Abu Dhabi layover question
#1
Original Poster




Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 23
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?
#2



Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Abu Dhabi
Programs: EY, EK
Posts: 1,648
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.
The hospital itself is only about 10 minutes from the airport.
#3
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Abu Dhabi
Programs: BA Gold/OWE
Posts: 531
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.
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.
#4




Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SORT OF HOMELESS
Programs: 14 years AA exp, but no more; & 1MM+, QR-PLT (ow EMD) MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 8,104
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.
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.
#5




Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: SIN
Programs: EK Blue, EY Guest, AA, QR
Posts: 289

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.
#6
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Scandinavia
Programs: Eurobonus EBD, BW Diamond, Club Carlson Gold, IHG Plat Amb, HH Diamond
Posts: 352
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?
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?
#7
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Abu Dhabi
Programs: BA Gold/OWE
Posts: 531
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.
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.
#8
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Scandinavia
Programs: Eurobonus EBD, BW Diamond, Club Carlson Gold, IHG Plat Amb, HH Diamond
Posts: 352
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.
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.
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.
#9
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Abu Dhabi
Programs: BA Gold/OWE
Posts: 531
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.
Change 40 dollars/euros at the exchange on arrival and you should be ok for tips as well. ATMs dispense in multiples of AED100.

