ABU DHABI AIRPORT
Abu Dhabi International Airport is only 15 minutes from ADNEC. Over 50 International Airlines operate a schedule of flights connecting Abu Dhabi to more than 80 destinations in 46 countries. Click here for more information.
TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT
Taxis: 24 Hours’ metered taxis to ADNEC are readily available outside all terminals.
Public Transport: Delegate who do not wish to take taxis can get a very cheap bus which takes them within walking distance from the conference venue at ADNEC. The bus pass, which costs AED 10 (approx. $3), can be purchased from the airport information desk in the arrivals hall.
More information on local transportation is available here.
CLIMATE
UAE has a generally warm and sunny climate with an average temperature of 22°c (72°f) in October.
ELECTRICITY
UAE’s voltage is 220-240ac, 50 Hertz, Plug Type G.
CREDIT CARD AND CURRENCY
Major credit cards and charge cards such as American express, Diners, Mastercard and Visa are acceptable at most establishments. the currency is the United Arabic Emirates Dirham (AED). Banks and exchange bureaus are located in major shopping centers and airports to facilitate currency exchange. The UAE dirham has a fixed rate of approximately 3.68 to USD $1.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in most public places and transportation vehicles.
TIME DIFFERENCE
UAE time Is 4 Hours ahead of GMT.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Transportation around Abu Dhabi is easy, safe and relatively inexpensive. Information about bus services is available here while information about the required pre-purchased “Hafilat” smart card is available here and general information about taxis can be found here.
MOBILE PHONE LOCAL SIM CARD
You can get free sim card and buy a data package (2GB costs around $25) from Etisalat desk near whsmith in the arrival lounge after you claim your luggage.
Useful apps – How to get around Abu Dhabi
EXPERIENCE ABU DHABI APP – The searchable, portable experience Abu Dhabi APP is available on IOS and ANDROID, and delivers fast and easy-to-navigate information straight to your phone. Explore the latest attractions and experiences, learn about Abu Dhabi culture and heritage, and find out where the hottest hotels, restaurants and malls are. Cool off with watersports and cruises, be inspired by architectural wonders, tee-off at one of many great golf courses or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime desert escape.
VISIT ABU DHABI APP- Find fast and easy-to-navigate information on getting to and around the Emirate. Cool off with our watersports and cruising experiences, be inspired by our architectural wonders, tee-off at one of our great golf courses or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime desert escape in the empty quarter.
DARB – A traveler information tool for Abu Dhabi residents and visitors, DARB mobile provides an “Intelligent transport system in the palm of your hand”. the DARB mobile app provides with live data on traffic conditions, traffic incidents and road works in Abu Dhabi, real-time bus arrival information at the nearest bus stops, and access to current airport information, including departures, arrivals, and parking.
CAREEM – Careem’s affordable, chauffeured car booking service. book comfortable and hassle-free ride in the middle east in seconds. On-demand Careem are also available in the city 24/7.
ABU DHABI TAXI – Abu dhabi taxi booking app helps to get a taxi in less than 10 minutes. Abu dhabi taxi is a user-friendly application that offers convenience when booking a taxi in abu dhabi and al ain from your current location, determined by the phone’s gps. Abu Dhabi taxis can be flagged down on the street or you can make your taxi booking via the Abu Dhabi taxi app. The app is available on IOS and Android platforms and allows you to request a ride within 10 minutes from your current location. You can also make taxi bookings with larger vehicles for families or wheelchair-friendly vehicles for people of determination.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Public Buses
Public Buses are a cost-effective way to travel around Abu Dhabi and they operate round-the-clock. To pay for bus journey in Abu Dhabi, use a Hafilat smart card. Hafilat – which means ‘buses’ in Arabic – is a pre-paid card that you can use onboard any public bus to scan in and out of your trip. One can purchase and activate hafilat smart card at bus stations, shopping malls and convenience stores across the city. The minimum amount that can be loaded onto a hafilat smart card is 10 aed and each journey costs 2 AED plus 5 Fils per kilometer.
Plan your Abu Dhabi bus journey and find more information about Hafilat smart cards at Darb, the official source of Information for public transport in the Emirate.
Car Rental
Renting a car in Abu Dhabi can give freedom to get around independently and explore destinations in the Emirate like Al Ain and Al Dhafra. you’ll find many car rental companies in Abu Dhabi with reliable vehicles and rental packages that include insurance, maintenance and 24-hour assistance. To hire a car in Abu Dhabi, will need a valid passport copy, a credit card and a valid driving license – either international or from your home country. Parking in Abu Dhabi is easy with the city’s paid parking system, Mawaqif. Parking costs between 2-3 AED per hour depending on your location.
Bikes
Combine exploration with exercise and hire a bicycle in Abu Dhabi. Delegates can hire bikes using the careem bike app from over 50 docked bike-share stations throughout the Emirate, including Yas island, Reem island and the Corniche. Use the app to pay for daily, weekly or monthly packages.
You will also find independent companies around the city including fun ride sports which rent out a selection of cycles, from mountain bikes to city bikes.
Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus
The experience abu dhabi shuttle bus is a free and easy connection to tourist hot spots in Abu Dhabi. The air-conditioned and wheelchair-friendly buses regularly stop at a number of the Emirate’s top hotels, landmarks and attractions along eight key routes. Use the bus to visit destinations in Abu Dhabi city center, Yas island, Saadiyat island, Jubail island and the Grand canal area.
The service is free and available to both local and international tourists. Simply hop on at any stop, scan the QR code, and enjoy the ride! Find more information about the experience Abu Dhabi shuttle bus, including timings and routes here.
RTA Bus from Dubai
One can travel to Abu Dhabi by bus from the other Emirates of Sharjah, Dubai, etc. The Abu Dhabi and Dubai municipalities jointly run a service called the Emirates express between the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai (2-hour journey). Dubai’s RTA also runs luxury buses from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. These buses leave at 30-minute intervals. Travelers flying into Dubai through emirates have extension tickets for bus transfers to Abu Dhabi from the airport itself.