Abu Dhabi: The Jewel of the Emirates

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathir]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة من فضلك
  [uridu an ara alqaimah min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع من فضلك
  [uridu an adfa' min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [aitisal bilshurutah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [aitisal bitabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد شراء...
  [uridu shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atafarraj]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafru alsu'ur?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (10)
  [alnusf ba'd (10)]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [althuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين ال...؟
  [ayn al...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tureeni (ala alkharyata)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata alhafilat alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadkirah (ila ....)]

The history of Abu Dhabi dates back to the Bronze Age (3rd millennium BCE), when it was inhabited by nomadic tribes who migrated across the Arabian Peninsula. These early settlers were primarily involved in fishing, pearling, and trading with neighboring regions.

In the 18th century, the Bani Yas tribe, led by Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa, settled in Abu Dhabi. This tribal confederation played a crucial role in the establishment and development of the emirate. The tribe relied on pearling and fishing as their main economic activities.

The discovery of oil in 1958 transformed Abu Dhabi from a modest coastal town into a thriving metropolis. The first commercial oil production began in 1962, marking the beginning of a new era of rapid economic development and modernization.

On December 2, 1971, Abu Dhabi, along with six other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, became the first President of the UAE and played a vital role in the country's unification and development.

Abu Dhabi is a city where tradition meets modernity. The city boasts stunning examples of Islamic architecture, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as well as cutting-edge modern structures like the Etihad Towers and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The blend of cultural heritage and contemporary design makes it a unique destination.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, often referred to as the 'Father of the Nation,' had a vision for a progressive and inclusive society. His policies focused on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, which have significantly contributed to Abu Dhabi's growth and prosperity.

Abu Dhabi hosts a variety of cultural festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its rich heritage and diverse population. Events like the Abu Dhabi Festival, Qasr Al Hosn Festival, and the Al Dhafra Festival attract visitors from around the world and offer a glimpse into the emirate's traditions and customs.

Environmental conservation is a key focus in Abu Dhabi. The emirate is home to several protected areas, such as the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve. These efforts reflect the commitment to preserving the natural habitat and biodiversity of the region.

Abu Dhabi is served by Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), which is approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. The airport handles flights from major international and regional carriers. Taxis, airport shuttles, and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem are available for transport from the airport to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can rent a car from the airport if you prefer to drive yourself.

Abu Dhabi has a well-developed transportation system. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. Public buses operated by the Department of Transport (DoT) cover most areas of the city and are an economical way to get around. For more flexibility, you can rent a car; however, be aware of the local driving rules and conditions. Cycling is also becoming more popular with the addition of dedicated bike lanes in some areas.

The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the UAE Dirham (AED). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful and can be found in malls, hotels, and around the city. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange bureaus.

Abu Dhabi is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and being cautious in crowded areas. The city is well-policed, and violent crime is rare. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance, 998 for ambulance services, and 997 for fire emergencies. Abu Dhabi has numerous hospitals and clinics that offer high-quality medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be respectful to other passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake if appropriate, but be mindful that physical contact between men and women in public can be frowned upon. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan from sunrise to sunset.

To experience Abu Dhabi like a local, visit the traditional souks such as the Souk Central Market and the Carpet Souk for authentic shopping experiences. Enjoy a stroll along the Corniche, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Take the opportunity to try local Emirati cuisine at traditional restaurants. For a unique cultural experience, visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and observe the local customs and traditions.