AUH Transit 4 hours - leave airport?
Dec 8, 2017, 1:08 pm
#1
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AUH Transit 4 hours - leave airport?
All,
I have a 4:15 transit in AUH, arriving from JFK at 11:45 AM connecting to a 4:00 PM flight. Is that enough time to leave the airport and go check out the Grand Mosque? I hold a US passport. Thanks!
I have a 4:15 transit in AUH, arriving from JFK at 11:45 AM connecting to a 4:00 PM flight. Is that enough time to leave the airport and go check out the Grand Mosque? I hold a US passport. Thanks!
Dec 10, 2017, 12:58 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2008
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I would say no, unless you want a very cursory visit. It will take about an hour for you to get off the plane, go through immigration and get a taxi to the mosque. It's probably about a 15 minute cab ride from the airport to t he mosque. And I would recommend that you be back at the airport at least 1.5 hours before your flight, assuming you already have your connecting boarding pass. I am assuming that you are not familiar with the airport so you need to allow for that. Yes, you could see the mosque in an hour, but it is big and beautiful and takes some time to see it all and truly appreciate it. Plus if you are a woman, you'll have to wear proper clothing or get a covering and headscarf from the clothing issue place, which is in the underground parking area. All these things add time. You certainly would not have time to take one of the free tours given there unless you arrived at exactly the right time when they give the tours..
Dec 11, 2017, 9:13 pm
#3
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I would say no, unless you want a very cursory visit. It will take about an hour for you to get off the plane, go through immigration and get a taxi to the mosque. It's probably about a 15 minute cab ride from the airport to t he mosque. And I would recommend that you be back at the airport at least 1.5 hours before your flight, assuming you already have your connecting boarding pass. I am assuming that you are not familiar with the airport so you need to allow for that. Yes, you could see the mosque in an hour, but it is big and beautiful and takes some time to see it all and truly appreciate it. Plus if you are a woman, you'll have to wear proper clothing or get a covering and headscarf from the clothing issue place, which is in the underground parking area. All these things add time. You certainly would not have time to take one of the free tours given there unless you arrived at exactly the right time when they give the tours..
Dec 12, 2017, 1:57 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2008
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Dec 13, 2017, 2:43 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2016
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Taxis here in AD don’t accept cards ONLY cash at present. The idea has been mooted for a while and was supposed to be tested on the new Black Airport taxis. If any do accept they will be the exception.
I’ve been here 5 years and never seen any driver accepting card payments. Cash is king. Although cheap by many city standards there is a 25 AED flag fee for journeys starting at the airport, usually 5 elsewhere so bear that in mind. From AUH will be about 75 AED return nearer 55 AED.
Dec 14, 2017, 11:12 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 9,124
Taxis here in AD don’t accept cards ONLY cash at present. The idea has been mooted for a while and was supposed to be tested on the new Black Airport taxis. If any do accept they will be the exception.
I’ve been here 5 years and never seen any driver accepting card payments. Cash is king. Although cheap by many city standards there is a 25 AED flag fee for journeys starting at the airport, usually 5 elsewhere so bear that in mind. From AUH will be about 75 AED return nearer 55 AED.
Dec 14, 2017, 10:06 pm
#8
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Dec 15, 2017, 2:37 am
#9
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I would not recommend leaving the aiport at all on such a short layover - no matter how early your first flight may get in. Unless missing that second flight and having to buy a new ticket is no biggie. Then go for it.
Dec 15, 2017, 8:52 am
#10
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The mosque is indeed worth a visit, but if you run into any delay (e.g., getting a taxi for the trip back to the airport, long lines once back there) you're in trouble. Plus there's the matter of what to do with whatever carry-on bag you might have with you.
Dec 17, 2017, 2:40 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2013
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On the way out of the airport just ask that your passport is enrolled into the E-Gate scheme. Then when you get back just walk through the First class check in and use the machine there, no one will stop you. Then you automatically are in the fastest scanning queues. If you can miss one of the waves of passengers hitting the airport this should take less than five minutes and max fifteen if in a long scanning queue
Where is the 4PM to ? Also if it isn't around the corner I'll happily post you a fast track card to get out quicker - unless you're already in Biz. Just remember to enrol at immigration to the e-Gate system
Where is the 4PM to ? Also if it isn't around the corner I'll happily post you a fast track card to get out quicker - unless you're already in Biz. Just remember to enrol at immigration to the e-Gate system
Dec 29, 2017, 11:35 pm
#12
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,203
+2
It would be a very rush job and bit inconvenient even with very light hand luggage. Better enjoy the lounge and save mosque for next layover.
AUH is not a place to miss flight. (Rule of thumb in UAE: avoid being in situation where you need to interact anyone with white traditional dress)
It would be a very rush job and bit inconvenient even with very light hand luggage. Better enjoy the lounge and save mosque for next layover.
AUH is not a place to miss flight. (Rule of thumb in UAE: avoid being in situation where you need to interact anyone with white traditional dress)
Dec 30, 2017, 12:33 am
#13
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However, avoid being in a situation where you interact with the locals in police/army uniform - many are egotistical bustards.
Jan 4, 2018, 8:56 pm
#14
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,203
It is those low-to-mid level persons with authority over you who will do their best to let you know that they have power over you at that very moment. Can (and will) make life miserable for you. (if you are white, you may get some consideration compared to Asians but not necessarily)