living in abu dhabi

Abu DhabiLiving in...

Leslie Nicolas Nasr

Abu DhabiLiving in...

Published by Motivate Publishing

Dubai PO Box 2331, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesTel (+971 4) 282 4060, fax (+971 4) 282 7898e-mail: [email protected] www.booksarabia.com

Office 508, Building No 8, Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAETel (+971 4) 390 3550, fax (+971 4) 390 4845

abu Dhabi PO Box 43072, Abu Dhabi, UAETel (+971 2) 677 2005, fax (+971 2) 677 0124

LonDon Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ERe-mail: [email protected]

Directors Obaid Humaid Al Tayer and Ian FairserviceGeneraL ManaGer books Jonathan Griffiths

series eDitor Simona CassanoeDitor Moushumi NandyeDitoriaL assistant Therese TheronPubLishinG coorDinator Zelda Pintosenior DesiGner Cithadel FranciscoDesiGner Charlie Banalo

First published 2010

Living In Series®

© Original text Leslie Nicolas Nasr 2010© Motivate Publishing 2010

ISBN: 978 1 86063 271 6

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means) without the written permission of the copyright holders. Application for the copyright holders’ written permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the publishers. In accordance with the International Copyright Act 1956 and the UAE Federal Law No. (7) of 2002, Concerning Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights, any person acting in contravention of this will be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai, UAE.

PhotoGraPhic creDitsAbu Dhabi Aviation: 106ADCO: 16Alamy: 57, 132, 142, 190, 191, 195, 197, 200, 203, 208, 213, 215, 216, 219, 220, 229, 230, 240, 274-275Anantara: 232Arabian Eye: 25 (3), 27, 37, 97, 100, 114, 118, 156, 157, 160, 176, 180, 187, 206Arfan: 240Bandula, T.H.: 24, 25, 48 Corbis: 18, 20,28, 31,32, 40, 76-77, 80-81, 83, 95, 108, 119, 130, 137, 184, 271Emaar: 234Emirates Palace: 242Getty: 126, 140, 179, 236, 241 (4), 240 (2)

Grapheast: 50, 67, 74, 78-79, 92-93, 102-103, 166, 169Gulf News: 111, 149, 151Ian Conroy: 152InterContinental Al Ain: 163Louvre Abu Dhabi: 223Motivate Publishing: 34, 45, 67, 70-71, 85, 87, 88, 91, 98, 110, 113, 117, 120-121, 154, 159, 165, 168, 171, 172, 183, 188, 192, 194, 211, 227, 232, 238, 240, 245, 247, 248, 249, 250, 253, 255, 257, 258, 261, 264, 266, 268, 277, 278-279, 280Nakheel: 235Panoramio: 64, 124 (3), 144Space Imaging: 22-23Thesiger, Wilfred: 10-11, 13Willmore, Andrea: 14

your family (chapter 3, Moving): the work and legal regulations in the city (chapter 4 Legal Matters, and 10, Working), where to stay (chapter 5, Housing), the health care facilities available (chapter 12, Health Care) etc. Despite the new developments, the cachet of the city has been maintained. You will find out practical information on how to set up your water and electricity and phone accounts (chapter 6, Utilities and Services) or your bank account (chapter 9, Finances), and you will also learn useful expressions in Arabic (chapter 18, Quick Arabic).

Abu Dhabi truly fits the image of a major city. The luxury and style of its modern achievements are infused with the traditional values of hospitality and respect (chapter 1, History, and 2, Quick Facts). Home to foreign embassies, Abu Dhabi’s wide boulevards and infrastructure are well established (chapter 8, Transport) and the city is peaceful, despite its traffic jams and busy streets (chapter 7, Driving). Its serene, subdued, quiet atmosphere is mixed with the cosmopolitan lifestyle being constantly fostered by the development of new cultural entities, unique art exhibitions, concerts and seminars (chapter 15, Out and About). Shopping in Abu Dhabi is a pleasurable experience as a wide variety of goods are available (chapter 14, Shopping). The fine weather prevailing for most of the year, access to beaches, desert safaris and the variety of facilities for adults and children (chapter 13, Leisure and Sport), combined with an underlying level of formality and the unique Arab hospitality contribute in adding to the charm of living in this wonderful city.

Abu DhAbi LiViNG

WHAT MAkeS AbU DHAbi SpeCiALAbu Dhabi is one of the most prosperous and rapidly developing cities in the world, cosmopolitan in nature and a welcoming attitude for all cultures and backgrounds. The wealth from Abu Dhabi’s oil helped transform the city into a very modern metropolis with beautiful malls and office buildings, luxury hotels and amazing villas, along with parks and gardens.

Abu Dhabi has established itself as the art and cultural destination of the region, as well as a major centre for tourism, which has transformed the once small village into a thriving investment enterprise. The city hosts an array of events on an annual basis and has been the venue of major international conferences, with the opulent Emirates Palace Hotel hosting renowned names in the music and performance arts. Moreover, Abu Dhabi will soon witness the opening of two of the finest museums in the world, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim. Last but not least, in November 2009 Abu Dhabi inaugurated a Grand Prix Circuit for a world-class Formula One race track and will soon see the opening of an international Ferrari theme park on Yas Island, first in the region.

COMing TO AbU DHAbi Whether you have just disembarked or are a long term resident, you will not lack anything nor feel that something is missing with Living in... Abu Dhabi.

You will be able to gather all the general information you need to live in Abu Dhabi, allowing you to smoothly settle down on your own or with

10 HISTORY /// 1 EarlyHistory12///forEignoccupation12///tHEtrucialstatEs14///crEationoftHEuaE15///Economy 15///pearlfishing15,gold15,Homes15,oilWells16abudHabiintHEtWEnty-firstcEntury17///futurEand undErconstructiondEvElopmEnts17///saadiyatislandproject17,desertislands17,angsanaresort&spa– Easternmangroves17,anantaraQasralsarabresort&spa17,abudhabigolfresort18,albateenWharf18,bridge Wayabudhabi18,buroojcrystal18,fairmontHotelabudhabicreekside19,grandmillenniumcornicheHotel19, Khalifacity19,masdarcity19,parkrotanacomplex19,alrahabeachcomplex19,alreemisland19,theregent Emiratespearlabudhabi19,sheikhmohammedbinZayedcity19,yasisland19

22 QUICK FACTS /// 2 gEograpHy24///terrain24,flora24,fauna25,marinelife26climatE26///seasonsandtemperature26, rainfall27,sandstorms27,seasonalclothingtips27culturE28///thefamily28,Hospitality28, traditionalsports29,coffeeshops29EtiQuEttEandprotocol29///diningandHosting29,dresscodes30, photographs30,personalbehaviour30,solesoffeet30grEEtings30///Handshaking30,nose touching30Economy:factsandpErcEntagEs30///population31///populationEstimatesfor201031, populationbreakdown32,theWorkforce32,maletofemaleratio32,newresidents32,tourists32spoKEn languagE32///rEligion:islam33///theWomaninislam33,mosques36,calEndarofislamicHolidays36 ///ramadan36,Eidal-fitr37,Eidal-adha37,mouloud37,alisra’sWalme’raj38nationalHolidays38///otHEr rEligionsinabudHabi38///christianity38,Hinduism38,buddhism39safEtyandsEcurity39///

40 MOVING /// 3 bEforEtHEmovE42///packing42,pets43tHEmovE45///choosingamovingcompany45,tipsfor themove45sEttlingdoWn47///theEmployee47,thesingleperson47,thetrailingspouse47

50 LEGAL MATTERS /// 4 tHElEgalsystEmintHEuaE52///sHari’aHlaWanditsapplications52///ExpatriatEs,uaE laWandsHari’aH52///prosecutionandcivilcases53,businessandthelaw53,death–Willsandtestaments53, movingtoabudHabi:documEntsnEEdEd55///visas56///1.Employmentvisa56,2.residencevisafor theEmployee57,3.visaforparents58,4.domesticHelpvisa59,5.visitvisa60,6.missionvisa62visa rEstrictions62///rEnEWingEmploymEnt&rEsidEncEvisas62///cancEllingEmploymEnt&rEsidEncE visas62///transfErringWorKvisa62///indEpEndEntbusinEss62///licEncEsanddocumEnts64/// Emiratesidcard64,E-gatecard65,liquorlicence66lifEstylEandtHElaW66///marriageanddivorcein islam66,mixedmarriages68,otherlifestyle-relatedissues68ExpatriatEsmarryingintHEuaE68///islamic marriages68,christianmarriages69,indianmarriages69 70 HOUSING /// 5 aspraWlingcity72///supplyanddEmand72///rEntal72///purcHasE73///tHEdistrictsinabudHabi73 ///airportroad73,albateen73,theislands73,alKaramah73,alKhalidiya73,almaqtaa74,almarkaziya74,al matar74,almina74,almushrif75,alra’sal-akhdar75,alsafarat75,cornichearea75,futaisiisland75,Khalifa city75,madinatZayed75,mussafah78,thebreakwater78,touristclubarea78,ummalnar78tEmporary accommodation–HotElapartmEnts78///alrawdarotanasuites78,Hiltonbaynunah78,beachrotana Hotel&towers79,HiltoncornicheHotelapartments79,theEclipseboutiquesuites79,platinumresidence79, sahararesidence79

geT THe MOST OUT OF living in... ABU DHABi

Based around on-the-ground realities, Living in... Abu Dhabi covers the emirate’s history, its culture, the best way to prepare a move, the subtle nuances of daily life and social attitudes, the availability of housing, the different education systems as well as tried and tested recommendations for select shopping, dining and entertainment options. To find this information you can:

browse through the detailed contents pages to find at a glance the information you need on how to get a visa, how to chose a moving company, what’s on in Abu Dhabi entertainmentwise, and much more;

explore each chapter and “Now you know!” interest boxes, which are laid out in a user-friendly way, to read everything you need about Abu Dhabi;

use the directory (p. ...) for quick reference. The directory is the source

of up-to-date recommended addresses for your shopping, leisure and travel, as well as education and health care;

find in each paragraph your shortcut to the relevant section in the directory:

refer to the full map of Abu Dhabi at the end of this book to get the bigger picture of your new country, and to the snapshots of the city of Abu Dhabi as a guide for moving around town. To find your restaurant, hotel or any other location, go to the map’s general listings (p. 338) to locate your place of interest in the map grid.

Note that:n the procedures outlined are accurate and updated to date of publication, but may be subject to change;n location names in Abu Dhabi might have different spellings. This is a mirror of reality, more than a mistake or error per se, as even road signs are spelt differently according to the source providing the service.

Cons. & Embassies

Education Cult. & Soc. Activities

Hospitals & Clinics

Websites

Leisure

Mind & Body

Services

Eating Out

Shopping

Ministries Sport Travel

Hotels Emergency Nos

Nightlife

188 SHOPPING /// 14 strEEtsHopping190///sHoppingmalls191///abudhabimall191,alrahamall193,alWahdamall 193,alKhalidiyamall193,marinamall193,mazyadmall194sHoppingcEntrEs194///fotouhalKhaircentre194, madinatZayedshoppingcentreandgoldsouk195,abudhabico-operativesocietycomplex195,alfalahplaza 195,almuhairycentre195,Hamdancentre195,Hamedcentre196,Khalifacentre196,rotanamall196,themina centre196supErmarKEtsandfoodstorEs196///abelasupermarket196,abudhabico-operativesociety196, carrefour196,choithram196,lifcosupermarket196,luluHypermarket196,shaheensupermarket197, spinneys197HEaltHfoodstorEs197///drnutrition197,Eatsmart,organiccafé197,nutritionZone197,organic foodsandcafédubai198sHopsbycatEgory198///accessories198,bookshops198,caragentsanddealers198, cosmeticsandperfumes199,ElectricalEquipment201,fashion202,florists209,giftshops209,Jewelleryand Watchstores210,middle–Easterntreasures212,motorcycledealers212,music,video,dvdandphotographic Equipment212,opticians214,partyEquipment214,petstores215,smokers’centre215,toys215 216 OUT & ABOUT /// 15 mosques218,sitesandmuseums221,art222,theatresandconcertvenues222,cinemas223,librariesandbook clubs223,socialclubs224annualEvEnts225///cultural225,otherannual,business,socialandsporting Events227sigHtsEEingtrips228///citytours,desertsafaris228,aerialtours229,cruises229daytripsand WEEKEndgEtaWays229///aroundabudhabi229,ra’sal-Khaimah233,dubai234,fujairah236,sharjah237 furtHErout–accEssiblEdEstinations237///

242 THE HOTEL LIFE /// 16 dininginabudHabi244///Hoteldining244,mallsanddining245,take-awayandHomedelivery245,catering 245rEstaurants246///american/steak-House246,arabic/lebanese/iranian248,brazilian246,chinese/far Eastern/Japanese/polynesian246,french249,fusion249,german/austrian249,indian249,international250, italian252,persian253,pizzerias254,seafood254,spanish254,tex–mex256cafés256///nigHtlifE259/// nightlifecodes259,barsandpubs259,nightclubs260,ladies’night260HotElsanddining260///

274 LEAVING ABU DHABI /// 17 visacancEllation276///documEnts276///toHaveonHand276,bank276,medical276,school276 accommodation277///pacKErsandmovErs277///salEofgoods278///forthoseWholeave278,forthose Whostay278utilitiEsaccounts278///banKs278///taxEs279///miscEllanEoustasKs279///Exporting yourpEt279///

278 QUICK ARABIC /// 18

283 DIRECTORY

336 MAPS OF ABU DHABI

NOW YOU KNOW! rulersofabudhabi12///nationalanthemoftheunitedarabEmirates14///themajlis16///florainurban areas25///meanmonthlyclimatedataandaverages26///nationaldress29/// Whatisislam?33///charitable organizationsinabudhabi36/// usefulinformation39///medicationsanddrugs42 ///tipsforsettlinginabudhabi 47/// threethingsabouttheislamicsystemoflaw52/// E-Justice53///crimeandthelawinabudhabi54///iris scan57/// lostordamagedpassports59///visitvisa:Exemptcountries60/// fivetipsaboutHousing72/// publicpayphone85 ///Exemptcountries96///ageofvehicles99///Ecowash101///Whattodoincaseofanaccident 105/// airportservices112///thee-dirham116///E-payments117///sixthingsaboutWorkinginabudhabi122/// movingwiththechildren129///sevenfactsabouttheabudhabiHealthsystem143///Whattodoincaseof Emergency146///immunizationfortravellers148/// singlemothersinabudhabi150/// foodHygieneandHeat153 ///triedandtested:nailbarsandbeautysalonsforladies166///shoppinginabudhabi199///renovating yourHomeoroffice202/// dresscodesandbehaviour218 /// tenmust-dosinabudhabi221/// culturallifeinthe vicinityofabudhabicity224/// tenthingsaboutcamelracing228///diningHabitsinabudhabi244///fridaybrunch inabudhabi251///tenthingsaboutarabicfood254/// internetcafés256///datinginabudhabi259

80 UTILITIES & SERVICES /// 6 WatErandElEctricity82///documentstoopenanaccountwithadWEa82,Watersuppliers82,voltageand adaptors82gas83///airconditioning/HEating83///landlinE83///localcallsintheuaE83,international callsfromabudhabi84,Etisalat84,du84mobilE84///Etisalat84,du85intErnEt85///tElEvision86///dvd/ vidEorEntals86///radio86///prEss87///postalsErvicEs87///addresssystem88,courierservices88 HomEsErvicEs88///drycleaning88,foodtake–awayanddelivery88,gardening88,maintenancecompanies 88miscEllanEousprofEssionalsErvicEs89///insurancEcompaniEs89///domEsticHElp90///Waysof findingdomesticHelpinabudhabi90,salaryandrecommendations90

92 DRIVING /// 7 safetyfirst94drivinglicEncEs–usEfulinformation94///temporarydrivinglicence96,foreigndriving licences:Exchange96,uaEdriver’slicence97,drivinglessonsandtests99,drivingschools100infringEmEnts andtHElaW100///alcoholandZerotolerance100,blackpointssystem100,annualaccumulatedpoints cancellation101,speedcameras,randomchecking,trafficfinesandpenalties101,Enquiryandfinespayment system101,parking–paymentoptions101rEntals101///yourcar104///purchasing104,insurance104, maintenance104,breakdown104,accidents105motorcyclEs105///bicyclEs&biKEpatHs,pEdEstrians105///

106 TRANSPORT /// 8 drivingandtraffic109///congestedareastoavoidandtimes109taxis109///orderingataxi110,tippingthe driver110,limousines110busEs110///busroutes110sEa/WatErtravEl110///airtransport111///national airline111,adiafacilities112,transportationto/fromtheairport112otHErmEtHodsoftransportation112/// bridgEsinabudHabi112

114 FINANCES /// 9 currEncy116///opEningabanKaccount116///documentsrequired116,cheques116,offshoreaccounts116tHE procEssofgEttingloansandmortgagEs116///islamicbanKing117///paymEnts117///costofliving 119///Housing119,foodshopping119,diningout119abudHabifinancialmarKEt119///copingwiththecrisis119

120 WORKING /// 10 uaElabourlaW122///tHElabourcontract122///frEEZonEs122///documentsneededtosetupa companyinafreeZone123businEssEnvironmEnt123///communicating123,businessEtiquette123, timekeeping125,confrontation125,positivefeedback125,chainofcommand125,rolemodels125 126 EDUCATION /// 11 tHEHistoryofEducationinabudHabi128///prEsEntEducationsystEminabudHabi128///scHools ataglancE129///nurseriesandpre-schools130,primaryandsecondaryschools132,universitiesand HigherEducation135,specialneedsschools138,music138,languageschools138,coursesforadults139, computerclasses139,miscellaneous139

140 HEALTH CARE /// 12 gEnEralinformation143///HospitalsandclinicsinabudHabi144///HospitalsandclinicsoutsidEof abudHabicity144///mEdicalcEntrEsanddoctors146///dentists148,chiropractors,physiotherapists, acupuncturistsandpodiatrists148,specialistsandpaediatricians148,psychiatrists148,pharmacies148costs andWaitingtimEs148///HEaltHcardandmEdicalinsurancE148///mEdicinEs150///frEQuEntHEaltH problEmsamongExpats150///prEgnancyandrElatEdissuEs150///nationalityandcertificates151, adoption152,birthcontrol152,ai,ivf,stemcellsresearch152,maternityleave153supportgroups153/// opticians153/// 154 LEISURE & SPORT /// 13 lEisurEi–foradultsandfortHEfamily156///publicbeaches156,parksandgardenareas157,privatebeach clubs&otherclubs159,fitnesscentres162,spasandbeautysalons164lEisurEii–spEcificallyforcHildrEn 167///activitiesforchildren167,playareas/funcentres169,partyvenuesforchildren170sport170/// 176

106 living in... abu dhabi

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107living in... abu dhabi

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TransporT /// 8all the options for GettinG around

inside and outside of the city

Abu Dhabi International Airport

For a quick link to the corresponding sections in the directory follow the page in the arrow KEY: services p. 308Travel p. 333


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Cars are currently the main method of transportation in Abu Dhabi and public transport is limited to buses and taxis. Public buses are mainly used by labourers despite the newly introduced fleet by a private company. The reasonably priced taxis would be your best bet; they are the most common method of getting around Abu Dhabi and buses are still infrequent.

The city of Abu Dhabi is great to explore during the cooler months. This can be done on foot (although expect long walks from point A to point B) as there are many one-off shops and restaurants well worth a stop. During the summer months, it is advisable to travel by car, taxi or bus because of the intense heat.

Facing a rapid growing population estimated to triple in twenty years to reach 3 million people (just under 1 million as of 2009) the government has decided to take radical measures in order to remedy to the existing shortcomings in the infrastructure of the city. The goals of Sheikh Khalifa and his team of

the several stages allocated for its completion, the congestion into the city will turn into a nightmare (it has been predicted that it could otherwise take, on average, five times longer for morning commuters to reach their destination within the metropolis of Abu Dhabi). By 2030, the expected journeys into the city will have increased by five times as a direct consequence of the economic and physical expansion of Abu Dhabi – anticipated is 6 million additional square metres of office space, which represents an expected 400 percent increase in Gross Floor Area. Furthermore, statistics from the Department of Transportation show that they are predicting four times more visitors – local and international – coming to Abu Dhabi compared to today’s figures.

For additional useful information on transport, go to the Government Authorities official website: www.abudhabi.ae. There you will find a complete list of all the specific government websites (including the Department of Transport) by clicking on Departments.

DRiviNg AND TRAfficAlthough traffic is not as bad as other metropolis, one cannot ignore it, due to the volume of cars on the road. The number of vehicles keeps increasing every year leading to congestion which is heavy at times, when either entering or leaving the city as well as in the downtown area.

Street signage in Abu Dhabi is improving as the city develops. Although most signs are in Arabic and English, it is still quite easy to get lost. The Satellite Navigation System (GPS) does exist in cars, however its reliability is a different matter altogether as diversions and new roads are constantly emerging. It would be advisable to have a map at all times, the phone number of where you are going and a charged up mobile phone.

Giving directions is generally based on landmarks (which you do learn quite quickly), as well as a few prominent streets; for example Sheikh Zayed the 1st is known as Khalidiya Street, Sheikh Zayed the 2nd is known as Electra Street, East Road is known as Airport Road and Bani Yas Street is known as Najda Street.

Congested AreAs to Avoid And times /// Abu Dhabi is getting more crowded as time goes by. Expect congestion at peak hours such as school drop-offs and pick-ups, and at office times. Airport Road, Khalifa and

Hamdan streets are the most congested, particularly between 7 am and 8 am, around 1 pm and again between 5 and 8 pm. Wednesdays and Thursdays seem to be worse than other days of the week. Sundays are the quietest.

Entering the city is busy at any time as there is continuous goings and comings between emirates, mainly Dubai and the eastern province of Al Ain. During the Holy Month of Ramadan congested traffic occurs earlier in the day as people leave their work at different times in order to reach home before prayer time and iftar (breaking the fast).

TAxiSTaxis in Abu Dhabi are regulated by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars (Trans AD), a government organization established in 2006.

You will find the silver street taxis on the streets of Abu Dhabi. They are cheaper than the ones provided by other private companies. The old Abu Dhabi taxis (gold and cream colour) are the most economical, however they are being slowly phased out to be replaced by the silver taxis by 2010. Presently, there are about 7,000 taxis operating in the emirate, which can be hailed from almost any area at any time.

All silver taxis are metered with fares beginning at Dhs 3 per journey, plus an additional Dhs 0.75 for every kilometre. Night-time fares are slightly higher. If the cab is taken from the airport, there is no surcharge to go into the city.

There are different categories of taxis in the city. For a luxurious taxi ride, expect to pay more. The following are some of the alternative taxi companies to choose from (for details and more options refer to the directory):n Al Ghazal has very luxurious cars, and expensive

fares (they start at Dhs 10 during the day and at Dhs 20 at night);

n National Transport Company (NTC) has luxury cars, and expensive fares.Abu Dhabi has introduced the Q-cash card that helps

passengers pay for their fares without using cash. All taxi drivers are expected to know the roads,

however do get as many details as possible about your destination’s address, especially if new to the city. Drivers are not always familiar with street names, and keep in mind that although English is the language used, it is not always up to scratch.

experts are to bring to life one of the boldest, most daring projects ever undertaken: the 2030 Surface Transport Master Plan, scheduled to start operation by 2015. Designed to specifically address the economic, social, cultural and environmental issues of Abu Dhabi, and fulfilling the rigid demands the government has imposed upon itself, intense research and a hefty budget have already been devoted to the study of in-depth road (new highways, interchanges and flyovers) and underground transportation. The outcome of this project is impressive, with an anticipated 580 km of High Speed Railway Lines, 350 km of LRT system (Light Rail Tram) and 130 km of Metro System.

The drastic improvement in public transport is well timed and the figures clearly show the urgent need for adequate public transport, as roads will be totally saturated by 2015. If the Transport Surface Master Plan is not properly implemented, respecting

corbis

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Negotiating the price is now illegal and meters should be switched on at all times. For more information on long-distance travel or assistance on drivers’ offences, you can visit www.transad.ae/en.

ordering A tAxi /// Trans AD hotline is 600 535353. Some companies have an automated answering system making it convenient to order a taxi in advance. For instance, at National Taxi a cab can be booked in advance for the same day or for the next day.

Keep in mind that in certain neighbourhoods taxis are rare. Stopping one on the street is difficult, if not impossible, as they have usually been ordered in advance. Do not take a chance. Try to call for one even if the wait is longer than expected. The newly introduced system should improve the situation as the call centre of the taxi company is able to locate the nearest available taxi to the passenger.

tipping the driver /// Tipping is very common in the UAE. Although not obligatory, it is welcome. You usually either tip taxi drivers a few extra dirham or round it up to the nearest five or ten.

limousines /// Al Ghazal Limo and Prime Limousine are two of the best companies offering limousine services in Abu Dhabi. They are reliable and can be ordered in advance, sometimes up to one hour before. The response will depend on availability and schedule. Limousines are a good alternative should you have a trip to another emirate.

BuSeSAlthough Abu Dhabi still lacks an organized bus system, a new fleet of public buses managed by private companies has emerged since June 2008. They pick up and drop passengers at most frequented spots in Abu Dhabi city such as malls, shopping centres, the Corniche, etc. Operated by the Abu Dhabi Municipality, fares start at one dirham, depending on the route. A total of 1,360 buses are expected to be in operation by 2010.

The main terminal is near the Al Wahda Mall on 4th street. Bus stops are scattered within the city and in main residential districts. Twenty air-conditioned bus shelters have recently opened with the hope to have an additional eighty soon. The final plan is for a total of 550 shelters to be operational within the emirate.

Emirates Express is an air-conditioned bus service, which operates regularly between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Other emirates have similar services.

TDIC has also recently implemented zero-emission all-electric buses for operation on Sir Bani Yas Island.

bus routes /// The Department of Transport issues bus timetables. The norm is to have intervals of 10-20 minutes between buses. For further information and contact details for bus services or routes please call 800 55555.

SeA/wATeR TRAvelThere are currently no scheduled passenger

services from Abu Dhabi to other countries, or even to Dubai, but a high speed water link with Dubai has been proposed.

The planned integrated Abu Dhabi’s public transport system will include a ferry system, maybe a circular

ferry service among Reem Island, Suwa Island and Saadiyat Island.

Various companies offer trips by dhow or motor boat to explore the islands off the coast; alternatively you can try hiring a fishing boat privately.

AiR TRANSPORTAbu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA) is the city’s main aviation hub and the second busiest airport in the UAE. The passenger terminal is satellite-shaped with telescopic boarding walkways. ADIA currently accommodates 40 passenger airlines, which serve a total of 90 destinations.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) had three main projects under work in 2009. One project is to expand the Abu Dhabi International Airport, increasing its capacity to 20 million passengers by 2012. Another project is to begin operations of the Sir Bani Yas Island Airport, the Island’s newly dedicated air terminal, due for completion by the end of 2010. Lastly, the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone will offer light industrial units, offices and land for lease to the

commercial sector. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the Abu Dhabi International Airport and is free of charge.

nAtionAl Airline /// The inaugural flight of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, took place in the first week of November 2003. The distance covered was from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, a journey of 150 km by car. About a week later, commercial operations were launched, destination Beirut, Lebanon. Etihad grew quickly as following Beirut, on average, a new route was added every month: Etihad began direct flights to Geneva, Brussels and Toronto. Today, Etihad flies to 54 different destinations. Their goal is to reach 70 routes by 2010. UAE’s national carrier is the country’s second largest airline.

Etihad’s constant and rapid growth fits well the image of Abu Dhabi. It has a fleet of Air buses and Boeings with three classes of service: the Diamond (first), Pearl (business) and Coral (economy).

A subsidiary of Etihad, Etihad Holidays offers great complete get-away packages (hotels, car rental, tours,

New bus shelters

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p. 314

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TRANSPORT8


TRANSPORT 8

cruises) all over the six continents. The frequent flyer program is Etihad Guest. Qantas, Brussels Airlines, Oman Air and Jet Airways enjoy partnership agreement with Etihad, who also sponsors some of Abu Dhabi sports team.

Crystal Cargo is Etihad’s cargo carrier.

AdiA fACilities /// A non-smoking airport with designated smoking areas in the transit section, Abu Dhabi’s International Airport (ADIA) is very pleasant. There are three connected terminals, with 36 check-in counters.

Etihad Airways is located in terminal 3. Ticketing desks are located in both terminals 1 and 2.

Banking facilities are available (ATM facilities, money exchange, National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank branches), as well as health services in terminal 1 (24 hours medical care, pharmacy, nursing and baby changing facilities).

Terminals 1, 2 and 3 have covered and uncovered parking facilities. Terminal 2 is less expensive. The maximum time allowed to leave a car is 3 months.

The airport has four lounges in Terminal 1, in addition to the airport hotel lounge, which is opened 24 hours. You do not have to be flying first class to use the facilities of the Airport hotel lounge or the Ghazal Lounge. For Dhs 100 and a limit of four hours (renewable) you can have 24-hours access to its facilities. The Al Dana Lounge and Etihad Premium Lounge are by invitation only. The Al Dar Lounge is open 24 hours, seven days a week. Terminal 2 has

a premium lounge, which opens on demand, in the transit area. Internet access is available in all lounges.

Despite its small size (40 rooms) the airport hotel offers great facilities such as business centre, health club, gym (open 8 am–12 midnight), sauna, shower facilities for transiting passengers at a minimal cost, and a children’s playing area. It is located in Terminal 1. Non-hotel guests can use the gym facilities for an hourly fee. Check the directory for contact details.

trAnsportAtion to/from the Airport /// An inexpensive bus operates every hour between the airport and Abu Dhabi. Also available are car rentals at booths located in the car park of Terminal 1, as well as taxis and limousines. Two limo taxis (Fast and National Taxi) operate 24 hours/day from terminals 1 and 2. They can be used to travel from the airport to Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah.

OTHeR MeTHODS Of TRANSPORTATiONThe introduction of new methods of transportation (monorail, metro, trams, as well as a bus and ferry system, an improved road network, a pedestrian and bicycle network, and an Intelligent Transport System) in Abu Dhabi’s public transport system, coupled with the high technology used, the attention to details, and the care for the environment will turn Abu Dhabi into a first class destination.

The metro in Abu Dhabi is expected to start running by 2016, trams by 2014. These two major additions will coincide with the increase in population, thereby alleviating the traffic while connecting the island of Abu Dhabi to some of the mega future projects such as Saadiyat, Yas Island and Al Raha Beach. This project will be done in gradual stages, within a five year period. Go to the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council’s website, www.upc.gov.ae/en/home.aspx, for additional information on the subject.

BRiDgeS iN ABu DHABiAt present, there are three bridges in Abu Dhabi: Al Maqtaa bridge (which is the main bridge at the island entrance, leading to the city), Mussafah Bridge (on the way out of the city towards the industrial area, Mussafah) and Al Mafraq Bridge (from Abu Dhabi airport). Bridges connecting to Reem Island and Saadiyat Island are also under construction and should be completed in 2011.

n The golden class “Meet and Assist” services are a paid service (cash and credit card accepted) especially designed to provide assistance at Abu Dhabi airport for arriving and departing passengers. Reservations are made through your travel agent, your hotel in Abu Dhabi, by email, or by contacting them directly. For more information, consult the directory.

n Families travelling in premium classes with young children need not to worry anymore on how to entertain their young ones while waiting for their flight. Etihad’s nanny service will come to the rescue. Whether transiting or taking a flight from Terminal 3, your children will be picked up from the lounges and well looked after.

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Maqtaa Bridge

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living in abu dhabi

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