Things to see and do Abu Dhabi

Timetable

Opening hours: There are no rules for Abu Dhabi, but it is safe to say that everything generally starts at 10 am and closes relatively late. Beware, some places open later on Fridays. But there are no specific rules. Some museums like the Louvre are closed on Mondays

Attendance: the number of visitors depends on the month of the year, the peak season being between November and January.

To be booked

It is best to book in advance to attend the latest Formula 1 Grand Prix at Yas Marina, for a weekend trip to the desert between November and April, for a helicopter tour and visits to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Budget & Tips

First and foremost, download the Visit Abu Dhabi application(https://visitabudhabi.ae/fr). This is the official application of the Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism Authority. All the latest news, prices, schedules are there.

Affordable: All museums are very affordable. Various modern art exhibitions can be seen for free at the Cultural Foundation or on Saadiyat Island

Reasonable: guided tours. The French-speaking guides listed in our guidebook are reasonably priced, but they are few in number.

Expensive: All of the city's theme parks and landmarks are expensive and require a certain budget.

Passes: to keep expenses under control, Abu Dbabi offers a summer pass with several activities included. Visit https://visit abudhabi.ae/en/campaign/summer-pass

Main events

Download the Visit Abu Dhabi app for the latest events: https: //visitabudhabi.ae/en/events

october 6-8, 2022: NBA Abu Dhabi Games

november 17-20, 2022 : Final Formula 1 Grand Prix of the season at Yas Marina Circuit.

november 21, 2022 to December 18, 2022: Football World Cup in Qatar. Many fans are planning their base camp in Abu Dhabi due to its hotel capacity and proximity to the host country.

December and January: Early December is the national holiday. A parade to the presidential palace, traditional dances, flag decorations and fireworks mark the three-day celebration. The end of December is the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival, which marks the beginning of the sales period that lasts until the end of January. It is also the holiday season, marked by the fireworks display on December 31.

Ramadan: altered hours during the day, but great excitement throughout Abu Dhabi after sunset. The end of Ramadan ushers in another period of sales and bargains.

Guided tours

Sightseeing Buses: 2 routes allow you to discover the city by getting on and off at the desired stops that integrate the iconic places of Abu Dhabi such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Louvre... More info: https: //www.bigbustours.com/en/abu-dhabi/

Guided tours to the Louvre, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Presidential Palace, Qasr al Hosn: they allow you to discover with a local guide the Emirati culture and the stories behind the works and symbols. More info: Tours by Termy.

Atypical Tours: Architectural tour of the Louvre Abu Dhabi with a guide from the Louvre or the Sheikk Zayed Mosque

Smokers

Smoking is permitted in Abu Dhabi except in or near schools, universities and government buildings, inside shopping malls. Restaurants generally have smoking and non-smoking sections.

Tourist traps

The regulations in Abu Dhabi are such that tourist traps are uncommon. Some attractions or dinner cruises may be for some, but that's a personal judgment.

What's very local

Habits and customs: if you enter someone's house, leave your shoes at the door and avoid showing the soles of your feet. Culturally, the left hand is used for personal hygiene. Therefore, it is inappropriate to shake hands with it. When eating dinner or lunch, you should always eat with your right hand. It is also used for shaking hands. It is not advisable to address or shake hands with an Emirati woman unless you are invited to do so. Do not take pictures without her permission. Do not show affection in public. Holding hands is fine, but more is a violation. However, we can see young Emirati couples holding hands in the malls. Emiratis are very calm, they do not understand a person who loses his or her temper. Swearing or making rude hand gestures in public can get you into trouble

Ramadan: The date of Ramadan varies according to the lunar cycle. It begins when the first crescent of the new moon is visible in the sky and is announced the day before for the next day by a committee of Imams. During the month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat (even chewing gum), drink or smoke in public. Malls are open. More and more restaurants are also open. Always check opening hours during Ramadan.

Dress code: Dress respectfully to Emiratis. Bermuda shorts, tank tops and skirts above the knee are tolerated. However, be careful in certain governmental places (police stations for example), where the shoulders and knees must be covered at least for women. However, women are not obliged to wear the veil (niqab and/or abaya). For men, it is not uncommon to be refused access in Bermuda shorts. Away from the pool or beach, bathing suits are disrespectful and could get you into trouble. Bikinis are allowed, topless (monokini) is forbidden on the beaches. During the month of Ramadan, you should dress more conservatively: to go to iftars and Suhoor, long dresses with long sleeves are more appropriate.

Alcohol: Being intoxicated in a public place is punishable by imprisonment. If you have an accident and it is proven that you have been drinking, even a little, you will go to jail. It is possible to buy alcohol in specialized supermarkets. The "alcohol card" is no longer valid