ABU DHABI

Fast Facts: 

UAE is a rapidly diversifying society that has successfully integrated its core Islamic values into its ambitious economic agenda. This economic prosperity, coupled with a liberal business and social environment, ensures that people from nearly every country in the world will continue to come here to live, work and play.

Abu Dhabi is the wealthiest emirate of the UAE in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income. The average net worth for Abu Dhabi's citizens is AED 62 million (US$ 17 million), and more than $1 trillion is invested worldwide in this city alone.

• Population: 945,267 (2008)
• Visas: All visitors except nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia) require visas for entering the UAE.  However, for the following nationalities it is a simple case of obtaining a visitor visa upon arrival: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA.
• Dialling Code: 971 2
• Weights & Measures: Metric system (imperial system and local units are also used).
• Electricity: The electricity supply in Abu Dhabi is 220/240 volts at 50 Hz. Square three-pin sockets are standard. It is advisable to bring a plug adapter with you, but  most hotels can supply you with adapters for other kinds of plug or you can purchase adapters locally.
• Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED). Credit cards, such as MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club, are widely accepted in the United Arab Emirates, as are traveller's cheques. Travellers are advised to carry traveller's cheques in either US Dollar or UK Pounds Sterling to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
• Mobile Phones: GSM 900
• Language: The official language is Arabic. English, Urdu and Farsi are also widely spoken. English is the language of commerce, although legal documents should be in Arabic.
• Airport: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Private vehicles and taxis are the primary means of transportation in the city.
• Taxis: Available throught the city
• Climate: Sunny,blue skies can be expected throughout the year. The months of April through September are generally hot and humid with maximum temperatures averaging above 40 degrees celcius. The weather is cooler from November to March.
• Dress Code: The attitude to dress in Abu Dhabi is relaxed, but all visitors should show respect for local culture and customs in public places by avoiding excessively revealing clothing. Swimming attire is acceptable at beaches and pools. 

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