Abu Dhabi Facts

  • Abu Dhabi is one of 7 Emirates making up the United Arab Emirates.
  • The UAE was formed in 1971, the other Emirates being Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Kaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. Before 1971 it was locally ruled but under English protection and guidance and known as the Trucial States
  • Each Emirate has its own Ruler and laws vary from one Emirate to another. Each Emirate has a separate police force
  • The translation of Abu Dhabi means ’Father of the Gazelles’. It was first discovered in the mid 1770’s by hunters from the Bani Yas tribe who were tracking a gazelle through the desert and found a rare fresh water spring. A settlement was established here and Abu Dhabi was born.
  • Oil was discovered in the UAE 1958 by an Anglo- French Consortium and exporting began in 1962. The UAE oil reserves currently amount   to approximately 10% of the earth’s total and more than 90% of these reserves are owned by Abu Dhabi. This has brought incredible wealth to Abu Dhabi and it is often referred to as the ‘richest city in the world’.
  • The UAE is situated on the Southern shores of the Arabian Gulf, bordered by Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman.
  • The population of Abu Dhabi is steadily increasing and is currently approx 1.8 million of which 20% are Emiratis.
  • The Ruler of Abu Dhabi is Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He is also the President of the UAE.
  • The UAE government is made up of a Supreme Council of Rulers (Rulers of the 7 Emirates) and also the Federal National Council (up to 40 members who are members of the ruling families). The FNC reports to the Supreme Council and monitors and implements government policy.
  • Trade, manufacturing, tourism, finance and construction also play an ever increasing role in the economic and social development of Abu Dhabi.
  • Abu Dhabi covers total area of over 65,000 sq km.
  • The official language is Arabic, however English is widely spoken. 
  • Islam is the official religion of Abu Dhabi however many other faiths are acknowledged and facilitated.
  • The climate in Abu Dhabi is a dry subtropical climate, hottest months May – September with temperatures averaging mid 40s and associated high humidity. Coolest months are December- February with temperatures averaging mid 20s. Rainfall rarely exceeds 15cms / year and occasional sand storms occur.
  • UAE Nationals wear their traditional dress in public. Men wear a ‘dishdash’ – a full length white cotton shirt worn with a white headdress known as a ‘gutra’, this headdress is held in place with a black cord called ‘agal’. Women wear a black ‘Abaya’- a loose full length black robe over their clothes and a head cover called a ‘sheyla’.
  • The Abu Dhabi time zone is GMT + 4, there is no day light saving in Abu Dhabi.
  • Currency is UAE Dirham (Dhs) or Arab Emirate Dirham (AED) and is pegged to the US Dollar @3.67 Dhs – 1 US$
  • Electricity is 220 volts, 3 pin sockets are most common.
  • A visa is required by all residents to either visit or live in the UAE.
  • The international dialing code to Abu Dhabi is 00 971  2---- . UAE dialing code for Abu Dhabi is 02.
  • The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Friday being the Islamic Holy day. 
  • Private companies work 8am – 6pm, some government establishments work split days 8am -1pm and 4-7pm.  Shopping malls generally open 10am – 10pm and supermarkets 8am – 10pm, but traditional stores may open traditional hours.
  • School days vary slightly from one school to another but generally 7.30am – 2pm. The school year is September to June, working over 3 terms, similar to UK and other European countries.
  • There is no custom duty levied on personal effects entering or leaving Abu Dhabi. 
  • Abu Dhabi is essentially a tax free hub, however expect to pay 5% municipality tax on rent, 10% on food and beverages in restaurants, buying alcohol at a licensed store will incur upwards of 30% tax and there are visa fees, car registration, property service charges etc.
  • A licence is required to buy or be in possession of alcohol. There is zero tolerance of drunken driving or inappropriate behaviour whilst under the influence of alcohol.