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Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown
05 February 2026 | 12 min
In the past, Abu Dhabi was seen as a temporary stopover for the travelers who were going to neighboring Gulf countries. However, that perception has changed with time, and currently Abu Dhabi is considered as one of the major tourist destinations of the globe.
Currently it can be considered the world-class hub for witnessing sophisticated architecture, cultural significance, leisure hours with nature, and entertainment. Before you can marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or race at Ferrari World, you must ensure your travel documents are in order.
To simplify your planning, you can apply for your entry permit online to avoid last-minute delays via Arabiers Abu Dhabi, a licensed local Abu Dhabi tourist visa agency with local offices in Abu Dhabi.
When compared with the other cities in the Middle East region, Abu Dhabi is safe and possesses proper infrastructure, which is well prepared for the usage of foreigners and travelers. The architecture of Abu Dhabi is amazing, and city is clearly planned. English is widely spoken in Abu Dhabi and services like hotels, taxis and places which provide the entertainment are well designed and are of higher standards. These surroundings make Abu Dhabi and ideal destination for first time visitors.
Usually, Abu Dhabi is not a typical urban destination which has a high traffic, noise and where large crowds are going here and there. Conversely, Abu Dabhi is not that crowdy or noisy city and travelers can enjoy the city without facing unnecessary hectic situations. No matter whether solo travelers, ladies, or others, first visitors can enjoy the cities beauty without getting two much interrupted from external sources.
Desert safaris and some cultural experiences can be easily experienced and managed by fresh visitors here in Abu Dhabi. No matter whether you are going to explore the cultural heritages or enjoy the entertainment or else experience the natural beauty. Abu Dabhi has the technology of 21st century with traditional cultural background too. Abu Dabhi has all the components there to make you satisfied.
The most precise time to visit the Abu Dhabi is extending from November to March. This period has mild weather and more suitable for outdoor activities, exploring the nature etc. Specially, visitors who like to enjoy the beauty of the beaches and visit to the islands, nature reserve are favoring the weather of this period.
In this period rainfall is incredibly low and it facilitating to outdoor activities. Temperature fluctuating between 22 to 28 Celsius. This is the best time for sightseeing. In addition, there are lot of festivals and sports events between November to February. Major events such as Formula one Abu Dhabi grand prix are happening in this period.
However, summer months are also suitable to visit Abu Dhabi for travelers who seek to visit indoor places like museums, entertainment parks etc. In Abu Dhabi summer season is typically in May to September.
In this period temperature can be exceed the 40 Celsius and difficult to stay in outdoors. Specially, with the phenomena like global climate change, etc., this season becomes hotter, and if there is no sufficient water in the body, you will easily be dehydrated. High humidity levels in Abu Dhabi air, make the heat more intense and difficult to tolerate. There is clear skies in summer months and high UV levels can be detected.
Abu Dhabi international airport is more convenient and better place for event for the first visitors to the airport. It is very efficient as well as nice place as the entry point to the city. In airport there are taxi services, etc., which are helping you to reach the related hotels etc.
When consider about travelling throughout the city, taxis remain most efficient and profitable way to travel here and there while rented cars are also available for your convenience. You can rent a car and explore the desert environment, coastal areas etc. The road signs are clear, roads are well maintained, and this city is suitable even for international drivers.
There are free shuttle bus services named as Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus and Al Ain Shuttle Bus service. These free of charge shuttle bus services offer comfortable sitting with A/C, Wi-Fi facilities and wheelchair accessibility too and any traveler can get into this bus service anywhere in its route.
Selecting a suitable location in your first trip is especially important and essential to have a better experience. So many travelers prefer hotels in islands like Corniche or Saadiyat to stay due to beachfront environment of those places and tranquil atmosphere there. Families and people who seek adventures select the hotels/apartments in Yas islands to stay and Yas island is the top entertainment landscape in Abu Dhabi.
Al Maryah island is also a famous among rich travelers provides luxury hotels, high end dining and the other facilities too.
For people who are seeking the comfortable places without spending that much money can find suitable rooms in city center hotels. Despite relatively less prices, city center hotels are providing the easy access to shopping districts, restaurants and cultural sites.
This mosque can be considered as the major focal point of Abu Dhabi in terms of architecture and the religion. Travelers belong to all backgrounds are welcomed to visit the place and however dressing modestly and polite behavior inside the place is highly required.
This is the President`s palace and it gives insights about the Arabian heritages, culture and the governance there.
This is a luxury hotel, and it is known for serving famous gold-flaked cappuccino. This is a luxury coffee beverage and it includes edible 24 karat gold flakes.
This is the oldest stone building in the Abu Dhabi, and it tells the story of the emirates and how it started as a fishing village in the history and how it evolved into a modern sophisticated state.
Yas island can be centered as the focal point of Abu Dhabi`s entertainment industry. Lot of ventures related to providing the entertainment are located there and there is a high tourist attraction to this place. Ferrari World, Yas Water world, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, located there. If you have enough money, this can be considered as a good place to escape from hectic life styles and have some fun in these entertaining places .
This can be considered as one of the major tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. In here, we can find artworks, artifacts etc. belongs to the ancient civilizations all around the world.
Abu Dhabi also offers places for kayaking in mangrove eco systems, beaches for having a restful evening which is contrast to a typical urban landscape. If you are visiting first time to the Abu Dhabi, can enjoy these natural wonders.
Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan area usually has friendly atmosphere. However, to get a better travel experience, cultural understanding is very essential. For an example if you are visiting mosques and public buildings, swearing modest dresses are necessary and polite behavior within whole tour is highly encouraged and expected.
Ways of showing hospitality in Abu Dhabi: In Abu Dhabi, you are offered Arabic coffee and it is considered as a sign of respect.
Dress Code in Abu Dhabi: As we told above, you should wear a modest dress there.; shoulders and knees should be well covered while you are roaming in roads, entering public places, etc.
Words of Greeting: "As-salamu Alaykum" is the most common way of greeting there. Handshakes are quite common there. But it is best to wait until Abu Dhabi man or woman to extend their hand first to you, specially if they belong to the opposite gender.
Public Behavior: You should behave gently in Abu Dhabi and should avoid from behaving rude manner. You should speech very politely. The ways of showing affection public like kissing on the roads, in public places and etc. not accepted in Abu Dhabi and therefore you should avoid from those behaviors.
Photography in Abu Dhabi: Do not take the photos of local women, families or public places of Abu Dhabi without having permission from those individuals or related authorities.
If you are interested to learn the culture and heritages there, you can go heritage villages and cultural centers and get some knowledge about those.
Abu Dhabi`s food culture is reflecting it`s multicultural nature and there are food items belonging to various cultures and civilizations are available in Abu Dhabi. Typical Emirati food items has dishes like machboos, harees, and luqaimat and those are influenced by various traditions like Bedouin and regional trade routes.
These traditional foods exist with foods belong from South Asia to Europe. In Emirati hospitality, foods have a major role and sharing foods among friends and neighbors plays a central role in the identity of emirates culture.
Many first-time visitors underestimate Abu Dhabi`s geographical size and trying to go all the areas within very short time and they don`t have a proper plan. Some people don`t check the visa requirements properly and some behave unsuitable manner in public places which is contradict to the Abu Dhabi’s culture.
To avoid from those mistakes, you should plan the tour in proper way and should check the Visa arrangements properly and should do Visa processing procedure online via experienced agency like Arabiers. And having some understanding about the local culture is necessary and it can be done easily via referring related web sources, etc.
Typically, Abu Dhabi is considered as a destination that exceed the expectations of first-time visitors. It has the duality in many aspects like tradition and innovation, luxury and accessibility, tranquility and excitement.
While preparing travel documents in a proper way, understanding the cultural norms with proper planning, you will get an unforgettable experience in Abu Dhabi as a first time visitor.