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Your trip plan
A step-by-step plan for Abu Dhabi — built backwards from the goal: arrive prepared, do the expo well, get back. Event dates: December 7, 2026 – December 9, 2026.
Now
Visa & entry
If you need a visa, start the process well before December 7, 2026 — 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
1–2 weeks out
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.
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
Pack for the weather — December
High ~26°C · Low ~16°C
Mild, sunny and pleasant — peak visitor season, with the occasional brief shower.
Light clothing by day; a jacket or light layer for cooler evenings.
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
During the expo
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
Prayer at the venue
| Day | Fajr | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 7 Dec | 05:33 | 12:14 | 15:14 | 17:34 | 18:50 |
| Tue 8 Dec | 05:33 | 12:14 | 15:14 | 17:34 | 18:51 |
| Wed 9 Dec | 05:34 | 12:15 | 15:15 | 17:35 | 18:51 |
Approximate (Muslim World League method) — confirm locally on the day.
A spare evening
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
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.
The Corniche
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.
Louvre Abu Dhabi & Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Cultural District
The domed Louvre Abu Dhabi art museum anchors a growing cultural district; nearby Saadiyat has fine public beaches.
Qasr Al Watan & Yas Island
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.
The reason you came
Find suppliers to meet
Browse halal suppliers ahead of the show and shortlist who to visit.
Browse the supplier directory →Book meetings ahead
Don't walk in cold — message suppliers via their directory profiles to line up meetings before you arrive.
Open the directory →