Arabic is the official national language, although English, Hindi and Urdu are also widely spoken. Arabic is considered the state’s official business language but English is commonly used from the busy suoqs all the way to the executive boardroom of the region’s blue chip companies. As a rule, the farther away you are from a business or city centre, the less English is spoken or understood. Hence, it is not uncommon for restaurant menus, street names and road signs in the UAE to be printed in both English and Arabic.

Most government forms and official contracts – e.g. tenancy, residence visa - are in Arabic. Official documents (e.g. university diploma, marriage certificate) that have to be submitted to a government agency for processing or authentication also frequently require translation into Arabic. Designated typing shops that are conveniently located within the proximity of various government agencies, however, could readily perform translation chores at a minimum fee.

Islam is the official religion of the UAE, which is widely practised by Emirati nationals as well as expatriates originating from other Arab countries, Pakistan, Africa and India, amongst others.

Abu Dhabi, as is the entire UAE, is tolerant of other religions. Residents who profess a different faith are allowed to perform their religious duties such as attending worship services or mass in churches or chapels. The government, however, disallows overt religious activities that may interfere with Islam such as handing out evangelical leaflets near a mosque or in other designated public places.