Travel Abu Dhabi-Shoppers Paradise  Introduction:
The Federal capital city of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is also the richest city of the Emirates with 10% of the world’s known oil reserves located here.These oil reserves have transformed Abu Dhabi from a small fishing village to a global economic powerhouse.This city is also famous for its sky scrapers and the fine architecture of its modern buildings, which is one of the best in the middle east. Abu Dhabi is also a tourists paradise with its fine infrastructure and shopping malls, world class resorts, parks, state of-the-art communication and transport services, cultural centers and events and luxury hotels and other tourist attractions.
History:
Its long shallow coastline initially made it one of the world’s best pearl fishing areas, but gradually the pearl fishing industry declined. The discovery of oil in 1958 in the offshore oilfields of the Southern Gulf and its subsequent export from 1962 however revived the economy of Abu Dhabi. The new found prosperity led to the construction of high-rise modern buildings and other infrastructure thus making it the federal capital of the UAE, a center of Government and business life. Thanks to the vision of the then Ruler, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, over a period of more than four decades, this oil revenue was consistently and wisely invested to provide Abu Dhabi and its citizens with the finest infrastructure, telecommunications, hospitals, schools and all the other facilities and services that make for an advanced country. This work continues under the present Ruler, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Today Abu Dhabi has a great booming Tourism industry with its rich Cultural heritage combined with modern first-class infrastructure.  Geographical Information:
Location:
Abu Dhabi being the centre of government and business life in the UAE , is situated North East of the Arabian Peninsula. It is largest of the seven emirates which makeup the UAE , having an area of approx 67,000 square km.(87% of the country's total).The city of Abu Dhabi has a varied topography- with sandy beaches, islands (nearly 200 islands), stretches of gravel plain and sand dunes and the picturesque Hajar Mountains which run down the eastern part of the country.
Climate:
Temperature ranging between 10degreeC - 48degreeC in summer; 13Degree - 24degreeC in winter.The Hottest Months – July and August.Rainfall – is irregular, infrequent, mainly falling in winter (November to March).Sub-tropical desertlike, arid climate.The best time to visit is around cooler winter months when temperatures are around 24° C (75° F) during the day and 13° C (56° F) at night. General Information:
1.Population: 928,360.
2.Dress code: Lightweight summer clothing throughout the year, Light warm clothing for the evenings and in winter.Avoid excessively revealing clothing.
3.Language: Official language is Arabic.But English is widely spoken.
4.Religion: Islam.But christianity and other religions are treated with great respect.
5.Time Zone: GMT/UTC +4
6.Currency: UAE Dirham (Dhs or Aed). US$1 = 3.66 Dhs
7.Telephone Code: +971 (02)
8.Official Holiday: Friday and Saturday.  How To Get There:
Abu Dhabi International Airport (IATA: AUH) (ICAO: OMAA) ranks among the best airports in the world. Etihad, the national airline of the UAE has been making rapid progress in the recent years.
Address:
Department of Civil Aviation,
Abu Dhabi International Airport,
PO Box 20, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Airport Code: AUH
Country Code: 971
Telephone: (0)2 575 7500
Fax: (0)2 575 7285
 Airport Information:
The Abu Dhabi International Airport has 3 terminals( three terminals at the airport) and another Check-in terminal called City Terminal located at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s business district in Abu Dhabi City.This City Terminal offers passengers hassle-free check-in facility in a calm and peaceful environment and are allowed to collect their boarding pass up to 12 hours before departure. The passengers once checked in and completed all formalities are free to proceed to the airport.There are a fleet of luxury coaches which depart to the airport every hour. While passengers are waiting they can make use of the facilities in the spacious lounge area. Drinks and light refreshments are available, and passengers can watch satellite TV channels or browse through a Duty Free Shopping Catalogue. If they select an item to purchase it will be waiting for them when they arrive at the airport. The business center offers a comprehensible range of services like internet facility, hotel booking etc.
Abu Dhabi International Airport Hotel (tel: (0)2 575 7377) is a transit hotel which has around 40 rooms, as well as a VIP lounge, restaurant, bar, children’s playroom, massage chairs, health club with jacuzzi, fully-equipped business centre, sauna and gym. In addition, the hotel has a lounge in which travellers can rest before their flight and a secure luggage room.
Visas:
Gambling Laws:
Nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries; Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia, do not require a visa to enter the UAE. Other visitors however need to obtain a visit visa on arrival at the airport.
Custom:
Usually during custom Check-in most officers will ask for a passport, any appropriate travel documents, and the nature of trip. Be careful not to have passport stamps from Israel in your passport or you will not be allowed in.
The duty free allowance for each visitor entering the country is 2,000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2kg of tobacco, a 'reasonable amount' of perfume, and, for non-Muslim adults, two litres of spirits and two litres of wine. Visitors are not charged customs duty on personal effects they bring into Abu Dhabi. ********************************************* | |
