Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In
Off the Beaten Path in Abu Dhabi
Search:

Home » Travel Guides » Middle East » United Arab Emirates » Abu Zaby » Abu Dhabi » Off the Beaten Path

Abu Dhabi Hotels

Real reviews from real travelers.

Abu Dhabi Off the Beaten Path

In the horizon is Sir Bani Yas - Abu Dhabi
In the horizon is Sir Bani Yas
by zuyao
Tips and photos of unusual, out-of-the-way Abu Dhabi attractions, posted by real travelers and locals.
Abu Dhabi Map
Sort By:  Most Recent | Best Rated
A stadium in the desert
  • Tip Rating:
  • Faiza-Ifrah
  • Updated By Faiza-Ifrah on July 24, 2005
  • Abu Dhabi Page by Faiza-Ifrah
  • A beautiful cricket stadium - Abu Dhabi
    A beautiful cricket stadium
    by Faiza-Ifrah
    The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has constructed a beautiful stadium for the cricket enthusiasts. The stadium has been constructed in the outskirts of the main city on the left side of the Highway that leads to Al Ain city.

    The covered part of the stadium has been designed in the shape of a cricket cap. The ground itself is strips of dark and light green grass. Various company and inter-city tournaments are played in this ground.

    We climbed up the highest elevation under the covered roof and were totally exhausted in so doing. The general ticket holders sit on the slopes of beautifully landscaped hills on the other 3 sides.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Abu Dhabi?

    Read reviews about Abu Dhabi Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    COMMUNICATIONS
  • Tip Rating:
  • amna24
  • By amna24 on January 30, 2008
  • Abu Dhabi Page by amna24
  • Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (commonly known as Etisalat) is the sole telecommunications provider in the Emirates. They are responsible for telephones, landlines and mobiles, pagers and the Internet. Comprehensive information on services and related charges can be found in the Etisalat telephone directory.

    You can also visit their website: Emirates where you can find the YELLOW PAGES online to gather any particular information.

    For international country rates listing check the Etisalat phone book. Note: Cheap rates for overseas calls operate from 9pm to 7am every weekday and from 2pm to 4pm in certain countries. On Fridays the rates are half the usual ones. A good time to call home.

    Etisalat Information:
    Tel: 02 633 3111
    Fax: 02 634 4432
    Information: 180(English)
    Fault reporting: 170(English)
    Billing Information: 142(English)
    Speaking clock: 140(English)
    Operator assistance: 100

    As for mobile phones, most people in Abu Dhabi seem to own a mobile phone, if not two. Mobiles can be bought from Etisalat, specialized telecommunications shops or from most electronic shops and malls. The application for a mobile phone SIM card is available at any Etisalat service centre. You can also buy a temporary SIM card which enables you to make & receive calls. The process is fairly simple and can be done in an hour. Once you have received the SIM card you are ready to dial. Etisalat has a range of payphones installed at convenient locations throughout the Emirates. To use one of them, simply purchase a phone card available in two denominations- 9 $ & 12$ or you can buy a pre-paid phone card from which you can dial from your home as well. The instructions are given on the card itself.

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Futaisi Island
  • Tip Rating:
  • amna24
  • Updated By amna24 on February 14, 2008
  • Abu Dhabi Page by amna24
  • Abu Dhabi Off the Beaten Path
    by amna24, 4 more photos
    The Island is certainly unique and is an interest to both tourists and scientists alike.

    The well-kept stables house purebred Arabian Horses that are available for touring around the island. Children and adults who have never ridden before, but who would like to discover the pleasure of riding an Arabian horse or a camel can also be taken for rides.

    Covering an area of around 50 Sq Kilometers, only a small area has been developed. The rest of the Island remains quiet and undisturbed, creating a very effective wildlife sanctuary.

    Discover the Island on Bicycles or take a mini-bus tour around the Island to see Gazelles running free, Ospreys nesting on outbreaks of rocks and Hidden Lagoons in the mangroves. As you explore the Island you will soon start to spot an abundance of Gazelles running and jumping across the flats or in and out of the mangrove clusters. This particular variety is endemic to the Island and is left to breed in peace.

    Another major attraction on the Island is an authentic Arabian fort built out of traditional materials such as mud bricks. The fort provides a unique setting for banquets and parties.

    The true treasure of Futaisi Island is its untouched nature. As the entire sea area around the Island is very shallow, boat access is difficult and this has ensured that most of the Island remains quiet and undisturbed, creating a very effective wildlife sanctuary over the greater part of the island.

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    boat building , the old fashioned way
  • Tip Rating:
  • imaturnip
  • Updated By imaturnip on July 29, 2004
  • Abu Dhabi Page by imaturnip
  • life  has its compensations - Abu Dhabi
    life has its compensations
    by imaturnip
    From Bombay across the arabian peninsular to east africa, there are small wooden ships called dhows, that carry cargo through from East Africa,Zanzibar , Yemen, Oman , Dubai , Iran, Pakisan and India. Here in Abu Dhabi not far from the shopping malls multiplex cinemas and 5 star hotels, you can take a step back in time and see carpenters puting these wooden ships together using hammer and chisel in the traditional way. Mostly now working on racing sailboats Or just go to one of the golf courses and chill out!

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Type of Visa
    amna24
  • By amna24 on January 30, 2008
  • Abu Dhabi Page by amna24
  • 1. Transit Visa
    are valid for fourteen-day from date of issue - you must make your entry within this time, and fourteen days from the date of arrival (i.e. duration of stay). A company, major hotel or government agency can only obtain this visa in the UAE.
    The following information should be sent by mail or fax at least 1 week prior to your arrival :

    Information needed (transit visa)
    Flight Details
    Clear and readable Passport Copy (preferably a scanned copy with six months validity)
    Copy of Diploma or degree
    Advance notice needed
    3 working days at least
    Extensions
    Transit visas cannot be extended, and the fine of Dhs. 100 is payable for each day exceeding the 14 day period + Dhs 100 exit fees.
    For more information call Airport Transit Office: 02 75 75 00

    2. Visit Visa
    Visit visas are one-month visas. They are good for 60 days, but can be extended a third month without having to leave the country and will cost Dhs 500. A company, major hotel, government agency or an individual with a valid UAE Employment visa can obtain visit visas. It is advisable to enter and leave the U.A.E. from the same airport for administrative work. The time required to obtain a visit visa is normally 4 to 10 days.

    EU Citizens, GCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia), expatriate residents of GCC (certain nationalities and professions), Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New-Zealand, Canada, U.S.A. can get a 30 day Visit Visa upon arrival at any UAE Airport.

    Information needed for visit visa
    Flight Details
    Name of Mother and Father
    Clear and readable Passport Copy (preferably scanned with six months validity)
    Copy of Diploma or degree
    Copy of Marriage Certificate & Birth Certificates (for wives and children if accompanying you)
    Advance notice needed
    15 working days at least
    Facility to extend visit visa
    Visa can be extended

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Abu Dhabi?

    Read reviews about Abu Dhabi Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Marina Shisha Cafe
    sharlene5
  • By sharlene5 on March 15, 2005
  • Abu Dhabi Page by sharlene5
  • Marina Cafe:
    Keep an eye out on the right hand side of the road on your way to Marina Mall. It is between the 1st and 2nd set of traffic lights after you turn onto the road to marina mall.

    Shisha (waterpipre) Cafe on the waterfront. Also serves as a restaurant.

    Offers a great view of the city. especially at night!

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Telephone & Fax numbers of main Embassies
    amna24
  • By amna24 on January 30, 2008
  • Abu Dhabi Page by amna24
  • Telephone & Fax numbers of main Embassies and Consulates in Abu Dhabi:

    Algerian Embassy
    02 444 8949
    02 444 7068

    Argentina Embassy
    02 443 1392
    02 443 1392
    Australian Embassy
    02 634 6100

    American Embassy
    02 443 6691
    02 443 4171

    Canadian Embassy
    02 445 6969

    British Embassy
    02 632 6600
    02 634 5968

    Indian Embassy
    02 449 2700
    02 444 4685

    German Embassy
    02 443 5630
    02 443 5625

    Moroccan Embassy
    02 443 3963

    French Embassy
    02 443 5100
    TLX 22325

    AMBFR EM
    Italian Embassy
    02 443 5622
    02443 4337
    Lebanese Embassy
    02 449 2100

    Pakistani Embassy
    02 444 7800
    02 444 7172

    Swiss Embassy
    02 627 4636
    02 626 9627

    Embassies and consulates open from about 08:45 - 13:30. They are closed on Fridays and in most cases on Saturdays, but generally leave an emergency number on their answer machines.

    Note: Telephone Code when calling from abroad is 00 971

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Al Ain
    xiquinho
  • By xiquinho on December 27, 2007
  • Abu Dhabi Page by xiquinho
  • The border town of Al Ain is much visited and is, to all intents and purposes, Abu Dhabi Emirate’s second city. It is a more pleasant place to visit than Abu Dhabi itself, and not for nothing is it known as the Emirate’s “garden city”, being surprisingly lush and thick with green growth, even in its heart. It also boasts more history than the capital; archaeological evidence has dated a settlement here to 3,000BC.

    The excellent Al Ain Museum, located next to the old fort, displays the many artefacts discovered in the region. At sites on the periphery of the city such as Al Qattara and Al Hili you can see the archaeological work in progress. Al Hili is particularly noted for its Bronze Age tombs. Meanwhile, Al Ain city centre offers modern shopping and traditional souks and the UAE’s premier theme park.

    For the more active minded there’s the opportunity to go dune bashing through the desert in 4WDs, or take a camel safari. Al Ain is three hours by bus from Abu Dhabi.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Visa Prerequisites
    amna24
  • By amna24 on January 30, 2008
  • Abu Dhabi Page by amna24
  • Visas
    Visas requirement for entering the Emirates vary greatly between different nationalities and regulations should always be checked before travelling. Since the rules sometimes seem to change virtually overnight. Everyone wishing to enter to the UAE must be in possession of a valid visa, except GCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia), Expatriate residents of the GCC,(certain nationalities and professions), and British citizens with the right of abode in the UK. British citizens are allowed to stay in the emirates for 60 days (recently increased from 30 days).

    In a new ruling, nationals from no fewer than 33 countries in Europe, North America and the Pacific Rim can now enter the UAE without obtaining a visa in advance (EU Countries, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New-Zealand, Canada, U.S.A.). Their passports will be stamped with a Visit Visa as they pass through Immigration on arrival.

    Except for British nationals, visas cannot be obtained upon arrival, and we cannot do anything to facilitate entry of persons arriving without proper documentation. Those arriving without visas will be detained at the transit lounge, and deported on the first available flight - usually back to their point of origin.

    Note: You must remember that with every visa, if you exceed your legal duration of stay, a fine of Dhs.100 is due for each day of stay + Dhs 100 exit fee (Administration work) after the legal limit. You also must note that Schlumberger has a special officer called PRO (Public Relations Officer) in each product line who will complete all the formalities for you and your family once you have given him the required documents.

    There are different types of visa for entering the UAE:

    Basically, there are 4 types of visas:
    1. Transit visa
    2. Visit visa (or Tourist visa)
    3. Employment visa
    4. Residence visa
    In the following sections we hope to familiarize you with what the various visas are, and the necessary procedures to obtain them.

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Venture out in the desert.
    Faiza-Ifrah
  • By Faiza-Ifrah on June 9, 2004
  • Abu Dhabi Page by Faiza-Ifrah
  • Sun glsses are must in glistening desert - Abu Dhabi
    Sun glsses are must in
    glistening desert
    by Faiza-Ifrah

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    More Abu Dhabi Tips
    Overview
     
    Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 52 - Photos: 80
    Things To Do
    Tips: 111 - Photos: 207
    Nightlife
    Tips: 20 - Photos: 2
    Transportation
    Tips: 44 - Photos: 41
    Restaurants
    Tips: 71 - Photos: 46
    Shopping
    Tips: 40 - Photos: 65
    Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 21 - Photos: 27
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 9 - Photos: 0
    Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 16 - Photos: 8
    Local Customs
    Tips: 11 - Photos: 9
    Packing Lists
    Tips: 6 - Photos: 0
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 3 - Photos: 2
    General Tips
    Tips: 12 - Photos: 10
    Flights
    Tips: 13 - Photos: 0

    Best Abu Dhabi Travel Deals

    NJIT Project Management
    Online Graduate Certificate Learn More Today

    4 Star Hotel Abu Dhabi
    Boutique 4 Star City Center Hotel In Abu Dhabi UAE. Book Now!

    Lodging Hotel
    Up to 50% off Hotels at Expedia. No Expedia change or cancel fees!

    Find New York Hotels
    Read Hotel Reviews at Switchboard & Turn Travel into a Winter Retreat.

    Abu Dhabi Hotels
    On the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Near Gold Souk & Downtown. Explore!

    Sponsored Links

    More Abu Dhabi Travel Deals

    Abu Dhabi Luxury Hotel
    Fairmont ® Abu Dhabi Hotel. Book Exclusive Online Packages & Rates.

    Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi
    Book Lowest Hotel Rates Direct! Luxurious Beds & Great Amenities.

    Newark NJ Hotel
    Minutes from Manhattan. Save 75% Over NYC Hotels in Downtown Newark!

    Sponsored Links

    Abu Dhabi Hotels





    About VirtualTourist |  10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTourist |  Contact Us |  Press Center |  Help |  User Agreement |  Privacy Statement
    Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.