Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Al Maqtaa
The UAE's largest mosque and a working place of prayer, open to visitors who dress modestly.
Halal Industry Event
Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025
- Dates
- October 21, 2025 – October 23, 2025
- Venue
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Location
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The 2025 edition has wrapped up.
Next edition dates not yet published.
Successor to SIAL Middle East at ADNEC. Covers halal products and more.
Who Should Attend
Halal certification bodiesImporters, distributors & wholesalersRetail & procurement buyersHalal trade buyers across the Middle East
Where it's held
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Get directions →Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Halal Abu Dhabi
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.
Currency AEDGulf Standard Time (GST), UTC+4 — no daylight saving.
Mosques and sights
Halal places to visit in Abu Dhabi
Mosques and Islamic-heritage landmarks worth your time around the expo.
Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque
Al Mushrif
An active neighbourhood mosque renamed as a gesture of interfaith respect and harmony.
Wahat Al Karama
Opposite the Grand Mosque
A free public memorial honouring Emirati martyrs, often paired with a Grand Mosque visit.
Qasr Al Hosn
Al Hosn, City Centre
The oldest building in Abu Dhabi, showing the city's Islamic and Emirati heritage.
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Village
Corniche Breakwater
A recreated old Emirati village showing traditional Muslim Bedouin daily life and crafts.
Halal food
Where to eat halal in Abu Dhabi
Well-loved halal restaurants across Abu Dhabi, from cheap local favourites to special-occasion dining.
Mezlai
Emirati$$$
Emirates Palace, West Corniche
Fine-dining Emirati restaurant inside Emirates Palace, serving traditional dishes in elegant surroundings.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
Emirati$$
Yas Mall, Yas Island
Cosy spot for classic Emirati home cooking in a heritage-style setting.
Al Safadi
Lebanese$$
Hamdan Street, City Centre
Long-running Lebanese eatery known for fresh mezze and grilled meats.
Bosporus Turkish Cuisine
Turkish$$
Al Wahda / Khalidiyah
Family-friendly Turkish restaurant with kebabs, fresh bread and mezze.
Al Ibrahimi Restaurant
Pakistani / Indian$
Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah)
Affordable South Asian curries and biryani, popular and casual.
Hotels
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
Picks for every budget.
Luxury
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
West Corniche
Landmark palace-style beachfront resort with grand halls and gardens.
The Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi
Yas Island
Striking hotel set over the Yas Marina F1 circuit.
Mid-range
Yas Island Rotana
Yas Island
Comfortable mid-range hotel close to the island's theme parks.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Yas Island
Reliable mid-range stay handy for families visiting the attractions.
Budget
Centro Yas Island by Rotana
Yas Island
Simple, good-value three-star hotel near the airport and parks.
Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate
Abu Dhabi Gate City
Practical, affordable rooms for travellers on a tighter budget.
Know before you go
The essentials
Everything a Muslim traveller needs to land in Abu Dhabi with confidence.
Getting in
Zayed International Airport (AUH)
• Airport taxi, 25-45 min to the city; about 15-20 min to ADNEC
• Careem / Uber, 25-45 min
• Hotel pickup / airport bus A1, 30-60 min
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.
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.
Weather in October
High ~36°C · Low ~26°C
Still hot and humid as summer eases; rain is very unlikely.
Light, breathable clothing, sun protection and plenty of water; move door-to-door by taxi and use the AC indoors.
Visa & entry
Entry rules vary by nationality. GCC citizens enter freely; many Western, East-Asian and other passport holders receive a visa on arrival or visa-free entry for 30-90 days, while others must obtain a UAE visa (often an e-Visa) in advance — frequently arranged through the airline, hotel or event organiser. Confirm your eligibility on the official UAE government channels (ICP / GDRFA) before travelling, and check your passport has at least six months' validity.
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.
Connectivity
Etisalat (e&) and du tourist SIMs at Zayed International arrivals (passport required); generous data bundles aimed at visitors
Plug: Type G (UK-style three rectangular pins) · 230V / 50Hz
Emergency
General: 999 (police) / 112 also works
Fire: 997
Safety
Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world, with very low crime. The main hazard is the heat — hydrate, use air-conditioning and avoid the midday sun in summer. Local laws are strict and worth respecting: dress modestly in public and at the mosque, do not drink alcohol outside licensed venues or appear intoxicated in public, avoid public displays of affection, and note that the UAE has zero tolerance for drugs and some medications need prior approval. Public VoIP voice/video calls (e.g. WhatsApp/FaceTime calling) can be restricted — use a hotel or event Wi-Fi service if needed. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public in daylight.
Where to pray
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: 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: 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, shopping malls, hotels and Zayed International Airport all have dedicated men's and women's prayer rooms (musalla) with ablution facilities.
Getting here
Travelling from a major halal market?
Most halal-expo buyers and exhibitors fly in from the world's main halal hubs. Here's how to reach Abu Dhabi from each. Entry rules vary by nationality, so check the Visa & entry note.
See the full Abu Dhabi travel guide →
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
Prayer times during the expo
Calculated for Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) (Muslim World League method, Shafi'i Asr). These are approximate, confirm with a local mosque or a prayer-times app on the day.
| Day | Fajr | Sunrise | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 21 Oct | 05:07 | 06:23 | 12:07 | 15:24 | 17:51 | 19:02 |
| Wed 22 Oct | 05:07 | 06:24 | 12:07 | 15:24 | 17:50 | 19:02 |
| Thu 23 Oct | 05:08 | 06:24 | 12:07 | 15:23 | 17:49 | 19:01 |
About the Organiser
Organising Entity
ADNEC Group
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025?
- Successor to SIAL Middle East at ADNEC. Covers halal products and more.
- When is Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025?
- Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025 takes place from October 21 to October 23, 2025.
- Where is Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025 held?
- Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025 is held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Who organises Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025?
- Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025 is organised by ADNEC Group.
- Who should attend Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025?
- Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025 is most relevant to Halal certification bodies, Importers, distributors & wholesalers, Retail & procurement buyers and Halal trade buyers across the Middle East.
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