Your trip plan

Attending Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025?

A step-by-step plan for Abu Dhabi, built backwards from the goal: arrive prepared, do the expo well, get back. Event dates: October 21, 2025 – October 23, 2025.

I'm coming as a…

This event has concluded, this plan is kept for reference and for the next edition.
1

Now

Before you book

Visa & entry

If you need a visa, start the process well before October 21, 2025, processing can take several weeks.

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.

General guidance only, always confirm requirements with the official embassy/consulate for your nationality.

Flights

Zayed International Airport (AUH), ~31km to centre

2

1–2 weeks out

Before you fly

Connectivity & money

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

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.

Pack for the weather, 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.

Save before you go

📿 A prayer-times app, or use the venue timetable in Phase 3 below.

🆘 Emergency: 999 (police) / 112 also works · Police 999

3

During the expo

On the ground

Airport → venue & 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.

Eat, halal near the venue

  • Mezlai, Emirates Palace, West Corniche
  • Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, Yas Mall, Yas Island
  • Al Safadi, Hamdan Street, City Centre
  • Bosporus Turkish Cuisine, Al Wahda / Khalidiyah
  • Al Ibrahimi Restaurant, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah)

Prayer at the venue

DayFajrDhuhrAsrMaghribIsha
Tue 21 Oct05:0712:0715:2417:5119:02
Wed 22 Oct05:0712:0715:2417:5019:02
Thu 23 Oct05:0812:0715:2317:4919:01

Approximate (Muslim World League method), confirm locally on the day.

4

A spare evening

Free time

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Al Maqtaa

Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque

Al Mushrif

Wahat Al Karama

Opposite the Grand Mosque

Qasr Al Hosn

Al Hosn, City Centre

Sheikh Zayed Heritage Village

Corniche Breakwater

5

The reason you came

Your goal, make the most of it

Plan your day

Check the programme on the official event page and map out the zones you want to walk.

Event details →

Is this for you?

This event is aimed at: Halal certification bodies, Importers, distributors & wholesalers, Retail & procurement buyers, Halal trade buyers across the Middle East.

Travel info 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