Abu DhabiTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Tap water is treated, but bottled water is the cleaner choice for short stays.
• Choose busy kitchens in malls, hotels, and established neighbourhood restaurants.
• Seafood is best ordered from high-turnover restaurants, not quiet display counters.
• Summer heat makes takeaway fragile; eat delivered food quickly.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Street crime is rare; the larger risk is overpaying for informal transport or tours.
• Use official taxis or ride apps rather than accepting car offers at hotel entrances.
• Keep payment cards in sight at restaurants and beach clubs.
• Avoid private desert operators without clear insurance, reviews, and pickup details.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Dress neatly in malls, government buildings, hotel lounges, and cultural sites.
• Ask before photographing residents, staff, private homes, or official buildings.
• Public affection should stay discreet.
• Service culture is formal; calm requests work better than visible irritation.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Restaurants often add service charges; add 5 to 10 percent only for strong service.
• Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up is normal.
• Hotel porters and valet staff appreciate small cash notes.
• High-end spas usually expect a discreet 10 percent tip if service charge is absent.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Alcohol is served in licensed venues; public intoxication is taken seriously.
• Narcotics laws are strict, including some controlled medicines.
• Drones require permits and are not casual travel equipment here.
• Do not photograph ports, security sites, government facilities, or accidents.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• In summer, plan outdoor movement before 9 AM or after sunset.
• Carry water even for short walks; distances feel longer in heat.
• Use high SPF sunscreen and sunglasses year-round.
• Bring prescriptions in original packaging with documentation.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.