| Learn the local customs of Abu Dhabi. Tips and photos posted by real travelers and Abu Dhabi locals. Abu Dhabi Map |
 | Abu Dhabi Local Customs | Tips 1 - 10 of 11 |  |
 A mosque by Faiza-Ifrah
Photographs of strange women and even girls should not be taken, except with permission.
Abu Dhabi itself has many beautiful shopping centers and other buildings that can be explored easily. However, while entering a mosque (Abu Dhabi mosques are very beautiful) to take pictures of the interior, please ask the guard first. Leave a Comment
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Greetings can be protracted affairs as an Arab may enquire after you and your family's health. The polite reply is that all is well, thanks be to God. It is usual to use 'Sayed' (Mr) or 'Sayeda' (Mrs) followed by the first name. The name should always be prefixed with the honorific title when conducting business. The Bedouin custom of offering food and shelter to strangers in the deserts is preserved today by the coffee ceremony. Business often starts with a tiny cup of cardamon-flavoured coffee poured from the traditional metal pot or dallah. To indicate that you have had enough, guests must wiggle the cup from side to side. Leave a Comment
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Don't take pictures of local women. It's considered inappropriate and offensive. Well, I understand them. I wouldn't like some crazy foreigner to take pictures of me...
Don't wear too revealing clothes when going out to the city. Leave a Comment
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Abu-Dhabi has a sub-tropical, arid climate with mostly sunny blue skies. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter, from November to March (12cm per year). Temperatures range from a low of around 10 C (50 F), to a high of around 48 C (118 F) in the summer. The most pleasant time to visit is in the cooler winter months when temperatures are around 24C (75 F) during the day and 13 C (56 F) at night.
The prevailing winds are from the north-west and are called "Shamal" and they often bring sandstorms particularly in winter. More surprisingly is the fog in the winter mornings that can make driving a hazard but that disappears with the morning sun. In the summer, humidity can be killer - approaching 100%! As in any place with plenty of sun, good quality sunglasses, hats and sunscreen are essential and so are drinking plenty of fluids (at least 1 1/2 litres of water/day), don't rely on feeling thirsty!.
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Abu Dhabi is generally conservative, but tolerant when it comes to dress code. Residents and visitors are advised to respect local culture and customs by not wearing revealing clothing in public places. It is respectful for men and women to cover shoulders and knees when in public.
For visitors to the country, lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but something slightly warmer may be needed for the winter months. Be sure to take some sort of jacket or sweater when visiting hotels, offices or the cinemas, as the air conditioning can be pretty fierce. Although throughout the emirates the attitude is fairly liberal, in Abu Dhabi it is rather more conservative than in neighbouring Dubai. As in all countries, a healthy amount of respect for the local customs doesn't go amiss, especially when shopping or generally sightseeing. Short or tight clothing may be worn, but it will attract attention - most of it unwelcome. For ladies it is advisable to wear short sleeved rather than sleeveless tops and dresses, especially if travelling by local taxi on your own (shawls and wraps are often worn over evening dresses etc).
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As far as I can see, the dress code for western women is not a problem.
If you are female then men will stare regardless of what you are wearing.
I tend to wear a vest top and jeans or a long skirt. I did however see a woman wearing tight shorts and a very tight top. This seems a little over the top.
But for everyone to suggest that women should wear long tops and skirts is silly. As i said before, your female, men here will look and chat you up.
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Language
The official language of the UAE is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and is commonly used in conjunction with Arabic.
Culture
The following paragraph is the same as the section under Religion as the Islamic religion is the 'Culture' of the UAE.
Religion
Islam is the official religion in the UAE. There is no separation of the sacred from the secular, as Islam is a way of life for Muslims and it is something that you will have to get used to. Probably the first thing you will notice is the call of the prayer. This is a short verse sung by the 'Imam' from the mosque, which begins with "Allah Akbar", or "God is the greatest". You will hear it 5 times a day (once at dawn). All Muslims will then stop work, wash themselves ritually, and face Mecca to pray.
The loudspeakers of most mosques will call the faithful to each prayer time. New expatriates searching for accommodation near a mosque should bear the certainty of the dawn and other calls to prayer in mind when you are deciding where to live.
UAE Law
There are 3 courts in the UAE: the Shariah, Criminal and Civil Court.
Shariah law is based on the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet Mohamed *(PBUH). Crimes are referred to a Public Prosecutor who decides whether the case should be adjudicated before a Shariah Court or a Criminal Court. Generally, Muslims are sent before the Shariah court, while expats, depending on the nature of the offense, are referred to Criminal Court. The Civil Court is for general cases (unpaid house rents, bouncing cheques, etc), however these cases can be referred to the Shariah Court.
*(PBUH) stands for Peace Be Upon Him - you will often find this written when Prophet Mohamed's name is mentioned.
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 Abu Dhabi by woef
From outside it does not even look like a store. It's tiny inside...but all is there .
Alcohol should be on the oposite corner.
10th (Liwa) Street. Close to "Friday's" Leave a Comment
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 by SrechkoLeave a Comment
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At the time of the Eids people take time off to relax and enjoy themselves, go visiting family and friends. Picnics in the parks and along the corniche are a means of enjoying the fresh air . Barbecues are set up, and pre-prepared food is taken along too. Whole families get together to share the feast. Leave a Comment
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