Abu Dhabi

Buy this guide
Time Out Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the UAE guidebook cover
Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the UAE guidebook
 





Transport

Unless you hire a car from Abu Dhabi airport (+97125055555), the only way to get into town is by taxi (around Dhs20) - it's also the best way to get around the city. While not always cheerful, taxis are extremely cheap and plentiful. Generally speaking, they loiter outside any building that will provide a steady stream of customers, or can be hailed on almost any street, day or night. There are also a certain number of more upmarket Al Ghazal taxis in operation (these can be summoned by any hotel concierge or by calling +97124447787). If you use one of these make sure that the driver knows how to reach your desired destination and negotiate a price before pulling away. Hiring a car means having to negotiate the notoriously chaotic Abu Dhabi traffic: expect to be alarmed by the weaving motorists who drive too fast then too slow, too close to each other and without indication. The city's lack of effective street addresses will also become painfully obvious: residents offer and receive directions according to landmarks such as parks, banks and, predominantly, hotels. It pays to have a well-known spot in mind if you're looking for somewhere off the beaten track.

[top]

Online city guide
Introduction & sightseeing
How to get the most out of a visit to Abu Dhabi.
Restaurants & bars
Abu Dhabi's top restaurants, bars and cafes independently reviewed.
Shopping
Fashion, food, pharmacies and much, much more.
Nightlife
The best nightclubs, DJ bars and late-night hot-spots in the city.
Hotels
Whether high-class or hostel, match your needs here.
Transport
The best ways to transport yourself round the city.
 






More ways to enjoy Time Out