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fully cover legs and arms and will be given a shayla (headscarf)
and an abaya (a long black robe) to wear over their clothes. Men
should wear full-length trousers and a long sleeve shirt. Entry will
not be permitted to those wearing unsuitable clothing.
Driving
Abu Dhabi has been described as the ‘United Nations of Driving’
due to the large number of nationalities living here - all of which
have their own style and rules. Use your mirrors, signal early and
pay attention to the speed limit and to those around you. Despite
Abu Dhabi’s close allegiance to Great Britain, it follows the US
practice of driving on the right. The speed limit is usually 60kmh
in the city and towns, 80kmh on the outskirts and either 100kph
or 120kph on the highway. Speed and red-light cameras are
prevalent and fines can be hefty. If you are involved in an accident
– no matter how small – stop and either call the police or wait for
them to arrive; they will help with the necessary paperwork. Always
give your car a full check-up before heading into the desert or off-
road – and remember to take a list of emergency numbers, plenty
of water, some dry food provisions and a basic medical kit.
Duty Free
The UAE allows non-Muslim travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi to buy
up to two liters of spirits and two liters of wine per person. You
can also buy perfume in reasonable quantities and up to 2,000
cigarettes, two kilos of cigars or tobacco.
Emergency numbers
Abu Dhabi is blessed with a very low crime rate and almost
zero violent crime. Abu Dhabi Police has highly efficient law
enforcement and emergency procedures in place, and officers
are courteous and helpful.
For emergencies, call the following toll-free numbers:
998 Ambulance services
999 Police
997 Fire
999 Helicopter Service
Getting around: bus
Abu Dhabi city has a fleet of new air-conditioned buses running
from Marina Mall through the centre of the city to the eastern end
of town (Tourist Club area and Abu Dhabi Mall) and out towards
the airport.
Getting around: car hire
Visitors can rent and drive cars in Abu Dhabi but only with a valid
credit card and international driving license (your national driving
license is not enough). Check before making payment that the
company’s insurance policy covers you as a non-UAE resident. All
major car rental companies are represented as well as a number
of local firms.
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