AbuDhabi Transit & Bus

This article recounts my experience with flights on airlines other than United Arab Emirates, 

specifically targeting non-staying transit passengers, during my visit in August 2023.

In my journey to Lebanon, I landed in Abu Dhabi through Air Arabia's flight.
Abu Dhabi's immigration process stood out for its efficiency and speed.
Despite the allure of sightseeing in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, given my half-day transit, I opted to explore downtown briefly, visit the Louvre Gallery, and return for a quick meal.
- The White Grand Mosque, accessible without prior reservations, is easily reachable by bus. Even from a distance, its grandeur and beauty are captivating.
** Note: Online reservations are a must; same-day reservations are not available.

To catch a city bus from the airport,

obtaining a bus card is essential, requiring payment in dirhams (cash).
I initially withdrew dirhams from an airport ATM.
** Caution: ATM withdrawals are only in denominations of 100 dirhams, necessitating careful budgeting and exchange.

1. Before exiting the airport, several small booths house machines for issuing 'Hafilat' city bus cards.
- If card issuance proves challenging, seek assistance from a nearby store employee--my experience was met with kindness.
2. Exiting the airport through the left exit led me to a bustling bus stop.
Google helped me find bus routes. Since there wasn't a direct bus to the Louvre Gallery, I opted for the route with the least time and one transfer.
3. The bus promptly arrived, and without any hitches, I reached the Louvre about an hour later.

**An essential tip when using city buses is to monitor your card balance closely and recharge it in advance, considering varying fares based on distance traveled.
While most bus stops have charging machines, some, like the Louvre Abu Dhabi stop, may lack them.
Foreign travelers, take heed—failure to pay the correct fare may result in hefty fines.