Travel Guide to Abu Dhabi

Escape to Arabian Luxury

Need To Know:

Currency and exchange rate

One U.S. Dollar = 3.67 Dirham 

Use this website to convert

There are plenty of ATMs across the entire city

General Safety and Security

A big concern that many people have when traveling, is safety.  If you are from the United States, you may feel that you are more likely to be a target of terrorism or violence.  However, you are extremely unlikely to experience any problems.  Odds are you are more likely to get bitten by a scorpion while there than a terrorist attack.  It is safe to walk around Abu Dhabi at all times of the day and night and the UAE is a very safe country.  With that being said, there is no guarantee that a anti-American sentiment does not exist there.  But the UAE in general has a good relationship with western governments, and many tourists from the West visit often. But as always, never ever let your guard down regardless of where you travel and always have your wits about you!

Emergencies

Rule # 1: Always have your passport on you.

Write these emergency numbers down and keep them with you at all times also

Police Headquarters: 02 44611461

Ambulance: Dial 998 or 999

Fire: Dial 997

Police: Dial 999

US Embassy: +971-2 414 2200

Health

You can drink the tap water but most people prefer bottled

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Places to Stay: 

There are a TON of hotels to choose from when in Abu Dhabi so I am going to suggest 2 places I would consider staying in....other than that check out Tripadvisor for a comprehensive list and reviews. 

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers 

I would stay here if I had a money tree to shake :)  At $560 a night for a king deluxe room this hotel offers supreme luxury!

Shangri-La Hotel, Quaryat Al Beri

 Here is the epitome of Arabian Luxury!

Attractions:

Ferrari World - The largest indoor theme park

Located on Yas Island, Ferrari World offers a unique experience to racing fans of all age groups.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Simply put: breathtaking.

Explore each room taking in the marble and precious stones at each turn white walking on the largest carpet and under the largest chandelier in the world.  It can hold 40,000 worshipers and is a prime destinations for tourists.

Abu Dhabi Corniche

This is a 8km long promenade located right along their coast that boast a bike trail, restaurants, shopping, beach cabanas and hotels.

Yas Water World - world's largest water park

This needs no description....just go.

Masdar City 

This is the one of the most sustainable communities on the planet that is fueled completely by solar and wind energy.

Emirates Palace

This is a highlight of Abu Dhabi for me.  The Arabian Luxury has such a draw on me that I probably would never want to leave this 7 Star hotel and its Swarovski Crystal chandeliers, gold plated foyer, and mosaic-tiled domes.  

Rent a Dhow - an arabic sailing vessel

Cruise around the Corniche aboard a traditional dhow for dinner and sunset.  Check out this website for more information. 

Go on a desert safari

You can either take a leisurely stroll atop a camel, go dune bashing in a 4x4 or check out the Arabian Wildlife Park!

Shop till you drop at Madinat Zayed Gold Souk

If you love the glitter and glam of Abu Dhabi visit here to find affordable items that are custom to there and also imported from Iran and Afghanistan.