The Basics of Renting a Car in Abu Dhabi

Article by Monte Carlo Rent A Car

Abu Dhabi is a unique mixture of history and modernity. It’s the home to the headquarters of many major international businesses and one of the richest cities in the world. Visitors come to Abu Dhabi to see the opulent shopping centers, luxury high-rises and world-class dining. But you can also find many historical sites in and around Abu Dhabi such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is the sixth largest mosque in the world.

With so many things to do in Abu Dhabi, it’s important to find the best way to get around the city. You can take public transportation or taxis, but there are disadvantages to these options. Public transportation around Abu Dhabi can be confusing for visitors, especially if they don’t speak or read Arabic. Taking a taxi can be complicated as well and there’s the potential danger of being picked up by an illegal cab driver looking to rob you or rip you off. For many visitors, a short term car rental in Abu Dhabi is the smart choice.

Car rentals are affordable and easy to do. Many reputable car rental companies can be found at the airport or elsewhere in the city. Renting a car in Abu Dhabi is such as popular choice that many expats who are permanently living there opt for a long term car rental in Abu Dhabi rather than purchasing their own car.

Of course, there are certain requirements for renting a car in the United Arab Emirates and rules of the road that you’ll need to follow. Here are a few basics to understand before you rent a car in Abu Dhabi:

License Requirements: Residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries can rent a car in Abu Dhabi with a valid license from their home country. Residents of other countries will need to have an International Driving Permit in order to complete a rental and drive a car in the UAE. For example, Americans can visit their local AAA office and complete a form for a license, which is then processed through the State Department.

Traffic Laws: It’s important to keep in mind that traffic is highly regulated in Abu Dhabi with heavy fines for some violations. For example, all speed on major roads and highways in Abu Dhabi are monitored through radar, so you could easily pick up a ticket without knowing it. However, some traffic laws can cause confusion for visitors, such as the fact that a U-turn can be performed at any intersection.

Parking: Parking has improved in Abu Dhabi over the last few years as the government has made this a priority. You can park on the street using a coin-based meter system or pay to park in a premium space at a new lot.

 

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The Angelina Hot Chocolate Comes in White – by Cécile Zarokian

Article submitted by Cécile Zarokian

Anyone who has ever heard of the Angelina Tea House would have also heard about their legendary Old-Fashioned Hot Chocolate “l’Africain.” This thick, decadent hot chocolate has definitely been responsible for putting Angelina on the map and keeping it there for over a hundred years.

The popularity of their classic African Hot Chocolate, however, has overshadowed its equally decadent white counterpart. That’s right. The Angelina Tearoom actually offers a Chocolat Chaud au Chocolat Blanc and it’s just as smooth and heavenly as the classic l’Africain. It’s so thick that it’s almost like melted white chocolate bars in a cup. You could imagine it to be sickly sweet but it’s not at all. Its rich taste and luxurious, velvety feel balanced out by the fresh whipped cream served on the side is pure bliss.

To balance out the richness, pair your pot of Angelina White Hot Chocolate with a Tarte Citron. This lemon tart is a sweet pastry filled with smooth lemon cream and topped with candied lemon. The Demoiselle Tatin would also be an excellent choice. This is Angelina’s tribute to the upside-down tarts made popular by the Tatin sisters. Basically, it’s a deluxe version of the traditional apple pie. It features a crisp crumble crust and fresh caramelized apples spiced with cinnamon, mace, and cubeb pepper. A generous dollop of vanilla ganache tops the beautiful pastry.

While the Angelina African Hot Chocolate will always be the classic choice, the White Hot Chocolate is definitely worth trying. Not only is it divine but it also pairs very well with any of Angelina’s famed pastries.

 

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Visit The Angelina Tea House if you are in Paris – by Cécile Zarokian

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