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GIBTM 67


Manners Abu Dhabi is a modern, forward-thinking city, but there are still some dos and don’ts. It’s best to try not to stare at local women and avoid looking them in the eye. Shaking hands is also a complicated business. Local women won’t usually offer their hand and will nod and smile in greeting instead. If you’re entering someone’s home, you may be asked to remove your shoes. Showing the soles of your feet is a rude gesture, so take care when crossing your legs that the sole of your foot is not pointing towards someone.


Drinking Water The water is safe to drink in Abu Dhabi, but the taste may take some getting used to. Bottled water is priced very reasonably and is readily available.


Alcohol It’s possible to drink within hotels and other licensed complexes in Abu Dhabi. Licences are also granted at some major sporting and leisure events. Alcohol is tolerated, but you should refrain from appearing inebriated in public as there are penalties for drunken behaviour.


Currency The monetary unit in Abu Dhabi is the UAE dirham which is divided into 100 fils. Notes come into denominations of AED5, AED10, AED20, AED50, AED100, AED200, AED500 and AED1000. EXCHANGE Exchange Euro 1 = AED 4.8* GBP1 = AED 5.8* US$ = AED 3.67* *Approximate and subject to fluctuation Exchange offices are all over Abu Dhabi and offer rates that are often better than the banks.


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.


Transport Getting around in Abu Dhabi is quite easy with a modern and well-planned road system and efficient, reasonably priced transportation services. Taxis, public buses and car rentals are widely available. Visitors with a valid Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) or an international driving license can rent and drive private cars.


Sights and attractions Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Corniche. (Abu Dhabi’s spectacular waterfront) Emirates Palace Yas Marina Circuit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Heritage Village Emirates National Auto Museum Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital


For tourist information go to www.visitabudhabi.ae or call toll free 800 555.


LEARN ARABIC


It’s always good to have a few phrases on the tip of your tongue. They will help ease along negotiations and are a great way to 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9


10 100 sifr


waahad itwhnayn thalatha araba’a khamsa sita


saba’a


thamaanya tiss’a


ashara miya


1000 alf


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