Dos and Don’ts when visiting Abu Dhabi
The thought of visiting an unknown Muslim country a thousand miles away amidst the desert heat can be a daunting task. Things get worse, especially if you are not aware of the etiquette followed in the Middle East. Emirates is all about a shimmery skyline, gold dust sprinkled with coffee, supercars, and glamorous pictures everywhere. However, there is much more that you won’t be able to scan with bare eyes. Hence, why not dive deeper and see a clearer picture of what the ‘Capital of the Middle East’ has in store for you?
Important dos and don’ts to consider while traveling to Abu Dhabi
The ‘Capital of the Middle East’ is a prime tourist hotspot. Besides, it is equally famous for towering creations and buildings, five-star resorts, huge shopping malls, etc. Moreover, would you ever believe that this fantastic holiday destination was once a fishing village, but turned into a famous metropolitan hub? However, the city has a set of rules, culture, values, and traditions. In addition, it is mandatory for every tourist to follow the rules.
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Get an online visa before flying to Abu Dhabi.
The first thing to consider is getting your e-visa ready. No tourist can enter the country without a valid visa. Therefore, the best you can do is apply for an e-visa. The process is quite easy and breezy. Besides, you will get the visa within three days maximum. A tourist e-visa allows visitors to stay in the Emirates for 30 days.
Abu Dhabi is all about its rich culture, traditions, and religious beliefs. Therefore, it is mandatory to choose decent clothes, especially something that’s not too revealing. In addition, don’t forget to keep your shoulder and head covered when visiting religious places. Furthermore, swimwear and beachwear that covers your head and shoulder is the best choice. After all, nudity is a punishable offense in the city.
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Keep your valuables close to you.
When traveling to Abu Dhabi, always keep your travel documents and important valuables near you. In addition, wear minimal jewelry, especially when going out. Besides, keep your priceless jewelry at the hotel where you are staying.
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Follow the driving rules.
The traffic rule is quite strict in the Emirates. Hence, it is mandatory for the drivers to be careful while driving. Rash driving or drunk driving can lead to fines and is even a punishable crime. Furthermore, jaywalking also leads to penalties. If you are a foreigner and planning to drive a car in Dubai then you should read this.
Tourists cannot walk up to any bar or restaurant in the city and ask for alcoholic drinks. Instead, only licensed restaurants and bars sell them. Besides, the minimum drinking age in the country is 21. In addition, drunk driving is also a crime in the city.
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Don’t drive without a valid driver’s license.
Please avoid driving if you don’t have a valid driver’s license with an international driving permit. Besides, kindly don’t bring one that expired.
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Don’t drunk drive anywhere in the city.
Drinking is illegal in the nation. Moreover, even if you take a sip before driving and get caught, you can be in trouble.
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Avoid drinking in public.
Emirates is always serious about the rules and regulations. Therefore, it is best not to consume alcohol publicly. Instead, what you can do is stop in any licensed bar or restaurant to consume alcohol.
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Selling drugs or distributing them is illegal.
Just like consuming alcohol is an offense, selling drugs or distributing them is a crime too. Hence, indulging in any such activity can lead to imprisonment.
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Don’t click random photographs.
There is no strict rule on taking photographs in Abu Dhabi. However, photographing random locals in the city or carrying cameras inside any government buildings is a strict no.
Final words
Excitement will know no limits when you are in the UAE’s Abu Dhabi. However, it has its own culture, traditions, and laws. Therefore, it is best if you follow and respect them at any cost. Hopefully, this list will make your trip easy and memorable.
