Local Knowledge

A few helpful hints for your stay in the Emirates.

THE LINGO
It’s always good to have a few phrases on the tip of your tongue to help ease along negotiations and ingratiate yourself with the local community.

Yes – Na’am
No – La
Please – Min fadlak (to a man) / Min fadliki (to a woman)
Thank you – Shukran
Hello – Marhaba
Hello (in reply) – Marhabtayn
Goodbye – Ma’assalaama

COMMON PHRASES
Peace be upon you (when greeting someone) – As-salaam alaykom
Reply – Wa alaykom salaam
Welcome – Ahlan wa sahlan
Welcome (in reply) – Ahlan bekum
God Willing – Inshallah
Slowly, slowly – Shway, shway
How much? (cost) – Bekam?
How many? – Kam

NUMBERS
0 sifr
1 waahad
2 ithnayn
3 thalatha
4 araba’a
5 khamsa
6 sita
7 saba’a
8 thamaanya
9 tiss’a
10 ashara
100 miya
1000 alf

LOCAL TIME: GMT + 4 hours

CUSTOMS
No customs duty is levied on personal effects entering Abu Dhabi and it is forbidden to import drugs or pornographic material. Luggage is X-rayed at Abu Dhabi International Airport before you enter the city, and any DVDs, books or magazines are checked.

LANGUAGE
The official language of the UAE is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood well, especially in the hospitality industry. Translators for other languages are widely available.

RELIGION
Islam is the official religion, however many other faiths are practiced and respected.

DRESS CODE
For those who haven’t visited the Middle East before, knowing what to wear can be a bit of a mystery. The general rule in Abu Dhabi is to cover up a little if you don’t want to be stared at. Dress should be conservative as revealing clothing may be considered offensive. However, if you are by the sea, beach wear is acceptable.

PHOTOGRAPHY
In an Islamic country, it is best to ask permission when taking pictures of local residents and women in particular. Tourist photography is usually welcomed, although pictures inside some establishments, such as retail stores or mosques, is not permitted. Pictures of military buildings, the ports and airports should not be taken.

OPENING HOURS
Shops and establishments may close in the afternoon, particularly the smaller ones around town. Opening hours are generally from 8.30am to 1pm, and 4pm to 8pm, or later. Main malls will remain open throughout the day and tend to close around 10pm.

CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards are accepted in main hotels, stores and larger shops, but in traditional souks bargaining power is better when paying in cash.

ELECTRICITY
The electrical system is based on 220/240 AC volts. US made appliances may require an adaptor.

ALCOHOL
Alcohol is permitted for non-Muslims at licensed premises in hotels, sporting events, some golf clubs and exhibition venues. Alcohol is tolerated but you should refrain from appearing inebriated in public as there are strict penalties for drunken behaviour.

CURRENCY
The monetary unit in Abu Dhabi is the UAE dirham which is divided into 100 fils. Money exchanges are located all over Abu Dhabi offering good service and reasonable rates.
Euro 1 = Dhs 4.7*
GBP 1 = Dhs 5.9*
US$1 = Dhs 3.67*
* Approximate and subject to fluctuation