There are many things that are unique about Abu Dhabi – plenty good, and a few bad. Here are a few Abu Dhabi Week habits that Abu Dhabi people may fully understand and sympathise with

1. Beat the clock: It’s all very well making pedestrians stand in the heat while the traffic light system counts down from 100. But a mere 20 seconds or so is insufficient time to cheat the motorised maniacs throbbing on the start line ...

2. How many metres? Until the next parking payment machine, that is. Parking meters are A Good Thing. The only problem is finding the machine when it comes to pay.

3. Golf ball: Abu Dhabi is certainly not lacking in top-class golfing facilities, but this one is especially important. While a new address system is in the pipeline, the useful scattering of Etisalat buildings across the capital provides instant navigation: “See that golf ball? Turn right just after that and that’s my office/home/local supermarket.”

4. The magic formula: These days, thanks to the likes of the Abu Dhabi Classics, WOMAD and more, Abu Dhabi is doing well at establishing its own international identity. But the real kicker is Formula 1. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, world coverage ensured that people rightly know where in the world Abu Dhabi is.

5. Salam St time: running behind for that meeting or late for that booked table you’ve promised your loved one for a good few weeks? Don’t worry – you’re running on Salam Street time. Be warned though – this excuse of a phrase will only work until the end of this year when the project is due for completion.

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