Abu Dhabi

Why go

To see a new capital beginning to boom and become a truly modern city.

When to go

Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, the UAE is warm and sunny in winter and hot and humid in summer. You can’t really go wrong if you visit any time between November and March.

Best for

Restaurants , Beaches , Shopping

How to get there

Abu Dhabi International Airport is 32km south-east of the city. There are direct flights from London Heathrow with British Airways, BMI and Etihad Airways.

Shopping

The twin colossi of the Abu Dhabi and Marina Malls dominate Abu Dhabi’s modern shopping scene. They offer quick and easy food courts, cinemas and a range of wares from domestic goods to designer labels. But by far the most interesting (and hectic) shopping experience in the capital is at the old central souk and new central souk. It’s also worth visiting the Iranian souk next to Port Zayed.

Alternative Perspectives

Abu Dhabi means ‘Father of the Gazelle’, so named by Bedouin hunters who saw gazelle tracks which they followed into a shallow inlet of the sea to discover they emerged again on the shore of the facing island and ended at a spring of fresh water.

Must see

Spend some time at the Dhow Harbour before heading to the beach, then, in the evening, dine at Vasco’s before hitting the Jazz Bar.

Family activities

Aside from the beach, there’s not a whole lot for children in Abu Dhabi. You’re probably best off going to one of the islands, or heading to Al Ain and the Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium (Zoo roundabout, +971 3 785 5555).

Sports activities

Golf , Diving

Local customs

Tipping. Hotels and restaurants will normally add a tip of 15 per cent on to your bill. It’s also normal to give a tip of a couple of Dirhams to porters/valets/petrol pump attendants etc.

Etiquette. Remember that you are in an Islamic country – albeit a generally tolerant one. During Ramadan, you should be particularly considerate to things such as dress code and public displays of affection. Don’t go topless on beaches at any time of year.