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in the evening until 9.00 or 10.00pm. Shopping rush hour can often
be at midnight, especially in the heat of summer
Currency
The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the dirham
(abbreviated to Dhs or AED), with each dirham divided into 100 fils.
USD $1 equals 3.673 AED. Banks and money exchange bureaus
can be found throughout Abu Dhabi, the latter located in most
shopping malls and key locations. All major hotels will also readily
exchange currency for guests. If you are carrying cash of more
than Dhs 40,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency, you must
declare it to airport customs control on entry.
MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are all widely
accepted in the United Arab Emirates, as are traveller’s cheques.
Visitors are advised to carry travellers’ cheques in US dollar, UK
pounds sterling, or Euros.
Dress code
Abu Dhabi is a traditional place in many ways – that’s part of its
charm – so dress is important. Visitors should dress modestly,
even when it’s hot. All beachwear should be restricted to within
hotel grounds or the Municipality-run Corniche public beach.
Women should cover their shoulders and knees. By all means
wear a light sleeveless top, but take a wrap to cover up.
When visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, please take careful
note of the dress code. Women are expected to wear clothes that
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