Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Al Maqtaa
The UAE's largest mosque and a working place of prayer, open to visitors who dress modestly.
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Abu Dhabi, UAE
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.
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
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
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
