Visiting Abu Dhabi: Essential Guide to Culture, Climate, and Travel
Abu Dhabi is an archipelago of islands, most of which are natural but some are man made too. It is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, a place where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. If you’re planning a trip to Abu Dhabi, it’s important to be respectful of Abu Dhabi culture and customs during your visit.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
The United Arab Emirates is largely a desert and you should expect warm weather. Summertime (May – September) is the worst time to visit. During this time, temperatures regularly reach 44 degrees C and higher during the day, so the locals and the tourists know to stay inside, in the comfort of air conditioning. Abu Dhabi weather in September gets as hot as 105°F or 40°C.
Speaking to the locals, they recommend October to February, with those two months in particular being the best time to visit. The coolest months in Abu Dhabi include December, January, and February. The highest temperatures in January are close to 75°F with lows of 50°F, which might be ideal for those who don’t like to melt in the sun.
- Summer (May – September): Highs up to 105°F (40°C-44°C). Many businesses and tourist attractions simply close.
- Fall & Spring: Highs in the 80s-90s and lows in the 60s-70s. Perfect for vacationers looking for a warm, sunny, beach getaway.
- Winter (December – February): Highs close to 75°F and lows of 50°F. Guaranteed sunshine and heat.
Dress Code and Modesty Standards
The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country. The Muslim code of ethics dictates how to dress in Abu Dhabi & how to behave. Practice Modesty. All the Abu Dhabi clothing rules revolve around modest dress. This is especially important in public places like shopping malls & parks.
Basic Rules for Women
The basics rules of the Abu Dhabi women’s dress code include:
- Nothing too tight
- Nothing transparent
- No offensive pictures or quotes
- Cover your shoulders
- Cover your knees
- Don’t show cleavage
The Abu Dhabi dress code for tourists changes a bit depending on where you are. It’s a bit more lax at beaches, but it’s much more strict at mosques. The Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque dress code dictates that you must cover your head, cover your legs up to your ankle and cover your arms up to your wrist. At any mosque, the general rules on clothing still apply, meaning nothing too tight, no profanity or transparent fabrics.
Traditional Clothing Styles
Women in Abu Dhabi dress modestly, typically wearing traditional clothing such as an abaya, a loose-fitting black cloak that covers the entire body. One of the most iconic traditional clothing styles, the abaya is often made of lightweight fabric, such as chiffon or crepe, to ensure comfort in the hot desert climate. Many women also wear a hijab, a headscarf that covers the hair. The sheila is a long, rectangular scarf that is worn to cover the head and shoulders. These garments not only reflect the region’s heritage but also serve as a symbol of pride and identity.
Key Locations and Hot Spots
Abu Dhabi offers various islands and areas to explore:
- Yas Island: Here you’ll find the F1 race track, Ferrari world, a huge mall, a beautiful marina, and lovely hotels.
- Corniche: An area along a long beach which seems to be where many of the hot spots in the city are.
- Emirates Palace: Originally built as a ‘guest house’ for extremely VIP visitors, it is the height of luxury, featuring over 30 tonnes of 23k gold leaf and over 1000 Swarovski chandeliers.
It is important to note that certain behaviors are restricted; for example, getting drunk or expressing PDA is forbidden. Always remember that respect for local culture is paramount when visiting or living in Abu Dhabi.