The snow has made headlines across Europe and the US in recent weeks, spurring more holidaymakers to make a trip to the sun. As a result, Abu Dhabi is abuzz with visitors right now. To survive the influx of guests demanding your time and local knowledge, use our fun Q&A to work out what type of host you really are. But first, the answers to all those questions they’ll have asked before even getting here.
Pre-arrival survival… all their questions answered
When is best to visit?
The best time of year for the weather is between November and April, when the weather hovers around 30°C. The Holy Month of Ramadan is scheduled to start on July 10 this year, during which many venues are closed, live music is cancelled and eating and drinking in public is forbidden during daylight hours.
Is it good for kids?
The city offers loads of attractions for kids, and some hotels have babysitting services.
Do women have to cover up?
Sunbathing on the beach is fine. You must don more substantial clothes over your swimsuit before stepping off the beach, and it is not advisable to go directly from the beach to the mall without covering up. In all other public places (streets, shopping malls and restaurants), shorts and skirts must be of appropriate length – avoid mini skirts or hot pants. Avoid wearing clothing that is low-cut, transparent or that displays obscene or potentially offensive pictures or slogans.
How much to tip?
A 16 percent service charge is added in many tourist establishments, though feel free to add more if your service was impressive. If the charge is not already included, ten or 15 percent is about average. For taxi drivers, it is appropriate to round up the fare to the nearest Dhs5/10 or give more if you’re impressed by the driver.
Driving
Guests who qualify for a tourist visa (www.etihadairways.com/en/before-you-fly/visas) can use their native driving licence during the trip. Car rental costs around Dhs130 per day per car (www.rentalcars.com).
Health tips
Mosquitoes don’t pose a massive problem here, though you may get the occasional bite, so a suitable insect repellent won’t go astray. No special vaccinations or immunisations are required. Some medications are banned (see abudhabi.usembassy.gov/restricted_medication.html for details), and guests are advised to buy medicines when they arrive: a list of 24-hour chemists can be be found on the government website
www.abudhabi.ae.
Mobile phones
Sim cards can be bought at the airport from the local Du or Etisalat counters for Dhs30 (www.etisalat.ae, www.du.ae).
Clothing
Lightweight clothing is ideal, but at night it can get chilly due to the lack of cloud cover, especially if at sea or in the desert. Bring some long-sleeved layers and a pashmina.
Photos
It is polite to ask before taking photos of locals, and taking pictures of government buildings or military equipment should be avoided or you may find your photos deleted.
Alcohol
Consumption is only permitted in certain designated areas, such as licensed restaurants and bars attached to hotels. Residents must hold a valid alcohol licence.
Public affection
Holding hands in public is only allowed for married couples; but even they should not kiss or cuddle.
Time
Abu Dhabi is three hours ahead of GMT; there’s no summer time change.
Emergency contacts
Ambulance 998 or 999
Fire 997
Police 999
Coastguard 02 615 8666
Q&A
What kind of host are you? Find out here…
Do you enjoy having guests to visit?
A) I do, but it can be hard to find the time to look after them.
B) Of course, it’s a chance for me and the city to show off.
C) The more the merrier, as our kids always say.
D) I’ve been here so long, it’s tough finding new things to do.
E) Yes, but I still feel like a newcomer myself.
Which of the below do you think when guests arrive?
A) Have fun with them during evenings and weekends – but save time off for my holidays.
B) Always keep them coming back for more.
C) Even if they’re just friends, they feel like part of the family.
D) Here we go again!
E) We’re all in this together, so let’s explore!
What’s your favourite thing about living in Abu Dhabi?
A) The service: having everything at the touch of a button.
B) Doing all the things I can’t do back home.
C) How great it is for the kids.
D) After being here so long, I know nearly everyone.
E) There’s too much to choose from – I haven’t even had a chance to decide yet.
Mostly As Time is tight You have a hectic workload and there is barely enough time in the day for you, let alone having more people demanding your attention. Your guests need to be independent.
Mostly Bs Host with the most You are the stereotypical wannabe ‘perfect host’ who wants to do lots of adrenaline-packed activities to impress your visitors, and money is no obstacle in the pursuit of fun. Your guests better be up to the challenge.
Mostly Cs Family guy and girl You have a partner, kids, a home and a dog, so a few more bodies won’t make a big difference. Having said that, your guests better be ready to help out.
Mostly Ds Long-term resident You’ve lived in the UAE for a while and have lost count of how many guests you’ve entertained. You feel as though you’ve already seen everything, so guests should come with some ideas of new challenges that excite them.
Mostly Es First-time host You’re an overly enthusiastic recent arrival to Abu Dhabi, and everything is as new to your guests as it is to you. Like your guests, you’re after the ultimate to-do list, to get the essential must-dos done first.
