Abu Dhabi City Guide

The food scene is diverse, from local Emirati dishes to international cuisines. Many options for vegetarians and vegans. Late-night dining is common in malls and popular areas.

Nightlife centers around hotels and licensed venues, offering lounges, bars, and clubs.

Coffee culture is strong with many specialty shops and some local roasters blending Arabic traditions and modern trends.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Common is 10-15% in restaurants, rounding taxi fares, and small amounts for hotel staff.

SIM cards are sold at the airport and stores. Main providers are Etisalat and Du, both offering eSIMs. A passport and visa are needed for registration.

The city is very clean with efficient waste management and little sanitation issues.

Many pharmacies, minimarts, clinics, and food places are open late or 24/7.

International products are easy to find. Major supermarkets include Carrefour, Lulu, Spinneys, Waitrose. Souks offer fresh produce where bargaining is common.

Card payments are widely accepted in most places. Cash is useful mainly in traditional markets.

ATMs are easy to find in malls, hotels, and banks. Check with your bank about withdrawal fees.

Several international schools teach mainly in English with Arabic subjects. Popular ones include American Community School and British School. Early application is advised.

Community is growing but small. Some expat and business groups, fewer dedicated nomad meetups, and co-living is limited.

Many parks and waterfront green spaces with shaded areas and running paths like Umm Al Emarat and the Corniche.

Corniche and Hudayriyat Island offer safe, scenic running routes with active local running groups and events.

Numerous gyms with local and international chains.

Tennis and growing padel courts available at clubs and hotels with rental and coaching.

Padel is popular with many new courts and coaching options.

Several yoga studios and wellness centers offer various styles and meditation classes with mostly English-speaking instructors.

Various martial arts gyms offer BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, karate, taekwondo, and judo with English-speaking instructors and competitions.

No skiing in Abu Dhabi. Closest indoor ski resort is Ski Dubai in Dubai.

Plenty of kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, especially in Eastern Mangroves National Park with rentals and guided tours.

Surf Abu Dhabi offers a man-made wave facility on Hudayriyat Island for all skill levels with lessons and rentals.

Good diving spots around the islands with PADI centers, rental gear, and marine life. Year-round diving is possible.

Good public and private hospitals with English-speaking staff, including Cleveland Clinic and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City.

Tap water is desalinated and safe, but many prefer bottled water.

Many playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes, and baby supplies are available. Top attractions include Ferrari World, Warner Bros., Yas Waterworld, Umm Al Emarat Park, and Corniche Beach.

LGBTQ+ rights are limited with legal risks. No safe spaces or events are available.

Pet ownership rules are strict with limited pet-friendly places. Vet services and some pet parks exist.