Abu Dhabi Favorite Tips by amna24 Top 5 Page for this destination

Useful Tips

Favorite thing: Arabs are very hospitable so accept any invitations you receive.
It is good manners to remove your shoes before entering a UAE national’s house.
Leave X-rated books and DVDs behind. They are not allowed in the UAE.
Take photos of your visit to the UAE , but ask permission first. Most locals will be happy to oblige, but they may be sensitive to having their picture taken, especially women.
If you are a man, don’t offer your hand to an Emirati woman. It is considered impolite. Some Arab men will shake Western women’s hands, but don’t be offended if they don’t.
The UAE is a Muslim country, so don’t engage in public displays of affection. Anything more than a kiss on the cheek in public is frowned upon.
Don’t expect taxi drivers to carry change. Many struggle to provide change for any note greater than AED 100, so have smaller notes and coins ready.

USE OF ALCOHOL IN ABU DHABI

Favorite thing: Alcohol is only served in licensed outlets associated with hotels 4 or 5 stars (i.e. restaurants and bars) plus a few clubs (i.e. golf) and associations. Restaurants outside of hotels that are not part of one of the clubs or associations are not permitted to serve alcohol.
Permanent residents who are non-Muslim can obtain liquor supplies without difficulty under a permit system, which entitles you to buy from a special liquor shop (not the local supermarket). This permit allows you to spend a limited amount on alcohol per month; this amount is calculated based on your monthly salary. To apply, collect an application form from your local liquor store or the Police Headquarters, situated between Airport Road and Al Saada Street in Abu Dhabi. Then submit the form to the Police Headquarters along with: Essential documents, religion certificate. By law you should carry this liquor permit with you whenever you are transporting liquor or drinking alcohol at licensed premises.
Note - the authorities in Abu Dhabi have a strict anti-drink driving stance.

IMPORTANT - Do not carry liquor in public transportation (taxis, buses, etc.) If consuming liquor in public carry your liquor license.
Wives' name must be on spouses' liquor license if they want to consume liquor as a UAE resident

Fondest memory: for non residernt (tourist) they can drink alcohol at most of the Hotel at abu dhabi without licence ( drinking quantity only) i.e you can't buy bottle