Going to à Abu Dhabi: Formalities and administrative steps
Organize your stay à Abu Dhabi
Money à Abu Dhabi
The official currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham (abbreviated AED), divided into 100 threads. There are coins of 5, 10, 25, 50 threads and 1 AED, and bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 AED. The dirham is pegged to the dollar. And the exchange rate (May 2022) is 1 AED = 0.26 € / 1 € = 3.84 AED. It is possible to use your credit card almost everywhere and without any minimum amount. You will find exchange offices in all shopping centers and they are generally very correct on the commission they charge. However, the ones at the airport are less interesting.
Budget & Tips à Abu Dhabi
The cost of living in the Emirates is about 20% higher than in France, except for transportation. Three categories will increase the cost of your vacation: accommodation, restaurants and especially alcohol. Be aware that hotel prices vary greatly between high and low season, but especially the location of the hotel in the city. Indeed, the hotels on the seaside are always very expensive. You can find luxury hotels with excellent value for money in areas further away from the coast. As far as restaurants are concerned, you can eat very well and for very little money in Indian, Pakistani and Levantine restaurants of course, but also in Al Ain or Liwa. What makes the bill soar is the alcohol, which is imposed by very high taxes. Bargaining is a time-honored tradition in the souks of the Arab world and particularly in Abu Dhabi. With a little negotiation, starting prices can sometimes be cut in half. However, it is important to note that once a price has been verbally agreed upon, the customer is assumed to be buying. To anticipate a budget from November to April per day, here are our recommendations as a guideline:
Small budget.
Count 800 AED per day per person (about 200 €), including accommodation in 3 star hotels, meals in Indian or Pakistani restaurants, public transportation, some cabs and visits.Average budget.
AED 1,600 per day per person (about €400), accommodation in 4-star hotels, meals in fast food restaurants, tours, cabs and some activities.Big budget. It's hard to say because in Abu Dhabi, there are no limits, but let's say that if you want to stay in the big hotels on the seafront, you need to count at least AED 4,000 per day per person (about €1,000), with good restaurants, shopping, cab rides, visits and fun activities like spas, private clubs. This is an average budget in the big budgets
Passport and visas à Abu Dhabi
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of return. The visit visa is a tourist visa issued at the airport upon arrival and to any European citizen and allows a maximum of 90 days, in one go or in several stays, for a total duration of 180 days.
Advice. Before leaving, remember to photocopy all the documents you take with you. Take one copy of each document with you and leave the other with someone in France. This will make it much easier for you to renew your documents with the consular authorities if they are lost or stolen. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). All you have to do is create an account and scan all your identity documents and other important documents in the confidential area
Driver's license à Abu Dhabi
If you're only staying in Abu Dhabi City, only take cabs. The Uber app works very well and the local app to download is called Careem. We recommend that you only rent a car if you want to travel within the emirate or the country. To rent a car, your valid European license will suffice. However, without GPS and without 4G to activate your wifi, it is easy to get lost! If you prefer the option of a car with a driver, all hotel receptions will be able to help you. Beware of speed cameras, they are everywhere. A system of artificial intelligence and drones can also check if you are talking on your mobile while driving or if you are exceeding the speed limits outside the ubiquitous speed cameras.
Health à Abu Dhabi
There is no real hygiene problem in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, where the tap water is even drinkable. But as it does not taste good, people have taken the habit of drinking mineral water
Wildlife. There is no risk of being stung or bitten by venomous animals in the city. The only dangerous venomous insect that has been found in populated areas is the red spider. If you are unlucky enough to come across this black spider with a red dorsal pattern, simply avoid teasing it! As sandy areas are home to many varieties of scorpions and snakes, an antivenom is useful in rural or desert areas. At night, if you are camping in the desert, remember to inspect your shoes, clothes and sleeping bag, where some unwanted visitors may come and nestle! And absolutely avoid open shoes, whatever the season!
Sun. It is the main false friend of tourists staying in Abu Dhabi. Outside of the months considered "mild" (November to April), the sun beats down hard and even prohibits any exposure in the middle of summer. The risk of burning is real and it is more than advisable to use high sun protection factor (30 minimum) all year round. Also remember not to lie down in the sun during the hottest hours (from 11am to 4pm), to protect yourself from sunstroke by covering your head and from hydrocution by entering the water only very gradually. In summer, floors, walls and objects exposed to the sun (slides) are hot: avoid walking barefoot, sitting on a low wall or letting a child climb on outdoor games.
Heat stroke. Beware of heat stroke! Between April and November, you get dehydrated quickly. It is important to stay hydrated, drink 2 liters of water per day, wear a cap or hat and do not walk in the sun during the hottest hours if you are not used to it.
Mandatory vaccination à Abu Dhabi
Because of the circulation of the Covid-19 virus and its variants which remains active, all entry into and exit from the emirate of Abu Dhabi is regulated. Therefore, it is imperative to carefully inform yourself of the regulations in force by referring to your airline's website
Entry. Passengers taking a direct flight from France must present, depending on their situation
- either a certificate including a QR code and proving that they have received a complete vaccination scheme with a vaccine approved by the WHO or the United Arab Emirates ;
- or, failing that, a negative PCR test valid for less than 48 hours with a QR code;
- or a medical certificate stating that the passenger has recovered from Covid-19 infection within a period of one month from the date of recovery to the date of arrival, with a QR code.
Travelers from outside of France or transiting through a third country should check directly with their airline for health requirements.
When a PCR test is required, an English or Arabic version of the results may be requested by some companies. Children under the age of 12 are exempt. For travelers from France, this PCR test can be performed at any laboratory approved by the French authorities.
During your stay in Abu Dhabi. To enter private and public facilities, you will need a PCR test that is less than 30 days old. You should strictly adhere to local health recommendations, consult a physician as soon as possible if you develop symptoms and strictly follow his or her instructions.
Individuals seeking information or medical support may also contact the following numbers set up by the local authorities
- Abu Dhabi Department of Health (Estijaba): (+971) 800 17 17
- Ministry of Health and Prevention: (+971) 800 11 111
Exit. Some airlines may impose additional conditions to the measures in force for entry into France. It is advisable to check directly with your airline.
In case of a positive test for Covid-19, the traveler will be obliged to extend his stay in France (minimum 10 days), at his own expense, and to cover any medical expenses. Given the uncertain health situation, it is therefore strongly advised that nationals who choose to travel to Abu Dhabi for a short stay plan for the necessary travel insurance and financial resources, as well as sufficient carrier flexibility in the event of a positive Covid test during travel.
Security à Abu Dhabi
Call for maximum vigilance: risk of attacks. As a reminder, the risk of attack is high due to the war in Yemen. French residents or visitors to Abu Dhabi are advised to exercise maximum vigilance. In particular, it is advisable to stay away from all gatherings and to be careful when traveling. It is also recommended to keep informed of the situation and risks, by consulting the recommendations for travelers to the United Arab Emirates on the website of France Diplomatie
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/emirats-arabes-unis/
French nationals visiting Abu Dhabi are invited to register on the Ariane thread, in order to receive alerts concerning the country they are in. http://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fildariane/dyn/public/login.html
There are no crime problems in Abu Dhabi, and when they exist, they are severely punished. One can safely walk alone everywhere, including at night. This is one of the major attractions of the destination, both for tourists and expatriates. Unlike in many other countries, the general atmosphere here is nonchalant and serene, and is accompanied by a feeling of well-being. And, as everywhere else, you should remember to keep your documents and important belongings (passports, visas, jewelry...) in the hotel safes provided for this purpose.
However, be careful with driving. When driving, always remain extremely vigilant: people can overtake you on the left or on the right, drive in front of you or turn around unexpectedly! Keep a cool head and use your mirrors more than the average. On foot, walk as much as possible on the sidewalks and cross in the right lane, except if cars are coming too fast. Indeed, with over 200 nationalities living in Abu Dhabi, there are many different ways to appreciate the rules of the road. Be careful, never get angry at the wheel, never swear, as you could be reported. Calmness, temperance and vigilance only! For single women, no worries.
Time difference à Abu Dhabi
3 hours difference with France during winter: when it is noon in Paris, it is 3pm in Abu Dhabi, and 2 hours in summer: when it is noon in Paris, it is 2pm in Abu Dhabi, that is GMT+4.
Spoken languages à Abu Dhabi
The official language is, of course, Arabic, competing with English as the language of business. The vast majority of services (cash withdrawals, various information) are offered in these two languages, as well as signage, but as a general rule, everyone in Abu Dhabi speaks English. Due to the large Indian and Pakistani communities, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam are also widely spoken.
Communication à Abu Dhabi
EIM (Emirates Internet and Multimedia) is the main provider of Internet services in all the Emirates, as well as the censor of inappropriate sites (same types of bans as for the written press). Under its control, sensitive subjects, related to cultural, religious, political and moral affairs, can be temporarily banned (blocked sites). Otherwise, services, technologies and infrastructures are largely on par with their European counterparts. Wifi is now widespread and you can connect for free in hotels and restaurants where you are a guest.
Finally, you should know that the use of VPNs is forbidden in the UAE and generally blocked in hotels. As a result, you will not be able to use WhatsApp from Abu Dhabi for telephony or video conferencing. The main alternatives that work without VPN are the BOTIM and ZOOM applications.
Electricity and measurements à Abu Dhabi
Here, it is 220 volts. Remember to get adapters for English style plugs (available in supermarkets) and if you forgot, don't hesitate to ask at the reception of your hotel, because very often they can help you out. Liquids are calculated in liters, distances in kilometers. Please note that for excursions outside Abu Dhabi, you will be given information in hours rather than kilometers.
Luggage à Abu Dhabi
Take summer clothes with a few woollens and stoles for the cool evenings in winter and to avoid getting sick with the air conditioning on full blast in the malls and hotel rooms. Beach indeed, but it is forbidden to wear a monokini on the beach (even on the private beaches of the hotels). In the evening, Emiratis dress up a lot to go out and sporty clothes are often forbidden in trendy restaurants and nightclubs. If you are planning to visit mosques and museums, if you are thinking of going out of town, and out of respect for the local population, it is not advisable to wear revealing clothes, even if it is tolerated (prefer for example t-shirts with sleeves to tank tops). In short, one should try to adopt a wise and logical behavior, taking into account the local customs. On the other hand, T-shirts with partisan slogans or insults are forbidden. And above all, do not bring any drugs in your suitcase, otherwise you will go directly to jail!
Daily life à Abu Dhabi
Hello? à Abu Dhabi
Phone code: +971 from France
Telephone operators: Etisalat, Du, Virgin Mobile
Many kiosks are available in the malls
The BOTIM and CME applications allow you to make unlimited video calls to foreign countries. These applications can only be downloaded on cell phones and tablets as well as ZOOM which can also be downloaded on computers.
Messenger, Skype, Facetime only work on workplaces or hotels; however these applications can be used in "text" mode without restriction.
Accessibility à Abu Dhabi
All public facilities, including sidewalks, pedestrian underpasses and building entrances, are becoming increasingly accessible for people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and the elderly.
Health à Abu Dhabi
The water distributed in the networks is drinkable, but it is desalinated and treated water. It is not recommended to drink tap water. However, it can be used for cooking, showering, brushing your teeth...
Public hospitals. Abu Dhabi's hospital system, administered by SEHA (The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company) is modern and meets international standards. It also has an international medical corps (including French-speaking doctors).
Below is a non-exhaustive list
Corniche Hospital - ✆ 800 50
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) - ✆ 800 50
Al Mafraq Hospital - ✆ 02 501 1111
General Medical Emergencies. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) - ✆ 800 50; NMC Hospital - ✆ 02 633 22 55.
Pediatric Emergencies. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) - ✆ 800 50; Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital - ✆ 800 2000.
Gynecological Emergencies. Corniche Maternity Hospital (corniche road east, near the Sheraton) - ✆ 02 811 7777.
Medication and Drugs. If you are bringing back a treatment in your luggage, it is important to have the medical prescription with you. It may be requested from you at customs. Some medications (such as those containing codeine, or even a form of Advil for children for example) are prohibited. The import, consumption, production or possession of narcotics or substances considered as narcotics (codeine, barbiturates), even in infinitesimal quantities (in the order of a milligram), are totally prohibited and severely punished. Do not hesitate to check on the website of the Ministry of Health of the United Arab Emirates if the drugs you are taking with you from France are authorized. www.mohap.gov.ae
Pharmacies. Basic necessities (e.g. aspirin) can be bought in supermarkets or even in gas stations. There are many pharmacies, but you should choose the "big ones"
You can also have your medication delivered, sometimes for free, or you can send a WhatsApp to have it prepared before you pick it up
COVID-19. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several rules in place that apply to most, if not all, of the activities described in this guide.
- Observe distancing;
- Wear a mask;
- The occasional taking of temperature upon entering a facility;
- The use of hand sanitizer;
- The limit of 10 guests seated at the same table in restaurants and also in cafes
- The systematic presentation of the "green" status on the Al Hosn application to enter the premises.
Follow the latest government health regulations on www.mediaoffice.abudhabi
Emergency numbers à Abu Dhabi
Fire department, 997
Emergency services, 998
Securty à Abu Dhabi
Police. Dial 999 in case of any kind of emergency
LGBTQ à Abu Dhabi
Homosexual practices in Abu Dhabi are illegal for men and permitted for women
Same-sex marriage in Abu Dhabi is not recognized.
In Abu Dhabi, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ issues
The right to change gender in Abu Dhabi is legal.
Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Abu Dhabi is unknown.
There is no protection in Abu Dhabi from LGBT discrimination.
Embassies and consulates à Abu Dhabi
Embassy of France. Address: P.O. Box 4014, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E Etihad Tower - Office Tower n° 3 - 22nd Floor - Corniche West - ✆ +971 2 813 10 00. Consular matters (marriage, birth, passport...): +971 4 408 4900 (8:30am-1pm and 2pm-4pm Monday through Thursday and 8:30am-1pm on Friday). Outside these hours, for serious emergencies (death, hospitalization, incarceration...): +971 50 644 68 60, +971 52 467 31 65.
Embassy of Belgium. Capital Plaza Office Tower, 8th floor, Corniche ✆ +971 2 410 02 00. After-hours emergency number: ✆ 050 441 34 60.
Swiss Embassy. Al Khaleej Al Arabi street - Centro Capital Center Building - 17th floor ✆ +971 2 627 4636.
Embassy of Morocco. Embassies district / Capital Center ✆ +971 2 443 3973.
Embassy of Algeria. Villa 5 - Al Heelah street - behind the Holiday Inn ✆ +971 2 444 8949.
Embassy of Tunisia. Embassies district / Capital Center ✆ +971 2 681 1331.
Embassy of Lebanon. Rashid bin Seed 1l Maktoum Road - PO Box 4023 ✆ +971 2 449 2100.
Mail à Abu Dhabi
There is no letter carrier in Abu Dhabi.
The main post office is open from 8am to 8pm daily except Fridays and Saturdays and is located next to the Zayed Shopping Center.
Emirates Post offices are located throughout the city.
Sending a letter from Abu Dhabi to France costs approximately AED 10.
To find out what you need to do, visit www.emiratespost.ae
Local media à Abu Dhabi
English-language newspapers: Emirates Today; Gulf Time (Abu Dhabi); The National (Abu Dhabi); Sport360 (Abu Dhabi).
Radio. Popular UAE radio stations include Quran Kareem FM, Emarat FM, Abu Dhabi FM, Abu Dhabi Classic FM...
Television. Abu Dhabi Media Incorporated, also known as Emirates Media Incorporated, is a government agency responsible for the establishment of the UAE's first television channel in 1969 and the first channel, Abu Dhabi TV. It is also the headquarters of Al-Emarat Channel, the official television channel of the UAE under the slogan "Al Bayt Mitawahid" or "The House is United".
Internet and social media. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter are the most popular social media. Netflix and Amazon Prime platforms. Note that using a VPN is prohibited.
