Travel Guide Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi - "Father of the gazelle" in Arabic " refers to both an emirate of the United Arab Emirates and its capital, also the capital of the federation. Located in the Persian Gulf, facing Iran, this emirate covers 80% of the U.A.E. Like the other capitals of the Gulf, Abu Dhabi, the city, is identifiable by its forest of futuristic skyscrapers. Dubai is shading it, but more and more tourists are choosing Abu Dhabi's beaches. The seaside pleasures and luxury of the designer boutiques are now matched by the grandiose cultural offer of Saadiyat Island, the island of museums, which saw the opening of the Abu Dhabi Louvre in 2017. A pharaonic work by Jean Nouvel, whose Galleries present the history of humanity in twelve chapters, from prehistoric to contemporary art. In addition, there are four temporary exhibitions also mounted with France. Another must-see masterpiece is the sumptuous Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the largest in the world, with a capacity of 40,000 worshippers. In a playful atmosphere, families enjoy the huge Yas Waterworld water park. But perhaps the most fabulous discovery will be the 6-star Emirates Palace Hotel, with its limitless luxury, which even has its own distributor... of gold. You will also have to reach Al Ain, the emirate's second largest city, in its oasis in the middle of the vast Abu Dhabi desert. Forget the international cuisine of hotels for traditional rice and fish dishes, topped with cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, nuts and dried limes.
What to visit Abu Dhabi?
Suggested addresses Abu Dhabi
When to go to Abu Dhabi?
It is in winter and particularly in February, during the high tourist season, that the majority of the numerous events are scheduled. During the end-of-year celebrations and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, hotels are fully booked and sometimes double their rates! The same is true for religious holidays such as Eid, other world-class sporting events and major international trade shows. However, the hotel offer has considerably expanded and several luxury or mid-range hotels offer very attractive prices as of the mid-season, after the end-of-year holidays. It's up to you to shop around on the Internet and compare prices carefully. In the middle of summer, the heat wave melts the prices and you can get a palace for the price of a 4-star hotel. The same goes for the Ramadan period, when the country slows down a bit and experiences a significant reduction in the services usually offered: reduced transportation, restaurants and bars in the center closed during the day, reduced opening hours for monuments. The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is during the shoulder seasons: autumn and spring. The temperatures are still pleasant.
Weather at the moment
Abu Dhabi's climate is subtropical arid. Winters are mild and sunny with an average temperature of 24°C (10°C to 30°C) and cool nights, especially in the desert and mountains. This is the high tourist season. The coldest months are December, January and February. Scattered rains and rare sandstorms are possible. Summer (May/September) hot, even torrid in July and August, and humid. Temperatures vary between 30 and 51°C and can exceed 55°C! This is the low season.
The cost of living in the Emirates is about the same as in Paris and luxury is very present. Shopping is a local sport and good deals are possible in designer brands. If hotels during the high tourist season are on the rise, conversely you will find interesting prices out of season. Car rentals and especially public transportation are cheaper than in France.
French nationals are exempt from visa requirements. A stamp affixed to the passport on arrival at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports allows a maximum stay of 90 days, on one or more occasions, over a period of 180 days from the date of the stamp. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. Imported newspapers, videos and DVDs are subject to censorship. The complete list of products banned for import into the United Arab Emirates can be found on the website of the French Consulate in Dubai.
The hospital system in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Abu Dhabi, is modern. French or French-speaking doctors work in many medical centers or hospitals whose contact information can be provided, if necessary, by the French Embassy. Here the enemy is the sun. It is advisable to protect yourself from it. You should also take care of your road safety.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Abu Dhabi? Our advice & tips
This popular tourist destination now offers a wide range of turnkey holidays. You will find a wide range of offers on the Internet, in all seasons and for all budgets. A week's stay in a hotel with half board is the most common. The formula is particularly interesting for families who are the darlings of the destination.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationYou can take a dry airplane ticket and book your hotel on the Internet without worrying. On the spot, you can manage on your own. The city is organized in the American way, by blocks, in a rather logical way. It is therefore easy to find your way around. And don't forget that you are in a country under Sharia law. On the beaches, nudism and monokini are strictly prohibited. During Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat, drink and smoke in public, from sunrise to sunset.
We advise you to rent a car if you want to move around the country, but to use cabs to discover the city. If walking can be considered in winter, in summer it is impossible. In addition, air-conditioning of vehicles is essential. A bus network serves all the districts. Finally, you can take the Big Bus for a tour of the city.
