of 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is very high & it is the most un-pleasant time to be outdoors.  The evenings are slightly cooler but the breeze is still very hot (warm is an understatement) with just a slight dip from the day temperature. The heat can get you when you step outside from an air conditioned hotel or mall even in the evenings. Unless you are keen on sunbathing and shopping in air-conditioned malls, (they do have sales in July) the best time to visit Abu Dhabi would be during the cooler months. Besides a Dune Bashing & Desert Safari  tour (which is usually in the itinerary of all visitors) is much more pleasant when it is not too hot.

Abu Dhabi is a modern place & trendy & fashion labels are common-place. One can wear light clothes during summers though overtly revealing & short dresses are un-advisable, especially on roads, in taxis & at night. At malls and big hotels you can be dressed as you please but do keep in mind the traditional beliefs of this nation and respect it. If you plan to lay out by a pool or beach, make sure your bathing suit is not too revealing. It's best to leave the bikini at home for this vacation. You also want to make sure you do not have any short skirts and that your shoulders are always covered.

Even if you do not personally believe that it's a big deal, you are a guest in someone else's country, and you must respect their beliefs.

Abu Dhabi Taxis & Rental Cars