People

A beautiful city of state-of-the-art high rises, wide boulevards and large parks. Abu Dhabi property is so stylish and modern that it is extremely easy to forget that you're in the Arab world; a problem confounded by the majority of faces you see being western. Although properties in Abu Dhabi match in modernity anything found in the west, it would be wise not to forget that Abu Dhabi is still very much an Islamic emirate and visitors would do well to learn a little about and respect the practices of Muslims - if they do so, it'll be extremely well-received. Women, for example, are not expected to cover their bodies completely - there's no clothing restriction - but walking along the street in a bikini would be seen as a touch vulgar. Equally, the working day usually runs 9 - 1 and 3 - 7, with the working week starting Sunday and ending Thursday (sometimes in the morning).

While many in Abu Dhabi may be rich and leisured, they are proud of the city's status as the UAE's business and commerce capital and have a hard-working mentality. If you follow suit, then you'll love the company of these wonderfully welcoming and tolerant people. If you have questions concerning cultural aspects of life in this charming emirate, do not hesitate to call Arabian Sands’ team of Abu Dhabi investment specialists.

Shopping

Many visitors come to the emirate purely to shop for fabulous Abu Dhabi properties, but there are other great shopping opportunities that should not be missed! Shopping forms an important part of life all over the emirates but, in Abu Dhabi, it's raised to an art form. As well as the boutiques and designer palaces, there are small independent shops that are ideal for picking up something more individual and with local character - bargaining in these in an important part of the experience. However, most the action centres on the malls - Abu Dhabi Mall adjoined to the Beach Rotana Hotel and Towers, Marina Mall on The Corniche Road and Al Wahda Mall on Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Street being three of the most popular.

As well as a range of attractions, which include musical fountains, food courts and play areas, these contain the great majority of British, American and Canadian chain stores, all at great prices due to there being no tax. You'll also find some of the planet's most giant hypermarkets, where all manner of foods and ingredients from all over the world can be bought.

Attractions

In comparison to Dubai, Abu Dhabi is still a relative newcomer to the international tourism stage and, as such, perhaps doesn't yet boast the variety of attractions and distractions. People who buy Abu Dhabi investment properties will find plenty to do. Many expats' lives focus around the large and luxurious hotels, where there are gyms, dance lessons and aerobics classes; plus, many offer memberships to their beach clubs, giving you the right to hang around the beach bar, splash around in the sea or sunbathe by the pool. Hotels such as Millennium Hotel, Al Raha beach Hotel and Al Diar Regency Hotel are also where you'll find the best bars and restaurants. People who choose to buy apartments in Abu Dhabi will discover that many apartment complexes feature a wide range of onsite facilities. In addition to apartments on developments with in-built “social distractions” and perhaps for those who prefer to make their own entertainment, Arabian Sands offer an enticing selection of luxurious villas for sale in Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre is a fairly recent addition to the local scene and has become extremely popular. As well as containing the national library, the centre holds classes, workshops, events, exhibitions and fundraisers.

Food

The local fare is traditionally Arabic although it's often seen with a Lebanese twist; those that like to soak up regional delicacies will be delighted to discover that this is also the cheapest and can be picked up all over - from a sit-down meal at a hotel restaurant, through to on-the-move street food. The quality of Indian and Chinese cuisine available in Abu Dhabi is also quite surprising.

The fast-food joints have, of course, long made it to Abu Dhabi but, in reality, they are not too popular. One thing to bear in mind for busy lunches or late nights at the office, however, is that everywhere - from McDonalds and Burger King to tiny kebab shacks and grand restaurant hotels, every establishment in Abu Dhabi delivers anywhere in the city quickly, reliable and, usually, for free.

A word of recommendation which comes from one of our Abu Dhabi property specialists here at Arabian Sands: try to find one of the three Zahrat Lebnan restaurants. Something of an local institution, they offer delicious tastes of local cuisine, such as shawarmas, felafels and koftas.

Pre Register Here - For Exciting Upcoming Investment Opportunities & Properties In Abu Dhabi