WHEN BEST TO GO

The cooler winter months of November to April are the most pleasant to visit Abu Dhabi, when temperatures average around 75°F (24°C) during the day and around 56°F (13°C) at night.

The emirate is dry, with just under five inches of rain per year, concentrated in the winter months.

DRESS & CUSTOMS

The dress code for foreigners is liberal, although it is advisable to dress with some modesty in this predominantly Muslim country. Dress may be more traditional outside of the main city area. Female travelers shouldn’t face any difficulties when traveling in the UAE.

LOCAL TIME / BUSINESS HOURS

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT, with no daylight savings hour. The Islamic holy day is Friday, and the weekend is Friday and Saturday. Opening hours of shops and attractions can be more limited on Fridays. They usually open later in the day and stay open into the early evening.

LANGUAGE

Arabic, English widely spoken

CURRENCY / exchange rate

AED, $1 = AED 3.67, £1 = AED 5.85, €1 = AED 5.03

COUNTRY DIALING CODE

+971

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT

Ambulance: 998 or 999 Fire: 997 Police: 999 Coastguard: 996 Helicopter: 999

EMBASSY CONTACTS

US +971 2 414 2200

UK +971 2 610 1100

POPULATION

860,000 (City), 1.6 million (Emirate)