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ABU DHABI WEATHER

🕌 Must-Visit Places in Abu Dhabi

  1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Iconic white marble mosque; visit at sunset for golden reflections.

  2. Louvre Abu Dhabi – World-class art museum on Saadiyat Island; blend of cultures and architecture.

  3. Qasr Al Watan – Presidential palace showcasing Arabic architecture and heritage.

  4. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental – Luxury hotel worth visiting even just for coffee with gold flakes.

  5. Corniche Beach – Family-friendly waterfront promenade with parks, bike paths, and cafés.

  6. Ferrari World – Thrill rides and Formula Rossa (world’s fastest roller coaster).

  7. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi – Great for families and cartoon fans.

  8. Saadiyat Public Beach – Calm, turquoise waters, ideal for relaxation.

  9. Heritage Village – Reconstructed old village offering insights into Bedouin life.

  10. Yas Marina & Yas Bay – Modern nightlife, dining, and yacht views.

🍽️ Must-Eat in Abu Dhabi

Traditional Dishes

  • Machboos – Spiced rice with lamb, chicken, or seafood.

  • Harees – Slow-cooked wheat and meat dish, especially during Ramadan.

  • Luqaimat – Sweet fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup.

  • Grilled Hammour (fish) – Local favorite from the Gulf waters.

Top Local/Authentic Restaurants

  • Al Fanar Restaurant & Café (Yas Mall / Al Seef) – Classic Emirati cuisine.

  • Meylas Café – Trendy Emirati home-style dishes.

  • Al Dhafra Restaurant – Heritage-style seafood buffet near the Corniche.

Modern & Global Dining

  • Hakkasan (Emirates Palace) – High-end Cantonese dining.

  • Li Beirut (Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers) – Fine Lebanese cuisine.

  • Tashas Al Bateen – Chic café with international fusion food.

🚍 Public Transport Guide to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s public transport system is clean, safe, and modern — but a bit limited compared to Dubai.

1. Bus System

  • Main Operator: Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).

  • Payment: Use Hafilat card, available at bus stations and vending machines.

  • City Buses: Air-conditioned, run every 10–20 minutes.

  • Intercity Buses: Connect to Al Ain, Dubai, and Sharjah.

  • Popular routes:

    • 101: Abu Dhabi ↔ Yas Island

    • A1: Airport ↔ City Center

    • 94: Corniche ↔ Sheikh Zayed Mosque

2. Taxi

  • Reliable and metered (AED 12 start fare from airport, AED 5 from city).

  • Use the Abu Dhabi Taxi app, Careem, or Uber.

3. Future Transport

  • Abu Dhabi Metro (planned) – Under development.

  • Electric scooters – Available in certain areas (use Lime or Circ apps).

🛫 Public Transport from and to Abu Dhabi Airport

  • Bus A1: 24-hour service between AUH Airport and the City Bus Terminal (every 40 min, AED 4).

  • Taxi: 24-hour service, fixed starting fare AED 20 from airport + AED 1.82/km.

  • Private Transfers: Hotel shuttle or pre-book via Careem/Uber.

💡 Tips & Tricks for Transportation in Abu Dhabi

  • Get a Hafilat card early – Needed for all bus travel.

  • Download “Darbi” app (by ITC) – Real-time bus maps and routes.

  • Combine buses + taxis – For places not fully connected by bus.

  • Avoid rush hours – 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM (especially around Corniche/Yas).

  • Parking – Paid using MAWAQiF app, free on Fridays and public holidays.

  • In summer – Always wait for buses inside shaded stops (they’re air-conditioned).

🗓️ Itinerary Options

✨ 3-Night Abu Dhabi Trip (Highlights)

Day 1: Arrival → Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque → Qasr Al Watan → Corniche sunset
Day 2: Louvre Abu Dhabi → Saadiyat Beach → Dinner at Yas Bay
Day 3: Ferrari World or Warner Bros → Heritage Village → Emirates Palace coffee
Day 4: Morning souk shopping → Depart

🌇 5-Night Abu Dhabi Trip (Balanced)

Day 1: Arrival & relax at Corniche
Day 2: Grand Mosque → Qasr Al Watan → Etihad Towers Observation Deck
Day 3: Louvre Abu Dhabi → Saadiyat Beach → Al Fanar dinner
Day 4: Yas Island theme park day (Ferrari World / Warner Bros)
Day 5: Mangrove kayaking → Heritage Village → Marina dinner
Day 6: Souvenir shopping → Depart

🏝️ 10-Night Abu Dhabi Trip (Leisure + Day Trips)

Days 1–2: Relax at Corniche / explore city center
Days 3–4: Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Etihad Towers
Day 5: Louvre + Saadiyat Island beaches
Day 6: Desert safari + camel ride
Day 7: Yas Island full day (Ferrari World, Yas Mall)
Day 8: Day trip to Al Ain (mountains, zoo, oasis)
Day 9: Dhow cruise + shopping in Marina Mall
Day 10: Free day → Spa → Depart

💰 Budget Traveler Tips

  • Public transport: Use buses (AED 4 per ride).

  • Food: Try cafeterias and shawarma stands (AED 10–20 meals).

  • Accommodation: Stay in Al Markaziyah or Tourist Club Area for cheap hotels.

  • Attractions: Louvre (AED 63), Mosque (free), beaches (some free).

  • Passes: Yas Island Combo Tickets save 30–40%.

  • Avoid taxis often – use shared rides or buses.

💞 Honeymoon in Abu Dhabi

  • Stay: Saadiyat Rotana Resort, Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal, or Emirates Palace.

  • Experiences:

    • Sunset at Saadiyat Beach

    • Private dhow dinner cruise

    • Desert stargazing or glamping

    • Spa day at Talise or Anantara Qasr Al Sarab

    • Candlelight dinner at Li Beirut or Villa Toscana

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Trip with Small Kids

  • Stay: Yas Island (close to parks) or Corniche area.

  • Attractions: Warner Bros World, Yas Waterworld, Heritage Village.

  • Tips:

    • Most malls have kids’ play zones.

    • Always carry water & sunscreen.

    • Public beaches have lifeguards and family areas.

    • Use taxis instead of buses for stroller convenience.

☀️ Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi

🌤️ Best Season (Weather & Comfort)

  • November to March → Ideal months (20–28 °C)

    • Pleasant for outdoor attractions, desert safaris, and beaches.

    • Sky is clear, humidity low, and evenings are breezy.

🌞 Moderate Season

  • April to May → Getting warmer (30–35 °C), fewer crowds.

  • October → Still warm but bearable; ideal for shoulder-season travelers.

🔥 Worst Season to Avoid

  • June to September → Very hot and humid (40–48 °C).

    • Outdoor sightseeing is difficult.

    • Most activities move indoors (malls, theme parks, museums).

    • Hotel rates are cheaper though — good for budget travelers who don’t mind heat.

🎉 Festivals & Events

  1. Abu Dhabi Festival (Mar–Apr) – Classical music, art, and cultural performances.

  2. Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Nov) – Big global event at Yas Marina Circuit.

  3. National Day (Dec 2) – City-wide parades, fireworks, and celebrations.

  4. Liwa Date Festival (Jul) – Traditional desert fair celebrating Emirati culture.

  5. Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha – Public holidays with special sales and family events.

  6. Al Dhafra Festival (Dec) – Camel races, crafts, and heritage competitions.

🛡️ Safety Level in Abu Dhabi

✅ Very safe — one of the safest cities in the world.

  • Crime: Extremely low (petty theft rare, violent crime almost nonexistent).

  • Political stability: High; UAE is modern and well-governed.

  • Solo/female travelers: Safe, respectful environment (dress modestly in mosques and local markets).

  • Scams: Minimal, but see list below.

  • Police presence: Visible and helpful; emergency response is fast.

🌐 Internet Access & SIM Card Options

All major providers have tourist SIM packages at the airport.

📱 Top SIM Cards (2025)

Provider

Tourist Plan

Data

Validity

Approx. Price

Etisalat

Visitor Line

4 GB + 30 min local

28 days

~AED 49

du

Visitor SIM

6 GB + 30 min local

28 days

~AED 49

Virgin Mobile

Custom plan

7 GB

28 days

~AED 50

Where to buy:

  • Abu Dhabi Airport arrival area (official counters)

  • Malls and official telecom shops

Wi-Fi:

  • Free in malls, cafes, and many public areas.

  • Hotels usually provide strong complimentary Wi-Fi.

💰 Currency & Exchange Rate

  • Currency: UAE Dirham (AED or Dhs)

  • Exchange rate (Oct 2025):

    • 1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED (fixed)

    • 1 EUR ≈ 3.95 AED

    • 1 SEK ≈ 0.34 AED

Tips:

  • ATMs are everywhere; cards widely accepted.

  • Avoid exchanging at airports — better rates in malls or local exchange offices (e.g. Al Ansari, UAE Exchange).

🗣️ Languages Spoken

  • Official: Arabic

  • Widely spoken: English (almost everywhere — signs, menus, taxis).

  • Other common languages: Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog (due to large expat population).

💸 Ways to Save Money in Abu Dhabi

  1. Attractions & Passes

    • Yas Island Pass – Bundle Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Yas Waterworld for ~30% off.

    • Louvre + Qasr Al Watan combo – Often cheaper when booked online.

    • The Entertainer App – Buy-1-Get-1 offers for dining, hotels, and activities.

    • Abu Dhabi Pass (by TripX Tours) – Multi-attraction discount card (optional).

  2. Transportation

    • Use buses (AED 4/ride) and Hafilat card instead of taxis.

    • Shared rides via Careem One are cheaper than solo taxis.

  3. Food

    • Eat at cafeterias, local shawarma shops, or mall food courts (AED 10–25).

  4. Accommodation

    • Stay in Tourist Club Area, Al Markaziyah, or Al Mina for budget hotels.

  5. Shopping

    • Visit Madinat Zayed Gold Souk and Central Market instead of tourist malls.

🎭 Seasonal & Cultural Events

  • January: Al Dhafra Camel Festival

  • March–April: Abu Dhabi Festival (arts, culture)

  • July: Liwa Date Festival

  • November: Formula 1 Grand Prix & Concerts

  • December: UAE National Day Celebrations

  • Ramadan (changes yearly): Spiritual month, shorter hours, but special night markets

⚡ Power Plug Type & Voltage

  • Plug type: Type G (same as UK — 3 rectangular pins).

  • Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz.

  • Bring an adapter if your devices use Type C or A plugs (EU/US).

🚑 Emergency Numbers & Hospitals

Service

Number

Police

999

Ambulance

998

Fire

997

Coast Guard

996

Roadside Assistance

800 40

Top Hospitals in Abu Dhabi:

  • Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (world-class international hospital)

  • Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)

  • NMC Specialty Hospital

  • Mediclinic Corniche / Khalifa City

  • Burjeel Hospital

All have English-speaking staff and accept travel insurance.

⚠️ Common Tourist Scams to Avoid

Though rare, stay aware of:

  1. Fake tour sellers: Always book with licensed companies or your hotel.

  2. Overpriced taxis: Check meter starts at ~AED 5 in city, AED 20 from airport.

  3. ATM “helpers”: Never accept help withdrawing money.

  4. Street vendors “gifting” items: They may ask for money later.

  5. Pickpockets: Very rare, but keep valuables secure in crowded souks.

ABU DHABI BUS TRANSPORT SERVICE

Operating since 2008, the Public Bus Transportation Service in Abu Dhabi is a Department of Transport (DoT)/Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) venture which caters to the transportation needs of the emirate’s residents.

  • Public buses in the emirate operate regularly and are fully air-conditioned, with special facilities for people of determination.
  • Senior citizens (aged 60 and above) and disabled passengers can travel for free.
  • Those planning to use the bus service regularly can use the Hafilat smart card.

HAFILAT CARDS – ABU DHABI PUBLIC TRANSPORT CARD FOR BUSES

A Hafilat smart card enables payment of fares for Abu Dhabi bus transport service. Depending on the type of card obtained, Hafilat cards allow passengers to:

  • Obtain travel passes (weekly/monthly)
  • Top up with a cash value through a T-purse (electronic wallet)

Easy to use, these passes are a smart incentive that gives frequent commuters the flexibility they need to travel across Abu Dhabi with ease.

hafilat cards

Hafilat card in Abu Dhabi

TYPES OF HAFILAT CARDS FOR ABU DHABI CITY BUS SERVICE

There are six types of Hafilat cards, designed to accommodate different needs. To register for Abu Dhabi public transport card online, you can visit the Hafilat recharge website (www.hafilat.darb.ae).

For a better understanding of how an Abu Dhabi bus card works, here is a rundown of prices for each category and other details:

HAFILAT WEEKLY AND MONTHLY PASS

Pass Type

Price

Validity

Can be Used for

Weekly

AED 30

7-days from purchase date

Unlimited trips between Abu Dhabi to Al Dhafra

Monthly

AED 80

30-days from purchase date

Unlimited trips between Abu Dhabi to Al Dhafra

HAFILAT CARD AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT FEES
  • Local trips (inside the city): AED 2
  • Regional trips (suburbs): AED 2 + AED 0.05 per kilometre.
  • Inter-city trips: AED 10 + AED 0.1 per kilometre
  • Hafilat Card Cost: AED 10
  • Hafilat Senior Citizen/People of Determination Pass: Free

Hafilat card outlets are available at shopping malls, bus stations, vending machines for tickets and customer care centres in Abu Dhabi.

Public transport services available for each Hafilat category include local city bus services, suburb bus services and intercity bus services from Abu Dhabi.

For information regarding the Abu Dhabi bus timetable and Abu Dhabi transport routes, visit the DoT website or check this guide on Hafilat Abu Dhabi. Or, explore everything related to Abu Dhabi’s shuttle bus service.

ROUTES OF PUBLIC BUS TRANSPORT IN ABU DHABI

As per the Abu Dhabi City transport, the public bus system in the emirate is categorised into two major networks: Region and City.

  • Bus numbers with the prefix “A” only move to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
  • Bus numbers with the prefix “X” are Express buses.
  • Minibuses are prefixed with an “M”.

Abu Dhabi bus time table

Visit the official ITC website to get the latest Abu Dhabi public bus routes and timings (Image credit: ITC’s official web portal)

Visit the official ITC website to get updated timings, routes and much more. You can also download the Darbi app on iOS and Play Store to find a bus, taxi, parking or other modes of public transport in Abu Dhabi.

TAXIS

Taxis operate throughout Abu Dhabi. Residents commute using public and private taxis. In addition to regular taxis, the emirate of Abu Dhabi has special taxi services for women, children and people of determination.

  • Silver taxis: They are operated by authorised taxi services with metered fares
  • Pink taxis: These are driven by women and are exclusively for female passengers and children under the age of 10.
  • Local ride-hailing services: These services include Uber and Careem
  • Most taxi drivers speak Arabic as well as international languages like Tagalog, English and Urdu which is ideal for expats living in the city.

For those who rely on the city’s taxi services frequently, we recommend downloading the Abu Dhabi Taxi app, available for iOS and Android platforms. The app will help you easily book a taxi service in Abu Dhabi.

taxi stand in abu dhabi

Taxis are a major part of Abu Dhabi city transport system

TAXI FARE

The starting fare of a taxi in Abu Dhabi is AED 8 during the daytime.

FERRY SERVICE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN ABU DHABI

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport operates two passenger and vehicle ferries from the city to Delma Island and back. Operating daily, both ferries enable passengers to make the trip to and from the island in one day.

Passengers are required to carry the following documents before reaching the port:

  • Vehicle Registration Card: For transporting a vehicle on a ferry
  • Valid ID: Any official ID like a valid Emirates ID, passport, employment card or driving license

FERRY SERVICE FARE

  • Passengers aged 12 and above: AED 20
  • Passengers aged below 12: Free
  • Price of ferrying 1 vehicle: AED 100

Residents can visit the DoT website for additional information regarding safety rules, ferry timetables and port locations. Individuals can also call their toll-free number for further enquiries.

BICYCLES FOR HIRE BY CAREEM

Another mode to get around the capital city is through a rental bicycle. Careem Bike, was launched in 2014 as Abu Dhabi’s first public bike-sharing program.

With hundreds of stations operating 24/7, you can easily find one near you. Renting a bike is easy – simply grab one from a station and drop it off at another.

Choose from daily, weekly, monthly or even annual memberships to suit your needs, and enjoy the convenience of navigating short distances without getting stuck in traffic. Explore Abu Dhabi’s landmarks and attractions with Careem Bike, a sustainable mode of public transportation in Abu Dhabi.

ABU DHABI PUBLIC TRANSPORT APP – DARBI

Darbi is an app introduced by ITC to offer users live data on traffic incidents, conditions, road works and bus and ferry schedules.

Residents can use the app to top up their Hafilat card, book a taxi, SMS parking and reach out to ITC. The “Geofeedback” feature can be used for complaints. The app works on iOS and Android.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ABU DHABI CONTACT INFO

  • Location: Mussafah Industrial (Main Office), Visit ITC’s website to know about other happiness centres
  • Opening hours: 07:30 am to 03:30 pm | Fri: 07:30 am to 12:00 pm
  • Contact: 800-850

FAQS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN ABU DHABI

IS PUBLIC TRANSPORT GOOD IN ABU DHABI?

Yes, it is quite cheap, reliable and easily accessible.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND ABU DHABI?

You can use a taxi, bus or ferry to commute within the city.

WHAT IS ABU DHABI PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRICE?

Abu Dhabi public transport price varies based on the type of vehicle. The bus fare starts at AED 2.

WHAT ARE THE ABU DHABI CITY BUS TIMINGS?

There are no specific Abu Dhabi local bus timings, as the service is available round-the-clock.

DOES ABU DHABI HAVE A METRO?

Not yet, but Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport is working towards this goal. Their initiative, the Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) is carrying out a study about introducing a metro system in the capital.

Zayed International Airport

  1. Departure and Arrival Flights
    1. Departure flight information https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/Flights/Departures
    2. Arriving flights https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/Flights/Arrivals
    3. Airlines and terminals
  2. Transit guide-Connecting flights https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/TravelGuide/TransferGuide
  3. Getting to the Airport [pdf] https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/Transport/Public-Transport https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/Transport/Airport-shuttle
  4. Airport map & apps
  5. Transfer between terminals
  6. Shop, Dine, Relax and do more
    1. Dining https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/ShopandDine/Dine
    2. Shop https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/ShopandDine/Shop
    3. Duty Free/Tax Free https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/AirportInformation/VatRefund
    4. Promotions
  7. Facilities and Services
    1. VIP services
    2. Lounges, hotels and spas https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/AirportInformation/AuHotel
    3. Taxi https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/Transport/Taxi
    4. Rideshare and Rental Car https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/Transport/Rent-a-Car
    5. Parking
    6. Baggage Claim/Damage/Lost
    7. Priority Lane/ Fast Track
    8. Pick up and Drop Off https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/Transport/Pick-Up-And-Drop-Off
    9. Lost and Found https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/Lost-And-Found
    10. Banking, Currency Exchange, ATM
    11. Health Services
    12. Traveling with Kids
    13. Traveling with Pets/Animals
    14. Prayer room
    15. Other Services/Accessibility https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/AirportInformation/Assistance https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/Services
    16. Useful links/contacts

Other Experiences

Foods you must try

Famous foods top 5

  1. Harees
  2. Khuzi | The National Dish of UAE
  3. Al Machboos, Majboos | The Spicy Chicken!
  4. Luqaymat
  5. Madrouba

Famous Sweets

  1. Luqaimat (Lokma (Loukoumades))
  2. Baklava
  3. Kunafa: made with spun pastry called kataifi, soaked in a sweet, sugar-based syrup called attar, and typically layered with cheese, or with other ingredients such as clotted cream, pistachio or nuts, depending on the region.
  4. Umm Ali
  5. Maamoul
  6. Chebab
  7. Rice Pudding

Famous Drinks

  1. Arabic coffee
  2. KARAK CHAI: is a “strong tea”, in both taste and colour compared to a regular English tea. This sweet Indian tea, is made with a blend of fermented black tea leaves, ginger and spices such as black pepper, cardamon, cinnamon, fennel and cloves.
  3. Jellab: a blend of grape molasses and rose water, with optional toppings of pine nuts and raisins.
  4. Laban: is a cooling buttermilk drink, ubiquitous in the region and easy to find in any supermarket. It is a rich and creamy dairy beverage that can be enjoyed by itself, or flavoured with blended dates, rosewater, orange blossom water. Laban is a traditional strained yoghurt, liquid form and it is good for our body temperature to fresh.

Famous Fruits

Food trivia

  • The Arabic word for “delicious” is “لذيذ” (laziz). Or the more commonly used which is a phrase used in the Egyptian dialect:
    • “Ta-‘amaha Gameel” “طعمها جميل” which means ( It tastes good) or…..
    • “Ta-‘amaha Helw” “طعمها حلو” which means (This is sweet—not necessary for sweets but it can be used for all the food)

Other famous foods

  1. Thareed
  2. Meat Biryani
  3. Chicken saloona
  4. Oozie
  5. Jasheed
  6. Tahta malih
  7. OLD SCHOOL SHAWARMA
  8. MIND BLOWING HUMMUS
  9. KNAFEH