Abu Dhabi

Like Dubai or Qatar, Abu Dhabi is a classic winter destination.

In summer, temperatures climb to over 104°F — spending time outdoors is basically impossible. Between November and April, though, daytime temps sit at a very pleasant around 77°F.

We especially love Abu Dhabi as a December destination. You can explore attractions, head out into the desert, and swim in the ocean while it’s freezing back home.

Most Western passport holders — including US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens — don’t need to arrange a visa in advance.

You can get your Abu Dhabi visa free of charge at the airport on arrival, valid for 30 days.

You will need a valid passport (not a temporary one) with at least six months of validity remaining at the time of departure. Children need their own passport to enter.

The official language is Arabic, but everyone working in tourism speaks English too. Store signs, menus, and information boards are almost always in both languages.

The further you get from the city center, though, the more you’ll encounter Arabic only. If you’re planning to explore outside the city, it’s worth having a translation app handy.

Card payment is widely accepted in stores and restaurants, while cash is still common at markets. A good travel card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money whether you’re paying by card or withdrawing cash.

ATMs are easy to find all over Abu Dhabi, so getting cash in the city is never a problem.

The crime rate is very low — Abu Dhabi is one of the safer destinations in the region. That said, keep an eye on your valuables as you would anywhere, and don’t carry more cash than you need.

Hygiene standards are high and comparable to what you’d find at home. You don’t need to stress about food safety any more than you would on a trip to Western Europe.

Pack mainly light, breathable clothing — anything else and you’ll be sweating within minutes of stepping outside.

That said, always bring something long-sleeved or a light scarf. Air conditioning in restaurants, museums, and malls is cranked up to full power, and it’s surprisingly easy to catch a chill.

For your electronics, you’ll need a British three-pin plug adapter. Some outlets will accept a standard plug in two of the three pins, but a proper travel adapter is the safer bet.

Abu Dhabi is a Muslim country, so it’s worth dressing respectfully and adapting to local values and customs.

For men: shorts are fine, but ideally not above the knee, and skip the sleeveless shirts.

For women: loose, non-transparent clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is the way to go.

You can pick up a SIM card at the airport or in the city — just ask at your hotel’s front desk for the nearest store.

The most well-known local provider is Etisalat. Make sure to bring your passport, as you’ll need it to register the SIM.