The best things to buy in Abu Dhabi are authentic local, cultural, and luxury items, notably premium camel milk chocolate (Al-Nasma), gourmet dates, Arabic coffee sets (dallah/finjan), Oud perfume, and gold from traditional souks. High-end fashion is available at The Galleria, while spices and traditional handicrafts are ideal souvenirs.
If you are a tourist, the Abu Dhabi markets are the cheapest place you can shop. You can buy spices, clothes, perfumes, and even gold! Yes, you can buy gold from gold souks, which have a tonne of shops lined up selling gold in unimaginable designs. Recommended souks: Al Ain Souq, Souk Al Bawardi & Souk Al Zafarana.
Between the luxury flagships of the Galleria and the family-owned boutiques around and about, Abu Dhabi makes it easy to shop for statement pieces that connect you to a craftsperson, a vision or a tradition worth preserving…
The "3000 Dirham Rule" in Dubai refers to the financial requirement for some visitors entering the UAE on a tourist visa, mandating they carry at least AED 3,000 (cash, credit card, or forex) plus a return ticket and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host's invite) to show they can support themselves, preventing them from seeking employment. While enforcement can vary, some travelers have been denied boarding or entry for lacking these funds or documents, with stricter checks happening at airports, though some travelers find it's not always checked, especially if they have strong documentation like a confirmed hotel stay.
In Abu Dhabi, do dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees), be respectful in public, ask permission before taking photos of people, and enjoy alcohol only in licensed venues; don't engage in public displays of affection (PDA), drink in public, litter, use offensive language/gestures, photograph restricted buildings, or break drug laws (zero tolerance). Always be mindful of local customs, especially during Ramadan, and know specific rules for religious sites like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Water is very precious in Abu Dhabi as there is no rain, no lakes, no rivers, or ponds. There is no water even underneath the ground." Shashi interrupted that "there is a lot of oil under the sandy soil there.
Wander through the speciality shops lining Arab Street selling traditional handicrafts, Persian carpets, antiques, glittering jewellery, aromatic scents like perfumes, and unique souvenirs. These items can also be an alternative if you want to bring home some souvenirs for your loved ones.
If you're shopping in the souks (markets) or smaller shops in Abu Dhabi, currency in smaller bank notes would be preferred, while stores in malls accept cards.
Here's the reality: Women do not have to cover up when walking around Abu Dhabi in general. You can wear normal modest clothing like you would in most cities — dresses, shorts, and sleeveless tops are common in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels.
The foolproof way travel writers and frequent fliers are achieving carry-on-only travel is called the 3-3-3 packing method. This fuss-free, minimalist approach is simple; you pack just three tops, three bottoms, and three shoes (yes, really, that's it!) into one carry-on bag and mix and match to create up to 27 looks.
Exercise a high degree of caution in the UAE due to the threat of terrorism. The security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable. Conflicts in the Middle East could lead to an increase in tensions elsewhere in the region and may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions.
Clothing. Lightweight, breathable clothing is appropriate throughout the year, but pack a warmer layer for cooler nights and air-conditioned venues. At pools and beaches, it's perfectly fine to wear swimming shorts, bikinis or anything that you're comfortable in.
A crime which may result in payment of bloody money diya (amongst others such as imprisonment or payment of fine exceeding AED 10,000) would be a misdemeanour. According to Article 30 of the UAE Penal Code, a person shall be liable to pay blood money “diya” of AED 200,000 for involuntary manslaughter of an individual.
British passport holders will receive a free visitor visa on arrival, usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, or if you plan to work, study or live in Dubai, you'll need the appropriate UAE visa.
