The Convention Registration Desk will be operating from Saturday 11 to Friday 17 October at the following times:
Alcohol and Drug Consumption
Both the local banks and the many international banks in Abu Dhabi provide the usual commercial banking services. Bank opening hours are 08.00 to 13.00 from Saturday to Wednesday, although some also open again from 16.30 to 18.30. On Thursday, banks only operate from 08.00 to 12.00.
Non-Muslims are only allowed to consume alcohol in licensed restaurants, bars, clubs, private venues, and at home (for residents who have acquired an alcohol license).
Saturday
13.00 – 18.00
Sunday
09.00 – 19.00
Monday
07.30 – 18.30
Shopping
Tuesday
07.30 – 18.30
Wednesday
07.30 – 15.00
Thursday
07.30 – 18.00
Shops generally open between 09.00 and 10.00 until 22.00 from Saturday to Wednesday, with later opening hours (23.00) on Thursday and Friday. Some malls in Abu Dhabi only open at 14.00 on Friday.
Friday
07.30 – 18.00
General Information Climate In the summer months (April to mid-October), temperatures in the UAE will vary between 38-48°C (100-118°F) in the daytime, while at night it will vary between 26-30°C (79-86°F) with high humidity levels. In the winter (late October to March), the days are sunny and pleasant with an average of 26°C (79°F), while nights are cool with an average of 15°C (59°F).
Currency The currency used in the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham and is abbreviated as Dh, Dhs or AED. The sub-unit of a Dirham is a fil and 100 fils equal 1 Dirham. The Dirham is tied to the US Dollar at a steady exchange rate of USD 1 = AED 3.671. Payment in foreign currency is generally not possible in shops outside the hotel. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, large hotels and airports and operate during normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and stores. The most widely used are MasterCard, Visa and American Express.
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Business Hours
Bargaining is only recommended when visiting traditional “souks” (open-air market places).
Eating Out With expatriates making up over 88% of UAE’s population, Abu Dhabi has a fantastic assortment of international-standard restaurants catering to all budgets and tastes. Indulge in a variety of Michelin starred, top-rated restaurants and exceptional cuisine.
Tipping Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Some restaurants include service; otherwise 10 per cent is adequate.
Electricity The electricity in Abu Dhabi is 220V. All guest rooms, suites and villas in The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal have electrical sockets that can take a British 3-pin or a standard European 2-pin plug. Some appliances brought from abroad will require a voltage transformer.
Time Local time is GMT +4 hours.
It is against the law to drink alcohol whilst walking in the street or to be drunk in a public place. This law is strictly applied. It is an offence to carry alcohol in your car if you do not hold the special alcohol license. If you come to the attention of the police you may be arrested, even though you may have purchased the alcohol legally. You need to be 21 or over in order to drink alcohol legally in the UAE. Driving laws have a zero alcohol tolerance. Drugs are strictly forbidden, even a residual amount. Consuming or carrying drugs, even if you are transiting through the airport from one country to another, can result in a standard four year imprisonment and deportation. Buying or selling narcotics is considered a serious crime which can result in life imprisonment. Over the counter or prescription medications If you are bringing prescription medication into the UAE it is advisable to bring a doctor’s note with you. Some medicines containing psychotropic substances are forbidden, so check with the nearest UAE Embassy or Consulate before you travel as you may need to seek prior agreement from the authorities.