Abu Dhabi Airport: Safe And Secure?

Abu Dhabi International Airport is considered a safe airport. It is bright, clean, and modern, with a wide variety of facilities and activities for travellers. The airport is known for its comfortable seating areas, excellent Wi-Fi, and a range of dining and shopping options. However, it is recommended to dress modestly and be aware of local customs and traditions, as well as taking standard safety precautions when travelling.

Safety for solo female travellers

Abu Dhabi is considered a safe destination for solo female travellers. However, as with any destination, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions. It is recommended to cover your shoulders, arms, and knees when visiting public places like malls.
• Avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-lit areas. Abu Dhabi is generally safe at night, but it is still better to take extra precautions.
• Use reliable transportation options such as taxis or ride-sharing services. Public transportation in Abu Dhabi is generally safe and efficient, but stay cautious during late-night travels.
• Keep your personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are rare, but it is still important to take basic precautions.
• Be cautious when taking pictures of certain government structures and locals, especially Emirati women.
• Avoid isolated areas during the night. While Abu Dhabi has a low crime rate, it is always better to take extra precautions.
• Be careful when strangers offer you food or drinks, especially if it has been left unattended for a long time. Politely decline such offers.
• Carry a jacket or shawl for your trip, as the indoor attractions tend to be heavily air-conditioned.

Attractions and Activities for Solo Female Travellers

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: This impressive landmark can hold up to 40,000 worshippers and features tranquil lakes, elegant minarets, and the world's largest chandelier. It is free to visit, but you are expected to cover your hair once inside.
• Qasr Al Hosn: Once the residence of the royal family, this fort has been transformed into a museum showcasing the modest Emirati past.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: Discover the Arab world's first universal museum, featuring masterpieces from renowned artists like Vincent van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci.
• Qasr Al Watan: Explore the awe-inspiring segments of the Presidential Palace Complex, including the Great Hall, Presidential Banquet, and the Qasr Al Watan Library.
• Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: Learn about how falcons, the UAE's national bird, are given expert medical care at the world's first and largest falcon hospital.
• Yas Island: This entertainment destination features Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World, and Yas Marina Circuit.
• Observation Deck at 300: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline from the 74th floor of the Jumeirah at Etihad Hotel.
• Desert Safari: Go on a fully guided excursion that includes dune bashing, camel rides, entertainment, and dining.
• Emirates Palace: Visit the imposing five-star hotel and enjoy unique treats like gold-topped ice cream and camel burgers at Le Café.
• Mangrove Kayaking Trip: Discover the untouched natural beauty of the Mangrove National Park on an eco-tour with a kayaking session.

Safety in the surrounding area

Abu Dhabi is considered a safe city for solo female travellers. However, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety, such as dressing modestly and respecting local customs and traditions. It is also recommended to avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-lit areas. The use of reliable transportation options like taxis or ride-sharing services is advised.

The crime rate in the United Arab Emirates is low, and Abu Dhabi is no exception. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are rare, but they do occur. Drink spiking has been reported, as well as physical and verbal harassment and sexual assaults. It is advised to avoid walking alone after dark in isolated places, including pedestrian underpasses.

The area surrounding the airport is well-developed, with a variety of accommodation, restaurant, and shopping options. The airport itself is bright, clean, and modern, with a wide variety of people of all stripes and types. English is widely spoken, and foreigners and expats account for 80% of the UAE's population, so you won't stand out as a foreigner.

If you are staying near the airport, there are several options for accommodation, including the Airport Hotel in Terminal 1, GoSleep sleep pods in Terminal 3, and the Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport, which is connected to both Terminals 1 and 3 by the Skypark retail corridor.

When travelling to and from the airport, it is important to be aware of local laws and customs. For example, it is illegal to photograph airports and transport infrastructure, bridges, government buildings, embassies, and palaces. It is also illegal to photograph anyone or their personal belongings without their consent, including people in the background of photos.

In terms of health and safety, there have been reports of communicable diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A following heavy rains and flooding. It is recommended to avoid contact with stagnant water and to use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Cases of dengue have also been reported, so it is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Overall, the area surrounding Abu Dhabi Airport is considered safe, but it is always important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling alone or at night.

Safety in the airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport is a bright, clean, and modern airport with a lot of people of all stripes and types milling around. English is widely spoken, and foreigners and expats account for 80% of the UAE's population, so you won't stand out as a foreigner. The airport has free and unlimited Wi-Fi, and there are USB connectors for charging your phone, as well as magnetic charging and sockets for various types of plugs.

The airport has only one X-shaped terminal, so it is easy to transit through. Speedy baggage security checks make it easy to connect to your next flight. There are several lounges in the airport, some belonging to airline groups and others that are open to the public.

There are good options for eating at the airport, with table service restaurants offering a quality comparable to that of the facilities. There are also several fast-food restaurants for more economical options. The airport also has a wide selection of internationally recognized luxury brand stores.

If you are spending the night in the airport, there are several options for sleeping. The Airport Hotel in Terminal 1 is the easiest option, but it can be very expensive. Another option is the GoSleep sleep pods in Terminal 3, which are self-contained single-bed-sized mini chambers.

The crime rate in the UAE is low, and Abu Dhabi is considered one of the safest places on the planet. However, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Here are a few tips:

• Dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions.
• Avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-lit areas.
• Use reliable transportation options like taxis or ride-sharing services.
• Keep your personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Safety in the city

Abu Dhabi is considered one of the safest cities in the world, comparable to Singapore. The city is covered with police and cameras, and residents say that it is so safe that it spoils you and you lose the instinct to take precautions that you would in most other places. It is described as being ridiculously safe, with residents saying they can leave their car running and go to the supermarket and back without any issues.

However, like any other destination, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind when exploring Abu Dhabi:

• Dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions. While foreigners and expats account for 80% of the UAE’s population, and English is widely spoken, it is still important to be respectful of the local culture and dress conservatively, especially in the Emirates of Sharjah and Ajman, where Islamic law is strictly enforced.
• Avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-lit areas. While the crime rate in the UAE is low, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, albeit rarely. Physical and verbal harassment and sexual assaults do occur, so it is best to avoid walking alone after dark in isolated places, including pedestrian underpasses.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings secure.
• Use reliable transportation options like taxis or ride-sharing services.
• Avoid political rallies and protests, and be aware that wearing clothing reminiscent of a political cause may be seen as a form of protest.
• Be cautious when taking photos. It is illegal to photograph airports and transport infrastructure, bridges, government buildings, embassies, and palaces. It is also illegal to photograph anyone or post photos of people or their belongings on social media without their consent, even if they are in the background.
• Be careful when crossing the road, as pedestrian deaths and serious injuries are common in the UAE. Only cross the road at marked crossings, and always take extra care.
• Be aware of extreme weather conditions. Between June and September, temperatures can exceed 50°C, and sand and dust storms are common. Intense storms can occur between December and May, which may trigger flash flooding. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Overall, Abu Dhabi is considered a very safe city, and by taking some basic precautions, you can ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience during your time there.

Safety in the desert

The desert can be a beautiful but unforgiving environment, and it's important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety when travelling through or exploring this unique landscape. Here are some essential tips for staying safe in the desert:

• Respect the Elements: The desert is known for its extreme temperatures, with daytime highs that can exceed 50°C and cold nights. Always check weather forecasts and be prepared for rapid changes. Stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
• Navigation and Communication: Getting lost in the desert is a serious matter. Carry a map, compass, and/or GPS device, and familiarise yourself with basic navigation techniques. Let someone know your planned route and expected return time, and carry a means of communication, such as a satellite phone.
• Food, Water, and Supplies: Ensure you have adequate food and water for your trip, and consider carrying extra supplies in case of emergencies. Pack high-energy, non-perishable food items, and always carry more water than you think you'll need.
• Sun Protection: The sun's rays are intense in the desert, so protect yourself from sunburn and heat-related illnesses. Wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight, light-coloured clothing that covers your skin. Consider carrying a lightweight shelter or umbrella for additional shade.
• Hazard Awareness: Be aware of potential hazards such as venomous snakes, scorpions, and spiders. Check your footwear and clothing for these creatures before putting them on. Additionally, watch out for desert plants with sharp spines or thorns that can cause injury.
• Stay with Your Vehicle: If you're travelling by vehicle and encounter problems, it's generally safer to stay with your vehicle and call for assistance. Most deserts have sparse traffic, so don't rely on others to find you. Carry emergency supplies in your vehicle, including extra fuel, water, and basic repair tools.
• Desert Driving: Driving in the desert requires special care. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry essential tools and spare parts. Keep your fuel tank full, and be cautious when driving over sand, as it can be soft and unstable. Always let someone know your route and expected arrival time.
• Animal Encounters: The desert is home to a variety of wildlife, and while most animals will avoid humans, it's important to keep your distance and not disturb them. Never approach or feed wild animals, and store your food securely to avoid attracting scavengers.
• First Aid and Emergency Preparedness: Carry a well-stocked first aid kit and know how to treat basic injuries and illnesses. Familiarise yourself with survival techniques and carry emergency equipment, such as a fire starter, flashlight, and whistle to signal for help.
• Cultural Sensitivity: When travelling in desert regions, respect the local culture and traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Research local customs and seek permission before taking photographs, particularly of people and sacred sites.

By following these guidelines and using common sense, you can greatly enhance your safety when exploring the desert. Remember to always let someone know your plans, stay vigilant, and be prepared for the unexpected.

Frequently asked questions