Even in the very hot summer months, a shawl or a light jacket may be needed in the cool, air-conditioned closed spaces in Abu Dhabi (hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas and exhibition halls).

 

 

Ramadan is a religious month in the UAE. It is a good opportunity to make a cultural trip and discover the values of Islam and Arab traditions. During the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown--abstaining from food and drink. Restaurants and cafes are closed during the day. The fast is broken after sundown with the so-called "Iftar". Most hotels and restaurants serve great Iftar buffets at that time. Abu Dhabi has large cultural offering during Ramadan, and the opening hours are extended in the evenings.

 

 

 

 

Except during sales and promotion seasons, you may face a fixed-price policy in the big shopping malls outlets. Nevertheless, souks and shops in town (art crafts, gold and carpets) are bargain hunters paradise. Make sure you bargain everything especially when you pay in cash. Set your prices, and go for hunt!

 

 

 

Abu Dhabi is a modern and tolerant place, but visitors are advised not to wear excessively revealing clothing as a sign of respect for local culture and customs. Women should be careful to dress particularly conservatively. This also applies to public beaches, where swimmers should avoid excessively revealing swimming suits. Modest conservative clothing is always advisable.

 

 

 

You will definitely get nice shots during your trip to Abu Dhabi, just keep in mind that you should avoid photographing people, particularly women/local women, without their permission. It is always courteous to ask before photographing people. There are few other restrictions on photography in the emirate – only military, government and airport installations are not allowed to be photographed.

 

 

 

 The desert is a wonderful place to explore in Abu Dhabi, but it also can be a hazardous place if you don’t take the adequate measures. Trips and excursions to the desert can be dangerous unless undertaken in adequately equipped 4 x 4 vehicles. You should always travel in convoy with other cars, take maps and mobile phones. Do not forget to tell someone else about your trip, and finally always carry plenty of water.., and drink it!

 

 

 

 BY LAW, shopping malls in Abu Dhabi are smoking free zones since January 2010. While cafes and restaurants with smoking sections are equipped with special filtration systems, smoking is officially banned in the malls shops and hallways.