General Information » Getting Around » Walking

Cities in the Emirates are generally very car orientated and not designed to encourage either walking or cycling. In addition, the heat in the summer months, with daytime temperatures of around 45° C, makes either activity a rather sweaty experience! However, in Abu Dhabi, the relative compactness of the main commercial area makes walking a pleasant way of getting around. In general, the pavements are in good condition, even suitable in most areas for pushing a pram, though it can be quite a drop from the pavement to the road.

The biggest hindrance is haphazard parking which can occasionally completely cover the pavements. Areas of construction or roadworks are clearly marked, and those areas are best avoided, especially where they are demolishing older buildings. There are clearly marked pedestrian crossings, though drivers tend to ignore them, and will not always slow down. Special pedestrian underpasses have been built under the major roads. The ones along the Corniche are worth a visit just to see the beautiful mosaics covering the subway walls.

Evenings are much cooler and strolling along the Corniche and Breakwater, in Abu Dhabi, is a popular pastime, even more so in the winter months when temperatures are perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Heading back from the Corniche, the first few blocks comprise a range of shopping malls, souks, cafés and cinemas, similar to the central oasis area in Al Ain, and they are both best explored on foot.