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ABU DHABI , UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. ABU DHABI HOTELS | IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Important information about Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi’s land surface measures 67, 340 square kilometres, which is equivalent to about 80% of the UAE’s total land area. Only 30 percent of the emirate is inhabited, with the remaining vast expanses covered mainly by desert and arid land – constituting about 93% of the total land area. Land cultivation and irrigation for agriculture and forestation over the past decade has increased the size of “green” areas in the emirate to about five percent of the total land area, including parks and roadside plantations. About 1.2 percent of total land area is now used for agriculture. A small part of the land area is covered by mountains, containing several caves. The coastal area contains pockets of wetland and mangrove colonies. Abu Dhabi also has dozens of islands, mostly small and uninhabited, some of which have been designated as sanctuaries for wildlife.
Climate Sunny/blue skies can be expected throughout the year. The months June through September are generally hot and humid with temperatures averaging above 40 degree C (110 degree F). During this time, sandstorms also occur intermittently, in some cases reducing visibility down to a few meters. The weather is usually pleasant from October to May. January to February is cooler and may require the use of a light jacket. This period also sees dense fog on some days. The oasis city of Al Ain, about 150 km away, bordering Oman, regularly records the highest summer temperatures in the country, however the dry desert air and cooler evenings make it a traditional retreat from the intense summer heat and year round humidity of the capital city.
Topography and Major Geographical Landmarks Mountains: The isolated mountain of Jabal Hafeet lies to the south of the city of Al-Ain, and is shared with Oman. The mountain, which is an extension to the Hajjar mountain range, has the highest peak in the emirate, which measures 1,300 metres Oases: The natural oases at Al-Ain and Liwa, which were the habitat for the earliest agricultural settlements in Abu Dhabi, are the largest in the emirate, and they continue to expand with irrigation. Lakes (Natural): Al-Wathba Wetland Reserve. The five-square-kilometre reserve is a splendid combination of natural and manmade surface water bodiesLakes (Artificial Reservoirs): Artificial lake at Al Mabrazah (which is part of eco-tourism projects in the emirate’s Eastern Region) Rivers: Abu Dhabi has no permanent river, though it has one permanent spring, at Ain bu Sukhanah (at Ayn Al Fayda), in Al-Ain. Short-lived seasonal flow of rain water feeds the many wadis surrounding the mountain area. Waterfalls: Occasional waterfalls occur at Jabal Hafeet during winter and immediately after rainfall. Caves: There are several caves in Jabal Hafeet which are of archaeological importance. There are also a cave network in the Hajar Mountains, beyond Buraimi, near Al Ain. The largest and most impressive of these cave systems is the Magharet Qasir Hafee, which has 450 metres of shafts, passages and chambers reaching to a depth of 96 metres. Islands: There are about 200 islands of which the largest one is the island of Abu al-Abyadh, some are natural wildlife reserves Forest: Saxaul 'dew forest'. A small belt of two to three metre high saxaul trees (Haloxylon persicum) found inland to the south of Abu Dhabi has been dubbed the 'dew forest' on account of its foliage dripping condensation. Lagoons: The lagoon complex made of mangrove to the north-east of Abu Dhabi city is much-prized. Several low-lying islands exist and the area has considerable natural beauty. Geographic Info Lying at the north-eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the South and west, the Sultanate of Oman to the east and north. It has a coastline on both the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf and is south of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Restrictions Alcohol is served to non-Muslims in all major
hotels and licensed restaurants, but public drunkenness and
drinking and driving are not tolerated. The latter is a serious
offence, with zero tolerance for driving while under the influence
of alcohol. Serving, selling or giving alcohol to non-Muslims
is also against the law. There is also no tolerance for drug
use, and visitors may face long prison sentences if apprehended
with any drugs, however small the quantity. The Ministry
of Health’s Drug
Control Department publishes lists of restricted drugs
and medications that may otherwise be prescribed in travelers’ home
countries, so travelers must take special care to ensure that
their medications or other substances are not restricted before
traveling. Visa Visas are required by all visitors except nationals of the GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) and citizens of the following countries: Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Other countries: Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and Canada. Currency The unit of currency in U.A.E. is called Dirham/AED, which is divided into 100 fils. The Dirham has been tied to the US Dollar since 1980. Credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants as well as shops. Cash and travellers cheques can be exchanged in licensed exchange offices and international hotels. Shopping Traditional and cosmopolitan, Abu Dhabi’s many shopping venues and locales reflect the emirate’s nature. Shopping is an expedition, where visitors may find a gem of an antique carpet at one of the emirate’s traditional markets or pick up the latest season’s designer fashions in one of many ultra-modern shopping malls and boutiques. Abu Dhabi is home to many of the world’s top prestigious brand names, as well as a central market place for local and regional artisans producing high quality arts and craft.
Shopping Malls There are over 18 shopping malls and centres in the capital and three in Al Ain. Two of Abu Dhabi’s biggest shopping malls are Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall. The former, located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater near Emirates Palace, is home to over 160 stores, including IKEA, Woolworths, Zara, Versace, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Channel, Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as the major hypermarket, Carrefour and a nine screen cinema. A wide variety of restaurants and fast food outlets cater to every taste, and visitors can enjoy a coffee break at any one of the mall’s numerous coffee shops. Shopping Hours Most shopping malls in Abu Dhabi open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday through Wednesday, and from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm on Thursdays. On Fridays, shopping venues open later in the day, usually from 2:00 pm until 10:00 or 11:00 pm. Food outlets usually stay open until 1:00 am. Standalone shops usually close two hours for lunch, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and stay open in the evening until 9:00 or 10:00 pm. Traditional Souks Souk is the Arabic word for market and Abu Dhabi has several. Traditionally, souks in Abu Dhabi were a maze of shaded alleyways. Today they are more a collection of small shops, but they still have the same relaxed feel as their predecessors. It is here that you will find arts and handicrafts, spices, antiques, oriental carpets and so much more. The Iranian Souk is one of the most authentic souks in Abu Dhabi and well worth a visit, as is the Al Ain Souk, which has retained a charming if somewhat ramshackle appeal. Al Meena Souk is a must for visitors looking for carpets. Bargaining Bargaining is a time-honoured tradition throughout the souks of the Arab world and particularly Abu Dhabi. Visitors can get quoted prices almost halved with some serious negotiation. The experience should be treated as fun but once a price has been verbally agreed upon, the customer is expected to buy. However, while bargaining is expected in traditional markets, it is not the custom in shopping malls and centres. Nonetheless, it may still be worth it to ask for a discount, as some shops have some leeway when it comes to prices.
Taxes 10% Service Charge and 10% Municipality Tax Tipping Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Service may be included in the bill; otherwise ten per cent is usual. Business Hours
Ramadan Month (The Holy Month) Ramadan lasts a full lunar month. All adult Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and tobacco and certain other pleasurable pursuits between sunrise and sunset. The start of the Ramadan month is not on fixed dates thus may be confusing as the Muslim year is lunar based, a new moon marks the start of each month. There may be some variance in the official announcement of the start of Ramadan by each Gulf state. This can be a great burden, especially in the summer, and working hours are shortened accordingly. The sighting of the new moon marks the end of Ramadan, which is the start of the two or three days Eid al-Ftr holidays and the beginning of the following month Shawwal. Some Muslims will say that Eid al-Fitr corresponds in importance for Muslims to the importance of Christmas for Christians. Even though most Arabs are happy to deal with matters of business at any time, it would be somewhat clumsy (but by no means impossible) to guide conversation to business during a Ramadan call. The extent of abstinence depends on how strict the individual Muslim considers himself to be. In addition to fasting, the good Muslim will also try to avoid all evil thoughts, actions, demands and wrong-doing, some of which can annul the fast. Non-Muslim women should dress modestly and should not wear short skirt or have bare arms as it is insensitive to wear such clothing during Ramadan. Naturally one should show consideration and not eat, drink or smoke in public or in the presence of a Muslim during daylight hours. It is a punishable offence to do so in public in some Arabic countries. Therefore most restaurants are closed during daylight hours during Ramadan. The fast serves to inculcate the virtues of endurance, tolerance and respect for fellow human being. Dress Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. Care should be taken not to offend by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Health No health certificates are required for entry to the Emirates, except for visitors who have been in a cholera or yellow fever infected area in the previous 14 days. However, it's always wise to check health recommendations before departure. International medical services are of a high standard and are readily available. Weather
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