Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates’ capital city, is now one of the biggest business hubs in the Middle East and Asia. This is primarily because of its low taxes, entrepreneur-friendly regulations, and convenient time zone.
The mix of large multinational and local companies and small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) in Abu Dhabi also makes it a top destination for business travelers because of various reasons. These include:
- Setting up a new or expanding business
- Meeting with potential investors and business partners
- Attending or hosting conferences, seminars, conventions, and trade shows
- Joining or providing training programs
Preparing for Your First Travel to UAE’s Capital City
Whatever your purpose is for going to the UAE, preparing well for your first business visit here is a must if you want to achieve all your goals. With careful planning, you can even spend some time exploring the city and enjoying everything it has to offer tourists.
Below are five tips you can implement for a seamless first-business trip to Abu Dhabi:
1. Select the right hotel
Choosing from among the best hotels in Abu Dhabi is an excellent way to ensure you can have a productive and memorable time during your visit here.
When you have the right accommodation, you won’t have to worry about various things during your first business trip to Abu Dhabi.
By staying at the right hotel, you will have everything you need to enjoy a mini-vacation. You will have free use of the pool, gym, and other facilities.
The best hotels also have several in-house restaurants and cafes, meaning you can sample different cuisines and various dining experiences to choose from.
Additionally, when you select the right hotel, you will have access to amenities that allow you to get some work during your free time.
With the free Internet connection in your room and other areas, you can send emails, read reports, complete your presentations, and accomplish other things while you are away from your office.
Lastly, if you choose the right hotel, you will be near the places you need to frequent during your business trip. This means that the event venue or offices you have to visit are within walking distance or require a quick cab ride only.
To choose the right hotel, consider its location, free amenities and features, and guest reviews. Avoid looking for the least expensive accommodation; find one that meets your budget, allows you to be comfortable, and enjoys a brief holiday during your stay.
2. Pack light
An overseas business trip usually lasts between three days and a week. As such, you don’t need to pack a lot of luggage for your visit to Abu Dhabi.
When going on a business trip, pack as light as possible. Try to put all your clothes and other essentials in your hand luggage.
Doing so can make the arrival process at the airport faster since you won’t have to queue to check in your luggage.
Additionally, you will be able to get out of the airport faster when you arrive at your destination because you won’t need to wait to collect your luggage from the baggage collection area.
Keep in mind that many airlines offer generous hand luggage allowances. Because of this reason, you will be able to pack all your essentials in your carry-on baggage.
However, check the luggage weight restrictions before your flight to avoid paying for overweight baggage fees.
3. Know what to pack
Since you are going on a corporate trip, ensure you bring enough business clothes.
Choose conservative and modest business clothing to look professional and respectful of local sensibilities. Opt for modest casual and formal (when necessary) outfits that you can wear for going around Abu Dhabi during your free time and for important events.
Select clothes made of light, cool fabrics since the weather in Abu Dhabi is hot and humid, especially if you are traveling between March and October. Bring footwear that is breathable and comfortable, even if you wear them all day?.
If you want to go for a swim or relax in Abu Dhabi’s coastal areas, pack one or two swimsuits. However, keep in mind that you can only don your swimwear in your hotel pool and beach, and other private resorts.
If you need to bring medication, go online to check if you are allowed to bring them. It is best to get a medical note from your doctor and bring it with you throughout your trip.
Lastly, don’t forget to pack your gadgets and chargers, and essential accessories, including a pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, beach cover-up, casual bags, and a wide-brimmed hat.
4. Be prepared for possible issues
Whether you are a frequent flyer or not, you have to know that travel-related issues can crop up out of nowhere. You have to be prepared to deal with these problems when they arise so that you can still be productive and enjoy your trip.
Below are some tips that can help you deal with the usual issues that can arise during your business trip:
- Leave a copy of your itinerary at home and your office so that your family and colleagues know where you are and when to best contact you in case of an emergency.
- Pack your passport and other important documents in your hand luggage or carry-on bag.
- Save copies of your passport, travel insurance, driver’s license, and work-related files on your laptop, tablet, memory stick, or cloud storage service.
- Ensure all-important numbers on your phone, such as your home, work, and personal numbers of your loved ones have the international dialing code as a prefix so that you can call or send them messages easily while you are on your trip.
5. Create an itinerary
An itinerary will help you accomplish all your goals for your business trip.
If it’s your first time creating one, start by listing down all the important events and appointments you have to attend. Ensure you include the dates, times, and locations in order of their occurrence.
Add some details to each entry, such as the purpose of the meeting and who you are seeing, so you won’t get confused by everything you have to do.
Lastly, don’t forget to include in the itinerary places you want to visit in Abu Dhabi. Since it is your first time in this city, make the most out of your trip by exploring its most popular destinations.
Abu Dhabi’s must-visit places include:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Emirates Palace
- Yas Island
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Heritage Village
With sufficient planning, you will have a productive and successful business trip to Abu Dhabi. You will also have time to explore the city and enjoy your visit here.
AUTHOR BIO:
Karan Mahesh Chimnani is the Head of eCommerce at Yas Island Abu Dhabi, a leisure and entertainment destination like nowhere else. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and natural mangroves, Yas Island offers an incredible collection of world-leading, award-winning, and record-breaking attractions, catered for everyone.
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