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Abu Dhabi
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Capital of United Arab
Emirates
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Abu Dhabi, the capital of the
United Arab Emirates, sits
off the mainland on an island
in the Persian Gulf. Its focus
on oil exports and commerce
is reflected by the skyline’s
modern towers and shopping
megacenters such as Abu Dhabi and Marina malls. Beneath white-marble domes, Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque features an immense Persian carpet, crystal chandeliers and
capacity for 41,000 worshipers.
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Area: 972.4 km²
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Weather: 28°C, Wind SW at 8 km/h, 62% Humidity
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Local time: Tuesday 4:35 AM
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Number of airports: 3
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Emirate: Emirate of Abu Dhabi

2. RELIGION
Islam is the official
religion of the UAE, and
is widely practised.
of Islam.The Islamic hol
y day is Friday and there
are five pillars
, which all Muslims must
follow: the Profession of
Faith, Prayer, Charity,
Fasting, and the Pilgrimage to Makkah.
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UAE dirham
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The local currency is
the UAE
dirham (AED or Dhs)
which is divided into 100
fils and is pegged against
the US$
1
: AED3.6725). Credit and
debit cards are widely
accepted.
EATING HABBITS:
Historic Diet
Emirati food
Dating back thousands of years,
there was little vegetation and few
animals in the region that today is the United Arab Emirates. During most of the region's
history the nomadic desert dwellers, the Bedouin, ate little more than camel's milk (and
milk byproducts) and dates. Those on the coast ate more breads, rice, fish, and dairy,
since some areas supported cultivation, but even in these regions the diet was based on
camel's milk and dates.
Culinary Influences
Before oil was discovered in the United Arab Emirates the country was viewed by many
as little more than a desert with a few sleepy port villages so the U.A.E. received very
little outside influence. After the discovery of oil in the mid-1900s the country "opened

3. up" and their food changed dramatically. For the most part, the local population in the
U.A.E. eats a diet similar to the Levantine diet, consisting of meats (but no pork), dairy,
and breads in conjunction with fruits or vegetables in various forms, like hummus.
Your Guide to the United Arab Emirates:
● United Arab Emirates Page
● Culture & Identity
- Food, Dining, & Drinks
- Ethnicity, Language, & Religion
- Social Life
- Architecture
● History
● Geography, Weather, & Wildlife
● Blogs
Today, the U.A.E. is an immigrant, or foreign worker destination and each group arrived
with their own foods. While few groups arrived in such large numbers to forever alter the
diet, the substantial Indian and European populations have created enough demand to
make Indian and fusion restaurants very popular, especially in the cities of Abu Dhabi
and Dubai.
Staple Foods
The United Arab Emirates doesn't have any true staple foods anymore. Historically their
staple foods consisted of camel's milk and dates, but as urbanization and immigration
occurred this has changed significantly. Today lavash(thin bread) and rice tend to be as
close as the country comes to a staple.
Regional Variations, Specialties, & Unique Dishes
Falafel: mashed chickpeas (garbanzo beans) deep fried and served on bread with fresh
vegetables like tomatoes and onions
Hummus: chickpeas (garbanzo beans) mashed with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil
among other seasonings
Shwarma: seasoned meat (usually lamb or chicken) served in lavash (thin bread) and at
times topped with vegetables or a sauce
Dining Etiquette
Eating in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is a long and drawn out event during which
the goal is to socialize. This trend is apparent both when dining at a local's house in a
more informal setting as well as at a formal business dinner at a five star hotel. In
addition to long meals, the Emiratis also have a few general dining rules, but they will
rarely to never demand you follow these rules.
Locals in the U.A.E. don't use their left hands to eat; neither touching their food with
their left hand, nor even placing their left hand on the table. You will also notice that
locals never place their feet on a foot rest or cross their legs since it's considered rude to
show the bottom of your foot to another person. Also, some locals won't eat with people
of the opposite sex; this is especially true in public restaurants among conservative

4. families. In fact, it is considered improper for a man to even acknowledge or touch a
woman unless you are introduced by a man and she offers you her hand. Today most
locals are quite liberal in this regard and few will be offended at a foreigner's mistakes in
this regard, but when in doubt ask or follow a local's lead.
Generally speaking, dining in the U.A.E. is more formal that in many parts of the world,
particularly in business situations and this begins with dress and appearance. Always
arrive on time and don't ever order alcoholic beverages since most Muslims don't drink.
Dinners are consumed using continental manners, meaning their knife is in the right hand
and the fork in the left. Try to avoid the month of Ramadan as well since Muslims don't
eat or drink during the sunlight hours during this month and most people prefer dining
with family each night when the day's fast has finished.
Although the Emiratis are masters at adapting to their guest's customs and are used to
foreigners in the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is still good manners to adjust to their
customs. However, as you will quickly notice, the majority of the people that live in the
U.A.E. are not Emiratis. For this reason, the best advice is to follow the lead of your host.
If you have a European or North American host they may follow their local dining
customs, which is why the default dinning etiquette is to follow formal protocol.
Tipping in the U.A.E. is common and expected, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Rates are roughly equivalent toEurope at about 5-10% for food service. Since exchange
booths are common in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, tipping in US dollars or Euros is accepted
without any fuss, although tipping in the local currency remains the best option.
Celebrations & Events
There are two major food holidays in the United Arab Emirates including Eid al Fitr,
which takes place after Ramadan, a religious holiday that requires fasting for 30 days. To
celebrate the end of this fast Eid al Fitr is filled with numerous foods, which differ from
Emirate to Emirate, but these dishes are generally based on lamb and another meat.
The second major food holiday is Eid al Adha, which is only celebrated after a pilgrim
returns from haj, the mandatory journey for every able Muslim to go to Mecca. Again,
this festival contains a large number of rice and meat dishes, including many of those
served during Eid al Fitr.
Drinks
Perhaps the most authentic of beverages in the United Arab Emirates is Ayranser, a
yogurt-based drink. Coffee, particularly strong coffee is also growing in popularity.
As a primarily Muslim country, alcohol can only be purchased in hotels or at specialty
stores for foreigners living in the United Arab Emirates.
The tap water is safe to drink in the United Arab Emirates. However, many people may
have trouble adjusting to the local tap water, as it will most certainly be different from
what your system is used to.
POLITICAL SYSTEM:
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5. Overview of the Political System of United Arab Emirates. The United Arab
Emirates is made up of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-
Qaiwain, Ra's al- Khaimah and Fujairah. TheUnited Arab Emirates gained its
independence from the UK on December 2, 1971.
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The Political System of the UAE
was made permanent in 1996. The form of government can be referred to as a federal presidential elected mo
from among the absolute monarchs who rule each of the seven emirates.
Executive Branch:
The chief of state of the United Arab Emirates is President Khalifa bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan (since 2004), who
of government is the Vice President and Prime Minister, Muhammad bin Rashid al-Maktum (ruler of Dubai),
bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 2009) and Mansur bin Zayid Al-Nuhayyan (since 2009).
The President appoints a Cabinet, or Council of Ministers. There is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) co
the seven emirates, which meets four times per year. The FSC is the highest constitutional body in the United
general policies and sanctions federal legislation. The FSC also elects the President (and Vice President) from

6. five-year intervals to reaffirm the existing President or elect a new one. (There is no limit on terms.) Howeve
have effective veto power in elections for the role of President. The last presidential election was held in 2009
The prime minister and deputy prime minister are appointed by the president.
Legislative Branch:
The Federal National Council (FNC) has 40 seats; the rulers of the seven Emirates appoint 20 members, and
first elections were held in December 2006, and most recent ones in September 2011. In the most recent elect
voters.
The elections are not based on a party system, but on individual candidates. (There are no political parties in
forbidden.)
In the 2011 election, there were 469 candidates (including 85 women) for 20 seats in the FNC.
The next elections will be held in 2015.
Judicial Branch:
The legal system of the UAE is based on a dual system of Sharia and civil courts.
The judiciary's independence is guaranteed by the Constitution of the UAE, and it includes the Supreme Cou
Judges are appointed by the president.
Other:
Each emirate has its own local government, and municipal governments. The constitution established the dist
government.
10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Abu
Dhabi

7. Capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a well-ordered, industrious city with a
pretty waterside location. First inhabited by the nomadic Bani Yas tribe in 1760, the
settlement remained a small fishing village until oil was discovered. The revenues
transformed Abu Dhabi into the modern city of today - a bustling centre of government
and business.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the major sightseeing attraction and wows all who
visit. But the city also makes a good base for excursions to the desert landscapes of Liwa
Oasis and the oasis city of Al Ain.
1 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand
Mosque
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Clad in Macedonian marble, the beautiful and absolutely mammoth Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque is Abu Dhabi's landmark building. The mosque fuses
Mameluke, Ottoman and Fatamid design elements to create a harmonious and
thoroughly modern mosque that celebrates Islamic architecture. Artisans
utilised glass-work, mosaic tiling and intricate carvings to spectacular effect
on both the interior and exterior. It was opened in 2007 after nearly 20 years of
construction.
Able to hold 40,000 worshippers, it is the biggest mosque in the United Arab
Emiratesand, like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, is dedicated to the
late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan. Non-Muslims are allowed into all
areas of the mosque (including the vast library), and there are also guided
tours available.
Hours: Open Sat-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri 4.30pm-10pm

8. Admission: Entry Free
30 Best Hotels in Abu Dhabi - TripAdvisor.com
2 Heritage Village
Heritage Village
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Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village is an authentic replica of a typical Bedouin
encampment that gives an idea of typical Emirati life before the oil boom. It's
located in a pretty beach area of the city, which is a pleasant place to wander
after a visit. There are exhibits featuring traditional day-to-day objects, as well
as introducing local agriculture and the pearl diving trade - the main
economies here. Unfortunately though, information throughout the museum is
rather sparse.
3 Al-Hosn
Al-Hosn
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Al-Hosn Palace, also known as the Old Fort or the White Fort, is the oldest
building in Abu Dhabi. The palace was built in 1793 as the residence of the
ruling family and the seat of government. The interior of the Al Hosn Palace

9. has been renovated and modernized, and is now used by the Cultural
Foundation to house the Centre for Documentation and Research, which holds
a collection of documents on the heritage and history of the United Arab
Emirates and the Gulf region. The courtyard and the magnificent tile work
over the main northern gate are notable features. Within the palace is a
museum of traditional artifacts and historical photographs. Displays include a
natural history section featuring animal life from the desert, and a historical
section with displays of the history of Abu Dhabi.
4 Women's Craft Centre
Traditional Arabic shoes
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The Women's Craft Centre is a good place for visitors to see local women
demonstrating traditional skills such as weaving, embroidery and basketry. It's
an excellent place to pick up unusual and authentic souvenirs that support the
work of the centre. Shawls, slippers, bags, carpets and textiles, trays and
baskets are all on display.
5 Observation Deck
Observation Deck
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10. Abu Dhabi's answer to Dubai's Burj Khalifa is this observation deck, offering
skyline views from the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel, the highest point in
the city. There is an entry fee for non-guests of the hotel, but the ticket price
can be redeemed for food and drink from the observation deck's restaurant.
Having high-tea up here, with the city spread below you, is definitely an
experience for your Abu Dhabi itinerary.
Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm
Admission: 75AED
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel
Official site: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/abu-dhabi/jumeirah-
etihad-towers/restaurants-and-bars-at-jumeirah-at-etihad-towers/observation-
deck-at-300/
6 Emirates Park Zoo
Emirates Park Zoo
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This excellent zoo makes for a fun day out, only a short drive from Abu
Dhabi. There is a host of animals at the wildlife park, including rare white
tigers, giraffes, and elephants. There is also a primate section with many
different types of monkeys, and a flamingo park with a sea lion enclosure. At
the petting zoo, children can touch and feed domestic breeds of animals.
Hours: Sun-Wed 9:30am-8pm; Thu-Sat 9:30am-9pm
Admission: Adults 25AED; children 6 years and older 25AED; children 3-5
years 10AED; children under 3 years free
Location: 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi

11. Official site: http://www.emiratesparkzoo.com
7 Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital Maarten Danial
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12. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is a working veterinary hospital for ill and
injured falcons, but it also provides guided tours for interested visitors. The
tours allow you to get up close and personal with these birds of prey and if
you're up for the challenge, you may also have the chance to hold one of the
birds.
Official site: http://www.falconhospital.com/
8 Yas Island
Yas Island
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Yas Island is one of Abu Dhabi's top luxury hotel destinations, with stretches
of sandybeach that are perfect for spending the day sunbathing on. This area
is also home to theYas Marina Circuit, which is where Abu Dhabi's Formula
One racing takes place every year.
9 Boat Tours
Boat Tours
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For the best views of Abu Dhabi you need to head out onto the water. The
views of the high rises are quite spectacular as you drift out from the marina.

13. Quite a few different operators run tours for all types of budgets, but one of
the more popular trips with tourists are the sunset cruises that let you see dusk
set over the city.
10 Liwa Oasis
Liwa Oasis
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In the south of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, beautiful Liwa Oasis is a great
escape from the city. The oasis settlement is noted for its date farming and one
of the largest sand dunes in the world is just on the outskirts. This makes it a
must-visit attraction for anyone wanting to ride dune buggies, try sand surfing
or go camel trekking. The other top city escape is the oasis city of Al Ain,
which has the mighty peak of Jebel Hafeet as its backdrop.
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