Attending ESMA Halal Standards Workshop — Abu Dhabi?

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.

• Emirati & Gulf cuisine — citywide · halal by default
• Lebanese & Levantine — Corniche, Al Markaziyah, Tourist Club Area · halal by default
• Indian, Pakistani & Mughlai — Hamdan Street / Electra and citywide · halal by default
• International dining (hotels & malls) — hotels, Marina Mall, Yas Island, The Galleria · halal by default; alcohol only in licensed venues

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

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.

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.

Saadiyat Cultural District

The domed Louvre Abu Dhabi art museum anchors a growing cultural district; nearby Saadiyat has fine public beaches.

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.

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

This event is aimed at: Halal certification bodies, Standards & compliance professionals, SMEs & entrepreneurs, Industry practitioners, Halal trade buyers across the Middle East.