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Abu Dhabi Warnings or Dangers
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Abu Dhabi Warnings or Dangers

Abu Dhabi travel tips posted by real travelers and Abu Dhabi locals.
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"Fast" Rent A Car Scam
  • Tip Rating:
  • Cielo_Algaeed
  • Updated By Cielo_Algaeed on April 2, 2007
  • Abu Dhabi Page by Cielo_Algaeed
  • Abu Dhabi Warnings or Dangers
    by Cielo_Algaeed
    "Fast" is the rent a car company we got for our overland trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. A checklist was given to us which states the tools and spare tire inside the car (trunk). We returned the car as agreed at the Abu Dhabi airport. 2 of their staffs checked the car if there was any scratches (aside from the existing ones) or any damaged in the car. Also, they checked the spare tire and tools. So, instead of waiting in the middle of the heat outside the open parking area, me and hubby decided to leave them and submit the papers to their office just few steps away from the carpark.

    After awhile, one of the staff informed us that one of the tool is missing. Considering we didnt even dare to open the trunk after we got the car, we were surprised that one of the tools is missing. I intentionally said on a loud voice "Is this a scam?". After about 20 seconds, the staff came back telling us that he found the tool and was just hidden underneath..hmmmmm...

    Just a piece of advise, be vigilant and dont leave the car while they are inspecting it.

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    Summers are hot, hazy and humid
  • Tip Rating:
  • Faiza-Ifrah
  • By Faiza-Ifrah on June 9, 2004
  • Abu Dhabi Page by Faiza-Ifrah
  • A look through moistened glass - Abu Dhabi
    A look through moistened glass
    by Faiza-Ifrah
    It gets very hot, hazy and humid in the summer, which lasts from May till September.

    When you come out of AC of the car or the building, the moisture (called Ratoobah in Arabic) out in the open gets accumulated on eye glasses, camera lenses and any other thing made of glass making the visibility almost zero.

    In one of such days of excess humidity I took this picture of La Meridian roundabout with the camera lens covered with moisture.

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    Summers mean sand storms and dust
  • Tip Rating:
  • Faiza-Ifrah
  • By Faiza-Ifrah on June 9, 2004
  • Abu Dhabi Page by Faiza-Ifrah
  • La Meridian roundabout - Abu Dhabi
    La Meridian roundabout
    by Faiza-Ifrah
    The picture shows the La Meridian roundabout once the moisture cleared off the camera lens.

    Also, sand storms blow during the summers and the sand gets accumulated on the road. One has to slow down considerably once crossing these accumulations or otherwise vehicel can turn over.

    Keep lots of wet wipes and water bottles handy.

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    Dress properly
  • Tip Rating:
  • paragianna75
  • By paragianna75 on February 19, 2008
  • Abu Dhabi Page by paragianna75
  • Abu Dhabi is a muslim place so you have to respect the customs there and try not to provoke.Be carefull with your clothes (the women) - avoid short skirts and clothes that leave a big part of skin in public view.

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    walking alone at night
  • Tip Rating:
  • sharlene5
  • By sharlene5 on March 15, 2005
  • Abu Dhabi Page by sharlene5
  • Walking alone at night for women ( or men! ) is not the best of ideas. Though its not hard to get out of most somewhat dodgy situations, I think most people would rather avoid them altogether.

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  • Phone: operator 180
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    Be cautious!!!
    Littledaniegrrl
  • By Littledaniegrrl on December 11, 2005
  • Abu Dhabi Page by Littledaniegrrl
  • As in all other areas you travel, you need to be especially aware of your surroundings as a westerner in this area of the world. This is a very safe area but the danger of terrorism and anti American Sentiment exists.

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    Drinking and Driving
    hayak
  • By hayak on February 25, 2006
  • Abu Dhabi Page by hayak
  • Drinking and driving is not tolerated in the UAE. Forget the laws you have back home where you're allowed a drink or two. Around here, even the slightest hint of alcohol in your blood is not taken lightly - a prison sentence. It can vary from case to case, but usually the penalty is severe where you spend months if not years in jail and are whipped. To some this may seem pretty barbaric. But trust me, it's saved a lot of lives. The countless number of people who have been victims of people drinking and driving is a ridiculous number.

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    Take NTC Cabs rather than Local at night
    sharlene5
  • By sharlene5 on March 15, 2005
  • Abu Dhabi Page by sharlene5
  • NTC taxis number can be reached through an operator. Local taxis usually charge a fixed fee of 10 Dhs after midnight, but are known to cheat

    Though NTC cabs are more expensive, if youré heading out to an out-of-the-way place late at night, they would be your best bet.

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  • Phone: operator 180
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    Drugs
    hayak
  • By hayak on February 25, 2006
  • Abu Dhabi Page by hayak
  • Okay... now I know most of you know that drugs are illegal. But in the UAE don't even MENTION drugs. Even a milligram of any kind of drug is found on a person, they are immediately taken to jail for a 4 year sentence (if you're lucky) and immediately deported out of the country. Rarely someone may approach you to sell you drugs, and the best thing to do is just so no thank you and walk away. Don't even indulge in a conversation with this person.

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    Bad Sandstorm
    zuyao
  • Updated By zuyao on March 18, 2007
  • Abu Dhabi Page by zuyao
  • There was a violent sandstorm recently. Terrible experience. If you spend any amount of time in the open (desert), there will be a thick layer of powdery sand on your face. The sand gets into your nose, ears and nose. You can't open your eyes unless you're wearing specs or some goggles. In the city, it's not too bad as the tall buildings filtered out the storm but nevertheless the air is filled with fine sand or dust particles and this is not particularly healthy if you have a history of breathing problem.

    Try not to be outdoors too long during a sandstorm (especially in the desert). Drink lots of water and keep a handkerchief/ cloth handy to cover your nose/mouth. And don't leave the door open as the storm will just transfer all the sand indoors! Visibility will be poor, be careful while driving. Beware of piles of sand on the road as this will cause your car to overturn. In general, try to stay indoors during a sandstorm.

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    More Abu Dhabi Tips
    Overview
     
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    Warnings or Dangers
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