Making the most of Abu Dhabi
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships berth at Port Zayed, 4 miles from the city centre. Metered taxis wait immediately outside the terminal, as do Big Bus hop-on/hop-off buses.
The WTC Souk and Mall also run shuttles from the terminal.
Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal offers passengers a range of services, including restaurants, souvenir and retail shops, foreign-currency exchange and airline city check-in facilities.
Free shuttle buses run to the port entrance, as walking through the port area is not permitted. There is nothing of interest within the port itself.
The new top-class terminal has passenger-friendly facilities, including tourist information and passport border-control counters for a smooth, timely customs process. Its eco-friendly design celebrates UAE cultural heritage and maritime history through traditional Arabic ornaments and modern architecture. The distinctive lattice-work roof is inspired by the UAE national tree, the Ghaf, and the wooden beams inside take their inspiration…
Most ships use the turnaround facilities here in Abu Dhabi.
The name Abu Dhabi means father of the "Dhabi" (gazelle).
Buy only the latest edition of an Abu Dhabi guide: anything more than 3 years old will not suffice, as the cityscape changes constantly.
A few decades ago, Abu Dhabi, the island capital of the United Arab Emirates, was a small fishing village of mud-brick and palm-frond houses. Oil revenue has since made it one of the world’s richest cities, with broad tree-lined boulevards, lush parks, fountains and imposing skyscrapers.
Abu Dhabi combines ultra-modern sophistication with Arab mystique. The contrasts run from boutique shopping and bargaining in the souq (bazaar) to air-conditioned limousines and camel rides in the desert, or five-star dining and Bedouin hospitality. Whichever you choose, the people are described as extremely friendly and hospitable. Despite the breathtaking pace of development, the Emirate’s people remain conservative and place great value on maintaining traditions.…
Alongside its modernity, Abu Dhabi’s most striking quality is its greenery. The municipality has spent heavily and employed many workers to turn this desert city into a green oasis.
The Corniche is a park-lined coastal boulevard, with modern buildings facing the sea. Heritage Village, in central Abu Dhabi, presents nomadic Bedouin life and local traditions, including agriculture, fishing and trading. Work began in 1998 on Lulu Island, a man-made resort island off the Corniche planned as a recreational paradise with hotels, restaurants, gardens, bird and animal sanctuaries. The Cultural center occupies a large central complex with a library, theatre auditorium, lecture rooms…
The new Sheikh Zayed Mosque is spectacular. Women visiting should take some form of ID, as a Cruise Card is sufficient to obtain an Abaya or "Cover Dress" at the entrance.
Long trousers are required for men visiting the Mosque.
Getting around
Walking is not recommended: it is too hot and the sights are too spread out.
Taxis are excellent and inexpensive. Wherever you travel in the UAE, ask the driver to turn on the meter, including on a taxi tour.
For a city viewpoint, visit Marina Mall at the far end of Corniche Road, also the main hop-on/hop-off bus stop. Take the lift to the top for free Wi-Fi and views of the ever-changing skyline. Fairmont is developing a huge "Atlantis"-type hotel there, intended to become a future icon.
Food and shopping
Abu Dhabi’s central souq runs from Hamdan Street almost to the Corniche. The new souq provides air-conditioned comfort around a large network of shop-lined walkways. Gold jewellery, watches, perfumes and electronics are among the best buys, alongside embroidered linens, Bedouin silver jewellery and the traditional coffee pot.
Marina Mall sits on a scenic island overlooking the Corniche. Its 300 stores represent most well-known brands, with eateries, coffee shops and a huge Carrefour supermarket. The tower above has a good coffee shop, free Wi-Fi and spectacular views.
Yas Mall opened in 2014 beside Ferrari World on Yas Island. It is Abu Dhabi’s biggest mall and the world’s 16th biggest, with the UAE’s first Lego store and a connection to Ferrari World.
Money
The currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED, locally abbreviated dhs). The Dirham is pegged to the USD, making rate variations against that currency unlikely.
Staying connected
Arabic is the official language, but much of the population does not speak it: Iranian, Indian, Asian and Western expatriates outnumber Arabs in Dubai and often have little Arabic. English is the lingua franca.
Good free Wi-Fi is available in the cruise terminal. The password is clearly displayed; most recently it was "terminalad". The signal is often strong enough to reach parts of the ship.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours: daily 0900-1300 and 1600-2100, though many shops and all malls remain open all day. Shops close for Friday prayers from 1130-1330.