Passport & Visa

Zayed International Airport (AUH) is the main international gateway for Abu Dhabi, located about 30 km from the city centre. Public buses operate from the airport to central Abu Dhabi, with the A1 service running regularly (typically every 30–40 minutes) and taking around 45–60 minutes to reach major stops such as Al Zahiyah and Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station; other routes connect to Al Ain and other regional destinations. Metered taxis and app-based services like Uber and Careem are available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall for more direct transport into the city.

Winter is the best period to come to Abu Dhabi in terms of weather: temperatures are not too hot and not too humid, which makes this the peak season. It is advisable to avoid the extremely hot summer months, although hotel rates are at their lowest then and not many tourists will be visiting the city. Abu Dhabi can be doable in spring, between April and May, or fall, from September to October, both periods marked by pleasant weather, with prices starting to decrease in springtime, but on the rise in the fall season, as winter approaches. Also, many sporting and cultural events are held between April and May.

Abu Dhabi has a growing and increasingly efficient public transport network. The city’s bus system, operated by the Department of Transport (DoT), is extensive, with blue-and-white buses running along major routes across the city and to nearby suburbs. Tickets are purchased using a Hafilat Smartcard, which can be loaded at ticket vending machines located at bus stations, major stops, or DoT Customer Service Centers. Simply tap your card on the reader when boarding and exiting to validate your journey. Ferry services also operate on selected routes, connecting coastal areas and offering a scenic alternative to road travel. Passengers are generally advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and carry a valid ID. Although Abu Dhabi does not currently have a fully operational metro, plans for a rapid transit network are in development. For now, taxis, ride‑hailing apps, and private car hire remain the most flexible ways to cover longer distances or reach destinations not served by buses.

Taxis are a convenient and affordable way to get around Abu Dhabi, with vehicles readily available throughout the city. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Careem, and Bolt also operate across the capital.

In Abu Dhabi and throughout the United Arab Emirates, the standard plug type is G, characterised by three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern. The electrical system operates on a 230V supply voltage with a frequency of 50Hz.