The road comes from the city of Abu Dhabi. What to see in Abu Dhabi. From the capital of the UAE to Dubai by taxi

Abu Dhabi- the capital of one of the richest countries in the world - the United Arab Emirates. Unlike Dubai, here everything is much more solid and respectable. It is not for nothing that this city several centuries ago became the residence of the rulers of the emirate.

Now Abu Dhabi is a political, economic, industrial and cultural center UAE. Arriving in this country, you must visit the capital. There are a lot of attractions here. One day is definitely not enough. We will tell you what to see in Abu Dhabi on your own.

Explore Abu Dhabi with a guided tour

Not everyone likes to travel independently. Many people find it much more comfortable to travel with a guide and a group of people, as they feel safer in an unfamiliar country with a different mentality. There is a reason for this.

Positive aspects of excursion trips:

• safety – compatriots and a guide are nearby to help if necessary;
• the excursion is created along the optimal route, you will capture the maximum of interesting things;
• you travel in air-conditioned vehicles, which is important for the UAE;
• during a long excursion you will be fed; you do not need to worry about food.

Negative points:

• you will have to walk with a large crowd of people, behind which sometimes you cannot see or hear the guide;
• the excursion costs money;
• you will travel along the route at a set speed, you will not be allowed to stay longer where you want;
• you will spend too much time gathering a group and other organizational difficulties.
• Have you assessed the pros and cons of excursions? Want to travel around Abu Dhabi on your own? Then read on.

Sights of Abu Dhabi

This magnificent creation of his contemporaries seemed to have come out of the illustrations of the book “ 1001 nights" . Looking at the round domes and minarets, you remember everything connected with the East, right down to the cartoon about Aladdin. This is one of the rare Muslim temples where tourists are allowed.

The mosque is built of snow-white marble; the decoration uses precious and semi-precious stones, gold, crystal, and ceramics. It’s hard to believe, but the area of ​​the carpet that covers the temple is about 5.5 square kilometers. Chandeliers decorated with Swarovski crystals reach a diameter of 10 meters. There can be up to 10,000 worshipers in the mosque at the same time.

The mosque is open to tourists from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., but entry is closed during services. Entry is absolutely free. But it is necessary to observe decency in clothing - both men and women must have their knees, shoulders, and chest covered. If you come unprepared, there is an opportunity to receive special capes at the entrance.

The same grandiose structure, but with the opposite theme – entertainment. Pass here championships "Formula 1" , as well as amateur competitions.

Those who wish can ride on bolides and dozens of amazing rides. There is also a water park, an interactive cinema, and a platform for performances by artists. To see and feel everything that is here, you will have to spend more than one day.

In addition to entertainment, there is where "shop around". For example, Arabic IKEA.

The park building itself is a huge red Ferrari logo. From above it looks unforgettable.

The park is located on Yas Island, 21 km from the city. Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Paid entrance.

Unlimited admission to the park for the whole day costs for adults – 360AED; for children up to 1.3 m tall – 305AED.

For those who want to visit an amusement park and a water park at once, a ticket will cost an adult - 450AED And 380AED for a child no higher than 1.3m.

• Al Ain

For those who dream of a more relaxing holiday, we recommend visiting Al Ain. Here is a natural reserve and zoo . And the town itself is very interesting and original. There is a camel market, attractions for children and adults, parks, fountains, an indoor skating rink - which is very unusual for a hot desert area.

Here is also located, only in 2011 it was turned into a museum. If you are interested in how the sheikhs live, come and see.

Al Ain is a 2-hour drive from Abu Dhabi.

It would seem that what can be seen on the embankment except the sea. But it is very beautiful here both day and night. Skyscrapers, palm trees, restaurants with varied cuisine. In the morning you can lie on the beach here. Wait out the scorching heat of the day in a coastal cafe, and in the evening leisurely walk in the light of the lights and look at the motley crowd that has come here from all over the world.

Roller skates and bicycles are available for rent here. There are thousands of parking spaces along the street - there is enough space for everyone.

• Capital Gate

Those who are partial to skyscrapers will love this building. It is not so much tall as it is interesting in its shape. This is the most “falling” in the world - with an 18% slope. There is a Hyatt hotel there. On the 18th floor there is an observation deck and a restaurant.

• Village "Heritage"

Want to see what Abu Dhabi looked like before oil was discovered here? Visit this village, if only to feel the contrast between the worlds - past and future.

From here you can see the skyscrapers, and inside everything is stylized as antique - huts, animals in pens, Bedouin household utensils, ethnic souvenirs.

• Emirates Palace

Another magnificent building on which the Arabs spent their oil millions. It lives up to its name - it looks like a palace. It was built for international meetings "at the top" and currently there is a luxury hotel located here Kempinski . The staff is friendly to white tourists who want to explore it. Directly opposite it is an island with Ethihad Towers skyscrapers.

Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi has many shopping complexes. One of the largest is called - Abu Dhabi Mall. There you can take a break from the heat, have a snack, and go shopping.

There are a lot of interesting things in Abu Dhabi - it’s impossible to list them all. Two more grandiose objects are being prepared for the opening, but more on that another time.

Have a nice trip!

We will now tell you how you can go see the capital of the UAE on your own. And by bus.

Well, you never know, maybe you forgot your license at home, or maybe you just feel uncomfortable driving in a foreign country, or you don’t want to bother with renting a car. You can, of course, go to Abu Dhabi on a tour, but this is trivial, everyone does it. And we want you to receive exclusive information from us that will help you see the most interesting places in Abu Dhabi in one day. And there are quite a lot of them, take my word for it. Again, you can just take a taxi, tell the driver - in Abu Dhabi, and not worry about anything else. If you prefer to always do this, then this article is not for you. Although…

Still, read to the end just in case, maybe you too will want to make such a trip. And then, what a savings compared to a taxi.

A bus ticket from Dubai to Abu Dhabi costs only 20 dirhams, and a taxi is much more expensive. Buses literally run every 40 minutes, the first one at 06:20, so you don’t have to wait long. The buses here are generally great. These are never-before-seen Ikarus cars or unknown Chinese ones on domestic roads. All buses are comfortable and air conditioned, so don’t worry, it won’t be hot. There are also luxury buses. They have a video system, wireless Internet, and even a toilet. Maybe you'll be lucky and end up with just this one.

Well, now more specifically. It’s better to leave early, the route will be clearer, and you’ll have time to see more. There are several bus stations in Dubai, we advise you to focus on the one that is closer to your hotel. Buses depart to Abu Dhabi from two stations:

1) Ibn Battuta Ms (area between Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali 25.04621,55.118086). It is very convenient for those staying in beach hotels in Jumeirah and in the Dubai Marina area - take the metro and take the red line to the Ibn Battuta Mall station. And you don’t have to look there, the Ibn Batuta Bus Station is very close. This way you will avoid traveling by bus across the entire city, because the bus station is almost at the exit from Dubai. Accordingly, travel time will also be significantly reduced, and you will reach Abu Dhabi in less than an hour and a half. We advise you to change money in advance; a bus ticket can only be bought in cash, and in dirhams. There will be one stop along the way. The bus arrives at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.

2) Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (in Bur Dubai, also next to Al Ghubaiba Metro Station, 25.262587,55.288546). This station is convenient for those staying in city hotels in Deira and especially Dubai Bar.

Both stations operate from 6.00 to 24.00.

Using the link http://bus.rtaprojects.me/rta_bus_eng/plan_what.php you can download the bus schedule and route map from both stations (Intercity Bus Route section)

Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Well, here you are in the capital. Since the bus station is located in the center, you will pass through almost the entire city and will be able to admire the capital from the bus window. City buses run from the bus station to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Stop next to the mosque, fare 2 dirhams. You can take a taxi - it will cost you about 20-25 dirhams. The drive is about 15-20 minutes. This is by taxi, but by bus a little longer. Unlike other mosques in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to visitors every day, although it is not possible to enter during prayers. There are free one-hour tours at 10.00, 11.00 and 16.00. On Friday there is only an evening tour.

But we don’t advise you to waste time on a tour - it’s better to go around everything yourself and see, and in what year the mosque was built, and how much gold was used, you can read on the Internet. The main thing here is to see this beauty with your own eyes. The place is simply magical. The entrance is free. Your appearance must match the place, but this is not a problem, you will also be given an abaya for free. Since you must take off your shoes when entering any mosque, if you wish, take your socks with you.

Some information about public transport in Abu Dhabi

You can again go back to the center by bus, but you have to walk 10-15 minutes to the stop, since it is outside the ring. Or you can take a taxi; they are always on duty near the mosque. If you decide to go by bus, then consider your strength, since you will only get to the bus station, and then you will have to walk with your feet (about three kilometers). Or another option is to stand and wait for a specific bus (No. 034), then you will get to the right place. Bus service in the city is not very developed - only seven routes. The waiting time ranges from 10 to 40 minutes, it all depends on the popularity of the route. In general, bus service appeared in the capital only in 2008. At first, to attract passengers, travel was free. Now the payment is 2 dirhams, the money is put into the cash register near the driver, no one will give you change, so stock up on change in advance. But the buses are all modern, comfortable, with air conditioning. The stops are not announced, so you have to carefully look out the window so as not to pass or ask the locals. Another subtlety - in order for the bus you need to stop at a stop, you need to wave your hand, and inside the bus on the handrails there is a “Stop” button; for the driver to stop, you need to press it.

Now about taxis, so that it is clear what to expect and how much to pay. Landing during the day - 3 dirh. Travel - 2 dirh. every 1.5 kilometers. Car colors: gold, silver (these are newer) and pink (only for ladies).

Visit Al Hosn Fort

The next place on your route around the city is the White Fort or Al Hosn Fort. If you take a taxi, you’ll pay about 25-27 dirh, but you’ll get there faster, and you won’t have to wander around. Well, if you take the bus to the bus station, then follow East Road north to the corner, turn left there and after a block you will exit onto Airport Road. Turn right onto it and go forward to Electra Street. Here, turn left, after a block to the right, and you will see the White Fort. We hope you understand that it is better to take a taxi.... :-)

Now about the fort. It was built at the end of the 18th century, and is the oldest stone building in the city. There is a cozy courtyard here, and the fort itself with its snow-white walls looks beautiful against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers.

After visiting the fort, turn right onto Al Nasser and after a block you will see Union Square. It is impossible not to notice this square - you will see six huge white sculptures, each of which is a symbol of the Arab world.

Well, now the main thing is to decide correctly what to do next. If you have used a taxi before, we advise you to walk. Let us immediately warn you that the walk is about five kilometers, but along the way you can sit and relax in the park or treat yourself to ice cream at a cafe. This means that first you walk along Nasser, as if back, towards the fort. You need to walk three blocks. The street is nice, there are many shops and souvenir shops on it. On the last block there will be a park on one side - it's called Family Park. When you pass the park and see the Abela supermarket ahead, turn right and then left to the embankment.

The embankment or Corniche is very long, almost 10 km (don’t worry, you won’t have to walk all of it) and is perfectly landscaped. We can say that this is a continuous park area with beautiful fountains, ponds, and green lawns. And the view of the city's skyscrapers from here is simply stunning. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants, so if you get hungry, there is somewhere to have lunch. There are also four places where you can rent a bicycle, so you have a choice: walk or ride a bike.

When you reach the Hilton Hotel, there will be a turn towards the breakwater, but first walk a little forward and you will see the famous Emirates Palace Hotel. You should come here, at least look at it from the outside, and take more pictures. The area here alone is worth it: fountains, cascades, marble everywhere. Of course, they won’t just let you into the hotel grounds, so if you want to get inside, my advice is to book a table in any hotel cafe via the Internet on its website.

We looked at how rich people live and now along the breakwater to Marina Island. As you walk, you will admire the beautiful view. And when you get to the island, immediately turn right and go to the Heritage Village (ethnic village). In this village you can see how the Arabs lived in the pre-oil era. There are such villages all over the country, reminding themselves and tourists what was and what has become.

Well, then come back and go to the center of the island - straight past the parking lot, exit to the Marina Mall. A mall is like a mall, but there is a 126-meter tower, at the top of which there is a restaurant and a cafe with a beautiful all-round panorama. You can also eat here, although you will have to stand in line, since there are many people who want to eat. And if you don’t want to wait, then go up just to admire the view; you can also eat downstairs. For example, in Havana Cafe (Havana cafe), it is right behind the parking lot, at the yacht club pier.

So the day passed unnoticed. You're tired... So it's better to take a taxi and go to the bus station. The drive takes 10-15 minutes, and you will pay about 15 dirh.

Buy a ticket to Dubai (by the way, the return ticket is somehow cheaper and costs 15 dirh.). On the bus on the way back you will probably sleep after being on your feet all day. In a couple of hours you will arrive in Dubai, and there you will get to the hotel.

Now let's summarize, i.e. We will count the money spent on the trip (only on transport).

Bus there and back - 35 dirh., plus 2 times taxi - 40 dirh., plus bus to the mosque - 2 dirh. Total - 77 dirh., and if you take a taxi to the mosque, then 100 dirh. It turns out that the entire trip costs 840 rubles or 27 dollars. This is if one person is traveling, and if there are two of you, then 660 dirh. = 560 rubles = 18 dollars.

And the price for a bus tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi starts from 55-60 dollars. That being said, feel the difference. And it’s more pleasant to feel independent, and not to walk around like a herd of excursions. But, of course, the choice is yours. We simply offered you one of the options.

Abu Dhabi walking map

View on a larger map

What can you do in the capital of the UAE in 1 day?

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is located on an island in the Persian Gulf.
There is a legend that one day hunters were chasing a gazelle, it rushed into the water and swam across the strait - this is how the island on which the city of Abu Dhabi now stands was discovered (translated as “Gazelle Hunter”). This emirate is the largest among its compatriots and the richest. It occupies 87% of the country, and almost all of the UAE's oil and gas is concentrated here. Summer is all year round, it is always warm, it rarely rains.

How to get a visa?

You can easily obtain a visa to Abu Dhabi yourself online in 5–7 days. It is better to fly with Etihad Airways (€502). The flight lasts 5 hours with a campaign of excellent food and a large collection of films with Russian translation. If you are here for the first time, you will definitely be photographed at the border as a souvenir. On hotel beaches you are allowed to sunbathe in swimsuits and swimming trunks - in the city, wear clothes that cover your knees and elbows. Almost everyone in the country speaks English, as 80% of the UAE's workers are expatriates. To hail a taxi you just need to raise your hand.

What to see in Abu Dhabi?

Full day route:

9:00–10:00 Breakfast

10:30–12:00 Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Recently, everyone has been allowed into the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, it is so interesting to tourists and unique from an architectural point of view. The area inside is 17,000 sq. m. m, capacity – 40,000 people.

Here you will see the world's largest Iranian carpet, a crystal chandelier, and a white marble dome of an incredible minaret design.

13:00–15:00 Lunch

An excellent lunch can be found at the Shangri-La Hotel's Bord Eau restaurant, where Michelin-starred chef Philipe Labbé has created a kitchen.

15:00–16:00 City of Masters

On Corniche Street, local artisans and the fruits of their labors are gathered in one place: wood carving, fabrics, leather, embossing.

What to buy in Abu Dhabi?

16:00–19:00

At Marina Mall you can not only shop, there is everything from Zara to Chanel, but also have fun, go ice skating or bowling. For shopping lovers, we recommend visiting the Dubai Mall with an aquarium, an hour's taxi ride from Abu Dhabi.

What do tourists usually buy?

Oud tree oil

Do not inhale the aroma of oil from an ancient bark for 15 minutes, then it will change - and you will love it forever. A 5 ml bottle costs $100.

Gold

Just as tourists bring nesting dolls from Russia, so from the UAE you need to bring gold, no matter in what form: chains, rings or necklaces. The last option is the airport store.

Sweets

Don't forget to buy a box of oriental sweets. You will find the most delicious ones at Al Finjan (Le Meridien Hotel), Le Vendôme Brasserie (Emirates Palace Hotel) or Café Arabia, which was converted from a private villa.

19:00–21:00 Dinner

We recommend dining at Hakkasan Restaurant on West Corniche Road, where you can taste authentic Chinese delicacies, or the oldest seafood restaurant, Bu Tafish, which boasts the best seafood dishes.

Night life.

Abu Dhabi is much more aristocratic and calmer than Dubai. There are not many discos and noisy entertainment here. If you want variety and fun, an hour by taxi and you will find yourself in the neighboring emirate.

Where to go with children in Abu Dhabi?

If you're staying in Abu Dhabi for a few days, we recommend visiting Ferrari World, dedicated to the iconic car on Yas Island. The amusement park is covered with a huge tent in the shape of a scarlet starfish with a prancing horse, which is clearly visible even from an airplane. You can spend the whole day here and not get tired. The Ferrari World park has everything for adults and children: racing tracks of varying difficulty, six restaurants, two shopping centers, mother and child rooms, smoking areas and much more.

The capital of the Emirates is also one of the richest cities in the world. The name of the city is translated lyrically from Arabic: “land of the gazelle.” Just recently, local residents built their huts from palm leaves, but now Abu Dhabi is the center of business life and an infinity of amazing experiences.

Ferrari World Park

One of the most unusual amusement parks in the UAE is located on Yas Island, a 30-minute drive from the city of Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai. The building itself is of impressive size and is designed in the form of a huge tent using Ferrari symbols and colors. The area of ​​the park's interior is 96,000 square meters. m., and the surrounding area occupies 435,000 (!) sq. m.

The rides here are designed for all ages, from the youngest Ferrari enthusiasts to their experienced parents. Ferrari World offers all kinds of simulators used to train Ferrari drivers. The park also boasts the world's fastest roller coaster, which emulates the cockpit of an F1 car, and free-fall rides with a height of just over 62 meters (equivalent to the height of a 22-story building).

From Abu Dhabi, you can get to Ferrari World by bus number 109. Abu Dhabi International Airport is 10 minutes away by car.

Heritage Village

History and museum lovers will appreciate the Heritage Village, which restores the traditional Bedouin way of life down to the smallest detail. For tourists, they recreated a desert settlement, a tent made of goat hair and a fireplace with coffee pots, old wells and irrigation systems, houses made of adobe bricks, old fishing buildings and bazaars.

Guests can try their hand at such traditional Arab crafts as metalworking, pottery, and weaving. On the territory of the museum there are shops with souvenirs and spices. Entrance to the village is free.

Emirates Park Zoo

The Emirates Zoo is a 30-minute drive from central Abu Dhabi. It houses 1,700 animals, including a pair of white tigers and a Siberian bear. The park is equipped with a "cooling system" that keeps animals and employees cool during the summer months. The zoo is also home to the Emirates Park Resort, which offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with balconies overlooking the zoo, caves or gardens.

At the zoo you can buy bags of food for animals - from 10 dirhams. Children under two years old are allowed into the park free of charge, tickets for children from 2 to 5 years old are 20 dirhams, for adults - 30 dirhams.

The park is open daily, including holidays. Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 09:00 to 20:00, from Thursday to Saturday from 09:00 to 21:00.

Purchases

Marina Mall

The most popular shopping center among tourists. It’s a good place to take a break from excursions - in addition to several hundred shops and boutiques, the complex has an ice skating rink, cinemas, restaurants, and the observation tower offers a magnificent panorama of Abu Dhabi and the Persian Gulf. Overall, we can say that Marina Mall is a typical Western shopping center.

Buses with numbers from 05 to 11, as well as 32, 34 go to Marina Mall. There is a Carrefour supermarket in the shopping center, opening hours from 09:00 to 00:00. The mall itself is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 10:00 to 22:00, on Thursday from 10:00 to 23:00, on Friday from 14:00 to 23:00.

Abu Dhabi Mall

The largest shopping center in Abu Dhabi - more than 40 thousand people visit it daily. There are more than 220 stores in total! Most of the clothing brands presented (such as Zara, Vero Moda, Mango) are quite affordable in price.

The shopping center is located in the tourist part of the city in close proximity to the Beach Rotana hotel. The center has more than 40 cafes and restaurants, a cinema, bowling alley, etc. Abu Dhabi Mall is also a venue for performances by many popular bands

Opening hours: Saturday – Wednesday from 10:00 to 22:00, Thursday from 10:00 to 23:00, Friday from 15:30 to 22:00.

You will find the Central Market (“Souk”) on the territory of the Central Market shopping complex. The market is built in traditional Arabic style. It’s interesting to visit here not only for shopping – concerts and exhibitions are often held here. The market presents mainly products from Arab manufacturers: jewelry, perfumes, clothing, spices.

“First of all, I would like to note, which in itself is an attraction. The hotel building is a fabulously beautiful palace, in keeping with the best traditions of Arab architecture! Emirates Palace was originally conceived as a venue for government summits and conferences in the Persian Gulf and only later, already at the design stage, was turned into a hotel.

Particular attention should be paid to the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi and Villas - the resort is located on Saadiyat Island, just a 10-minute drive from the city's main business district and the Corniche. Connoisseurs of a relaxing holiday will find a snow-white beach, fine cuisine and comfortable rooms, while fans of active entertainment will find a tennis court and golf club here. For younger guests, the hotel has a Camp Hyatt club, where entertainment is based on the history and culture of Abu Dhabi. The pride of the hotel is the Atarmia Spa SPA center.

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi is suitable for both leisure and business trips. The spacious rooms and suites are decorated in a contemporary style with traditional Arabic decor. The hotel offers its own beach, five swimming pools, a SPA center and six conference rooms.

For Formula 1 fans or those who want to stay on Yas Island, the world famous Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel is located next to Ferrari Park. Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi is the only hotel in the world located on the Formula 1 circuit. The hotel building is an unsurpassed masterpiece of architecture: the hotel was built in such a way that one half of it is above the water, and the other is on the ground. At night, the hotel’s lighting constantly changes, creating a mesmerizing effect.”

Abu Dhabi is the richest and at the same time the largest emirate among all that make up the UAE. The city of Abu Dhabi itself is especially noteworthy for tourists because it is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and is also rightfully considered one of the few real park cities today. Much of the wealth donated by oil to the UAE went towards improving Abu Dhabi's infrastructure and turning it into a unique, comfortable resort. The area of ​​the city is 67 thousand square kilometers, and each of them is filled with luxury.

The city of Abu Dhabi includes several dozen islands located off the coast of the Arabian Peninsula. In the eastern part of the emirate of Abu Dhabi is the small town of Al Ain, famous for its rich and beautiful greenery. There are a large number of parks, farms and even artesian wells. The most amazing places in this area are Mount Hafeet, Ain Fayyad Park, Al-Heili Amusement Park, Al Ain Museum and Zoo.

Every visitor will be amazed by the abundance of greenery in Abu Dhabi - the main road into the city, as well as the entire embankment, is bordered by planting lines that hide the arid soil. Palm trees and eucalyptus trees grow here. The city itself is filled with a huge number of ornamental shrubs and grass lawns. In the evening, Abu Dhabi can delight you with the play of jets in its fountains located along the embankment.

The city of Abu Dhabi is separated from the mainland by a strait; the temperature in the capital is several degrees lower than outside the city, also because there is a large amount of green space.

Speaking about the climate, we can define it as subtropical. Due to the high humidity in summer, it is very difficult to bear the heat, especially for tourists. For this reason, the season for a relaxing and comfortable holiday is from October to May. Precipitation is very rare; in winter it rains only occasionally. Statistics say that on average there is 13 mm of precipitation per year, which can be compared with approximately 3-4 rainy days in European countries.

The population in Abu Dhabi is 1,145,000 people (2017), half of whom live directly in the capital. Local residents are Arabs by nationality, but they make up only a small part of the population. The foreign communities are dominated by Indians, Pakistanis and British. The dominant tribe is Baniyaz.

The geographical location of the city of Abu Dhabi led to the construction of hotels in the emirate directly on the seashore, which is not at all typical for Dubai and Sharjah. This irresistible capital combines the traditions of the east with urban landscapes, and occupies a leading position among the holiday destinations in the UAE along with Dubai.

Abu Dhabi is especially famous for its beautiful beaches, which are washed by the azure sparkling waters of the Persian Gulf, as well as numerous restaurants, sports facilities, nightclubs and other forms of entertainment.

Based: around 1760
Square: 972 km 2
Population: 1,145,000 people (2017)
Currency: dirham
Language: Arab
Official website: http://www.abudhabi.ae

Current time in Abu Dhabi:
(UTC +4)

European tourists may be surprised by the ban on alcoholic drinks in restaurants located in the city. Note that the United Arab Emirates has a prohibition law. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account that only hotel establishments can sell alcoholic beverages. However, if prohibition doesn’t bother you, we advise you to fully immerse yourself in the life of Abu Dhabi and visit the most popular establishments in the city.

How to get to Abu Dhabi

In addition, Emirates Airlines operates a special “air-bus” flight with an arrival in Dubai and further travel to Abu Dhabi on a branded bus. This flight is sold in ours, the bus is already included in the price. This option can be used by residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg - those cities where Emirates flies.

If, for some reason, it is important for you to fly to the airport of the capital of the UAE, then you can use the following connecting flights (the transfer airport is indicated in brackets):

• Turkish Airlines (Istanbul): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Rostov, Ufa, Sochi, Novosibirsk.
• Lufthansa (Frankfurt): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Samara.
• Czech Airlines (Prague): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Sochi, Samara, Ufa.
• Finnair (Helsinki): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg.
• Qatar Airways (Doha): Moscow.
• Air Berlin (Berlin): Moscow, St. Petersburg.

How to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai

If you need to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, then keep in mind that a taxi will cost you 250 - 300 dirhams one way.

However, you can also use a cheaper travel route: bus 1E departs from the Bur Dubai bus station every 15-20 minutes from 5.30 am. The cost of the trip is 80 dirhams. You will spend almost 2 hours on the way. The station where the bus arrives in Abu Dhabi is Central.

You can also leave Bur Dubai station by minibus or minivan. Such a trip will cost one passenger 120 dirhams. Of course, this transport will get you there in a shorter time, but not everyone likes to be in close proximity to representatives of another culture.

If you are thinking about how to leave Abu Dhabi back to Dubai, know that the same scheme applies here. It is important that in addition to the listed methods of transportation, there are buses that stop along the road; the ticket price is 60 dirhams. You can also ask the driver to stop where you need if your destination is not at the bus station.

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Transport

Today, in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, public transport is provided by buses, water and land taxis, and ferry services.

Buses

Regular bus service in Abu Dhabi was introduced by the Department of Transport only in 2008, when modern, comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles were purchased for city routes. People with disabilities can use them without difficulty.

Currently, there are 7 suburban and 7 city routes in the capital. In addition, there is also intercity bus service, carried out both within the territory of one emirate and within the whole country.

It is worth noting that buses can only be seen in the only part of the city - near large hotels. In fact, there are special stopping points and complexes, near which there is a cafe or restaurant, where drivers can grab something light or drink a cup of coffee. It is in these places that Abu Dhabi buses are based. Speaking about the city itself, it is worth emphasizing that you can spend almost a whole day there waiting for public transport. Some hotels, in order to create especially comfortable conditions for their tourists, organize local bus services that provide passenger transportation services.

The situation with commuter buses is a little different: they are more punctual. We can also say that their number slightly exceeds the number of city buses, and this transport is better developed because it is in great demand. Even though commuter buses are modern and well-equipped, they find it nearly impossible to cope with the sweltering heat and long distances between sites in the UAE. Therefore, naturally, for many tourists such trips can become a real test.

City buses run all week from 5 am to 12 midnight on weekdays and until 2 am on weekends and holidays. The service interval depends on the time of day and the specific route; it can range from 10 to 40 minutes. The fare for this transport is low: 1-3 dirhams or $0.3-0.82. When bus transport was first introduced in Abu Dhabi, travel was free of charge in order to attract as many passengers as possible.

Taxi

There are currently four different types of taxis in Abu Dhabi: the white ones are privately owned older taxis that are about to be phased out; golden colored cars; the cars are silver, they are the newest; as well as pink cars. In pink cars, only women work as drivers, and only women and boys under 10 years old can use the services of such a taxi. In each type of taxi, the cars are equipped with special meters; in Abu Dhabi, a standard tariff has been introduced for all, but at the same time, it is possible to negotiate the price in advance with the drivers, especially in older private taxis.

There are taxi stands near all the main shopping centers of the city; in all other places you can “catch” a taxi by making a certain hand sign. Of course, you can call a taxi using a special phone; such a service costs about $1.4, and the fare is paid according to the meter. It is worth saying that taxi fares are constantly being revised.

During the day, landing costs about $0.82; if you drive a distance not exceeding 50 km, then you need to pay $0.27 for every 750 meters, and if the distance exceeds 50 km, you pay $0.41 for every 750 meters. If you need the car to wait for you, then for every minute of idle time (over 5 minutes) you will need to pay $0.14.

At night, of course, slightly different rates apply. Landing already costs $1. If your travel distance is less than 50 km, then 750 meters will be charged at a rate of $0.33, and if more than 50 km, then at a rate of $0.5. However, a minute of waiting is paid in the same way as in the daytime - $0.14 per minute over the first 5.

If you need to travel a long distance, for example from one emirate to another, you can use a special taxi that stops where Defense Street intersects Al Muroor Street. In these taxis, the fare is also determined by the meter readings.

If you need to get from the airport in Abu Dhabi to the city center, the trip time will be approximately 30 minutes and the cost will be $16.5 or 60 dirhams. It is worth noting that it is better to get to the airport by taxi, since the length of time you wait for the bus can lead to being late for your flight.

Abu Dhabi Photos

What to see in Abu Dhabi

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is truly an amazing place that is transforming faster and faster, while maintaining a connection with its extraordinary past. If you visit any of the emirate's capital, the western region of Al Gharbiya or the eastern city of Al Ain, you can discover many activities and attractions that can interest everyone. Some attractions of Abu Dhabi are known throughout the world.

Corisch Street stretches across the well-kept, majestic 8-kilometer area of ​​the city. This area is located near the seashore, where there is a children's playground, special paths for pedestrians and bicycles, many cozy cafes and restaurants, as well as a beach park where lifeguards are constantly working. On weekends it is simply filled with visitors, so finding a free umbrella is quite difficult. It is important to know that it is forbidden to swim very far; at a distance of 40 meters there are already floating barriers, which are monitored by rescuers.

This beautiful embankment is a well-deserved holder of the Blue Flag, i.e. a world-famous sign for beaches and marinas, guaranteeing their cleanliness and safe water for swimming.

If you want to explore the Corniche from start to finish, you can take a bicycle. At a special station located along the Corniche, you can rent a variety of bikes: mountain bikes, city bikes for 2 or 3 passengers, as well as special women's bikes with abayas. One hour of rental costs $5 for an adult and $4 for a child.

If you love speed and drive, you simply need to visit Ferrari World, which is also located in Abu Dhabi. This park is the world's first Ferrari themed entertainment center, as well as the largest attraction that delights people of all ages. In this park, everyone can learn the history of Ferrari by testing all the educational and fun rides, of which there are more than 20. Also here you can do interactive shopping and enjoy real Italian cuisine.

The park is located under the iconic red roof, which houses attractions such as the Ferrari Gallery (the largest outside of Maranello, home to an interactive exhibition of cars built from 1947 to the present day), Formula Rossa (the world's fastest roller coaster, the speed of which can reach 240 km/h), Speed ​​of Magic (here you will be offered a fantastic journey in 4D through ice caves, jungles and ravines to the crater of a beautiful fairy-tale volcano). And all those who want to get a huge adrenaline rush and remember their trip to the world of Ferrari for the rest of their lives should try the speed of the G-Force attraction, which will first “throw you out” through its red roof, and only then rush down from a 62-meter height .

If we talk about the emirate of Abu Dhabi (and not about the city), then there is also a lot of interesting things there. The museums of Abu Dhabi deserve special attention, and it is impossible not to mention the impressive oasis covered with palm plantations located in the heart of Al Ain. If you want to escape from the noise of the city and the hot heat to some quiet, peaceful place, then you need to go to the Al Ain Oasis, where the only sounds will be the rustling of palm trees and the singing of birds.

Thanks to the 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation system, Al Ain Oasis has built water channels that support all the palm plantations in this inner-city paradise. The oasis is equipped with 8 separate entrances, there are 147 thousand date palms (which are presented in 100 species), growing on 1200 hectares of land. The entrance is free.

A truly iconic landmark in the region is the Emirates Palace, a luxury hotel that combines modern technology with traditional Arabian luxury. During the day, this hotel stands out brightly with its sandy-gold colors among the bright green gardens, blue skies and silver fountains. And at night, it completely changes its lighting, which creates an amazing iridescent rainbow effect over its main dome.

The length of the main building from one wing to the other is more than a kilometer, and the surrounding area, grounds and gardens of the hotel extend over 100 hectares. The hotel is decorated with 114 domes, the central one of which is located at an altitude of 72.6 meters above the ground. The main part of the interior decoration of the Palace consists of mother-of-pearl, gold and crystal. The palace itself is decorated with 1002 chandeliers, the largest of which weighs 2.5 tons. Also among the special details of the Palace are 2 handmade wall hangings, which depict the hotel itself. Each of them weighs a ton.

Another hotel that is a real architectural triumph is the five-star Yas Weisroi. This hotel is exclusive in that one half of it is built on land, and the second is above water. Also next to it is part of the Formula 1 track.

The main characteristic of Yas Viceroy is the 200 meter long lattice shell of curved wide glass and metal covering the hotel's 2 towers. They are connected by a bridge that crosses the Formula 1 track. This shell is equipped with a lighting system that is combined with video transmitted through 5096 panels. Thanks to these panels, the shell can change the colors as well as the shape of the diamond. This optical effect is truly stunning, reflecting thousands of colorful rays from the sky, desert and sea.

Near Jebel Hafeet there is a huge Al Ain Zoo, spread over an area of ​​900 hectares. Here visitors are invited to admire a huge collection of animals outside the fenced area. This territory is as close as possible to the real habitat of animals in nature. The park has picnic areas, playgrounds, cozy cafes, and train tours throughout the zoo.

This park is home to more than 400 animals, including some that are considered endangered species. At this zoo, you'll have the opportunity to feed giraffes, ride camels, and pet the animals - all considered the latest interactive activities in the UAE. There are special places for feeding giraffes with lettuce and carrots. And for direct communication with animals, a zoo was designed in the style of a local farm, where you can pet tamed animals and play with them. Domestic sheep, goats, llamas, camels, chickens and ducks live here.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi museum of art and culture opened in 2017. The museum was created as part of a thirty-year agreement between the city of Abu Dhabi and the French government. The main mission of the museum is to bridge the gap between the art of the East and the West.

Many goods here have quite reasonable prices compared to those set in other countries. This applies to a greater extent to products made of gold, textiles and carpets. And if you know how to bargain and are not afraid, then the purchase can be especially profitable.

Most shops here start working at 10 am and end at 10 pm. It must be said that there is no such thing as a lunch break here, however there are independent shops that close for several hours for this purpose. Please note that during Ramadan, shops operate differently: they close in the afternoon and open only in the evening.

You can read more about shopping in the capital of the UAE in the article “Shopping in Abu Dhabi”, it will also be useful to take a look at the shopping centers of Abu Dhabi. In addition, you will need information about the Old Bazaar in the capital of the Emirates.

If we take Abu Dhabi not as a city, but as an emirate, then it would be appropriate to talk about the shopping centers of the city of Al Ain, which is part of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the fourth largest city in the UAE.

Safety in Abu Dhabi

Speaking about crimes in Abu Dhabi, it should be noted that they happen here quite rarely. Locals and tourists can easily stroll around the city until late. In general, this city is considered a relatively calm and safe place. Due to certain factors, the UAE has a low crime rate, including Islamic rules of conduct, low unemployment and the severity of the law.

It is rare to hear of any incidents in Abu Dhabi, but tourists are still advised to take good care of their belongings if you are in a public place. It never hurts anyone to be extra careful, especially if you have a large amount of money with you that you withdrew from the bank. In this case, you can ask the security guards at the bank to escort you to your car.

To avoid falling into the trap of scammers, you should not provide information about yourself or any personal data to strangers.

Pay a lot of attention to traffic rules, as drivers here drive quite extreme and fast. Be extremely careful when crossing the road.

Continuing the conversation about the rules of behavior, it is worth noting that much in Abu Dhabi is regulated by tradition, despite the fact that the city has a cosmopolitan way of life. Arab culture has such a distinctive feature as hospitality. Tourists are offered soft drinks, tea and coffee in some shops and offices. If you immediately start a conversation on the merits, this is perceived as an impolite sign. Questions about wives and relatives are assessed from the same position; it is better to ask about the entire family as a whole. Get ready for the fact that the wives of your friends will not sit at the same table with you.

Never take or offer money, food or drink to anyone with your left hand. You should also not offer food that contains pork or alcohol.

If you come to an Arab house, you should leave your shoes at the doorstep only if the owner has not invited you to enter the house wearing shoes. Never point the sole of your foot directly at an Arab.

Know that you cannot take photos of Muslim women, you cannot laugh or flirt with them, you must be respectful and polite, otherwise you will have to pay a fine of 60 thousand dirhams, after which you will be deported. As for men, they can be photographed only with permission. Continuing the topic of photographs, we note that you should not do this with government buildings and military installations.

During Ramadan, you should not drink or drink, smoke, eat, or chew gum in public places and on the streets until sunset. This does not apply to those tourists who eat during the day or in the morning at their hotels. Violation of this rule may result in a fine or imprisonment.

Speaking of prohibitions, we note that in Abu Dhabi they apply to gambling, printed and video products with sexual content. You cannot drink alcohol or appear drunk in public places; this is only permitted in restaurants, bars or hotel rooms.

You also cannot throw garbage on the streets - for this you may be subject to a fine of 3 thousand dirhams. For this purpose, trash cans are installed in every city, and garbage cans are installed on highways. A ban on smoking in furnished apartments, hotels, entertainment venues, shopping centers and on beaches has also been legalized; remember, you can only smoke in specially equipped places. Any violation entails punishment, from an innocent fine to deportation. Be careful!

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi

Booking.com offers more than 140 hotels in Abu Dhabi for booking. You can select a hotel using a variety of filters: hotel star rating, hotel type (hotel, apartment, villa, hostel, etc.), cost, hotel location, ratings of people who visited the hotel, Wi-Fi availability and much more. .