Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the federal capital and the seat of the three branches of government of the United Arab Emirates. It is the largest city of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The city is essentially a collection of islands connected together and features colossal monuments, elegant museums, green boulevards, high-rise buildings, international luxury hotel chains and opulent shopping malls.

Abu Dhabi is the capital and seat of the government of the United Arab Emirates, hence it is the go-to destination for any major political event or ministerial headquarters. The city was not intended to be the capital of the UAE. The capital of the UAE was supposed to be a planned city between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and was to be called 'Al Karama' (which means dignity in Arabic) as stated in the first version of the constitution. However, considering the earlier stage of the union was a volatile time, with multiple issues and various ordeals occurring, Abu Dhabi was made the temporary capital as it was the home of the UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed. Later stage, Abu Dhabi was declared to be the permanent capital of the UAE by the agreement of the rest of the seven UAE founding fathers. The capital and the seat of the three branches of the government was set to be in the Abu Dhabi Capital District, while the rest of the city would continue to be a city catered to the native population and residents. Abu Dhabi is also the headquarters of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, with an enormous walled city outside of Abu Dhabi called Sheikh Zayed Military City hosting the defensive headquarters of the military. As a result, it is a common sight to see Emiratis in military fatigue around the city. Non-Emiratis are strictly forbidden from entering any military building except with prior authorization.

Many international companies, diplomatic outposts, and embassies are based in Abu Dhabi. The city has a population of approximately 1.5 million residents, while the native population forms the minority with approximately only 420,000 UAE nationals in the entire emirate. In a bid to attract foreign investors and urban planners, the city followed in Dubai's footsteps by forming tax-free zones, loosened Islamic laws, and increased real estate sales to expatriates. As a diplomatic center of the government, various monuments and museums were built. The most recognizable icon is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which is a common visiting site for tourists and diplomats. The mosque allows non-Muslims to enter and explore the Islamic architecture of the mosque. Various monuments honoring Emirati achievements also exist, with the most commonly recognized the Oasis of Dignity (called Wahat Al Karama locally). The large monument faces the mosque and has the names of fallen Emirati soldiers inscribed in the memorial.

In order to build the international status of the city as a diplomacy center, the UAE government formed very close relationship with other governments; most recognizably France and the United States. As a result, a lot of American-based companies and personnel are based in the city. The American embassy is the largest embassy in Abu Dhabi and almost recognizable as a landmark with its triangular design, as well as Abu Dhabi airport is one of the few airports which allows pre-clearance immigration to the United States; allowing travelers to enter the US as domestic US travelers.

The official language of Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE is Arabic, however English is the de facto lingua franca, and almost everyone speaks it. All signs are bilingual in Arabic and English and the city's atmosphere is very friendly to visitors. Occasionally, foreign head of states visit Abu Dhabi, so seeing roads lined with flags of various countries is a common sight. Seeing F-16 fighter jets flying over the skies of Abu Dhabi is also a common sight, as a major UAE-US airbase (Al Dhafrah airbase) is near the city and sometimes jets escort foreign dignitaries traveling to the UAE. The city's vibe changes depending on which foreign head of state visits it. The city was decorated with Chinese flags and the red color when the Chinese president visited, while the city was garnished with yellow and white when Pope Francis visited. The UAE flag is almost always everywhere, decorated with the red-white-black-green colors decorating the streets, buildings, tunnels, and skyscrapers.

The city has also been expanding its entertainment industry vastly, creating massive projects such as Formula 1 track, the Ferrari World theme park, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. There are several museums, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim museum (under construction), and the UAE's national museum - Zayed Museum (under construction).

The city is also a frequent host of Judo competitions by the International Judo Federation, Formula One races, and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) championships. The city also hosts the finals of the UAE football Pro-League as well as Asian Federation Cup games in Sheikh Zayed Sports Stadium.

The city has an arid climate, with very hot temperatures in the summer. Annual precipitation totals 57mm.

Most of Abu Dhabi is on a wedged-shaped island connect by two bridges to the mainland, and two other bridges to other islands which also eventually connect to the mainland.

Street addresses in Abu Dhabi are simultaneously very logical and hopelessly confusing. Many roads have traditional names, like "Airport Rd", which may not correspond to the official names, like "Maktoum St", and the city is divided into traditional districts like "Khalidiyya". However, the city has been split up into numbered "zones" and "sectors", with all roads in each sector numbered, First St, Second St, etc., and the vast majority of street signs only refer to these. The system of main streets is straight forward enough once you realize that the odd numbered streets run across the island and the even numbers run along it. So First St is in fact the Corniche, and the odd numbers continue out of town to 31st St which is near the new Khalifa Park. Airport Rd is Second St and the even numbers continue to the east through to 10th St by Abu Dhabi Mall. On the west side of Airport Rd, the numbers go from 22nd Street to 32nd St by the new Bateem Marina. Alas, confusion is caused by the local streets, which are on green signs (main streets are on blue signs) and are also called First, Second, etc. Most locals opt to ignore the system entirely, and the best way to give instructions is thus navigating by landmarks, if taking a taxi, odds are you will get to "behind the Hilton Baynunah" much faster than "Fifth Street, Sector 2". Thankfully, GPS and Google Maps have made life much easier. Using ride-share apps or even telling the name where you want to go to a taxi driver will let them immediately know where exactly you want to be dropped.

Abu Dhabi offers a lot of historical and cultural sights but it certainly isn’t lacking in modern attractions.

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Second Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed, +971 2 441 6444. Sa–Th 09:00–22:00. The 8th largest mosque in the world, boasts a total of 82 domes. On Fridays, it is closed to the public and open only for worshippers. You can get there by public bus #54. Make sure to ask the bus driver to tell you when you get there. The public bus stop is 100 m before the mosque and after that is no stop for the next 5 km. The Mosque Centre offers several free tours of the mosque every day. Times vary on a daily basis, so check their website. As it is a place for worshippers, dress conservatively. In particular, women must cover their head and ankles (if they're wearing sandals). Appropriate black dress is available at the mosque. You will avoid the queue for the clothing if you wear shoes, a long dress or trousers, and take a scarf to cover your head/hair. Clothing is also available for men, but will likely be unnecessary. Even when taking photos outside the mosque, women who are inappropriately dressed will be challenged by security. free.
• Qasr al-Hosn. The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, this small fort was first constructed in 1761 and served as the royal palace from the late 18th century until 1966. The site is surrounded by boards, and the building itself is not open to the public.
• Corniche Road. The city's main avenue, it curves around the coastline along Abu Dhabi's spectacular waterfront that stretches for miles from the breakwater near Marina Shopping Mall almost up to the Mina Zayed port. The shoreline is lined with a walkway for the entire length, skyscrapers, lovely beaches, parks, and other landscaped areas. There are many activities like go-kart riding, playgrounds and even stages for shows. Come in the evening and you'll feel as if all of Abu Dhabi has come here for their evening walk.
• Yas Island. Has a Formula 1 race track, Ferrari World (a Ferrari-themed park home to the fastest roller coaster in the world), Yas Waterworld, a shopping mall and a hotel.
• Flagpole. At 123 m, this is among the world's tallest flagpoles, and you won't miss the massive UAE flag flying from it. It is on Marina Island across from Marina Mall.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, +971 600 56 55 66. Sa Su Tu W 10:00–20:00, Th F 10:00–22:00, closed on Monday. Art and civilization museum exhibits artworks from Musée du Louvre and other French collections. Opened in November 2017, the largest art museum in Arabian peninsula with 24000m2, including 8000m2 of galleries. 60 dirham/person.

Abu Dhabi has several large green spaces, many of which include play areas and equipment for children, and the city is studded with lovely fountains, swathes of neon light, and the occasional sculpture.

• Khalifa Park. The best park by far, built at a cost of US$50 million. It has an aquarium, museum, train, play parks and formal gardens.

Khalifa Park. The best park by far, built at a cost of US$50 million. It has an aquarium, museum, train, play parks and formal gardens.

• Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre. A landmark in the Emirates, it holds cultural events and workshops throughout the year. It has a well-stocked library, children's programs, art exhibitions, benefits, and other culture-related activities that are the hallmark of any city. It's well worth a look.
• Manarat al Saadiyat. An exhibition space and cultural centre with galleries, a theatre and a restaurant, opened in 2009 and with works by contemporary artists from around the world.
• UAE Pavilion. Sand dune-inspired exhibition centre designed by Norman Foster.

Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre. A landmark in the Emirates, it holds cultural events and workshops throughout the year. It has a well-stocked library, children's programs, art exhibitions, benefits, and other culture-related activities that are the hallmark of any city. It's well worth a look.

Manarat al Saadiyat. An exhibition space and cultural centre with galleries, a theatre and a restaurant, opened in 2009 and with works by contemporary artists from around the world.

UAE Pavilion. Sand dune-inspired exhibition centre designed by Norman Foster.

There are a vast number of projects coming up in Abu Dhabi.

• Lulu Islands. A group of artificial islands, already built just offshore at great expense, but sitting there doing nothing after a tourism venture failed to even start construction.
• Reem Island. By the time it is completed, it will be a residential, commercial and educational haven. Reem Island is progressing well, with many skyscrapers being built on the island to facilitate its growing population. The Reem Island skyline has impressive number of tall buildings. However, the north side of the island is still quite sparse. Despite this, there are many facilities available and Reem Island is a good place to live.

Lulu Islands. A group of artificial islands, already built just offshore at great expense, but sitting there doing nothing after a tourism venture failed to even start construction.

Reem Island. By the time it is completed, it will be a residential, commercial and educational haven. Reem Island is progressing well, with many skyscrapers being built on the island to facilitate its growing population. The Reem Island skyline has impressive number of tall buildings. However, the north side of the island is still quite sparse. Despite this, there are many facilities available and Reem Island is a good place to live.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Second Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed, +971 2 441 6444. Sa–Th 09:00–22:00. The 8th largest mosque in the world, boasts a total of 82 domes. On Fridays, it is closed to the public and open only for worshippers. You can get there by public bus #54. Make sure to ask the bus driver to tell you when you get there. The public bus stop is 100 m before the mosque and after that is no stop for the next 5 km. The Mosque Centre offers several free tours of the mosque every day. Times vary on a daily basis, so check their website. As it is a place for worshippers, dress conservatively. In particular, women must cover their head and ankles (if they're wearing sandals). Appropriate black dress is available at the mosque. You will avoid the queue for the clothing if you wear shoes, a long dress or trousers, and take a scarf to cover your head/hair. Clothing is also available for men, but will likely be unnecessary. Even when taking photos outside the mosque, women who are inappropriately dressed will be challenged by security. free.

Qasr al-Hosn. The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, this small fort was first constructed in 1761 and served as the royal palace from the late 18th century until 1966. The site is surrounded by boards, and the building itself is not open to the public.

Corniche Road. The city's main avenue, it curves around the coastline along Abu Dhabi's spectacular waterfront that stretches for miles from the breakwater near Marina Shopping Mall almost up to the Mina Zayed port. The shoreline is lined with a walkway for the entire length, skyscrapers, lovely beaches, parks, and other landscaped areas. There are many activities like go-kart riding, playgrounds and even stages for shows. Come in the evening and you'll feel as if all of Abu Dhabi has come here for their evening walk.

Yas Island. Has a Formula 1 race track, Ferrari World (a Ferrari-themed park home to the fastest roller coaster in the world), Yas Waterworld, a shopping mall and a hotel.

Flagpole. At 123 m, this is among the world's tallest flagpoles, and you won't miss the massive UAE flag flying from it. It is on Marina Island across from Marina Mall.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, +971 600 56 55 66. Sa Su Tu W 10:00–20:00, Th F 10:00–22:00, closed on Monday. Art and civilization museum exhibits artworks from Musée du Louvre and other French collections. Opened in November 2017, the largest art museum in Arabian peninsula with 24000m2, including 8000m2 of galleries. 60 dirham/person.

• Swimming Nearly all hotels and private clubs in Abu Dhabi offer swimming facilities, usually in the form of private beaches. You can pay for a day's use, or for a year's. Another, notably cheaper, option is The Club, an organization geared towards expatriates.
• Lessons Some hotels also offer dance lessons, aerobics classes, and other physical entertainment.
• Desert safari trips are a tourist but fun experience. They must be booked ahead, but can often be booked as late as the day before, most hotel receptionists can arrange this for you. Trips start late afternoon and end at night. You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the desert in a 4x4 vehicle. Most packages include a bone-rattling drive over the dunes, a short camel ride, a mediocre Arabic buffet and a belly dancer. The belly dancer is normally only included if there are enough of you in your party so enquire at the time of booking. Another option would be renting/buying a 4x4 and joining the many growing 4x4 clubs in the UAE. Most popular off them is the Abu Dhabi 4x4 offroad club AKA AD4x4 that offers a free learning experience for all newcomers. The club consists of all nationalities and is active with over 2,000 members and schedule trips weekly to suit all levels of driving skills.
• The official sport of the Emirates is shopping, and Abu Dhabi offers plenty of opportunity in this area.
• Helicopter Tour Board a l6-seater Eurocopter EC130 B4 and Discover Abu Dhabi from a birds' eye view with Falcon Aviation Services. Tours operate daily from 09:00 to 17:00 from the Marina Mall Terminal. Reservations recommended (tours can be booked on an individual or private basis)
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Watch a Formula One race. It is the second Grand Prix arena after Bahrain.
• Warner Bros World. - one of the worlds biggest indoor amusement parks, featuring six themed areas; Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros Plaza.

Swimming Nearly all hotels and private clubs in Abu Dhabi offer swimming facilities, usually in the form of private beaches. You can pay for a day's use, or for a year's. Another, notably cheaper, option is The Club, an organization geared towards expatriates.

Lessons Some hotels also offer dance lessons, aerobics classes, and other physical entertainment.

Desert safari trips are a tourist but fun experience. They must be booked ahead, but can often be booked as late as the day before, most hotel receptionists can arrange this for you. Trips start late afternoon and end at night. You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the desert in a 4x4 vehicle. Most packages include a bone-rattling drive over the dunes, a short camel ride, a mediocre Arabic buffet and a belly dancer. The belly dancer is normally only included if there are enough of you in your party so enquire at the time of booking. Another option would be renting/buying a 4x4 and joining the many growing 4x4 clubs in the UAE. Most popular off them is the Abu Dhabi 4x4 offroad club AKA AD4x4 that offers a free learning experience for all newcomers. The club consists of all nationalities and is active with over 2,000 members and schedule trips weekly to suit all levels of driving skills.

Helicopter Tour Board a l6-seater Eurocopter EC130 B4 and Discover Abu Dhabi from a birds' eye view with Falcon Aviation Services. Tours operate daily from 09:00 to 17:00 from the Marina Mall Terminal. Reservations recommended (tours can be booked on an individual or private basis)

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Watch a Formula One race. It is the second Grand Prix arena after Bahrain.

Warner Bros World. - one of the worlds biggest indoor amusement parks, featuring six themed areas; Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros Plaza.

Abu Dhabi is a compulsive shopper's dream. There are several malls, most of which have the same stores as other malls. Besides establishments aimed at locals, malls also include popular foreign chain stores, as well as designer places. Many visitors will be surprised at the female fashion dichotomy - while local custom calls for women to be covered in public, most stores sell short skirts and halter tops alongside the more sedate floor-length skirts and high-necked shirts.

• Abu Dhabi Mall. A three-story shopping mall.
• Marina Mall. Has a musical fountain and ceilings that thunder and rain.
• Yas Mall. Opened in 2014 next to Ferrari World on Yas Island. This is the biggest mall in Abu Dhabi and the 16th biggest mall in the world. It has the first Lego store in the UAE. It is connected to Ferrari World.
• Al Wahda Mall. A large, modern mall. Shops are high-end, the food court is extensive, and a large LuLu Hypermart in the basement.
• Khalidiyah Mall, Mubarak bin Mohammed St, Al Khalidiyah W9 area, POBox 4048, +971 2 635 4000. Su–W 10:00–22:00, Th-Sa 10:00–23:00. Khalidiya Mall is small but a nice place to visit. The droll fashion stores may grip you for maybe several seconds, but then the obvious lack of things to do kicks in. However, the food court is popular, alongside New York Fries, Chili's, a Dunkin' Donuts, and Baskin Robbins. Downstairs there is an extortionate Krispy Kreme and Starbucks, and a what looks to be an Indian/Arabian cuisine restaurant, which seems good but looks to be unpopular.
• Shams Boutik. Su-Th 10:00–22:00, F Sa 10:00–24:00. A growing mall built around the community of Reem Island. It contains a growing number of good shops, including a supermarket, three restaurant, serveral fast food restaurants on the first floor, a café, a kids play area, a nail salon, a bookstore and more. Despite, this, it is placed in a area that isn't usually busy, and is not very popular.
• The Mall - World Trade Center Abu Dhabi & WTC Souk, Khalifa bin Zayed the First St crossing Sheik Rachid bin Saeed St, Al Danah (at foots of Burj Mohammed bin Rahid tower, +971 2 508 2400. Sa–W 10:00–22:00, Th F 10:00–23:00. Nice architecture in the Mall and Souk.

There are also many small, independent stores around the city. On the bottom floor of one building, a person can purchase fancy chocolates, computer parts, antiques and clothing. It is better to purchase things such as carpets, art, native jewellery and antiques at the independent or souk-like places than at the malls, as the price will be lower and the shopkeepers more willing to haggle.

Bargaining is a big part of shopping in the Emirates, but be prudent. Don't bargain at Marks and Spencer or Hang Ten. Save your discounting skills for independent shops dealing in antiques and the like.

Shopping in most places can be frustrating, as the assistants will follow you around the store. This is partly due to their concept of what constitutes good service, and partly because there is a shoplifting problem. Most will not be intrusive, but some employees can be very pushy and overly obsequious. Smile and thank them often, and you're more likely to be left alone after a bit.

In carpet stores - or anywhere that sells tapestries, Indian antiques, and the like don't feel too pressured to buy, and don't be shocked if they start unrolling beautiful rug after beautiful rug at your feet. You are under no obligation to buy, no matter how much time they spend with you. However, the pressure will be very steady, and shyer shoppers may want to travel in packs for comfort's sake.

Grocery stores such as Spinney's, Carrefour and the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society are inexpensive and usually stocked with Western goods. Examine all products before purchasing. Visitors wishing to purchase pork products will likely have to enter a separate room to do so, as no nationals are permitted in these sections of the grocery stores.

Prices in Abu Dhabi tend to be very competitive. In January 2018, the UAE introduced a Value Added Tax of 5% on most products aside from basic food items.

General discount season - end of the year and midyear. These are the time where you can get some branded items with a very low price, maybe last season's stock.

Abu Dhabi Mall. A three-story shopping mall.

Marina Mall. Has a musical fountain and ceilings that thunder and rain.

Yas Mall. Opened in 2014 next to Ferrari World on Yas Island. This is the biggest mall in Abu Dhabi and the 16th biggest mall in the world. It has the first Lego store in the UAE. It is connected to Ferrari World.

Al Wahda Mall. A large, modern mall. Shops are high-end, the food court is extensive, and a large LuLu Hypermart in the basement.

Khalidiyah Mall, Mubarak bin Mohammed St, Al Khalidiyah W9 area, POBox 4048, +971 2 635 4000. Su–W 10:00–22:00, Th-Sa 10:00–23:00. Khalidiya Mall is small but a nice place to visit. The droll fashion stores may grip you for maybe several seconds, but then the obvious lack of things to do kicks in. However, the food court is popular, alongside New York Fries, Chili's, a Dunkin' Donuts, and Baskin Robbins. Downstairs there is an extortionate Krispy Kreme and Starbucks, and a what looks to be an Indian/Arabian cuisine restaurant, which seems good but looks to be unpopular.

Shams Boutik. Su-Th 10:00–22:00, F Sa 10:00–24:00. A growing mall built around the community of Reem Island. It contains a growing number of good shops, including a supermarket, three restaurant, serveral fast food restaurants on the first floor, a café, a kids play area, a nail salon, a bookstore and more. Despite, this, it is placed in a area that isn't usually busy, and is not very popular.

The Mall - World Trade Center Abu Dhabi & WTC Souk, Khalifa bin Zayed the First St crossing Sheik Rachid bin Saeed St, Al Danah (at foots of Burj Mohammed bin Rahid tower, +971 2 508 2400. Sa–W 10:00–22:00, Th F 10:00–23:00. Nice architecture in the Mall and Souk.

Although Abu Dhabi hosts a wide range of palates and ethnicities, there is not much variety when it comes to cuisine. Indian food is relatively cheap, and there are a few Chinese chain restaurants with reasonable prices. Hotel restaurants are usually the most expensive. The city is home to all manner of fast food like McDonald's and Hardees, but there is little call for most people to eat at those places.

The fun thing about Abu Dhabi is that most places, from tiny falafel kiosks to grand hotel restaurants to Burger King, deliver anywhere in the city. Delivery is quick and reliable, and usually doesn't cost extra. All food is certified halal.

Vegetarians will find the city's selection of meals very satisfying. Vegetable and bean-heavy native dishes, the array of splendid pure vegetarian Indian cuisine, and the ready availability of fresh salads make eating in Abu Dhabi a stress-free experience. Strict vegans may have a little difficulty communicating their precise demands, but most places offer vegan dishes and are always willing to accommodate a paying customer. The best choice for pure vegans is one of many Indian vegetarian restaurants like Evergreen, Sangeetha in the Tourist Club area.

Check the Islamic calendar to determine whether you will be visiting during the month of Ramadan. Since Muslims fast during daylight hours, restaurants are, by law, closed during the day. It is also against the law to eat or drink anything, even water, in public. Tourists (and non-Muslim residents) have been arrested and given fines for violating this law. Large hotels generally have one restaurant open during the day to serve meals to non-Muslims. During the evening, however, it's quite a different story, as the festive atmosphere of iftar (breaking the fast) begins and residents gather for lavish, Thanksgiving-like meals. As long as you don't mind tiding yourself over in private, the evening meals are magnificent.

• The Olive Branch, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi, +971 2 659666. Open 24 hours daily serving buffet and an à la carte menu buffet serving times: breakfast 06:00-10:30, lunch 12:30-15:30, dinner 19:00-23:00. Mafraq’s all day restaurant serves up fresh Mediterranean cuisine borrowing influence from various regions, including France, Spain and Turkey. The buffet is prepared with the freshest of ingredients and the interior décor is equally breezy and funky.
• Hunter’s B&R, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi, +971 2 659666. Open daily from 12:00 to 02:30 with food served throughout. A modern bar with green brick walls, solid wood tables and numerous flat screen TVs showing sports. God for after work drinks, or an evening with friends, Hunter’s B&R offers a casual environment with a social buzz.
• Rimal, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi, +971 2 659666. 14:00-01:00. Rimal Asian fusion bar serves up oriental dishes in an authentic atmosphere with a modern edge. Taste the delicious flavours from Korea, China and Japan in this Asian inspired outlet, complete with Sake and signature cocktails.
• Oasis Courtyard, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi (in Mafraq Hotel. Daily from 12:00 to 21:00 with food served throughout.. This poolside bar and restaurant serves drinks under the sun and a wide selection of snacks. The swim-up bar in the pool offers refreshment. Shisha is also available.
• The Burlington Grill, Mafraq Abu Dhabi, +971 2 659666. Lunch 12:00-15:00 and dinner 19:00-24:00. The hotel’s grill restaurant serves grilled meat and seafood steaks. Choose from an array of starters and salads including crab cakes, goats cheese tartlets and American-style Louisiana fish gumbo. Has al fresco dining on the terrace and an aperitif bar.
• Old fish market. One of the city's few remaining authentic spots, where you can have fresh fish cooked with your choice of sauce and accompaniments.

Some of the cheapest, but not necessarily best, food in the city can be found in many Indian restaurants. Portions are almost always generous, prices low, and quality excellent. Set meals of rice, fish curry, lentil curry (dhal), peppery soup (rasam), a vegetable side dish and perhaps a small fried fish, served on a large steel tray (thali) with little steel bowls for the accompaniments, can go for as low as 5 dirham.

• Arabian Palace, +971 2 6343396. The decor is basic and the food, while cheap and filling, is forgettable, but the shisha here is excellent. Puff up a pipe, order their excellent "lemon with mint" drink and gaze at the skyscrapers. 50 dirham.
• Anand Vegetarian Restaurant, Hamdan Street (behind Dunia Finance Building and Al Mansouri Plaza, +971 2 6775599. This is a pure veg Gujarati (North Indian) style restaurant. The demand for Puri Bhaji, a deep fried bread and potato and check pea dish, is so great that you will have to wait your turn but it's worth it. There is a special part for ladies and families. Friday lunch with sweets and as much Puri as you want for only at 12 dirham. Sometimes you will have to wait for 10 min to get a roti. 10 dirham per person, eat all you can.
• Nalas Aappakadai Restaurant. Speciality for Aappam & excellent South Indian food from the Chettinad cuisine, Chinese & Tandoor
• Cettinad Restaurant, +971 2 6777699, +971 2 6780002. Authentic Chettinad food available at reasonable price. Also serving North Indian, Chinese, Tandoor and Mughalai food. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods are available. Cettinad Restaurant branch is next to the taxi station flyover traffic light, on the back isde of Brightway advertisement building, +971 24454331, +971 2 4454332
• Al Safadi. In an older building in one of the older and more walkable parts of Abu Dhabi. Shawarma sandwiches for 5 dirham each. Each main dish comes with a huge plate of greens, pickles, peppers and Lebanese bread. 50 dirham.

Arabian Palace, +971 2 6343396. The decor is basic and the food, while cheap and filling, is forgettable, but the shisha here is excellent. Puff up a pipe, order their excellent "lemon with mint" drink and gaze at the skyscrapers. 50 dirham.

Anand Vegetarian Restaurant, Hamdan Street (behind Dunia Finance Building and Al Mansouri Plaza, +971 2 6775599. This is a pure veg Gujarati (North Indian) style restaurant. The demand for Puri Bhaji, a deep fried bread and potato and check pea dish, is so great that you will have to wait your turn but it's worth it. There is a special part for ladies and families. Friday lunch with sweets and as much Puri as you want for only at 12 dirham. Sometimes you will have to wait for 10 min to get a roti. 10 dirham per person, eat all you can.

Nalas Aappakadai Restaurant. Speciality for Aappam & excellent South Indian food from the Chettinad cuisine, Chinese & Tandoor

Cettinad Restaurant, +971 2 6777699, +971 2 6780002. Authentic Chettinad food available at reasonable price. Also serving North Indian, Chinese, Tandoor and Mughalai food. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods are available. Cettinad Restaurant branch is next to the taxi station flyover traffic light, on the back isde of Brightway advertisement building, +971 24454331, +971 2 4454332

Al Safadi. In an older building in one of the older and more walkable parts of Abu Dhabi. Shawarma sandwiches for 5 dirham each. Each main dish comes with a huge plate of greens, pickles, peppers and Lebanese bread. 50 dirham.

The Olive Branch, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi, +971 2 659666. Open 24 hours daily serving buffet and an à la carte menu buffet serving times: breakfast 06:00-10:30, lunch 12:30-15:30, dinner 19:00-23:00. Mafraq’s all day restaurant serves up fresh Mediterranean cuisine borrowing influence from various regions, including France, Spain and Turkey. The buffet is prepared with the freshest of ingredients and the interior décor is equally breezy and funky.

Hunter’s B&R, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi, +971 2 659666. Open daily from 12:00 to 02:30 with food served throughout. A modern bar with green brick walls, solid wood tables and numerous flat screen TVs showing sports. God for after work drinks, or an evening with friends, Hunter’s B&R offers a casual environment with a social buzz.

Rimal, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi, +971 2 659666. 14:00-01:00. Rimal Asian fusion bar serves up oriental dishes in an authentic atmosphere with a modern edge. Taste the delicious flavours from Korea, China and Japan in this Asian inspired outlet, complete with Sake and signature cocktails.

Oasis Courtyard, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi (in Mafraq Hotel. Daily from 12:00 to 21:00 with food served throughout.. This poolside bar and restaurant serves drinks under the sun and a wide selection of snacks. The swim-up bar in the pool offers refreshment. Shisha is also available.

The Burlington Grill, Mafraq Abu Dhabi, +971 2 659666. Lunch 12:00-15:00 and dinner 19:00-24:00. The hotel’s grill restaurant serves grilled meat and seafood steaks. Choose from an array of starters and salads including crab cakes, goats cheese tartlets and American-style Louisiana fish gumbo. Has al fresco dining on the terrace and an aperitif bar.

Old fish market. One of the city's few remaining authentic spots, where you can have fresh fish cooked with your choice of sauce and accompaniments.

Only restaurants located in hotels are allowed to serve alcohol. Therefore, all nightlife is associated with hotels. The drinking age is 21, but most places don't care. Unlike some other Middle Eastern nations, the bars in Abu Dhabi will be able to accommodate most drink orders.

Technically, you are supposed to purchase a permit to buy alcohol for private storage, although Spinney's and other liquor stores usually take proof, such as passport of driver's licence, that you aren't a local Muslim.

• Hemingway's. The main restaurant has a good Tex-Mex menu, a wide selection of beer on tap and features live music in the evening. Jazz Bar. The second venue, has great food and a good jazz band. The band normally changes every six months or so, but the quality is consistent and they take requests. The bartenders normally put on a show by tossing bottles around while mixing a mean cocktail. The third place is Cinnabar, a nightclub that normally gets going after midnight, although it can be a nice place for a quiet drink early in the evening, even though bartenders there can be rude. The music is mostly house/club, although they have a salsa night.
• The Captain's Arms, +971 2 644 6666. Traditional British pub located in the hotel courtyard. The pub features traditional food and a great selection of beer on tap. The large terrace is great during the cooler months of the year. A typical hang-out for the expat crowd, but try to get there early, as it attracts a large after-work crowd.
• Wakataua Terrace. M-F 17:00-01:00; Sa Su 12:00-01:00. A Polynesian-themed cocktail bar located at the far end of the courtyard, right on the water. The cocktails are amazing. The Navy Grog is highly recommended. It has a nice view at night over the water.
• Rock Bottom. One of the most popular night club locations in all of Abu Dhabi. It stays open later than most venues, and is cheaper. If you get there early enough, they have decent food you can enjoy in the restaurant area. They have both a live band and an excellent DJ, along with black lights and lasers. There is a hot dog stand later in the night, providing some delicious drunk snacks. Thursday nights can get extremely crowded.
• Havana Club, +971 2 690 7999. 19:00-02:00. The grand hotel is a must-see in Abu Dhabi and the actual club is nicely decorated, comfortable, has great service, a balcony overlooking the hotel grounds, and provides a fun time with great music and very colorful laser shows.
• Sax, +971 2 674 2020. 09:00-03:30. Sax is a beautifully decorated club with sleek black marble floors, two bars, a DJ, and depending on the time, a jazz band. The club is often very loud and very dark with little more than lasers lighting the room. It's not a place to go if you expect to talk at all, at least not on a weekend night. Collared shirts are required for men, and sneakers usually do not pass the bouncers either. It is not uncommon to have to pay an entry fee. There are free drinks for the ladies on Wednesday nights, so expect it to be crowded.
• PJ's, +971 800 101 101. Sa-W 12:00-02:00; Th-F 12:00-03:00. A 'traditional' Irish Pub, boasting brunch buffets and a long happy hour. The majority of the guests are usually British, American or Australian. There is something entertaining going on every day of the week, from 'Quiz Night' to 'Ladies Night'. If you want to start drinking early, this is the place to go. No one will bat an eye if you order beer with brunch, and you will probably find yourself staying for more than one round. The music earlier in the day is a mix of oldies and rock with faster-tempo songs for the late night crowd. This is also a great place to come to watch sports, as the quiet daytime atmosphere and televisions throughout ensure a pleasant experience. The outdoor seating near the hotel's pool is also a great asset on cooler days.
• Trader Vic's, Beach Rotana 10th Street (in The Beach Rotana Hotel (connected to The Abu Dhabi Mall), +971 2 697-9011. 18:00-01:30. A famous cocktail bar/restaurant. The flattering lighting, interesting menu, and soft but fun island music make this a great place for a date or hanging out with people you actually want to talk to. The cocktail menu is pages long, and ordering a complicated fruity concoction is a must. The drinks may be a little on the expensive side at times, but the atmosphere is great. Try ordering one of their two- or four-person drinks, which come in a giant fishbow. They are a lot of fun if you do not mind sharing.
• 49ers. A steakhouse/bar. It is often quoted as "more of a meat market than a steakhouse" because of its reputation for prostitution. It is uncomfortable and the men in the bar will probably assume you are for sale. The Novotel Hotel and the Sands Hotel are also notorious for their nightclubs that men frequent when looking to purchase a date for the night.
• Heroes. A friendly sports grill/bar. It'sts in the Crowne Hotel's basement, and offers reasonable meals, and fair drink prices. The bar is often full of men and women watching sports on television. Later at night they have a DJ and a live band that play softer rock songs. It is a pleasant place to hang out with friends, though the lack of windows or ventilation can make it stuffy and smoke-filled quickly.
• Mardi Gras. 12:00-03:30. A small restaurant/bar. Its ambiance reminds one of a spa. The service is good, the drinks are reasonable, and the food is tasty. The band often leaves much to be desired, and the DJ is worse.
• The Yacht Club, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street (at the Intercontinental Hotel, +971 2 666 6888. Su-Tu 17:00-01:00; W-Th 17:00-03:00; F 12:00-02:30. A gorgeous view of the sunset over the marina if you sit outside. Inside has a very modern, minimalistic feel. The cocktails are delicious, but expensive.
• 'Left Bank. Sa-Tu 10:30-02:00; W-F 10:30-03:00. A popular and lively spot. It serves a wide range of interesting cocktails as well as nicely prepared and presented meals. They are still new so they are trying a little harder right now, and the service tends to be pretty good. Worth the 15 to 20-minute trip out of the city centre.
• Rabbit Hutch. The dedicated British Embassy Rabbit Hutch is a nice pub with music, a pool and a small play area for children. Although you have to know someone on the inside to get into this rather exclusive pub, the British friends and the refreshing pool is definitely worth it. They do all sorts of drinks, but don't ask for a martini, on the rocks, shaken not stirred.
• Lebinese Flower, +971 2 6446667. Great food and nice atmosphere.
• Arkadia, marina club,tourist club area (besides abu dhabi mall, +971 558814479. 20:00-03:00. Popular nightclub. 50 dirham.
• Harvesters Pub, Electra Street (in Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown. 12:00-03:00. great English pub, free pool, dart boards, multiple screens showing sports, excellent fish and chips as well as other English style meals, friendly staff, English band every night except Sundays, quiz nights every Tuesday and possibly the cheapest beer in town.

Hemingway's. The main restaurant has a good Tex-Mex menu, a wide selection of beer on tap and features live music in the evening. Jazz Bar. The second venue, has great food and a good jazz band. The band normally changes every six months or so, but the quality is consistent and they take requests. The bartenders normally put on a show by tossing bottles around while mixing a mean cocktail. The third place is Cinnabar, a nightclub that normally gets going after midnight, although it can be a nice place for a quiet drink early in the evening, even though bartenders there can be rude. The music is mostly house/club, although they have a salsa night.

The Captain's Arms, +971 2 644 6666. Traditional British pub located in the hotel courtyard. The pub features traditional food and a great selection of beer on tap. The large terrace is great during the cooler months of the year. A typical hang-out for the expat crowd, but try to get there early, as it attracts a large after-work crowd.

Wakataua Terrace. M-F 17:00-01:00; Sa Su 12:00-01:00. A Polynesian-themed cocktail bar located at the far end of the courtyard, right on the water. The cocktails are amazing. The Navy Grog is highly recommended. It has a nice view at night over the water.

Rock Bottom. One of the most popular night club locations in all of Abu Dhabi. It stays open later than most venues, and is cheaper. If you get there early enough, they have decent food you can enjoy in the restaurant area. They have both a live band and an excellent DJ, along with black lights and lasers. There is a hot dog stand later in the night, providing some delicious drunk snacks. Thursday nights can get extremely crowded.

Havana Club, +971 2 690 7999. 19:00-02:00. The grand hotel is a must-see in Abu Dhabi and the actual club is nicely decorated, comfortable, has great service, a balcony overlooking the hotel grounds, and provides a fun time with great music and very colorful laser shows.

Sax, +971 2 674 2020. 09:00-03:30. Sax is a beautifully decorated club with sleek black marble floors, two bars, a DJ, and depending on the time, a jazz band. The club is often very loud and very dark with little more than lasers lighting the room. It's not a place to go if you expect to talk at all, at least not on a weekend night. Collared shirts are required for men, and sneakers usually do not pass the bouncers either. It is not uncommon to have to pay an entry fee. There are free drinks for the ladies on Wednesday nights, so expect it to be crowded.

PJ's, +971 800 101 101. Sa-W 12:00-02:00; Th-F 12:00-03:00. A 'traditional' Irish Pub, boasting brunch buffets and a long happy hour. The majority of the guests are usually British, American or Australian. There is something entertaining going on every day of the week, from 'Quiz Night' to 'Ladies Night'. If you want to start drinking early, this is the place to go. No one will bat an eye if you order beer with brunch, and you will probably find yourself staying for more than one round. The music earlier in the day is a mix of oldies and rock with faster-tempo songs for the late night crowd. This is also a great place to come to watch sports, as the quiet daytime atmosphere and televisions throughout ensure a pleasant experience. The outdoor seating near the hotel's pool is also a great asset on cooler days.

Trader Vic's, Beach Rotana 10th Street (in The Beach Rotana Hotel (connected to The Abu Dhabi Mall), +971 2 697-9011. 18:00-01:30. A famous cocktail bar/restaurant. The flattering lighting, interesting menu, and soft but fun island music make this a great place for a date or hanging out with people you actually want to talk to. The cocktail menu is pages long, and ordering a complicated fruity concoction is a must. The drinks may be a little on the expensive side at times, but the atmosphere is great. Try ordering one of their two- or four-person drinks, which come in a giant fishbow. They are a lot of fun if you do not mind sharing.

49ers. A steakhouse/bar. It is often quoted as "more of a meat market than a steakhouse" because of its reputation for prostitution. It is uncomfortable and the men in the bar will probably assume you are for sale. The Novotel Hotel and the Sands Hotel are also notorious for their nightclubs that men frequent when looking to purchase a date for the night.

Heroes. A friendly sports grill/bar. It'sts in the Crowne Hotel's basement, and offers reasonable meals, and fair drink prices. The bar is often full of men and women watching sports on television. Later at night they have a DJ and a live band that play softer rock songs. It is a pleasant place to hang out with friends, though the lack of windows or ventilation can make it stuffy and smoke-filled quickly.

Mardi Gras. 12:00-03:30. A small restaurant/bar. Its ambiance reminds one of a spa. The service is good, the drinks are reasonable, and the food is tasty. The band often leaves much to be desired, and the DJ is worse.

The Yacht Club, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street (at the Intercontinental Hotel, +971 2 666 6888. Su-Tu 17:00-01:00; W-Th 17:00-03:00; F 12:00-02:30. A gorgeous view of the sunset over the marina if you sit outside. Inside has a very modern, minimalistic feel. The cocktails are delicious, but expensive.

'Left Bank. Sa-Tu 10:30-02:00; W-F 10:30-03:00. A popular and lively spot. It serves a wide range of interesting cocktails as well as nicely prepared and presented meals. They are still new so they are trying a little harder right now, and the service tends to be pretty good. Worth the 15 to 20-minute trip out of the city centre.

Rabbit Hutch. The dedicated British Embassy Rabbit Hutch is a nice pub with music, a pool and a small play area for children. Although you have to know someone on the inside to get into this rather exclusive pub, the British friends and the refreshing pool is definitely worth it. They do all sorts of drinks, but don't ask for a martini, on the rocks, shaken not stirred.

Lebinese Flower, +971 2 6446667. Great food and nice atmosphere.

Arkadia, marina club,tourist club area (besides abu dhabi mall, +971 558814479. 20:00-03:00. Popular nightclub. 50 dirham.

Harvesters Pub, Electra Street (in Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown. 12:00-03:00. great English pub, free pool, dart boards, multiple screens showing sports, excellent fish and chips as well as other English style meals, friendly staff, English band every night except Sundays, quiz nights every Tuesday and possibly the cheapest beer in town.

Abu Dhabi has been ranked as the safest city in the world 3 years in a row by 2019 by the largest crowd-sourced global database Numbeo. The city is extremely safe, however it never hurts to practice common sense. Some people may try to scam you through telephone messages or automated voice calls telling you that you won the lottery, that you're in a legal trouble for violating a law, or that a Sheikh has decided to give you free money, or something of that sort.

Taxi drivers are monitored and they're very safe. Rarely, crime does occur but is quickly dealt with by the federal police as the city is the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior. Law enforcement officers. police patrols, and police horse units are a common sight in the city.

Being the national capital, Abu Dhabi hosts a large number of embassies. A majority of them are clustered in the Embassies District (Al Safarat) south of the Al Bateen Executive Airport and in the adjacent Al Ma'ared Area, west of Rabdan St and south of Shk Rashid bin Saeed Rd (Road #18); and the adjacent Capital Centre south of Al Karamah St surrounding the Exhibition Centre. There are others further northwest in Al Danah, Al Markaziyah and in other parts of the city as well. If corresponding by mail/post use their PO box address as mail is only delivered to a PO Box with no post codes. If delivering to a street address with DHL, FedEx, UPS or another private courier be sure to include recipient's phone number so that the delivery driver can call for directions or clarification on the address. Some or most countries maintain an additional consulate in Dubai and only offer consular services from their Dubai consulate or from both locations. Check website links or call before going or sending any correspondences:

• Australia Australia, Level 8, Al Muhairy Centre, Zayed the First (7th) Street, +971 2 401 7500.
• Bahrain Bahrain, Embassies Area, Basin W 59-02 lot #13; PO Box 3367, +971 2 665 7500. Su-Th 08:30-14:30.
• Bangladesh Bangladesh, Villa No. 21, Plot No. W-14/01, Al Rowdha Area; PO Box 2504, +971 2 446 5100.
• Canada Canada, Abu Dhabi Mall, Towers at the Trade Center West Tower, 9th-10th Floors; PO Box 6970, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 694 0300. Su-Th 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-15:00.
• China China, Plot No. 26, Sector No. W-22; PO Box 2741 (Al khaleej Al Arabi St.(NO30) across No 17. Near khalidiya cooperative society., +971 2 443 4276. Su--Th 08:30-14:00.
• Egypt Egypt, Diplomatic Area, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (Old Airport Rd), +971 2 444 5566. 09:00 - 16:00.
• Ethiopia Ethiopia, Villa 119,Street No. 32,Al Bateen Street,Al Bateen - Abu Dhabi, +971 2 665-5111. The Embassy is located in Al Batten near the intersection of Al Batten (no.6) street and Al Falah (no. 9) Street. On the roundabout take the fourth exit and in 100 meters we are located in Vila 119.
• Finland Finland, Al Masaood Tower, 12th floor, office 1202 Hamdan Street Abu Dhabi, +971-2-632 8927. Su-Th 08:00-15:45.
• France France, Etihad Tower, Office Tower n°3, 22nd Floor, Corniche West, PO Box 4014, +971 2 813 1000. Su–Th 08:45–12:00, M W 14:00–15:45.
• Germany Germany, Abu Dhabi Mall, Towers at the Trade Center West Tower, 14th Floor, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 596 7700. Su-Th 08:00-16:00 (By appt only).
• Greece Greece, 31 str, Al Muroor, (PO Box 5483, Abu Dhabi), +971 2 449 2550, +971 5 0390 1820 (Emergencies).
• India India, Plot 10, Sector W-59/02, Diplomatic Area; PO Box 4090 (Off the Sheik Rashid bin Saeed Streeet (Previously known as Airport Road), near to Pepsicola,, +971 2 449 2700. Su-Th 09:00-12:30.
• Indonesia Indonesia, Zone 2, Sector 79, Villa No. 819, Sultan Bin Zayed Street (Str.32), Al Bateen Area; PO Box 7256, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 445-4448.
• Iran Iran, Diplomatic Area, Next to Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Center; PO Box 4080, +971 2 444 7618.
• Iraq Iraq, Diplomatic Area, AirPort Road، 33rd Al Karamah Street; PO Box 6389, +971 2 441 8022, +971 2 441 8033.
• Japan Japan, PO Box 2430, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 443 5696. Su-Th 08:00-17:00; Visa Section closes 13:30; Telephone Inquiries till 15:30. The physical location of consulate: 28th Floor, Dubai World Trade Centre Building, Dubai;
• Jordan Jordan, Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Diplomatic Area, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 444-7100. M-Th 08:30-15:00 & Su 08:30-12:00
• South Korea Republic of Korea, 33rd Airport Rd, Embassy District; PO Box 3270, Abu Dhabi (Al Nahyan Camp area, opposite to the Abu Dhabi taxi stand, +971 2 641-6406 (Consular).
• Netherlands Netherlands, Office Tower - Bldg no. 11, 14th floor Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (ADNEC area), Capital Centre; PO Box 46560, +971 4 695 8000. Su-Th 08:00-15:30 by appt only; M & W 09:00-12:00 consular services by appt only.
• New Zealand New Zealand, Level 25, Suite 2503, International Tower, Capital Centre; PO Box 62292, +971 2 496-3333. M-Th 08:30-16:00.
• Oman Oman, Al Mushraf Area, Al-Saada Street 19, +971 2 446 3333.
• Pakistan Pakistan, Plot No. 02, Sector W-59, Embassy District; PO Box 846, +971 4 397 3600. Consular services are in Dubai at Umm Hurair One, Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Bur Dubai,
• Philippines Philippines, W-48, Street No. 8, Sector 2-23, Plot 51, Al Qubaisat, Abu Dhabi; PO Box 3215, +971 2 639 0006. Su-Th 08:00-17:00; Close at 13:00 during Ramadan.
• Russia Russian Federation, Khalifa Street,East Plots 65/67، Al Markaziyah; PO Box 8211, +971 2 672 3516. (Consular Services) Su and Thur 08:00-14:00; Tue 17:00-20:00.
• Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, Al Karama Street, Embassies Area, +971 2 444 5700.
• South Africa South Africa, Corner Airport Road & 25th Street, Villa No A029, Al Mushref Area, +971 2 244 734 46. Su-Thu 08:30-12:30.
• Switzerland Switzerland, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Centro Capital Center Building, 17th floor; PO Box 95199, +971 2 627 4636.
• Turkey Turkey, Villa No:1,W59-02; 1,Embassy’s Area; PO Box 3204, +971 2 410-9999, +971 2 410-9900. Su-Th 08:30-14:00.
• United KingdomUnited Kingdom, Khalid bin Al Waleed St (Street 22), Corniche Area; PO Box 248, +971 2 610 1100. Su-Th 07:30-14:30. The visa application centre at Shining Tower, Level 25 King Khalid Bin Abdel Aziz 26th Street, Adjacent to Khalidyah Mall; PO Box 30023
• United States United States, PO Box 4009, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 414 2200.

Australia Australia, Level 8, Al Muhairy Centre, Zayed the First (7th) Street, +971 2 401 7500.

Bahrain Bahrain, Embassies Area, Basin W 59-02 lot #13; PO Box 3367, +971 2 665 7500. Su-Th 08:30-14:30.

Bangladesh Bangladesh, Villa No. 21, Plot No. W-14/01, Al Rowdha Area; PO Box 2504, +971 2 446 5100.

Canada Canada, Abu Dhabi Mall, Towers at the Trade Center West Tower, 9th-10th Floors; PO Box 6970, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 694 0300. Su-Th 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-15:00.

China China, Plot No. 26, Sector No. W-22; PO Box 2741 (Al khaleej Al Arabi St.(NO30) across No 17. Near khalidiya cooperative society., +971 2 443 4276. Su--Th 08:30-14:00.

Egypt Egypt, Diplomatic Area, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (Old Airport Rd), +971 2 444 5566. 09:00 - 16:00.

Ethiopia Ethiopia, Villa 119,Street No. 32,Al Bateen Street,Al Bateen - Abu Dhabi, +971 2 665-5111. The Embassy is located in Al Batten near the intersection of Al Batten (no.6) street and Al Falah (no. 9) Street. On the roundabout take the fourth exit and in 100 meters we are located in Vila 119.

Finland Finland, Al Masaood Tower, 12th floor, office 1202 Hamdan Street Abu Dhabi, +971-2-632 8927. Su-Th 08:00-15:45.

France France, Etihad Tower, Office Tower n°3, 22nd Floor, Corniche West, PO Box 4014, +971 2 813 1000. Su–Th 08:45–12:00, M W 14:00–15:45.

Germany Germany, Abu Dhabi Mall, Towers at the Trade Center West Tower, 14th Floor, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 596 7700. Su-Th 08:00-16:00 (By appt only).

Greece Greece, 31 str, Al Muroor, (PO Box 5483, Abu Dhabi), +971 2 449 2550, +971 5 0390 1820 (Emergencies).

India India, Plot 10, Sector W-59/02, Diplomatic Area; PO Box 4090 (Off the Sheik Rashid bin Saeed Streeet (Previously known as Airport Road), near to Pepsicola,, +971 2 449 2700. Su-Th 09:00-12:30.

Indonesia Indonesia, Zone 2, Sector 79, Villa No. 819, Sultan Bin Zayed Street (Str.32), Al Bateen Area; PO Box 7256, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 445-4448.

Iran Iran, Diplomatic Area, Next to Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Center; PO Box 4080, +971 2 444 7618.

Iraq Iraq, Diplomatic Area, AirPort Road، 33rd Al Karamah Street; PO Box 6389, +971 2 441 8022, +971 2 441 8033.

Japan Japan, PO Box 2430, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 443 5696. Su-Th 08:00-17:00; Visa Section closes 13:30; Telephone Inquiries till 15:30. The physical location of consulate: 28th Floor, Dubai World Trade Centre Building, Dubai;

Jordan Jordan, Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Diplomatic Area, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 444-7100. M-Th 08:30-15:00 & Su 08:30-12:00

South Korea Republic of Korea, 33rd Airport Rd, Embassy District; PO Box 3270, Abu Dhabi (Al Nahyan Camp area, opposite to the Abu Dhabi taxi stand, +971 2 641-6406 (Consular).

Netherlands Netherlands, Office Tower - Bldg no. 11, 14th floor Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (ADNEC area), Capital Centre; PO Box 46560, +971 4 695 8000. Su-Th 08:00-15:30 by appt only; M & W 09:00-12:00 consular services by appt only.

New Zealand New Zealand, Level 25, Suite 2503, International Tower, Capital Centre; PO Box 62292, +971 2 496-3333. M-Th 08:30-16:00.

Oman Oman, Al Mushraf Area, Al-Saada Street 19, +971 2 446 3333.

Pakistan Pakistan, Plot No. 02, Sector W-59, Embassy District; PO Box 846, +971 4 397 3600. Consular services are in Dubai at Umm Hurair One, Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Bur Dubai,

Philippines Philippines, W-48, Street No. 8, Sector 2-23, Plot 51, Al Qubaisat, Abu Dhabi; PO Box 3215, +971 2 639 0006. Su-Th 08:00-17:00; Close at 13:00 during Ramadan.

Russia Russian Federation, Khalifa Street,East Plots 65/67، Al Markaziyah; PO Box 8211, +971 2 672 3516. (Consular Services) Su and Thur 08:00-14:00; Tue 17:00-20:00.

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, Al Karama Street, Embassies Area, +971 2 444 5700.

South Africa South Africa, Corner Airport Road & 25th Street, Villa No A029, Al Mushref Area, +971 2 244 734 46. Su-Thu 08:30-12:30.

Switzerland Switzerland, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Centro Capital Center Building, 17th floor; PO Box 95199, +971 2 627 4636.

Turkey Turkey, Villa No:1,W59-02; 1,Embassy’s Area; PO Box 3204, +971 2 410-9999, +971 2 410-9900. Su-Th 08:30-14:00.

United KingdomUnited Kingdom, Khalid bin Al Waleed St (Street 22), Corniche Area; PO Box 248, +971 2 610 1100. Su-Th 07:30-14:30. The visa application centre at Shining Tower, Level 25 King Khalid Bin Abdel Aziz 26th Street, Adjacent to Khalidyah Mall; PO Box 30023

United States United States, PO Box 4009, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 414 2200.

• Dubai.
• Al Ain. The UAE's largest oasis.
• Liwa Oasis. Stunning desert dunes.
• Kish Island. Iranian tourist island

Dubai.

Al Ain. The UAE's largest oasis.

Liwa Oasis. Stunning desert dunes.

Kish Island. Iranian tourist island