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Muslim Traveller Guide
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.
✈ AUHAEDGulf Standard Time (GST), UTC+4 — no daylight saving.
5 halal places to visit
Mosques & sights in Abu Dhabi
The mosques and Islamic-heritage landmarks worth your time around the expo.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Al Maqtaa
The UAE's largest mosque and a working place of prayer, open to visitors who dress modestly.
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.
5 places to eat
Where to eat — top halal spots
Real, well-loved halal restaurants across Abu Dhabi, from cheap local legends 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.
Where to stay
Hotels for every budget
Hand-picked places to stay, near the action.
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
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.
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
