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Muslim business traveller's guide
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one of the easiest cities in the world for a Muslim business traveller: it is a Muslim-majority country, so food is halal by default in mainstream restaurants (no pork outside clearly-marked sections, and alcohol is served only in licensed hotel venues), and the adhan is heard across the city. It is a major host for food and halal trade shows — SIAL Middle East, the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE) and related expos run at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the largest exhibition venue in the region, just a short drive from the airport. English is spoken everywhere, the city is modern and orderly, and getting around is simple by cheap metered taxi or ride-hailing app — there is no metro yet.
Getting in
Zayed International Airport (AUH)
• Airport taxi — 25-45 min to the city; about 15-20 min to ADNEC (metered silver taxis wait at arrivals; the most straightforward option and reasonably priced)
• Careem / Uber — 25-45 min (book in-app for an upfront fare; Careem is the dominant local app)
• Hotel pickup / airport bus A1 — 30-60 min (many hotels offer a transfer; the public A1 bus runs to the city centre cheaply but with stops)
Getting around
Abu Dhabi has no metro (one is planned), so the city moves by road. Distances are long and summers are very hot, so almost everyone uses cheap metered taxis, ride-hailing apps or hotel cars rather than walking; an air-conditioned public bus network covers the main routes for the budget-conscious. ADNEC is central and close to the airport, so transfers are short.
City buses use the Hafilat smart card (buy and top up at stations and machines); for most visitors, though, metered taxis and the Careem/Uber apps are simpler door-to-door.
The official silver Abu Dhabi taxis are metered, plentiful and inexpensive — flag one, use a rank, or book via Careem/Uber/Hala. Fares are low by international standards. In the heat, plan door-to-door rather than walking between venues.
Visa & entry
Money
UAE Dirham · AED
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar (about AED 3.67 = USD 1). Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash for small shops, souks and tips.
Tipping is customary but modest — rounding up or about 10-15% in restaurants (check whether a service charge is already added), and small notes for porters, drivers and valets.
Most halal-expo buyers and exhibitors travel from the world's main halal hubs. Here's how to connect to Abu Dhabi from each — entry rules vary by nationality, so check the Visa & entry note above.
Karachi
Emirati & Gulf cuisine
citywide · $$-$$$
halal by default
Local dishes such as machboos, harees and luqaimat are halal by default, as is essentially all mainstream dining in the city — there is no need to check; meat is halal across ordinary restaurants.
Lebanese & Levantine
Corniche, Al Markaziyah, Tourist Club Area · $$
halal by default
Mezze, grills and shawarma are everywhere and excellent — a Gulf staple, all halal, and ideal for group business meals.
Indian, Pakistani & Mughlai
Hamdan Street / Electra and citywide · $-$$
halal by default
Abu Dhabi's large South Asian community means abundant, affordable biryani, curry and tandoori — all halal, from quick cafeterias to upscale restaurants.
International dining (hotels & malls)
hotels, Marina Mall, Yas Island, The Galleria · $$-$$$$
halal by default; alcohol only in licensed venues
Global chains and fine dining serve halal meat as standard; alcohol is served only inside licensed hotel restaurants and bars, never in ordinary outlets — easy to avoid if you prefer.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi (between the bridges)
One of the largest mosques in the world and the country's flagship — a major place of worship and also open to respectful visitors (modest dress required, abayas provided); a vast Friday congregation.
Mosques citywide
every neighbourhood
Mosques are within walking distance almost anywhere, and the adhan is called across the city; Friday Jumu'ah is the main congregational prayer (held early afternoon), and the UAE weekend is Saturday-Sunday with Friday a short working day.
Prayer rooms in venues
ADNEC, malls, hotels, the airport
ADNEC, shopping malls, hotels and Zayed International Airport all have dedicated men's and women's prayer rooms (musalla) with ablution facilities.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi
The city's must-see landmark — a breathtaking white-marble mosque open to respectful visitors outside prayer times; free to enter, with modest dress required and abayas provided for women.
The Corniche
waterfront
A long, manicured seafront promenade with beaches, cafés and cycle paths — the best place for an early-morning or evening walk before the heat.
Louvre Abu Dhabi & Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Cultural District
The domed Louvre Abu Dhabi art museum anchors a growing cultural district; nearby Saadiyat has fine public beaches.
Qasr Al Watan & Yas Island
Presidential Palace / Yas Island
Qasr Al Watan is the opulent working Presidential Palace open to visitors; Yas Island has Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld for a free afternoon between sessions.
Sources: https://www.adnec.ae/en/visit/getting-here · https://www.zayedinternationalairport.com · https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/essential-info · https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visiting-and-exploring-the-uae
Nearby and frequently-paired destinations, with the same Muslim-traveller guide.
Connectivity
Etisalat (e&) and du tourist SIMs at Zayed International arrivals (passport required); generous data bundles aimed at visitors
eSIM: Airalo and similar eSIMs cover the UAE
Plug: Type G (UK-style three rectangular pins) · 230V / 50Hz
Emergency
General: 999 (police) / 112 also works
Fire: 997
Safety
Pakistan