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First Time in Abu Dhabi
Everything you need to know for your first visit to the UAE capital.
🌡️ Weather & Best Time
Abu Dhabi has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
- • Best months: October to April (20-30°C)
- • Summer: May-September (35-48°C) - mostly indoor activities
- • Peak season: November-March, coincides with F1 and major events
👔 Dress Code
- • General: Modest dress in public (shoulders and knees covered)
- • Beaches: Swimwear fine at beaches/pools, cover up when leaving
- • Mosques: Abayas provided for women at Sheikh Zayed Mosque
- • Restaurants/clubs: Smart casual, some venues have dress codes
🚗 Getting Around
- • Taxis: Metered, affordable, and everywhere
- • Uber/Careem: Widely available, often same price as taxi
- • Car rental: Easy with international license, parking readily available
- • Public bus: Limited but improving, good for Yas Island shuttle
- • From Dubai: 1-1.5 hours by car, buses available
🍺 Alcohol
- • Alcohol served at licensed hotels, restaurants, and clubs
- • Legal drinking age: 21
- • Zero tolerance for drink driving
- • Can't drink in public spaces
✅ Must-Do First Trip
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Louvre Abu Dhabi
At least one Yas Island theme park
Corniche sunset walk
Desert safari
High tea at Emirates Palace