Abu Dhabi layover question
 

I want to do a tour from 10am to 12 noon at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital which is close to the airport during my layover. However my flight is at 2:20pm. I've never transited in Abu Dhabi but I'm flying Etihad in first class which I assume means I can get back through security and immigration quickly. Does this sound doable? My plan is to use Uber to pick me up. Are there a lot of Uber drivers typically near the airport?

Uber and Careem are discouraged (if not forbidden) from airport pickups so I usually use an airport taxi. They might struggle with locating the Falcon Hospital though.

The hospital itself is only about 10 minutes from the airport.

That does sound doable. The falcon hospital is indeed very close to the airport, so the journey shouldn't eat into your lounge time too much.

The airport taxis (nice Merc Vito vans) do have satnav; I don't know whether the drivers know how to operate it though. You may end up as I often do ... navigating using Google maps on my phone :)

You should be able to get an Uber back to the airport, or they will be able to call a regular metered taxi for you.

Uber does pick up from AUH. Fire up your app when you are ready to go. Vehicle will come within minutes.

EY first class check-in is 8 hours from departure (yes I was double confirmed by 2 agents recently), but the US (if you are coming to the US) custom/immigration desk opens only 4 hours before your flight.

There is also left luggage service at AUH for a fee.

not any more :(

http://www.thenational.ae/business/t...ivers-detained

The online private car companies Uber and Careem suspended their services in Abu Dhabi at the weekend after drivers were arrested by police.

As many as 50 drivers were held at a police station, and one driver was told 70 cars had been impounded.

Can anyone provide an update on Uber/Careem in AUH?

I'm trying to avoid getting cash for cabs since I only have a nights stay before I fly onward.
I've contacted the hotel for prices for airport pickup as an option...

Because cabs don't take credit cards, right?

http://www.thenational.ae/business/t...via-careem-app and related articles linked from that page.

Some background. There are no legal self-employed drivers in the UAE, unless they have spent a fortune to create their own company. So Uber et al sub-contract to other legitimate limo companies. Further, they are required to charge 30% above the govt regulated/metered taxis.

What trips will you need to make ? Maybe we can give you an idea of how much cash you would need. Airport taxis should accept cards; ask the dispatcher when you join the line.

Thanks sharp5flat9, for providing the background and answering, much appreciated.

I'm taking a trip from AUH to Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi and back.

Arriving with Ey in the middle of the night/early morning and fly out with ey evening.

I don't usually visit Abu Dhabi so that's why I would like to avoid getting stuck with additional currency in cash.

It's around 25km (20 mins) so I estimate AED65-70 from the airport and AED45-50 back in the govt taxis.

Change 40 dollars/euros at the exchange on arrival and you should be ok for tips as well. ATMs dispense in multiples of AED100.

The (special) airport taxis also take dollars. So don't worry and take a taxi, they are safe and cheap in AUH. When will you be there?